Boot Tip- Lacing Up

Lacing from the top down.

Lacing traditionally from the bottom up.

It seems like a silly thing to write about, lacing up your boots.  But when I bought my Meindl boots  at AJ Brooks in Vancouver years ago, the owner gave me a valuable tip.  Like most people, I used to lace my boots, placing the lace into the boot eyelet from underneath.  The gentleman at the store told me, rather than doing it that way, I should wrap the lace from the top down.  That way the lace is less likely to slip and you'll get a firmer warp around the ankle.  I also rarely have to adjust my boots when I'm afield when lacing this way and tying with a double overhand knot to secure it.  I have tested it in the past years and he is right and I even do it to my wading boots as well.  (Actually I did before I went to the BOA system).  I have never met anyone who has ever laced their boot the same way, nor have I ever seen it worn that way in the field.  So I figured to write about it here.  Try it.

7/7/14 Video now added to clarify

Rattlesnake Refresher

Kaiser remembers and wants nothing to do with this baby rattler.

Rattlesnake avoidance training is, in my opinion, essential for any serious gundog or any dog that spends time off leash) here in Southern California.  The late Patrick Callaghan, the pioneer of this type of training, once told me that on average a dog need a yearly refresher for the four years in a row before the training really took hold.  Patrick performed Kaiser's first two avoidance trainings, and Erick Briggs of Natural Solutions performed his other refreshers once we lost Patrick.

Erick's associate puts a Mojave Green in place.

Kaiser wants no part of it.

Today I had Erick come out to a local park, that I felt simulated the likely terrain I usually hunt, to give Kaiser's fourth refresher.  I did not have Kaiser trained last year for whatever reason and with all this warm weather I felt it was a good ideal to do another refresher.  Kaiser, once he scented the reptile, he remembered instantly that was not a good smell.  It seemed that the last few trainings have took and I was glad to see that.  Even though Kaiser seems to properly rattlesnake broke, I will likely do another refresher next year as well as I like its cheap insurance.  Erick had several types of California rattlers with him and let Kaiser scent each of them to let him know that they are to be avoided.   Not only are dogs trained on scent but on sound and sight as well.  Looks like we are ready to head out.

Westley Richards Courteney Selous Boots

Dove season is upon us.  That means waking up early and heading off to the desert sweating our balls off in 100 degree weathereven before the sun rises.  For the most part dove hunting is a pass shooting affair and what you'd normally wear for a quail hunt is generally not needed.  Years ago I realized that and adapted my gear to mirror that of African professional hunters.  After all they spend most their days in 100 degree weather searching for that monster duggaboy.  If I do hunt doves south, I look like I'm on a 10 day safari, but instead of carrying a .470NE double I'd be carrying a 12 or 20 gauge side by side.

Besides the Tag Safari shirt and shorts, I bought years ago the Westley Richards Courteney Selous Boot.  These boots are made in Zimbabwe entirely from game skins.  Stitched entirely by hand, each boot comes with is own serial number imprinted on it.  Unlike most modern boots, the soles are stitched on and are soft that gives great feel of the ground.  Although it is not necessary for bird hunting but vital when stalking through the bush while going after a member of the Big Five particularly if wounded.  There is plenty of thread providing excellent traction if climbing but I wouldn't be climbing any scree mountains anytime soon.  That however is unlikely for the SoCal Dove scene.  For the most part hiking is done in or around farm fields and the only climbing is over a ditch.  So the boots suit this type of hunting.

A traveling sack is provided along with polish, spare laces, and brush.  Boots are labeled in UK sizes.  Westley Richards suggest you order a half size smaller to approximate US sizing.  While I did do this when ordering, sizing was still off slightly for me.  I need to wear thick wool socks in order to fit mine.  While this is fine for me and my purposes, many African hunters hunt without socks for a few reasons.  One, its hotter than hell in the dark continent but also it provides better feel to the ground.  You'll feel a twig at your feet before you snap it and spook the game you're stalking. So it you're buying these for Africa, you may want to take that into consideration.

These boots are not cheap, currently at $369.  Five or so years ago, I paid less than $285 for mine so they have gone up considerably from then.  I'm not sure if that is a result of a weak dollar or the cost of higher raw material or what.  I once had a hunting acquaintances that thought I was nuts for buying a pair since, according to him, these boots in its home country of Zimbabwe, they go for extremely cheap.  I do not recall what he claimed but it was something like $20 or thereabouts.  Whether or not that is true I old him I don't care and  I countered that the crappy Nike shoes he wears for everyday use, costs Nike somewhere around $5 to make and they retail for several hundreds and are made in China.  He quickly shut up afterwards.  Also since I had no recent plans on traveling to Zimbabwe and if I did I'd buy a another pair at the local price.

One day I hope to actual wear these boots for their intended purpose- that is hunting in Africa.  Until then I just have to wear them during the dove season.  Although that is becoming less and less because of all the knuckleheads out afield that have ruined dove hunting for me (and others).  I do wear these while birddog training during the summer as well but that too seems to become less and less these days. At any rate these are nice boots.  Pricey but nice boots nonetheless.

Getting ready for the Season, Prado Dog Training

With one day away, September 1st marks the dove opener for most of the States.  Most hunters are foaming at the mouth by now.  Not me.  I'll bypass the opener like I have done so for a few years now.  It's simply too hot and there are too many knuckleheads that ruin your day.  On top of that, who knows what yesterday's dessert rains had done to those birds.  They are probably all gone.  I do look forward to September 8th, though as it marks the opening of the early mountain quail season for the northern half of the state.  In anticipation to that I joined Lou for his weekly dog training at Prado.

Lou's Darne R10 (take off that damn slip on pad!)

Lou had excess birds and as this was his last time out for training until the season opens he gave me call to see if Kaiser needed some bird work.  He invited me last week as well but unfortunately I was too busy t come out.  With two of his females in heat, Lou brought his three other dogs.  We had 20 birds for four dogs, so each dog was going to get a good workout.  I brought my Merkel 147SL in 12 gauge and Lou brought his Darne R10 in 20.  After telling Lou about Darnes and having bought his first, he is now a convert.  His Darne is lovely but unfortunately its LOP is much to short.  Lou added a slip on pad, which I hate and can not stand, to help increase the LOP to 14.5 inches.  I told him to get rid of that slip on and put on a proper rubber pad but its his gun.

My Merkel 147SL

It looks like my time at the clay range was a big help as no birds escaped my 12 gauge.  If only that will be the case in the field this year.  I even tried the R10 for the last bird.  His Darne seems so much whippier than mine.  As with any lightweight and short gun it is very whippy and as such you tend to stop your swing.  I missed the first shot and just barely made the second after realizing I was stopping my swing.  Kaiser needs work.  He bumped the first bird tripping the launcher right after he pointed.  After a correction he stopped that nonsense.  Since I've done little bird work in the past off seasons, he is no longer is he steady at wing and shot which is a shame.  Lou's dogs did well as they should have as they've been training all damn summer.  For whatever reason all the birds seemed to launch my way.   Also my damn launcher failed to trip the latch, I'm hoping its just the batteries.  If not I'll be pissed.

I videoed the training with my Contour Roam and if I have the time and patience to upload it on youtube I'll post it here.  They came out quite nicely.

Skeet The Best Way To Practice For The Upcoming Season

Merkel 47e 20 gauge

Since I had an appointment in the afternoon nearby, I decided to spend the morning at the skeet range once again.  I definitely shot better than I did the last time but nowhere near what I should be shooting with the season just around the corner.  Because I had my station all to myself for my three rounds, I did not, for the most part, follow protocol.  I ended by skipping station 8 entirely for the last two rounds.  For the first time, at least for me, I noticed more side by sides at the clay range.  One shooter appeared to be shooting a Browning, while another, Al, who I spoke with just before leaving, was shooting a F. Rizzini boxlock with 32 inch barrels and a single trigger.  While the set up was not my cup of tea, the shotgun was clearly a beaut.  He had purchased it from an estate for merely $5000.   It was a 12 gauge pigeon gun and he added 28 gauge inserts.  Al let me shoulder the gun and although it had some whacking stock it handled like a dream.  He offered to let me shoot two clays with it but I had, to my chagrin, decline as I had to get to my appointment.  If I meet him again I'll definitely take him up on his offer though.  Before I left he asked my what I was shooting (I had already cased my gun in the trunk of my car) and I let him know that I was shooting my Merkel 20 gauge.  Al was impressed and I let him know I had four total.  He then let me know a little trivia, that Lee Marvin was a Merkel shooter.  In fact that Lee Marvin requested two Merkels before any movie.  If that is true, and considering when he started making that request, I wonder how many Merkels, Lee must have owned in his lifetime.  I also wonder whatever happened to those guns.  Lee Marvin, I liked him then and I like him even more now knowing that little piece of trivia.  Now if only current day actors could be so cool.

A few years ago I had a discussion with a fellow hunter on what was best pre-season practice for wingshooting.  He argued that sporting clays were the ideal game, while I argued that skeet was.  At one time I would have agreed with him but it was my friend Mike who convinced me otherwise.  When sporting clays was first developed, the goal was to mimic the flights of birds seen in the field.  In time the sport became less about mimicking hunting shots and more about trying to deceive the shooter with optical illusions.  Most sporting clay stations have less than realistic flight patterns that would never be seen in the field.  Whereas skeet has every possible shot picture one would ever face while hunting, from going away shots, to left to right crossers, right to left crossers, to incoming shots, among others, are all represented.  Another friend of mine once told me that skeet isn't realistic and that is why he only shoots live pigeons while dog training.  Countering, I let him know that while skeet is not perfect it is there to make sure that your fundamentals and lead pictures are squared away.  Much like a MLB player would go it a batting cage for batting practice.  Batting cages are not the pitches a batter would see during a game but it lets him make sure his hand-eye coordination, his footwork and fundamentals are all solid before he faces "real" pitches.  Skeet is much the same way.  It is there so your fundamentals are solid before facing "real" birds.

 I only shoot skeet and trap now for pre-season practice as they are the most realistic shots I'll see afield.  Its been years since I've over on the sporting clay range.  I shoot clays to get ready for the bird season so I'm not quite sure when I'll ever return to the sporting side of the range.  

Pre-Season Warm Up

With the early bird season weeks away, its time to start preparing.  This week has been brutal and it was time to blow off some steam.  There's no better way than firing off a few rounds.  I shot like shit, not surprisingly since I haven't picked up a shotgun since last season.  Skeet was the game of choice today.  Ed and I limited ourselves to just three rounds as this heat wave is a killer.  I shot my Merkel 147SL 12 gauge for the the first two rounds and my Merkel 47e 20 gauge for the last.  Since I'm preparing for the bird season I shot game loads and I began feeling it by the middle of the second round.  Poor mounting didn't help either.  I need to head back.  I can't be shooting this poorly in the field.  Noticing that I was shooting high on several birds, we diagnosed that I was ever so slightly pulling my head away from the stock just before firing.  At least I have a few weeks to fix my problem before its gametime.

The next time you're buying rounds at Triple B's, look above at the ceiling just before the cash register.  You'll notice that some idiot, years ago, came into the clubhouse with a loaded gun and had a negligent discharge.  It was my buddy Mike who informed me of this years ago.  Imagine you're standing in line paying for rounds and some asshole behind you shoots off his shotgun. What an asshole, I hope they barred that dipshit for life.  At least the moron had good enough sense to have his barrels pointing upwards.

Afterwards as is a usual custom when shooting clays here, we headed to a nearby restaurant for dim sum.  All in all it was a good day despite the unbearable heat and the fact I shot miserably.

Spanish Best

For more that a decade my copy of Spanish Best by Terry Weiland has sat in my gun library unread collecting dust.  This weekend I decided to actually open the book and finish it.  I have no idea why it has taken me so long to read this book.  Perhaps its because I always  subconsciously thought that Spanish doubles were somehow a "lesser" gun.  Maybe that is too harsh. I have long realized that Spanish guns are nice and an excellent value for the money but always in the back of my mind I always considered them reproductions rather than the real deal.  After reading Weiland's book, I have realized that may not be a fair assessment.  The book is an excellent off season read that gave me some insight on Spanish guns and the industry.  It takes a good look at the history of Spain and how it influenced it's firearm industry as well as how English influences in banking and royalty contributed to the adoption of the English ideal of the shotgun.  Also  researched is the possible origins of poor reputation and apprehension among American shooters toward Spanish guns.  What I really enjoyed about this book is not only does Terry describe Eiber gun making trade but the actual town itself and it cultural and culinary experiences.  All in all I enjoyed this book and worthy a place in any fine gun library.

Argentina-Sportsman's Paradise

I know someone who just returned from Argentina on a Goldern Dorado trip and it resparked my fascination with the place.  For more than a decade now Argentina has been on my mind. Ever since Wild On The Fly wrote an article about fishing Golden Dorados in the early 2000s, I have be dreaming about going. I almost made it too. At one time Argentina was having a promotion, an all inclusive trip including airfare from LAX to Buenos Aires for $2995. You had the option of fishing, I believe 3 days, in Central Argentina for Golden Dorado or fishing in the Patagonia for trout. I almost choose to go after Dorado but I could not find anyone who wanted to go with me. Instead I used that money and went back to Costa Rica with my friend Bryan Webb and his buddies in search of my tarpon.

I still wonder, what if I went to Argentina instead...That particular deal is no longer good and as this economy sucks and my disposable income not quite what it once was I am relegated to daydreaming. So I spend my time reading articles or watching videos.  It seems Argentina is making a strong case as the world's foremost sporting paradise and pushing it pretty hard.  Years ago they came out with Mel Krieger's Patagonia.  This is a beautifully filmed movie that showcases not only Krieger's talents but Patagonia's magnificant trout.  Obviously this film is an hour long commercial for Argentina fishing but I don't care.  I would rather watch this advertisement any day to any other stupid ad that pops up before you try to watch a youtube video.  Its fun to live vicariously through the film as you watch Mel throw some amazing loops to huge trout.  The film showcases the best Patagonia has to offer, including Sea Run browns down south at Tierra Del Feugo among other locations that hold giant size trout.  RIP Mel.

I believe the hunting version came out just last year, I purchased it once I heard about it.  Again the Argentina tourist board were smart enough to hire an authority in his field, Craig Boddington, as they were to hire Mel Krieger, to come and film the excellent opportunities to hunt this large South American nation.  As with the fishing version, Big Game Argentina with Craig Boddington is beautifully put together and showcases the awesome hunting opportunites available throughout the vast landscape of Argentina.  Craig hunts it all from stags, to boar, to mouflon, to waterfowl and doves among others.  If you ever thought about traveling to Argentina to hunt or fish you should check out either one of these DVDS.  If you have no interest in doing either the movies are still worth a look.

An Easy Way To Hydrate Your Dog In The Field

I found this video sometime ago with some great tips for not only hydrating your dog but also keeping him cool as well.  This is good stuff.  It's raining now but the hot weather will be here sooner than later.

Professional trainer Jennifer Broome demonstrates a simple way to make sure your dog gets the water it needs while afield. She also shows how to identify signs overheating, as well as ways to treat them and cool your dog down.

An Easy Way To Hydrate Your Dog In The Field -  Professional trainer Jennifer Broome demonstrates a simple way to make sure your dog gets the water it needs while afield. She also shows how to identify signs overheating, as well as ways to treat them and cool your dog down.

My Watches Afield

A few pics of some of my watches afield.

My Glashutte Original Senator Navigator Automatik:


Sinn 856 UTC:


Omega Seamaster Chronograph Olympic, London 1948 that I rarely wear anymore:

Shotgun Journal

Hosted by Bruce Scott and Marty Fischer, Shotgun Journal is my favorite wingshooting show and to my knowledge the show is now off the air. I have never been able to watch any episode on my TV. This show aired on a network that was never available by my cable provider. I found out about this show when I purchased Wingshooter-Putting More Birds In Your Bag and Mastering the Double Gun dvds many years ago. All the scenes used in the Wingshooter were taken from the various episodes of Shotgun Journal.

Although Marty Fischer uses an auto most of time, this is a fine shotgun show. Bruce generally uses an over and under but uses a side by sides on occasion as well, as does Marty. Some episodes they travel to London to visit fine gunmakers Purdey and Bass. In another they allow us into the workshop of a small Italian fine gun maker Perugini and Visini. There they show use a miniature shotgun which is basically a scaled down full functioning over and under. A true masterpiece.

On a few episodes, Bruce and Marty travel to Hungary and Spain for some traditional estate shoots. These types of hunts always interest me as I do have a fascination with these driven European shoots. I love all the pomp and circumstance, from the guns, the clothes, the birds, the dogs, the vehicles, the tradition, the scenery, the sit down lunch breaks, the celebration, all of it. This has been done for hundreds of years by European royalty. In reality it's a bit silly but I don't care, some traditions are worth keeping. I hope one day to participate in one in some European country preferably with a custom matching pair from Hartmann Weiss or another fine gun maker. Some day perhaps.

Stuffy European shoots are not the only type of shotgunning show cased on this show. They also travel to South Africa, Argentina, Mexico. Not all shows are at exotic locations many are filmed here in the states as well for more hunting most Americans are accustomed to. I believe there is a little bit of everything for all types of shotgunners. If you're into, like myself, fine shotguns or if you have a Walmart beater, I think this show can appeal to all.

Episodes can be seen here. I wish they made more episodes and I had the channel that broadcasted it.

A Great Gundog Show And an OK One

A Dog's Life was a short lived show that each week featured a particular breed of bird dog . Aired on OLN, it was hosted by Jamison Parker of Simon And Simon fame. I really wish this show was still on air. Showcasing various breeds and set in various hunting scenarios, A Dog's Life may just be one of my all time favorite bird dog shows. As an owner of a Deutsche Drahthaar I particularly enjoyed that episode.

Each episode explained in detail the breed showcased, all the strengths, personalities, history, and even an advice segment from Steven Smith and a vet segment with Doctors Foster and Smith. All that and it even included the dog at work hunting. The show was even sponsored by Filson, my garment of choice while bird hunting in the States. Jamison even hunts with a side by side. I wish the show was on DVD because I'd buy it. If your considering buying a bird dog for the first time I'd suggest you watch the episode of your desired breed.

The show, and all episodes can be seen here.


Another show, I'll mention since it is also on the same site, which is not nearly as good, Bird Dogs Forever can also be seen here. It is nowhere near as good as Jamison's show although it looks like it aired much longer than A Dog's Life. Bird Dogs Forever can even be purchased on DVD.

Preseason Warm Up At Prado

I got a call earlier this week to see if I wanted to do some dog training at Prado since Lou has trapped a boat load of pigeons recently. Originally I intended to train Tuesday but since Ed called me to fish I decided to fish instead since Lou was hitting Prado twice this week.

Kaiser showed alot or rust and you can tell I have not been keeping up with his training. He is no longer stead to wing and shot as he was before. I really need to work on this and get him back to being steady at least during training. Lou asked if I wanted to come back on Tuesday, I told him I'd have to look at my schedule. If I do I'll bring both my e-collars and attach one to his waist. That should remind him that he needs to be steady.

After the bird session I had Kaiser doing some water drills for duck hunting. He still remembers his hand and whistle commands even in the water. This good so I'll bring him to the blind this year if I end up hitting San Jacinto or Wister with Ed.

I shot my Merkel 147SL today as I've not shot it in some time. The gun as always shoots like a dream. It fits me perfectly so hitting targets is never a problem.

Early Season Mountain Quail

After bypassing the first dove season and missing the first week two weeks of the early season mountain quail season, the dog was ready for some action. I called up an old friend Jack let him know I was heading out for the early season and his lab Madeleine were game to go out in search of grouse and quail. They were. Jack arrived at my house Sunday morning and we went off. I had never hunting grouse and decided to explore some areas that I researched last year that I thought would hold such birds. I have fly fished this area in years past and thought that the region would be as good as any for a chance at grouse. I decided it would be a good chance to start off with my new Darne.

We had a late start and did not get to the hunting fields until about 10:30. Although we were in elevation the heat was definitely rising. This had a serious effect on my dog since I did little in the way of conditioning this summer. Because of my laziness, the dog needed several rest breaks. We found no grouse and headed back to the car walking along a creek. There we flushed several Mallard Hens. Kaiser even flash pointed a few. Unfortunately he was not rewarded with a bird since we were carrying lead and not to mention we are weeks away from the general season. All totaled there were at least 8 Mallards along the creek. We ended the search for grouse and headed toward my mountain quail spots to eat lunch and sit out the midday heat.

After a few hour siesta and listening to out of season valley quail calling throughout the area we were resting, we made our way toward snubnose gate. Kaiser now rested hunted hard and became very birdy once we made it over the hill. Jack and I noticed signs throughout. A group flushed wild when Kaiser was on their scent. I took one shot with a B&P Speader No.7 in my Merkel M8. The bird went down hard. Madeleine went for the retrieve and handed it to Jack. I told him "Jack, I told you I'll get us on birds." Now filled with adrenaline we were ready to hunt. Within minutes Kaiser was on point near rather heavy cover. I could not maneuver to get in shooting range so Jack sent the lab into flush. The quail exploded out and I shot twice and missed, the second shot actually hit a fallen tree as the bird raced behind.

We moved on and while hiking down the mountain I saw a single race in front of me, so I called out for my dog to come and hunt near me and yelled out to Jack "Quail on the ground!" Jack also some running near him as well. One flushed wild and I took a shot again with a spreader load taking him down. Kaiser made the retrieve. The covey then flushed up the other mountain, at least 25. I took a longer shot across the draw with my second barrel loaded with a B&P F2 Classic No. 7 and missed. I heard Jack take a shot with is 16 gauge Winchester Model 12. I asked him over the radio if he got him and he replied yes. We were now both on the board. Several tight holding quail remained flushing one at a time. All of those were not in gun range so they flew away without incident. By this time I was beat, having not prepared myself for the season. I told Jack if he wanted to chase the covey upwards he can do it but I'm staying here to rest. He went up the hill with his lab and 15 minutes later I heard a shot. I called him on the radio and he took another.

We started to head back to the car as the sun was falling quickly. As I was beat, I told Jack he could have all the birds the dogs will find from now on, I was done. I broke open and unloaded my gun and slung it German drilling style under my armpit. We got up toward the meadow area and Madelene realizing the hunt was basically over walked at heel with Jack while Kaiser kept patterning in the hope of finding more birds. Jack and I both taught it was a waste of energy. But since we weren't hunting the next day I let him roam. After Jack mentioned that there are probably not going to find birds since the scenting conditions were poor Kaiser flash pointed not far from the car and a covey rose. They were valleys at least 20. Always trust your birddog. We let the dogs have some fun and hunt them up so shot them with our cameras rather than our guns. Kaiser pointed several and Madeleine flushed several as well. Unfortunately all the photos I took did not come out as it was low light and my new camera sucks. They all came out blurry.

After some fun for the dogs we called it a day and headed home.

Only a few days away...