Event Updates

Some of you may remember my old Black Lab, Cooper. He’s gone now after a full life, but he sure gave me a scare about 7 years ago. I was at home and he was just outside in the yard. To be fair, our yard is a Farm. So he could wander about freely. It was a warm summer day with high humidity. We have drums cut in half full of water for our dogs to access. I came outside and heard him panting under the porch. I crouched down and he was just sitting there panting and I realized he was in distress. I pulled him out and ran to the pump. Apparently while I was inside he had chased a rabbit or pheasant behind the barn. And it was just too hot. But, his drive was so strong he didn’t care. I packed him into the truck with frozen veggies under his pits and poured rubbing alcohol on his belly. By the time I got the vet, I didn’t think he would make it. After two days with the vet he came home. But, I will tell you this. He wasn’t the same afterwards. Heat exhaustion is a dog killer. It can happen to a dog in 10 minutes with heat and humidity. I tell you this because likely you have a hunting breed. Their drive is intense, to the point of self harm.

Please learn from my near disaster. We actually saw a dog succumb to it about 15 years ago out in the North Field on a September hunt. 10 minutes in the field. And, if we advise it’s poor hunt conditions this is what we are usually considering–the dogs.

Confine your dogs inside in this heat. Have tubs of water outside easily accessible. Keep large bottles of rubbing alcohol on hand (and in the field) to pour on their belly and a plan if this happens to your dog. Better yet, be wise. Don’t hunt or train in poor conditions. Those dogs will give you everything they got. And on the wrong day, it could be everything.

We are busy raising chicks, cleaning barns, planting crops, mowing (and more mowing) and all those Spring things that need done on the Farm.

Our Clays course is operational daylight hours 7 days a week for current Pre-Paid Card holders. (Please watch the calendar for private events later this summer that my limit the course.) Spring office hours are Sat & Sun 10am-2pm Weekdays by appointment only as we are busy out on the farm. Call ahead if you need to load targets or buy a single round. Matt set the course and it is GREAT! Lots of fun targets!