We have had a couple of weeks of mild weather here. The snow went over night and our fields dry quickly so we have been able to get out and start our spring tune up. I think I need it more than the dogs. I am training with a really knowledgeable amateur, he has been around the game for a long time. I like the way he relates to his dog. I sometimes feel that I don'r pull my weight as he is doing most of the set ups. We are revisiting some force to pile as M developed a bad habit last year of looking back over her shoulder. I think it comes from running to many blinds last year when we were training on our own.
The ice is off the ponds but we are having problems with beavers so they will have to be thinned out a little. Also the trapper told us that we have muskrats,a plenty at the back. I have only seem one in the 30 odd years we have been here. Something will have to be done to thin them as well as they undermine the banks of the ponds.
We have applied for our field trial and hunt test but not sure if they will go. It all depends on the covid situation here in Ontario. Right now it is not to my liking.
Last Sunday I trained with the big boys. One has won 4 National titles and the rest have FT titles. The set ups were big and each of my dogs messed up on one, M the first and Elle the second. Their marking was a bit rusty. 4 of the group are starting new pups. MY sister thinks I should get one too but I have enough one my plate with the 2 I have.
I have taken on a judging assignment for the end of May I think it will be the only one I do this year.
Sounds like you have plenty to keep you busy! Muskrats and beavers- do the dogs leave them alone in general? That's not a tangle I'd like to see.
I hope some of your events can move forward as planned. I'm afraid too many places in the US have loosened all restrictions and may be in for some rough times ahead. It's good you're able to do training with some skilled companions!
The beaver and muskrat move around more at night than in the day. I have heard the slap of a beaver tail on the odd occasion but as I said I have only ever seen one muskrat. They are all pretty cautious when it comes to the dogs. We also have a raccoon population but they steer clear of the house as the dogs bark and carry on when they hear them. When we first built there were quite a few porcupines in the bush but since the fishers have moved in the porcupine population has rally dwindled. Lots of wold life around especially since the covid shut down. Not nearly as many people around to disturb them.
The events are iffy. Just got notification the the Amateur National field trial is cancelled again this year. It was to be held on a friends property in July. I really think that Ontario is headed for another provincial shut down. Cases are really on the rise again among the younger population.
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