mikey2341

I worked a staffy for 10 years before age caught up with her. She would ferret really well and marked live warrens easy enough and was outstanding at flushing rabbits from cover for the lurcher to chase, she was as good as any spaniel I've seen going through cover. The problems were I don't think she used her nose in cover much, as she loved to charge through it regardless of if anything was in there or not. She was an ace dog, I loved her company. As has been said before, there are better suited dogs for the job; but if your intent on keeping the dog, why not give it a go!

8's not that old pal! I got a wirehaired vizsla pup in July and my 11 year old lurcher gets on great with her - He's getting long in the tooth and not up for much vigorous playing so the pup ends up frustrated as he wont play. I'm sure they will get on fine, might take a week or so for them to find their boundaries with each other though (ie how far can the pup push the older dog!)

Had 3 this afternoon, 2 on bloodworm apps and one on a black and green montana. There were only 2 of us there today - very quiet! The membership seams a good plan, toying with that myself

Might end up at Cleveley Mere tomorrow....

Spaniel trial tomorrow, if the wind holds it should be a good day!

I'm off to watch a field trial tomorrow, do people who work their dogs trial them as well, or do they tend to be a seperate breed of people? I'm looking forward to an interesting day!

I got the book and DVD by Paul Rawlings Training gundogs & gundogs for the home & field. They are quite informative. Although not specific for spaniels, it is quite good. From what I've read Joe Irving is the most prominent spaniel guru that writes boks!

I love this stuff!

I've always caught there, the fish don't seam the biggest in there though. What tactics do you use most? Dries? Lures?

I'm a big fan of barnsfold, I fish there more than anywhere else. Not fished at Cleveley Mere since August. How do you find it there?

I've fished at Cleveley Mere and Barnsfold which are both close to you pal. What info you looking for?

I've just got a snowbee smoker from John Norris as a Christmas present, it's aimed at trout, but will be trying pigeon and rabbits in it too!

I'm with http://www.vetsmedicover.co.uk/gundog-insurance/ 28 quid a month and dogs are covered working, was the best policy I could find. Shame they wont touch the lurcher as he is too old

Thanks for the replies fellas. Budget wise for the gun, I was thinking of around £250ish initially whilst I learn to shoot and maintain a gun, then look at spending somewhere in the region of 7/800 for something better that will last and I can appreciate a bit more. That way I could also use the cheaper gun whilst learning to rough shoot etc. Am off to Malmo guns tomorrow to look at a cabinet - looking at a 4 gun model with locking top. That way I'll get to keep my air rifle in there as well! On the days clay shooting I've had, I've had more success woth O/U than semi's - so will probably look towards a O/U

Hi Guys, Wel I've had a visit from the police FAO and have had a letter to say my application ofr a certificate has been passed subject to the fitting of a cabinet - it then goes on to say it should ideally be a cabinet with a lockable ammunition store at the top. Do most forces sugest this, or is it just Lancashire police being extra cautious? On a seperate matter, what should I be looking for as a beginners all round gun? I was looking at a second hand Baikal / Hatsan type gun whilst saving up for something a bit better and to give me some experience of cleaning and looking after the gun properly - don't want to ruin 700 quids worth of gun through inexperience! Cheers Mikey