Working spring grouse and woodcock

Belleboa and Kay share woodcock.

Working dogs on spring grouse is quite different from autumn training.  The grassy cover is matted down and birds are frequently seen walking in front of the dog—quite a tempting situation for a young (or not-so-young!) dog—which also makes for great training. It’s common to flush two or more grouse in front of a point.

Shaq pointing grouse.

The spring grouse woods in Minnesota can be tough on a dog.  The terrain includes spots of ice, soft mud, cold creeks and many obstacles in thick cover. It is no small effort for dogs to constantly twist, turn, jump and navigate and all at a good rate of speed. It’s important to have the dogs in decent condition. Some of our dogs’ worst injuries have occurred in the spring. 

Jill pointing woodcock.

We love working dogs on spring grouse and woodcock…..and we basically have the woods to ourselves.

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