13 Sep Missouri PheasantThanks to Andrew N., for alerting us to the Missouri Department of Conservation 2006 pheasant report, www.mdc.mo.gov/documents/hunt/pheasant_status.pdf. An interesting point about this report is the certification that north Missouri has historically been the better pheasant region and they report an increase in pheasant counts inverse to Iowa's same effort just a short distance across the state line to the north.
ScoutingBy courtesy of Steven M some pictures from his deer camera.
Steve writes: John, Thought you'd enjoy some close-up game camera pictures of a few deer from MAHA property. The deer are in several stages of development....shedding summer coats and velvet. This is my first year using these cameras and they have provided some enjoyment. However, they CANNOT be replaced by "boots on the ground" scouting. If I relied on just the camera footage, I'd be clueless. I do however believe they will be useful tools during the season.
11 Sep Bird DogBroken rear leg bone of a pointer. The leg broke while playing in the yard with a retriever.
A quick note about the accident today ( a year ago) . . .
Triton and Jayzie were wrestling in the yard and Jayzie broke her left rear leg. It was a fluke accident (it is not how FAR you fall, it is HOW you fall). ...the pups were playing in the yard. Jayzie started to cry and was holding her leg up. Karen got her settled down and confirmed the break of the tibula and fibula (she should be a vet).
They took her to the Vet that did Westie's three surgeries. The tibula was in three pieces and the fibula was in two pieces. The surgery was no big deal and 100% successful. I tried to make the full surgery but only got in the OR when he was sewing her up. I stayed until she was basically awake and recognized me.
The details . . .
The wrap stays on for 10 days, then comes off and the stitches are removed. The incision was about 10 inches long. Again, the Vet said the bones are healthy and it was a fluke accident, so expect 100% recovery.
Later, Kenneth and Triton (I didn't mean to do it . . . ha!)
The same dog the showed no noticeable effects of the injury.
Thank you Kenneth for a greater insight into dogs.
Rio GrandesThe quote with the picture was: "Snakes in the grass." referring to how Rios will sneak around a hunter keeping their eye on the hunter all the time.
Pointing LabsOur puppies have arrived. If you or someone you know are looking for a natural pointing lab, please pass this information along.
GMPR Wannamaker's Hot Tub SH (Tub) x Irish Bailey Cocoa (Bailey) Pups Born on September 6, 2006
Tub has both APLA Grand Master Pointer Retriever and AKC Senior Hunting Titles. Tub is a machine in the upland field and has run with great success in NBDCA and other “shoot-to-retrieve” events. Tub’s classic good looks and hunting desire make for a great package.
Tub is one of the most proven sires in the pointing retriever world! Tub has sired three GMPR pups, two MPR pups, and numerous CPR pups. He passes on point, great looks, drive, desire and great temperament in all of his pups. Tub is from the world famous Black Jack Kennels.
Bailey is a registered AKC Chocolate Lab with OFA normal certification. Bailey comes from a nice hunting line, loves to play fetch and is our beloved house pet. This is her first litter and she had 8 healthy pups; 4 black females and 4 black males.
To view pictures of Tub and his pedigree, go to www.blackjackkennels.com If you would like to see a picture of Bailey, please let me know and I would be happy to send you a picture of Bailey and her pups. The pups will be available for adoption on October 17; $750 male or female. Now taking deposits.
Thanks, Laurie Mendon (913)837-4269 – home (913)709-8320 – cell Mendon@mokancomm.net
Iowa Upland Bird ForecastThanks to Steve M., for alerting us to the published 2006 Iowa upland bird forecast, www.iowadnr.com/wildlife/pdfs/arsrpt06.pdf.
Iowa's forecast continues to be the most interesting to read forecast of all that we have found to date. They clearly establish the conditions of their survey method. Identify environmental influences as weather and have begun to include habitat (first we have seen in any worthwhile survey) into their survey methodology. They have also identified disconnects with methodology and past surveys to the current year that leave little explanation recognizing that "...roadside survey is also not a perfect tool and counts do not always correspond to hunter harvests...."
This now provides us a grand opportunity to compare our forecast methodology and expectations published in July 2006 to that of Iowa's effort which are distinctive in their findings. While Iowa indicates bird counts are down we have put our forecast as indicating a better season to come than last year. If there is a significances to this forecast comparison it is that ours includes boots on the ground behind pointing dogs within a very concentrated region whereas Iowa State is limited to roadside surveys. We may also be at an advantage as we lease land specifically for productive habitat and Iowa State DNR must include all habitat types.
There is more to be read within the Iowa forecast beyond the forecast to actual harvest factor including observations about early hatch, inverse correlation of pheasant and quail numbers. For those that find this type of effort interesting Iowa continues to set the example for State generated upland bird forecasts.
7 Sep Buddy HuntsThe current buddy hunt list has 41 members listed with several being recent additions. We plan to re-issue it to all that are on it and ask for any addition/deletions before we do. To be added or deleted please email Shaun. For additions, provide your name, city and state, telephone number, hunting interest and if you have dogs. We will give this some time, update the listing and send it to all who are on it. Those that are should feel free to call each other and make plans.
Dove & BucksJohn,
Enclosed a picture of some doves taken on MAHA land on Labor Day...these dove were taken just scouting some property. Close up gunning as they bust out of roost trees. Had some good gunning on Saturday and Sunday in two different locations...took two limits. There are not a lot of doves...period; however the diversity of habitat within a map unit allowed some fun shooting. I haven't limited on doves in 14 years and truly enjoyed hunting a couple hours each morning, prior to scouting and all was done in some lousy weather.
I can report that I have never seen such a good survival rate of turkey poults in a lot of years. Most hens are averaging 6+ poults in various stages of development, which is outstanding. I also saw good numbers of young roosters, ALL either entering or leaving MAHA property.
Received our deer back form the taxidermist two weeks ago. Kyle's [location deleted] rifle buck on the left and my [location deleted] bow buck on the right. Looking forward to another fun, safe, and successful year hunting MAHA land.
Thanks again. Steve |
