My GSP is breaking point too early on pheasants - any tips?

Been hunting with my 2-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer for two seasons now. He's solid on quail and holds point well, but when we're after pheasants in South Dakota, he'll lock up at 30-40 yards then creep forward and flush them before I can get in position. I'm shooting a Beretta A400 with an IC choke and Federal 3" #5s. Tried keeping him on a check cord but he just gets frustrated.

LL
Learning Larry asked 3 months ago
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1 Answer

That's a classic problem with young versatile dogs on wild birds - pheasants just hold scent differently. What worked for my Weimaraner was using a remote trainer on the lowest stim setting when he'd start to creep. Just a quick tap when his front foot moved forward, then praise when he held. Also, try switching to a Modified choke for those longer shots - gives you a little more reach when the flush happens further out. How's he doing on planted birds versus wild ones?

CJ
Coach Jim answered 3 months ago

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