Briarscratch

Sounds like puppy sign language for "please run the **** out of me before I explode".

I already posted my opinion for an all around gundog - Labs! BUT My second choice would be a good field bred Cocker or Springer. A friend from a US bird hunting board described them this way: "They're like the Marines. They can stand at attention or they can blow things up." LOL!

I feel like puking just looking at those photos!

Pointing Lab

There is a pretty large following of 16 gauge / bore fans in the US. In fact, there's been a fairly large resurgence over the last 10 years. Why? Well the old saying is that it "hits like a 12 but carries like a 20". Another thing fans of the 16 like to point out is that with a 1oz. load the relationship between the size of the load and the diameter of the bore creates a "square" load - meaning that there is less scuffing of pellets creating a flatter more even pattern with less stringing....but that's getting a little esoteric. That said, I've had tremendous success hunting upland birds from pheasant to ruffs with my 16 and although I can't describe it, there's something "just right" about the way the gun handles, feels and get it done. Regarding loads, there is a 16g reloading group in the US that's quite popular and there are fairly good number of places to get shells. Most buy them by the case or flat. I personally prefer B&Ps as well as Polywad Vintagers. Friends love their RSTs and Kents. But the general consensus is that the 1-1/8oz loads are not necessary and the 1oz and even 7/8oz loads are everything you need. Well, that's a Yank's perspective, I hope this helps.

That would be great. My folks have a house on the US side of the St. Lawrence not far from the Route 81 bridge. But the place where the photo was taken in on a little island outside of Gananoque. I thought you might not be too far away.

Nice NTTF! You can't beat bluegulls and sunfish for a good time. Even after fishing in places like Alaska I would still give a lot to have a quiet little bluegill pond on which to cast flies or teach my daughter to fish. In a few weeks we'll be cooling out heels in the St. Lawrence where Gobys seem to be the hot ticket for 2-3 year old anglers. Time to go buy a new Snoopy rod.

Here's one for ya'll. ( actually, where I'm from it's more like "here's one for youse guys") Tom and Fred were coming out of a corn field on the opening day of Minnesota's pheasant season. Passing in front of them on the road was a hearse and long procession of cars, escorted by a police car. Tom stopped, called his dog, took his cap off, and stood quietly at the side of the road with his dog while the funeral procession passed by. Once it had passed, Tom and his dog rejoined Fred. "Wow" Fred exclaimed, "You sure do show alot of respect for the dead!" "Jane was a hell of a wife." Tom replied, "I'm going to miss her."

Yeah, I hear you. I imagine ammo is more easily available in the US but even then there isn't that much variety, and I don't think anybody is making factory FMJ loads. It sounds like a neat cartridge though. I also know folks that swear by their 7mm-08s for deer and black bear.

Gentlemen, Ever since shooting a friends sporterized Mauser I've been a fan of the 6.5x55 but here in the states it's a relatively uncommon caliber. The variety of over-the-counter ammunition isn't very good and many of the available loads are fairly light for use in older military arms. But those who reload love the round for it's ballistics, accuracy and "shootability". I unfortunately don't reload. fister mentioned both the .308 and 6.5 - which prompted me to bring up the .260 Remington. The .260 Remington is essentially a .308 necked down to a 6.5. I was wondering, is the .260 available in the UK / Europe and if it was, would you consider it? It sounds like the best of both worlds given what njc110381 is looking for.

My recommendation would be to hold off on Vista. I was in Redmond a couple months ago and spoke to a number of CIO/CISOs as well as a Gartner analyst and the general consensus was "good effort, but not ready for primetime...yet". Most said they'd wait a year to 18 months before rolling it out. My $.02

Lockie and Ginger, lounging.

I found the collar to be a help when reinforcing commands that are suddenly "forgotten". I use a Dogtra collar that also has a page/buzzer function. Often a harmless buzz will alert the dog that he/she needs to pay attention in a hurry. When they know that you can still reach out and touch them even though they're half a field away it makes them less likely to test you. And for the record, I rarely ever have to use the juice when hunting. Then it's only a precaution should the dog be chasing a runner towards a road or when facing up against a porcupine.

Ah, Erik the Earl of the Isle of Rhode...well met my friend. You guys are in luck if you like exceptionally good photography and a well reasoned responses regarding grouse and gamebird biology in the US. But you'll have to excuse my friend for his taste in beer. Erik, how is the striper action this time of year?

I love black Cockers. I had one when I was a kid that was named Brutus. If and when I have another it's likely he'll be named Brutus too. Or if not that, Thornward - Thorn for short.