The opening of the roebuck season starts on 1 April. The deer management group occasionally go out together to catch up on the last few does for the cull and if a member feels they need a bit of guidance and companionship. I have returned home from one such successful outing.
While mulling over this with a dram in hand, I started to think back to my past deer dogs. Some of you may remember Patch from my early days writing for Sporting Gun. He was a spaniel – not the best deer dog, you may think, but he was a star from day one. Many people remarked that he was well trained but, apart from the usual sit, lie down and return training, it was all down to Patch’s innate talent. In particular, he produced some tremendous tracking in thick cover.
After Patch retired, along came Alfie, whom readers may remember because he was the topic of every piece I have written since about 2007, when I was lucky enough to bring him to Greenlee, until his death in 2019.
His escapades, which cover everything from five-star behaviour all the way down to no stars at all, are all there in past Sporting Gun issues. I have had the pleasure of a number of dogs but Patch and Alfie were very special. Both were great companions, absolutely loyal and loving to the end, truly a part of the family. Having said that, it didn't stop them taking the mickey out of me when they could, both their amusement and mine. Well, most of the time.
I now have Lotte, who is a different dog, good at what she does and a pleasure to be with. While Patch and Alfie were determined in their job, they would always stick with me. Lotte, however, does have a mindset that goes beyond persistence. Once she has decided on something she will not give up.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2023-Ausgabe von Sporting Gun.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2023-Ausgabe von Sporting Gun.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Thermal spectrum
Paul Austin explores both ends of the thermal market with latest high-end release from Zeiss alongside a surprising entry-level offering from Xinfrared
Roe, rucks and new ground
Jon Snowdon and his team have much to keep them busy and a new tool to help them
Tales from a lifetime of foxing
Join Mike Powell as he explores the evolving world of fox shooting, drawing from a career that spans seven decades
Fox rot about Charlie
Patrick Hook responds to claims that fox numbers are dangerously on the wane
The sniff of success
Join Ryan Kay as he navigates the fascinating dynamic between a handler and their canine companion
Adventures of Nick & Ted
A new chapter in the histories of Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter has Nick Ridley reflecting on the dogs he has trained over the years he has been associated with the magazines
The problem: Inflammation in the nervous system
Vet's advice
Gundogs Q&A
No problem goes unsolved as Sporting Gun puts your questions to the gundog experts
Stop-start!
Fran Ardley continues her training tips on disciplining your dog to the stop whistle and the exercises you need to do
Gundogs at the Game Fair
Organising the Game Fair's prestigious gundog competitions: behind-the-scenes with Francesca Prentice