| Gun Tips | By Tom Radde, Mayer, Minnesota

THE POINTING/FLUSHING
ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL

Versatility

By George Keiller, Houston, Texas

(Published in Spaniels In The Field Summer 1990)

The argument over which breed makes the best "all-around" hunting dog is a familiar one to all of us. Unfortunately the breed usually espoused by someone "knowledgeable" is the breed that he or she first owned. Well, perhaps to fuel those fires a little - perhaps because some friends are convinced that I'm completely looney to have attempted this - or perhaps to demonstrate that the versatility in our breed is even greater that we thought, I present the enclosed photos.

This all started at the Landrum Creek Hunting Club near Montgomery, Texas. Bill Winney, a well known trialer and judge, had invited me to bring my Springer "Laddie" to flush pheasants and chukars for some customers of his. To start though, we were going to hunt quail using "Chick", a Brittany spaniel owned by Bob Tucker, a friend. Chick had been giving trouble by ranging too far, flash pointing, and then flushing birds out of range; so she was being worked on a check cord. Laddie was brought along at heel to handle the retrieving.

It made a nice combination. Chick was showing a sensitive nose and Laddie was happy as a lark to get the retrieving chores. One thing that was entertaining was how quickly Laddie picked up the idea. After just a few birds, Laddie began watching Chick intently. When she would make those characteristic last turns trying to pinpoint a scent, Laddie's tail would start going vigorously. He was reading the Brittany as well as any of us.

Early on, I decided that the safest place for Laddie and I was in close to the point. It also made the best place from which to mark. Now though, Laddie would pick up the scent - but when he did, I would gently remind him to stay. He would freeze in place behind Chick, usually standing, until the flush - then he would sit until sent. Sometimes, even at heel, Laddie would get the scent first. When this happened, I would caution him to stay and back off until Chick found the scent. Laddie was quickly learning to point!

Later that same day, Laddie had opportunity to flush about a dozen pheasants and about 15 chukars without a hitch. The idea began to occur to me that Laddie could learn to point quail and drive in on pheasant and chukar. Sure I recognize the possible peril for a trial dog, but I was sure he could handle it.

Why point quail? Good question. Personally, I find it more exciting to hunt them with a flushing dog when the quail are strong. In South Texas, however, we have trouble getting strong pen raised quail. A flushing dog will normally catch too many. The pheasants and chukars are another matter. They're strong, wiley, and a challenge. The breeders of these latter birds are doing a great job.

Not long after the above hunt, I had opportunity to work on this plan while on a planted hunt with Bill Leary, a fellow Houston Club member. In this case Laddie was paired with a German shorthaired pointer. The results are in the photos. What doesn't show is how hard Laddie busted the 10 pheasant and about 12 chukars that he later worked. Trust me.

I've been asked if I'm not afraid that judges might watch for any hang-up in Laddie's flush. No, I hope that they do. They won't see any hesitation. What they will see, is that he's making game from a very respectable and often surprising distance. Besides, if they're concentrating on that, they may not see the other problems.

Incidently, Bill Leary and I have been working our springers with a local retriever group. The AKC, of course, will not let springers play. The UKC, however, is not as restrictive and springers can go after "titles". Not as exciting as competition, but the events are super learning experiences for the dogs and the local retriever group is a great bunch fellows, most cordial and helpful to us. And, we haven't had to apologize for the performance of our springers - they're earning the respect of the retrieving specialists also.