I went with Libby to train some this morning. I released four quail. Three scurried out on foot. One flew out like a bullet. After a short wait, we went looking for them. The three anti-flyers were not very far away. Maybe 20 yards. Libby caught wind of them and locked up on point. I had a hard time seeing them. I finally did get eyes on two of them. After Libby held point for about three minutes while I was snapping photos, I finally went in and flushed them. Expecting three to flush, only two exploded out and away. The third one had apparently snuck out while we were focused in on the others.
After the flush, I tried to get Libby to follow to where the bullet had flown when first released. She didn’t want to listen. I finally figured out why. She had scented the third of the foot beaters. It had made its way back towards the recall pen. Libby was moving in. I called “whoa” and she froze, looking at me kinda puzzled though. I didn’t want her to go after that one as it was trying to get back to the recall pen. Libby listened and held her spot. I watched as the lone quail made its way to the side of the recall pen. It frantically paced back and forth on the funnel side and after a few laps back and forth, it entered the funnel and joined the others.
Anyway, it was a good morning. Libby is now worn out and sleeping. Here are a few photos.
Libby on point.
The quail is about 4 feet in front of her and well hidden from view. I had a hard time seeing it.
Libby takin’ a break from the fun.
The recall pen. I actually saw a quail go into the recall funnel today, which is visible if you look closely. The pines where we have it are nice and make it out to have the appearance of a large room with a green canopy..
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