I want to see the dogs progress. I love watching the dogs but the birds help keep me energized about following the dogs around all day. I really only shoot birds that the dogs work according to a set expectation. For Tecumseh it is everything to the flush. He has to establish point and stay there until I get up in front and flush the bird or it flies unscathed. For Piqua I am more leniant because she is younger and a lot less experienced. If she establishes point and the bird flushes on its own I will shoot to reward the point even if she pointed too close and the bird flushed without my help. Later in the season I hope that she will gain enough proficiency to shoot only birds that she stands right and that I flush.

Right now, I have gotten enough of those opportunities from both dogs so life is good. When the new pup arrives in a few weeks I look forward to starting him out right as well. Not too many things better than starting a pup out on the prairie.