My GSP is breaking point too early on pheasants - any tips?
I've been hunting with my 2-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer for two seasons now, and he's solid on quail and chukar. But when we get into heavy cover for pheasants, he's breaking point and flushing birds at about 15 yards instead of holding steady. I'm using a Beretta A400 with improved cylinder choke and Federal Premium 1ΒΌ oz #6 shot. We've done yard work with check cords and whoa training, but it's not translating to the field.
1 Answer
That's a classic issue with young versatile dogs on wild birds - the scent gets so strong they can't help themselves. What worked for my Vizsla was using a remote collar on a low continuous setting during training sessions specifically on planted pheasants. Set up a scenario where you know exactly where the bird is, and the moment he starts to creep, give a nick and reinforce 'whoa.' Also, try switching to a modified choke for those longer shots when birds flush wild - you'll get better patterns at 30-40 yards. How's his retrieve to hand on these early flushes?
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