MC Posted October 27, 2006 Report Share Posted October 27, 2006 Evening Gents, I have just returned home from a wildfowling trip which was the first time I have taken Merlin. I had been umming and arring as to when would be the best time to take him, this decision was made last friday when I shot a teal at about 30yds and when I got to where I thought it was, it wasn't there. After about 20 minutes searching I gave up and swore nevert to go on the foreshore again without a dog. So at about 4.30 this afternoon I met with a mate and his Dad and we went down on to the club marsh, It is about a mile walk to the marsh and Merlin walked to heel for most of it. When we got onto the marsh we unslipped our guns and loaded them, As there are normally several birds get up out the creeks as we walk accross the saltings. We had gone a little way across and we split up to take our places, no sooner had we split up and a pair of wigeon get up in front of Chris, he misses with the first barrel and wings one with the second. The bird lands in the water and keeps diving. I sent Merlin from about 30 yds with a "get out" and encouraged him all the way there and then called "lost there" when he got in the vicinity. He chased it for a few seconds as it kept going under the water and he then came up with the bird in his mouth. I said to Chris to call him (which he did) and Merlin delivered the Bird to Chris's feet. The flight was slow after that and it was about an hour before a flight of about 8 widgeon came towards me. they veered of to the right and the 1st shot I took was at the bunch, I then gave myself a talking to and picked out the lead bird and dropped him with the next shot. I told Merlin to fetch, and he was off, picking the bird up about 20yds away and bringing it back. We packed up about 6.30 and walked back to the car, By this time the tide had gone out and Merlin ran in and out of the creeks getting incredibly muddy. He was sent in to the water behind the sea wall to sort of wash. I returned home with the biggest smile on my face (and a very muddy spaniel). The months of training, heartache and swearing are all well worth it. I will post a picture tomorrow of Merlin with his second ever reteived bird. Cheers Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poacher Posted October 27, 2006 Report Share Posted October 27, 2006 Sounds like merlins coming on well, a good day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurcherboy Posted October 27, 2006 Report Share Posted October 27, 2006 Well done Merlin LB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suffolk shooter Posted October 27, 2006 Report Share Posted October 27, 2006 Mate, I am so happy for you and so proud of Merlin, it seems that all that hard work has paid off just right for you. He's a great dog with a great temperament, and when ever i've been round yours, you can see that he just wants to do his best for you. It seemed like everytime we spoke, you were struggling with one aspect and then just when you sorted that out another would arise, but as I said all the way, patience and he'll come good, you could see it a mile off. Here's to many more successful trips out there, hopefully with him picking up one of mine, if David ever lets me back out after last time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mungler Posted October 28, 2006 Report Share Posted October 28, 2006 Must be a nice feeling - you get out what you put in. Doggy treats all round. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted October 28, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2006 Thanks guys, Believe me there is no better feeling than having your first dog do what you set out to train it for. Thanks to everyone for their help and advice, especially NTTF. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karl h Posted October 28, 2006 Report Share Posted October 28, 2006 well done mate know how frustrating it can be this is my first season with my 2 yr. old ess called milo first day next sat. ******* myself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted October 28, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2006 Karl, Just relax and do what you have done throughout his training, I kept putting it off thinking he wasn't ready. But in the end "Just do it" After all it is only another training session. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karl h Posted October 30, 2006 Report Share Posted October 30, 2006 cheers maye did not think of it like that, thinkin of it like another training session makes me more enthusiastic :blink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pavman Posted October 30, 2006 Report Share Posted October 30, 2006 well done mate, nothing better than when it all goes to plan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karl h Posted November 4, 2006 Report Share Posted November 4, 2006 just got back from takin ess on his first days rough shooting he was brilliant think I had to shout a maximum of twice he worked really well crossing nicely a maximum of 20 yrds. ahead then head up to see where i was takin him again next sat he is shattered though just crashed in front of fire Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted November 4, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 4, 2006 Karl h, I am glad it all went to plan, I myself went beating today and took Merlin, He was the text book dog, quartered well and worked the hedges, He sat to the flush and didn't run in anywhere. Not like some of the other dogs. I must admit that it has been hard work to get him to this stage but now we are there it is great. It certainly makes it all wothwhile to see your own dog work well. I got a brace of pheasants and lunch at the pub out of it as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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