The Mighty Wurlitzer Established 1991

December 2014 Edition 23

North West Group

 

  

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The German Shorthaired Pointer Club North West Group

Chair Geoff Wood Secretary – Eddie Kania

Daisy Bank, Chinley, High Peak SK23 6DA 07974 168188 ekania@btinternet.com

Treasurer – Paul Dark 07732 588030

Cup Steward – Rob Irvine r.irvine3@gmail.com

Wurlitzer Editors – Theresa and Andy Peers peers.theresa@googlemail.com Committee – Eddie Kania, Paul Dark, Geoff Wood, Andy Peers, Rob Irvine,

Mark Herbert, Jan Gough, Pam Coackley

Honorary Committee – John Burns, Geoff Wood

German Shorthaired Pointer Club Website – www.gsp.org.uk Scan the QR code with your smart phone to visit North West Group Online– www.hprgroup.co.uk/nwg Scan Me

1993 was the year the North West Group Newsletter changed its name. The paragraph below is taken from the 1997 Wurlitzer.

Why “The Mighty Wurlitzer”?

As a regional group, bound by the rules of the GSP /Club, material produced is always sent to the Management Committee for their information. The first couple of years it was known as the North West Group “Newsletter”. However, the quarterly publication produced by the GSP Club is also called the “Newsletter”. In order that people reading our offering could not be confused by thinking it was the official publication of the parent Club, we were asked to change the name from “newsletter” as that was “the title of the official organ of the GSP Club”. The reference to “the official organ” caused some merriment at our Group AGM that year it must be said, and it was Geoff Wood who put it in a nutshell: “Official Organ?” he said, “they make it sound like the Mighty Wurlitzer ………and so the new name was born.

The Mighty Wurlitzer is a publication for the membership containing articles provided by the members. It cannot be produced if the membership does not contribute! So we would like to say thank you to everybody who has taken the time to write something for inclusion in this Wurlitzer. Anything that you feel might be of any interest to the members; maybe your best day out with your dog/s, your achievements and/or struggles and even your favourite recipes will all be welcomed. I hope you enjoy the 2014 edition. The Editors

 

 

  

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Contents

WelcometotheWurlitzer Page2

Chairman’sReport Page4

Secretary’sReport Page5

AimandObjectives,Insurance Page6

AmazingHugh Page7‐8

MyLongJourneytoLittleDaleFell Page9‐11

8FactsaboutKennelCough Page11‐12

BirdsoftheMoorland Page12‐16

NorthWestGroupTrophy’s Page17‐21

Kleeman2014 Page22‐26

LeadShot–ObeytheLaw Page26

Watergrove2014 Page27‐30

10Thingsyourdogwouldtellyou Page31

Ifitshouldbe Page31

Stalkingwithmybestfriend Page32‐34

GundogEquipmentforsaleorloan Page35

RabbitPasta Page36

BachelorPigeonPie Page37

2015TrainingClassesanddirections Page38‐39

  

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German Shorthaired Pointer Club – North West Group

Chairman's Report for 2014 Wurlitzer As another year comes to a close, it is good to look back at the successes and strengths of the North West Group. A certain highlight for one of our members was the second place in the annual HPR Championship attained by Jayne Herbert with her GSP bitch Peers of Dale's Highlander. This success is especially noteworthy as Jayne is relatively new to Field Trialling. It must also be mentioned that “Ziva” was bred out of “Flake” by Andy & Theresa Peers, with Eddie Kania's “Brandy” siring the litter. Jayne's success is not a lucky event, as she chose from good stock and has put in a lot of time and effort into her training. During the past year, several other NWG members have recorded successes in the field, working tests and the show ring – (let's hope we get some entries for the “Tiffin Time” Trophy this year.) It is very encouraging to see our members making steady progress in the training of their dogs. Our annual working test at Watergrove was a great success, with a great entry and a beautiful day. It makes all the work worthwhile. The Clay shoot and the Quiz continue to be well supported and enjoyed by those participating. Looking forward, it is great to see the numbers of puppies attending our training classes with both old and new members. If I may offer a few words of advice to our newer and less experienced members, it would be (even though your puppies are learning fast) not to be too pushy and in a hurry to make progress. Rushing things leads to mistakes or ignoring faults, so take your time to get the basics spot on. You have your dogs for well over 10 years so a couple of weeks/months is relatively unimportant. It will take much longer (sometimes never) to rectify a mistake or overcome a fault. Ask me how I know!! I closing I would like to wish all NWG members a very happy festive season and look forward to seeing you and your dogs in 2105. Take care, Geoff

  

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Secretaries Report 

 

As the Pheasant season gets into full swing it is once again time to reflect on the groups year. With the addition of a trip the Kleeman test in Germany 2014 has again been busy.  

Reports can be found later in this issue of the Wurlitzer about the Clay shoot and our Working Test  

This year we changed the format of the discussion evening,  a little more of an open discussion with a more general knowledge quiz supplied by Kate Stafford’s parents. In addition there was a raffle, 1st prize was kindly donated by Kate Stafford, a shooting lesson with John Bailey, with over 20 years coaching experience John is passionate about Clay shooting, with cartridges supplied by Anthony Stafford. A great prize just before the Grouse season starts.  Tickets for a raffle have never sold so easily. 

The winning team this year was team Kerfoot Made up of Matthew Gabi and Cyrus Kerfoot with Phil and Pauline Slatter.   

The Kennel Club Working Test at Chatsworth was proceeded this year by a training class for HPR breeds.  This was the first time the KC had held a training class for HPR’s in conjunction with the Chatsworth working test.  On a very wet Wednesday in late May some 13 handlers arrived at Chatsworth for a day’s training the East Moor.  An excellent piece of ground allowing handlers of all abilities to gain some experience working on open moorland. It is hoped the KC will offer this again in 2015.  

We are grateful to the many landowners that allow us to use their ground for training class. Without their support I’m sure classes wouldn’t be so interesting. 

Finally congratulations to Jayne Herbert and PeersofDale’s  Highlander  “ Ziva “ on being awarded 2nd place in the 2014 Kennel Club HPR Championship Field Trial.  

 

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a Healthy Prosperous fun filled 2015. 

  

Sue & Eddie Kania 

 

 

  

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The German Shorthaired Pointer Club 

North West Group – Aims and Objectives   The aim of the North West Group is to help handlers of HPR breed gundogs to develop their training skills to enable them to produce obedient, well‐mannered shooting companions, whether they are worked solo as rough shooting dogs or in company with others, beating or picking up.   The objective is to produce dogs which are welcomed on shoots and can serve a useful purpose.  The main focus remains to encourage handlers to develop the working ability of their dog(s), encourage them  to participate  in working  tests, pointing  tests and  field  trials and  to  introduce  them  into  the working dog environment.   First time HPR owners and handlers are made welcome and will be encouraged to become part of the North West Group but should quickly show an enthusiasm for developing the working ability of their dogs.   The training programme will be one of continuous assessment based on the Progress Test booklet.  This highlights the various elements of a structured training programme.  A booklet will be issued to each new member, once the member has showed full commitment towards the Group.   Members should note that to achieve even the basic standard set out in this booklet they will need to progress their training in the periods between training classes.  Adequate progress cannot be made simply on a once a month basis.   Any new handler attending training classes for the first time will be given a copy of these Aims and Objectives and will be asked  to come  to a decision as  to whether  they are prepared  to put  in  the time and commitment to train themselves and their dog to a satisfactory standard.   If a decision  is reached to the effect that a new handler wishes to continue, then every assistance will be given by more experienced handlers in the Group to help a new dog/handler partnership to reach a satisfactory standard.  Handlers who are not interested in progressing working ability but are simply attending for instruction in basic obedience will be advised to seek such training from either a professional dog trainer on a one ‐to‐one basis or through a local dog training club  

Insurance 

Members should note that the insurance cover provided by the GSPC only covers official Group activities.  It is therefore advisable to make your own arrangements regarding insurance cover for 

any other activities. 

 

 

  

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AMAZING HUGH I decided to have a career change in 2010 and started a dog boarding business that would fit in with my new outdoor life , we started off with a few dogs that stayed for a month due to owners holidaying in Australia and beyond , once the guests had left the house felt empty and I found myself talking to them when they were not there !! worrying ... After a glass of wine or two one evening I casually mentioned to my husband Kris that maybe we should have a dog of our own now that I no longer spent my life in an office , we poured over different breed options , I like hounds , Kris likes staffies .... with no chance of agreeing a breed we both liked a stalemate had been reached !! The conversation went on for many months with no breed decided ... until a gamekeeper friend of ours who I had sold a pony to months before asked me if I would like to pop for a coffee and look at the new extension on the house .. oh and by the way would you like to bring your son to see the lambs and the puppies !! ... oooo yes please .. I arrived to see no less than 13 wirehaired pointer pups galloping around the garden .. I was smitten ... I already had my eye on one in particular and the breeder said “ I will keep my eye on that one “ Kris and I went to see them again a few weeks later and thankfully the pup I liked had passed the “ eye “ test and was deemed a suitable one for us not a howler were the words of the breeder . At the appropriate time we went to collect the puppy , still unnamed , who quickly became Hugh after the wonderful Hugh Jackman

At the time of collection we could choose our pedigree name from the list offered and chose Ravenslow Lau Derby as in the deeds of our recently purchased and renovated house Lord derby has hunting rights across

our land !!! it was meant to be From the start Hugh caused a sensation amongst all with his cute face and big paws and above all his cheeky and lovable character .. I had done much reading about this breed and realised he would need a lot of work to make him into a well behaved dog due to their reputation of being wilful, stubborn and at times untrainable .

  

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Kris has been shooting for a number of years and fancied training him to be able to eventually take him out with him on a shout or just out in field at his side I searched high and low for a suitable training group with lots of dead ends and not what we were looking for Hugh , the biddable Labradors and cockapoos he is not !! , eventually I stumbled on the GSP North West Group and was thrilled when we were able to join and go along to the training sessions with our beloved dog. Since joining the group we have had a great time , met some new people with a common interest and a love of their dogs abilities and Hugh is getting the idea of what is expected of him , I could not believe that this puppy who would commando crawl across the ground instead of sitting still in the line up initially is now the powerful and smart dog that engages (most of the time ) in his training sessions , we try not to dwell on the moments he has gone hareing off into the distance instead of coming to the whistle with a raised eyebrow from Mark , Eddie or Paul in Kris’s direction .. no further words required Over the past 2 years we have had all of the negative characteristics of GWHP .. counter surfing, eating just about anything he could get his teeth on , I have lost many shoes , slippers , handbags when I forgot to put them out of sight , height is no issue for Hugh , he can clear a 4ft fence from a standstill so closed doors are the only deterrent ! He even took a fox tail that was mounted on Kris’s office wall, 6ft up ! Indeed any clothing or furnishings with fur or feather do not stand a chance in this house ... He covers the ground as fast as our horses and is a powerhouse of an animal but he is fiercely loyal and is a great guard dog for the land, his nose never stops working and he is always on alert when outdoors. He will sit outside the kitchen door for hours just watching the world go by, seeing all and missing nothing We have been stopped a few times by people that would like one as they are appealing with their beards and eyebrows, however we warn that these dogs are not the type to be left indoors all day with a 10 minute walk. if you do, you may come home to your house destroyed and indeed a demented and very distressed dog ... Hugh needs to be mentally worked each day and he also needs to be outdoors for the majority of it , rain hail or shine ... Hugh has turned his paw to sheepdog duties and will calmly bring the sheep in with me when required, he also herds our turkeys back in when they stray too far ... his favourite thing is to point the guinea fowl and when allowed stalk and flush them for training . He is an amazing host to his many doggy guests that come to board with us, he is soft and gentle with puppies and old dogs and any that are a similar age he races around with and has great fun before becoming his aloof self and taking himself to bed when he has had enough of them without a backward glance !! I would never have thought of buying a GWHP before Hugh and it was just luck that we got him , right place right time , We would never be without him , he is an amazing dog and if I had the time not to mention the energy... I would have a dozen

  

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My long journey to Little Dale Fell. 

A report into the grouse count, spring/ summer 2014. 

We were halfway up a winding path that disappeared into the low cloud base hugging the landscape. This was Little Dale Fell. It was the first ascent of the first fell of the day. I was feeling breathless and extremely unfit. What, at my age, was I doing here? I should still have been in bed, 

tucking into my second piece of toast and reading the paper.  

It all began with an innocuous email from Eddie. He wondered if I would like to participate in a grouse counting day. As I’d never done anything like this before, “Why not?” I thought. 

Eddie, from past experience, was a man I could trust. At every training event and every working test, the organisation had been faultless and, what’s more, I had always passed a McDonalds on my way 

to the events.  

Still the question remained, what was I doing on Little Dale Fell? 

I have only been directly involved with the use and training of pointers for the last 5 years. This affair began indirectly ten years previously when my ex‐wife Stella introduced a Weimaraner to the family. She’d found the puppies’ ocean blue eyes and slick grey coat too hard to resist. I bet that rings a bell 

with some people. 

 

  

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When Stella decided to go on holiday, I was asked by my daughters if I would look after the now 5‐year‐old dog. I was caught off guard and said yes. She was once left in the boarding kennels and 

came out very ill. Guess who paid for that?  

It just happened to be my syndicate shooting weekend. This was a dog that slept on a bed in her own bedroom and allowed my daughters to paint her nails with nail varnish and put bows on her head. She was a thoroughly spoilt animal, and I was now stuck with her for three weeks. I was not 

looking forward to taking her on a shooting day, but needs must. 

Saturday morning had arrived. After driving to the shoot, I got out and placed the lead on the dog. I started walking towards the gun room, passing the beating and picking up team on the way. It was a 

long walk, with comments; ‘Whose is the posh dog?’ There were also ones made in a manner unrepeatable here. When entering the gun room with dog in tow, Bill the Gamekeeper (for the first 

time ever) was seen to laugh. No similar incident has been reported since. 

Linde: that was her name, pegged firmly in position, on the first drive. I find it hard to put into words, but the years of selective breeding and hunting instinct came to the fore. I wish I could 

explain it. I could definitely sense a fundamental change in this dog’s behaviour. 

                                                         

     LINDE      ( a dog that change my life) 

  

 

At the end of the drive I  loosed Linde to retrieve a marked Partridge. On the  outrun she scented and pointed to a Partridge the  gun line walked over. She immediately ran in and  carried on the marked bird. She returned to me  and dropped the bird, picked it up and ran off,  refusing to give me the bird, in full view of the  whole shoot. The 

instinct was there. Having  only ever trained and used retrievers, this was a  new experience and it 

fascinated me. 

I decided to return to the  shoot the following week, beating with Linde.  The beaters were impressed by her totally natural behaviour in pointing and flushing. So was I. this dog had never seen a game bird or heard a shotgun fired, but her natural ability and hunting instinct came out. It was, 

and still is, fascinating to watch. 

I was now at a point where I was asking my ex‐wife if I could have Linde for the shooting weekends. She was highly suspicious and worried greatly about it. Another plus. 

  

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I was totally hooked. I bought books, talked to people and attended a working tests. I eventually approached a breeder with the intention of purchasing a Weimaraner puppy. I named her Libby. The 

dog run was erected, books purchased, and so the learning process began. 

                                                                   LIBBY  

 

Being totally new to this,  I attended a couple of training weekends with  Steve Kimberley. He advised me to attend  the local GSPC, which I 

did. It’s been a very long  learning curve, with many evenings spent head  shaking and drinking Whiskey. Why did I do  this? What have I done? 

There have been good  days and bad days, but without doubt, the  experience has been very 

enjoyable. Not only have  I learnt the basics, but have had the pleasure of  meeting a group of extremely helpful and  generous people.  

I have been lucky enough to win some miner awards for ‘Novice Working Test and Trials’ and am very appreciative of the kindness shown to me, and Libby, by the judges and competitors. 

As a hard‐bitten businessman, I find it very refreshing and heart‐warming that people like yourselves still exist.  

I was told by Eddy at the AGM that I had volunteered to write this article on the grouse counting day. After reading back issues Wurlitzer, the subject has been covered fully, and I feel that I could not add or improve to the articles already written. So, I’ve wandered off the point, which at my age 

is totally excusable. 

Jim Kirkham 1/9/14 

8 Facts About Kennel Cough 

• It’s highly infectious and spreads easily in places where dogs congregate, such as kennels, shoots, working tests, field trials and dog shows. 

• It spreads in several ways via minute droplets in the air, which are then inhaled by other dogs, through direct contact between dogs, and from indirect contact in places previously occupied by an infected dog, such as kennels or vehicles. 

• Numerous infectious agents cause it, but in 80‐90 per cent of cases Bordetella bronchiseptica is the bacterium and canine parainfluenza virus the viral agent associated with the disease.  

• It presents as a persistent harsh, dry cough.  Infected dogs hack persistently, and then frequently sound like they are choking.  Exercise, especially outside when the air is cold, can exacerbate the cough. 

  

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• It is rarely fatal, though it is unpleasant.  Most dogs recover completely within three weeks, though it can take up to six weeks in older dogs or those with other medical conditions.  Severe cases in puppies and older dogs may lead to pneumonia, which, if not treated, can be much more serious. 

• Dogs are infectious to other dogs during the incubation period and while the cough persists.  Even after they have recovered, they can still spread the disease, typically for three weeks but sometimes for anything up to 10 weeks afterwards. 

• It is important to keep dogs away from others for several weeks after recovery and to clean out and disinfect your vehicle. 

• Vaccination is the best way of preventing infection and the spread of kennel cough.  There are two types of vaccine available: a vaccine against canine parainfluenza virus, which is a component of the regular vaccination injections, and a vaccine against Bordetella bronchisptica, which has to be administered intranasally (directly into the nostril). The vaccines can be given together if necessary.   To provide more strategic protection, the canine parainfluenza virus vaccine is given as part of regular ‘booster’ injections and then the intranasal vaccine used prior to periods of greatest risk – for instance, before each shooting season.   

Birds of the Moorland The Red Grouse, our quintessential moorland bird, is very much a vegetarian, as witnessed by the characteristic droppings that often signal its presence on the moor before the dogs point or its “go‐back, go‐back” alarm call is heard.  Even the growing chicks are understood to have a primarily vegetarian diet which includes only a small proportion of invertebrates.  Red Grouse will eat a variety of vegetable matter but their ability to thrive on the growing shoots of heather has facilitated the process of creating and maintaining suitable habitat, making them the first choice moorland quarry species in the UK. 

The Black Grouse is also a moorland species but has a more varied diet than its red cousin.  Younger chicks feed predominantly on insects but larger chicks and adults are primarily vegetarian, with a significant proportion of their diet derived from trees, a recognised feature of their preferred habitat.  Black Grouse have declined in numbers over recent decades and their range has contracted northwards.  On the current southern edge of their range in northern England, targeted habitat management programmes are now achieving some success in stemming the decline but it seems that the varied diet and more demanding habitat requirements of the Black Grouse makes this a much more challenging proposition than heather moorland management for the Red Grouse.  These dietary differences and the associated differences in habitat requirements no doubt lie behind the evolution of the tradition of Red rather than Black Grouse shooting. 

 

 

 

 

  

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The moorland is an essential element of the life cycle of the Golden Plover which visits to breed and may be less familiar to those who tend to spend time on the moors during the shooting season only.  During visits to boggy grass moors in the spring the presence of Golden Plover is often first revealed by the “peeping” call of adults on guard, warning their chicks of the intruder.  The young chicks 

are seldom seen once the alarm has been sounded and the black belly of a watchful adult, standing out whilst the golden brown of its head and back fades into the background vegetation, is often the main visual clue to their presence.  Golden Plover chicks are “precocial”, leaving the nest shortly after hatching and foraging for themselves.  The chicks feed mostly on crane fly and their larvae, one of the more abundant sources of invertebrate protein in this environment which lacks earth worms which are the favoured food of the adults.  The males and females of a pair often take turns guarding the young whilst the off‐duty bird goes off to a nearby pasture to feed where worms can be found. 

The success rate of Golden Plover in rearing chicks in any one year has been shown to be dependent on the weather conditions encountered the previous summer.  In drier years when the peat loses more of its moisture, the crane fly larvae are less productive than in wetter years and this affects the amount of food available for the growing chicks the following spring, impacting on breeding success.  Recent 

  

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moorland restoration initiatives that involve grip blocking assist water retention within the peat which is good for the crane flies and also good for the Golden Plover. 

Managing moorland for grouse and the protected rearing of game birds such as Pheasant and French Partridge is a British tradition generally not followed in other European countries where the usual practice is to rely on what nature provides.  Wintering Golden Plover, which leave the moors for less inhospitable ground after breeding, are a regular quarry species in some European countries.  Recovery of ringed birds shows that the Golden Plover wintering in the UK are predominantly Icelandic breeding birds whilst the UK breeding population winters in continental Europe.  It seems that predator control through the efforts of keepers on the British moors may provide a direct benefit to the European huntsman. 

Golden Plover feeding on the grazed pastures along the moorland fringes mix with breeding Lapwings and their chicks.  Both the Lapwing, or “Peewit” as it was once more commonly called, and the Curlew are birds more generally of agricultural grassland, not necessarily confined to moorland or upland areas.  However, both these species and also the Snipe have suffered significant declines in the lowlands over recent decades, attributed largely to changes in agricultural practices, and seem to be increasingly dependent on the uplands where more traditional grassland management practices still survive.   

These “waders” are all ground nesting species, with their nests, chicks and, to a lesser extent, the adults susceptible to predation.  Detailed nest monitoring studies undertaken over the past five years as part of the Peak District National Park Authority’s Wader Recovery Programme and supported by Natural England found that more than half the clutches laid by Lapwings across a selection of sites in the South West Peak were lost before hatching, with predation by Fox being the 

most common cause of losses.  Only about a third of hatched chicks survived to fledging.  Both nest and chick survival was generally better than average at sites in pastures and grass moor among or on the fringes of actively 

  

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managed grouse moors and much worse further from these areas of more intensive predator control.  Lapwing numbers in particular are dwindling across the South West Peak, except at sites closer to the keepered moors.  

Golden Plover, Lapwing and Curlew usually leave the uplands soon after breeding, whilst a few Snipe may loiter into the winter when, with the aid of the dogs, wintering Woodcock are sometimes to be found on the open moor, more so it seems in milder weather when they are less inclined to seek the shelter of woodland.  Most of these are birds are from Scandinavian and Russian breeding populations.  The on‐going GWCT radio‐tagging project is providing fascinating insights into the migratory flights of the Woodcock, some of which have been shown to travel up to ten thousand kilometres between their UK wintering quarters and breeding grounds in the heart of Russia, capable of flying non‐stop at an average speed of 40 km/h for up to 24 hours and breaking their journeys with stops of around two weeks. 

There is surely no more impressive sight on the moor than the slow wing beat and bouncing flight of the Short‐eared Owl, hunting on silent rounded wings.  They may take a variety of other prey, including birds, in the harder winter months, but voles are very much the predominant diet during the breeding season.  Short‐eared Owls are encountered more often during the day than most other owl species and have been regarded by some as a diurnal than a nocturnal species.  However, recent radio‐tagging studies of birds in Scotland have shown that they are primarily active at night and it seems that the demands of feeding growing chicks may be the primary driving force behind the observation of daytime hunting rather than any preference for hunting in daylight.   

With its primarily nocturnal habits and preference for voles, there should be no conflict between the Short‐eared Owl and grouse moor interests.  On the local moors around Buxton grouse and owls coexist.  Like other species in this habitat that is predominantly devoid of trees, the Short‐eared Owl is a ground‐nesting species, often hiding its nest in areas of deeper heather whilst hunting voles on adjacent areas of grass moor.  It too probably benefits from predator control by game keepers and the healthy state of our local population is perhaps due in part to those efforts. 

The fast flying Merlin, another moorland specialist, is our smallest falcon.  It hunts by day for small birds but often seems to be more elusive than the Short‐eared Owl.  Sightings often consist of no more than fleeting glimpses as a Merlin dashed past, leaving some doubt about the validity of the identification.  Occasionally, an obliging bird will sit on a road‐side fence post, affording good views to passers‐by.  The Meadow Pipit, the main prey of the Merlin, is not confined to the moor but is one of the few common passerine species found there, along with the Skylark. 

The moor is home to a few other species, mostly generalist predators and opportunist scavengers that prosper there but are not birds exclusively of the moor: the Crow, the Raven, the Kestrel and increasingly the Buzzard, now to be found nesting in any practically any piece of woodland bordering our local moorland and frequently seen hunting over the moor.  After extensive re‐introduction efforts, the Red Kite is also increasingly to be seen on the moor, worrying the Curlew and Golden Plover with their chicks but not yet established as a breeding species in our area. 

Some see the Hen Harrier as the iconic species of the moor but there is something of a conundrum here.  With a diet that includes rodents and other birds, the Hen Harrier is by no means dependent upon grouse chicks but Hen Harriers take a high proportion of grouse chicks where grouse moor 

  

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management makes them more readily available.  Added to the year‐round losses of adult birds from predation by Peregrines, detailed scientific studies undertaken about twenty years ago led to the conclusion that, if left to their own devices, these avian predators could reduce the autumn population of grouse on the moor by around fifty percent, enough to make driven grouse shooting no longer economically viable in some areas. 

So, there is a conflict of interest – driven grouse shooting and unrestrained raptor populations are, according to the available scientific evidence, mutually incompatible.  Little wonder then, within the current regulatory framework, if some indulge in illegal control methods which would appear to be severely limiting Hen Harrier numbers in Britain.  A “Hen Harrier Dialogue” process was initiated in 2006 with the aim of bringing stakeholders together to work out a way of resolving this conflict.  Steve Redpath, Professor of Conservation Science at the University of Aberdeen who has been working on this issue for many years, has identified the option of a quota system, a compromise intended to give both sides a share of the moorland to support their interests.  The RSPB, I understand, prefers the option of “diversionary feeding” in which carrion is provided to breeding Hen Harriers to divert them from taking too many grouse chicks.  I don’t know all the scientific details but wonder where this approach would ultimately lead.  If diversionary feeding, which we cannot expect to be one hundred percent effective at preventing grouse chick losses, leads to more Hen Harriers it must surely lead to a need for more diversionary feeding, more Hen Harriers and so on.  Without some kind of quota it seems to me that this approach may take things back to the point of conflict rather than mutually beneficial compromise. 

The RSPB was formerly a stakeholder in the dialogue process but has withdrawn from it.  Mark Avery, previously the Director of Conservation at the RSPB and now, according to his twitter account, an “independent environmental expert”, is promoting a total ban on grouse shooting.  A workable compromise needs to be found but those that have taken responsibility for representing the conflicting interests seem to be failing to make progress towards a solution.  In the meantime, in the absence of much in the way of Hen Harrier sightings on the grouse moors of England, there is still a good deal of bird life to be enjoyed.  The Scottish Hen Harrier population remains fairly stable and should provide a source of future breeding pairs for recolonisation of the English moors if a solution to the conflict can be found.  

  By Mark Eddowes 

  

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North West Group 

Show Dog of the Year Trophy 

The winner of the Show Trophy this year is Pamela and Stephen Coackley with Charmorloe Bach’s Symphony.

North West Group

Show Dog of the Year Trophy A trophy is awarded annually at the Group AGM to the handler and dog partnership which has gained the most points at Open and Championship shows during the previous year. The purpose of the scheme is to encourage members of the North West Group to participate in showing events and therefore help preserve the dual-purpose nature of HPR breeds. Points can only be gained from Breed competition at Open and Championship Shows Licensed by the UK Kennel Club, from February 2nd to February 1st. Points can only be claimed from one Breed class per show. OPEN SHOWS 1st 3 points 2nd 2 points 3rd 1 point PLUS Best of Breed 1 point Best Puppy in Breed 1 point CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS 1st 10 points 2nd 9 points 3rd 8 points PLUS Challenge Certificate 2 points Reserve Challenge Certificate 1 point Best Puppy in Breed 1 point Gaining Show Championship status 30 points ELIGIBILITY The registered owner of the dog must be a fully paid up member of the GSP Club for the period during which the points are claimed. Additionally, the dog (accompanied by its registered owner) must have attended a minimum of four Group training classes, other than the progress tests and working test, between February 2nd and February 1st Owners should submit a list of all awards gained in the qualifying period on the relevant form (i.e. claims for the period February 2nd 2014 to February 1st 2015 should be submitted by April 30th 2015). Your GSPC membership number must be included on the claim form and all claims will be verified. In the event of a tie the Committee will decide the award. Please forward claim forms, by April 30th 2015 to Rob Irvine r.irvine3@gmail.com   

  

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THE GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER CLUB NORTH WEST GROUP 

SHOW DOG OF THE YEAR CLAIM FORM 

 REGISTERED NAME OF DOG    REGISTERED OWNER(S) OF DOG    GSPC MEMBERSHIP NUMBER    Date  Show/Society  Open/CH Show Award Points Total

  

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The Liz Ashton Memorial Trophy

The winner of the Liz Ashton Memorial Trophy this year is Jayne Herbert with Peersofdale’s Highlander.

The Trophy is to be awarded annually at the Group AGM to the handler and dog partnership who gain the most points in field events during the year. The purpose of the scheme is to encourage members of the North West Group to improve as handlers and to enter more competitive events. Handlers running more than one dog may submit separate claim forms for each dog. Points can only be gained from competition at Working Tests and Field Trials licensed by the UK Kennel Club, Pointing Tests and the NWG Progress Tests, from February 2nd to February 1st Points can only be claimed in one class per Working Test i.e. Puppy or Novice, whichever is the higher. Only the highest points for one test in each category of the Progress Tests – hunting, retrieving/tracking, obedience/steadiness, water can be claimed regardless of the number of tests entered. A maximum of 12 points can therefore be gained during the year. POINTING TEST Excellent 2 points Very Good 1 point WORKING TEST 1st 4 points 2nd 3 points 3rd 2 points 4th 1 point FIELD TRIAL 1st 20 points 2nd 15 points 3rd 12 points 4th 10 points CoM 8 points gaining Field Trial Champion status 30 points GROUP PROGRESS TEST Excellent 3 points Very Good 2 points Good 1 point

ELIGIBILITY Handlers must be fully paid up members of the GSP Club for the period that points are being claimed and must attend a minimum of four Group training classes, other than the progress tests and working test, between February 2nd and February 1st . The GSPC membership number must be included on the claim form and all claims will be verified. In the event of a tie the Committee will decide the award. The German Shorthaired Pointer Club cannot accept any responsibility for any injury, damage or loss to person, dog or property whilst taking part in any competitions. Please forward claim forms, by April 30th 2015 to Rob Irvine r.irvine3@gmail.com

 

  

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THE GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER CLUB NORTH WEST GROUP 

LIZ ASHTON MEMORIAL TROPHY  Name of Handler / Dog    GSP Club Membership Number    

Date  Name of Society  Working Test Field Trial  Pointing Test  Group Progress Test  Points 

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

  Total   

 

  

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The Tiffin Time Trophy 

We had no entries for the Show Dog Trophy this year. 

Donated by Maureen Nixon 

The Trophy will be awarded to the highest placed Dog / Bitch across both Showing and Working Events. This Duel Purpose Trophy, The Tiffin Time Trophy, will be awarded at the AGM using the existing Liz Ashton and Show Trophy Criteria. With the additional requirement that three events in both disciplines must be entered. 

 

 

 

  

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Kleeman 2014 

Osterhofen Southern Bavaria October 2nd 3rd & 4th  

Hosted by the Southern Bavarian Branch of the German Shorthaired Pinter Club. 

Kleeman – Breed selection test,  Dogs are judged against a standard in 4 disciplines Conformation Hunting Pointing and Water work,    marks to 4 with 4H being the highest mark in each section. 

Osterhofen is a small agricultural town lying near the Danube and its tributary the Isar.  

After sightseeing in Munich on Wednesday afternoon we arrived in Osterhofen in the early evening.  

All the Dogs entered in the Kleeman have previously qualified by passing various test proving their work is to the required standard to enter the Kleeman,   

Thursday morning is taken up drawing the field of 135 into 35 groups between 3 and 5 runners. Each group is assigned a meeting point for Friday morning and areas for water work, hunting and pointing.  Each group has a Steward and 4 judges and a gun.  After lunch Thursday afternoon all dogs and bitches are subject to a conformation test, given that all the dogs have previously qualified, as expected all the dogs entered 

passed the conformation test.  The Top Dog and Bitch being awarded a V1 classification. 

Our impression was that the dogs appeared to be on the tall side with deep chests, low set ears and in the main high set tails with many carrying their tails high too. 

There were a total of seven meeting points with several groups meeting at each location.  It soon became clear that we needed to select a group to follow through the test. So we selected group number 23   The Friday Tests were Water work till 11 am followed by Hunting and Pointing. Should more time be needed Saturday morning was set aside for water and hunting too. The runners in Group 23 were Herr Hofstetter running  49 Gibb Seehof, and 126 Indy vom Trocken Bach  and Herr Cvicek running  6 Aaron Vom Engelsheim. 

Back at our hotel in Plattling we asked for breakfast at 6 am, planning to leave at 6.15 meant we should be at Osterhofen Bahnhof our meeting point by 6.45, in good time for the 7 am meeting. Dinner a few beers and off to bed. A slightly slower start than planned at just before 6 however we arrived in good time at the Bahnhof well before dawn, to be greeted by, who know how many vehicles of all shapes and sizes, Rob and Shaun were sent off to find the Group we had planned to follow, that done we them moved our car, amongst the confusion, closer to others in group 23, 

  

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having been warned that once they set off they don’t hang about, we were ready for the off. At 7am precisely we set off driving for about 30 minutes,  it was very foggy as dawn broke,  we found ourselves parking on a lane,  the judges gathered the competitors and spectators explaining that given it was so foggy we would do the Water work first. The spectators were asked to be quiet and not to interfere with the dogs working.  We walked into a wooded area some 100 yards, there were several large ponds.  There were 3 dogs in our group so 3 ducks were released on the pond. The First part of the test is hunting.  The Judges are positioned around the pond, The dogs is cast off to search the reeds the aim of the test is to demonstrate drive, pattern, bidability and persistence, the dog should search the reeds methodically paying particular attention to the edges of the pond and the reeds where game might be found. After some 15 to 20 minutes the dog is recalled. The second part of the test is tracking and flushing one of the ducks on the pond. Given the wind in the mist was changeable  from out viewing point we couldn’t see the first dog tracking the duck but we heard the shot and saw the dog retrieve the duck, we could see a couple of the ducks swimming in the centre of the pond  Dog number  6  was obviously following the scent of one of the ducks. The duck swam a distance to our left and took to the land,  the dog continued to track to duck on the water ultimately following it into the woodland where it retrieved the duck tenderly to its handler. A Duck was shot for dog 6,  it was again retrieved to hand.  The exercise was repeated for the 3rd dog. As she came on the scent of the duck she gave tongue. It was explained that this was acceptable. Again tracking the duck which was ultimately flushed shot and retrieved.  

 

The judges gathered the competitors and spectators gave a brief resume of the work for each dog informing us that all 3 had passed.  

We then drover again some distance to the hunting ground, huge sugar beet fields.  Hunting each dog in turn for around 10 minutes in a square’ish direction  giving each dog a head, cheek and back wind,  the object appeared to be to test the natural 

ability of the dogs, hunting, pointing and steadiness with the minimum handler intervention.  Missing Game, chasing not pointed game flushing for a short distance did not seem to eliminate dog. Surprisingly the dogs worked very narrow patterns quite close to their handlers, not what we expected to see at all. Flushing game was not shot, the dogs had already been tested previously. It eas explained that the logistics of finding ground for so many dog with game in Germany would be very difficult if not impossible. Also adding sufficient guns for 35 groups would also be very difficult. The dogs continue to hunt in turn until the judges have seen sufficient. Judging style drive, game finding and pointing. Note the handler flushes pointed game. When the test is completed the judges again gather the competitors and spectators giving a critique for each dog together with their score. 

Back at HQ groups begin to return this was followed by a buffet dinner, we decided to return to our hotel and eat locally.  

  

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Mid morning Saturday we returned to Oserthofen where we had lunch before the Hunting demonstration. Dogs are selected from the Groups to take part in this. Apparently the hunting on Saturday afternoon, in previous years, has been a knock out competition, dogs run in pair one being eliminated the other going on. After the first round this is repeated till a winner is found.   

This is very very different to the way tests and trials are organised in the UK, there is no comparison. To get a more complete picture you would have to attend the   Solms, AZP, HZP or VGP tests 

Judges Critique covering the Group we followed

Gruppe 23,

RO Klaus Meinert, János Eppel, Matthias Möhrke, Gregor Welzenbach

PNr. 49, Gibb Seehof, ZB-Nr. 9003/12, gew. am 02.10.2010, Fw. v2, bestanden KS,

Führer: Siegfried Hofstetter

Water, The Dog entered the water willingly on command, hunting the reed bed with drive. Crossing open water when required, on command, maintaining very good contact with his handler at all times. The work on the swim track he accurately followed the trail into cover, after a fairly long time he flushed the duck from the reed edge, the shot duck was retrieved and delivered correctly.

Field work, In all hunting Gibb quartered with drive covering his beat with an excellent head carriage and nose enabling him to locate game. Pointing staunchly several Pheasants and Rabbits drawing on and holding game when required his

  

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excellent nose was reward with a 4H Steadiness to shot and biddability are without question

PNr. 6, Aaron vom Engelsheim, ZB-Nr. 1071/10, gew. am 23.06.2010, Fw. v, bestanden KS,

Führer: Petr Cvícek

Water, Aaron hunted diligently his allotted reed bed with drive, hunting the opposite back with the same drive too. During the Swim track he tracked the duck into the reeds after some time and at a distance he flushed the duck after which it was shot. The dog retrieved and delived the duck cleanly.

Field Work In his first run hunting, he came into Pheasants at the end of the Sugar beet field, with an unfavourable wind unfortunately they could not be pointed. With better use of the wind on his next run he pointed a pheasant and two rabbits he was also able to demonstrate excellent drawing on. On a further run he located an pointed staunchly 2 rabbits. Steadiness and biddability were withinout question all day

PNr. 126, Indy vom Trocken Bach, ZB-Nr. 0084/12, gew. am 28.10.2011, Fw. v, bestanden KS, Führer: Siegfried Hofstetter

Water; Hunting the reeds was passionate and driven. Handling well crossing open water she energetically set to work hunting the opposite bank. The duck scent was quickly located, she tracked the duck quickly finding and flushing the duck onto the the water. The shot duck took to the reeds, Indy followed and finding the duck, flushing again from the cover The shot duck was retrieved and delivered correctly.

Field work Indy quartered from the offset with pace showing pattern the best use of the wind. A rabbit was found pointed and held, during further runs a pheasant and two rabbits were staunchly pointed and held. Indy demonstrated stediness to shot bidability and control during the whole test.

  

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Lead Shot – Obey The Law or Face a Total Ban 

What the law says:  In England and Wales –  It is against the law to use lead shot, or to allow or permit someone to use if for shooting –  

• Over the areas below high water mark of ordinary spring tides • Over any site of special scientific interest • To shoot ducks, geese, coot and moorhen. 

 In Scotland and Northern Ireland –   It is against the law to use lead shot over wetlands, or to cause or permit lead shot to be used over wetlands. Wetlands are defined as, regardless of size, any area of foreshore, marsh, fen peatland with    standing water, regularly or seasonally flooded fields and other watersources whether they are natural or man made, static or flowing fresh, brackish or salt.  

Tips for staying within the law: 

• Make sure you have a non‐lead cartridge appropriate for your gun and quarry. • Carry a stock in the car so it’s to hand when you need it for a duck drive, goose or 

other waterfowling shooting. • In Scotland and Northern Ireland know where wetlands are and keep a stock of non‐

lead ammunition to use over them. • If you’re game shooting in England or Wales and there ‘s a possibility of the odd 

duck, put four or more non‐lead cartridges in a pocket of your coat, or in a separate small bag in your cartridge bag. 

• When somebody says there’s the chance of duck on this drive – load with non‐lead.  Duck invariably appear first or among the earliest birds. 

• When walking up game towards a water feature, load with non‐lead; there may be duck flying about. 

• If you’re loaded with non‐lead and a pheasant or partridge presents, don’t try to change cartridges.  Shoot it with the non‐lead.  You’ll be surprised how effective it is. 

   

  

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Watergrove 20th July 2014 

 

North West Group. Working Test Results 2014 

Puppy Test Judged by David Hartwell  1st  HAWKSTALON BRUICHLADDICH HWV Handler Mr M. Herbert 2nd  LADYHAWKE PERDITA GSP Handler Mrs L. Holmes 2nd   SWIFTHOUSE KIRKOSWALD AT ESHALDWELL GSP Handler Mrs S. Allerton, 3rd  ONJA VOM BRUNDFELDAT MAPLAZE GWP Handler Mr R Cullen 4th  EKKOLANDER TULLIBARDINE LM, Handler Mrs K. Saynor  

Novice Tests Judged by Sue Hastwell – Maureen Nixon (2158)   1st  SH CH RAYCRIS FREYA LM Handler Mrs C. Ogle, 2nd  HOURRA DU DOMAIN ST HUBERT HWV Handler Mr G. Saint 3rd  EKKOLANDER TULLIBARDINE LM, Handler Mrs K. Saynor 4th  CIBONEY OF NESS HV Handler Mr A. Watson,  

Open Test Judged by Jonathan Holmes (2734)  1st  DOUBILLY ILKAS WILD ROSE LM Handler Mr A Hatton  2nd  BRYANTSCROFT REDCURRENT AT MAPLEHAZE GWP Handler Mr R Cullen 3rd  LORD LARPET OF WHINBARROW GWP Handler Mrs K E. Barraclough, 4th  TYSPYLAIRD GLENCOE GSP Dog 23/09/11 Handler Mt L. Loveridge  

 

 

  

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Open Working Test 

Firstly, thanks to the NW GSP group for staging such a well organised event. That time and effort makes it a joy for judges and competitors alike.  

Hunting / Quartering exercise Thankfully the weather in the morning was predictably hot but with a pleasing cloud cover to take the edge off the heat. Mixed heather and meadow fescue under foot, and therefore a great representation of an August Grouse day. The wind provided a good strong cross-wing from the left on the outrun, and therefore from the right on the return. Each run allocation had a Partridge in small cage, and was strategically placed in a good tussock of grass for camouflage. All set for good performances from the dogs. It will always be difficult for experienced dogs to “perform” in the stylised environment of the Hunting in a Working Test. An un-natural situation designed to test dogs equally. All I will say on that matter is that it is up to the handlers to ensure that the dogs know how to perform in that situation, or don’t compete! Harsh, but fair perhaps? Experienced working handlers will want their dogs to perform to different management criteria for a field of Sugar Beet compared to tight enclosed woodland. Same objectives, just a potentially different pace and application. Adopt that philosophy for Working Tests and train to those criteria. Saying that, my old bitch would think that I was having a laugh if she wanted me to get her to point caged game, but she would acknowledge it as she ran past. Handlers please note, I did ask you to tell me if that was what your dog had just done! A wonderfully marked piece of ground, which meant that handlers were clear on their objectives. Certainly not a long exercise, but plenty of opportunity to tell me that dog and handler both knew what they were doing. Some great partnerships out there that were fun to watch. Particularly both Mr A Hatton’s LM’s; Mr R Cullen’s GWP; Mrs A Kay’s HV; Mr L Bunn’s HWV “Cover your ground” In essence this means that if you imagined a Gun 40m to your left and right, which would be your Beat to cover. Consider the wind direction, and use that to your dog’s advantage by ensuring that it works down-wind as much as practical so that it can utilise its scenting capacity. Obvious, but many handlers forgot in the enjoyment of the moment! Please remember that “Cover your ground” doesn’t mean that your dog must go over all of the ground on foot! We want our dogs to utilise their brains and staggering olfactory capability to save time and also find game. So let them do it please! My one eternal gripe was that too many dogs were Sky-pointing! If you consider that must runs were completed in four - five minutes, and in that time a minute was taken for emptying the tanks then the team had lost a point scoring opportunity. Thirty odd years ago when I started competing, a very experienced competitor used to say when that happened “That’s one I have already beaten” Why? Because afterwards it takes thirty seconds for the dog to remember what it was there for. Therefore the dog and handler have lost the opportunity to shine. Most dogs acquitted themselves well. Two dogs had the misfortune to have a caged bird that for odd reasons didn’t appear to be exuding scent. In the hunting environment I have seen experienced dogs occasionally run over birds too, but that is no consolation to the handlers. It just means that they have to nail the other tests! Retrieving Another well laid out test for dogs, handler and judge. (Thank you to whoever organised that) Essentially a Blind retrieve was already laid out, slightly up-wind of the centre line of the test ground. A small flag was near to that location ensuring that everyone knew what the objective was. Once the handler had identified that objective, a Seen retrieve was thrown off to the right of the centre line and at a similar distance to the Blind retrieve of approximately 250m. The ground was full of sheep of detritus and clusters small gorse bushes, but each retrieve had a logical approach for the dogs – down the hill; across the open grass; up the rise; use the wind to find the dummy. As easy as that!

  

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By the time that the dogs were competing in the afternoon the cloud had burnt off to reveal uncharacteristic British summer weather of bright sun. A strong crosswind blew constantly from the left. That’s the clue folks! You and your dogs have been the victim of the long accepted military theorem of Hurry up, and wait!! Hot, keen and excited, which means that you don’t have a lot of time on the competition ground for the dog to keep its brain engaged. That means that skills must have been honed to perfection before the heat exerts its penalty. One handler displayed the use of a skill that I haven’t seen for many years since my Mother was competing in indoor Obedience tests, and it’s one that I adopt as in the dogs mind it is non-negotiable. Essentially before the dog was sent off the handler got the dog to complete a full 360O circle around the handler’s legs prior to being cast off. Perhaps an odd thing to do, but if the only time that the dog is asked to carry out this task is before a long Blind retrieve, then brain is engaged to the task and all that is required is the direction. Many years ago I had a wonderful hard-running dog that had been quartering empty Sugar Beet for nearly ten minutes, when a Gun over the hedge shot a pigeon. My dog was absolutely hyper with excitement, and the frustrated desire to find game. Getting her to stop hunting for a Blind retrieve would have been disastrous without this routine. I must commend those handlers who withdrew their dogs as they had become too hot, and couldn’t think. A significant proportion of the dogs were lucky (When preparation meets opportunity!) on the Blind as they had obviously stopped listening, but just found the wafted scent of the dummy through the bushes. Those that completed this test well saved significant mental capacity for the Seen which HANDLERS made hard work of! Think about it please!? Wind blowing strongly from the left; dummy behind a wedge of bushes running transverse to the line of the test in front of you; open grass area to the right of the bushes. So, why send your dog straight away from you?! Even though it was a Seen retrieve and therefore the dogs should know it’s location, please remember how hot your dogs were getting and put them in the best position to shine. That’s the handlers’ job. A few dogs had the character to have me giggling with respect: “what, all the way up there? Really?” “That damn whistle again….. whatever” “Really? OK if you insist….. Oh!..That’s what you want me to get!” “This is fun, too far away from you now………..!” I had to admire the competent efficiency of both Mr A Hatton’s LM (Running No 6) & Mr R Cullen’s GWP, and the consistent performance of Mrs K. Barraclough’s GWP. Great teamwork all day only separated by a few points Yours Sincerely 

Jonathan Holmes 

WATERGROVE REPORT ‐ Novice 

Watergrove Reservoir has to be one of the prime locations for a working test for H.P.R. breeds. It’s always a pleasure to be there and to be involved in judging only serves to heighten the experience.  

The test, held on July 20th this year had agreeable weather, the morning being somewhat overcast but warm, whilst the sun came out in the afternoon causing the temperature to rise. This did not seem to affect the Novice dogs. I judged two retrieving tests, a marked retrieve in the morning and a blind in the afternoon, both in a similar area. 

The vagaries of the ground cause the tests to become interesting. The marked was a thrown dummy into an area of rough cover. The dogs were at a very good vantage point high on a hill, but this meant as soon as the dogs set off they could become disoriented because of the lie of the land. A small stream had to be crossed to get to the area, causing some difficulty for the less experienced 

  

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dogs. The blind was in a very similar area, the thinking behind this being, that having completed the marked, they would be able to do the blind without too much difficulty. 

When you are part of a team of judges, one doing the hunting and one the water, you have no idea how your “best “ dogs perform in the other categories, so I was delighted when my best retrieving dogs also performed well under the other judges. 

The winner Christine Ogles Sh. Ch. Raycris Freya a Large Munsterlander had a near flawless performance dropping only 1 mark on each of her retrieves. 

In second place Geoff Saint’s H.W.V. Hourra Du Domain St Hubert  lost only 3 marks whilst in 3rd place  was Karen Saynor’s young Munsterlander bitch EkkolanderTullibardine  again dropping only 3 marks. 

The tests were very good enabling everyone to have a good attempt. There were some very promising dogs and I hope that all enjoyed the day as much as I did. 

Maureen Nixon 

Puppy test report Watergrove reservoir  

Sunday 20th June 2014, Judge David Hartwell 

First of all, may I thank the NWG of the GSP club for inviting me along to judge the Puppy class of the annual working test, at this wonderful venue.  My thanks also to Sue and the ladies for providing such a superb lunch and for keeping me watered for the course of the day. Could I also say thank you to Geoff Wood and Matt for acting at stewards and accurate dummy chuckers.  The weather for the morning was dry and bright with a North Westerly breeze and good visibility. Unfortunately the afternoon wasn’t quite as forgiving, as the temperature rose and the breeze dropped making scenting conditions more difficult.  There were 3 retrieving tests, hunting, and of course the water test and it was quite obvious that the dogs and handlers could be split into 3 distinct groups.  There were 4 top trainers who were an absolute pleasure to watch, then there were the handlers who you could see had been attending training classes and had obviously paid attention to the advice they had been given and then there were the handlers who were quite knew to the sport.  The top 4 trainers battled it out tooth and nail all day long and they were all consistently good. I was delighted to see however that there was a potential gate‐crasher on the scene as one of the regular class attendees was giving a super show at all the retrieving tests, but unfortunately just needed to improve on the hunting element of her training. But very well done to all 5 who ended up in the awards. Everybody else made a good fist of the competition and I only hope they enjoyed the day, as much as I did.  My advice to them would be to keep attending training class and take what you learn home and then practice, practice, practice. Enjoy your dogs.  David Hartwell 

  

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10 Things Your Dog Would Tell You

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful, remember that before you get me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me. 3. Place your trust in me – it is crucial to my wellbeing. 4. Do not be angry at me for long and do not lock me up as punishment. 5. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I only have you. 6. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your

voice when it is speaking to me. 7. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget. 8. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily hurt you but I chose

note to bite you because I love you. 9. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if

something might be bothering me. 10. Take care of me when I get old, you too will grow old. Go with me on difficult

journeys. Never say: “I cannot bear to watch” or “Let it happen in my absence”. Everything is easier for me if you are there, even my death.

Remember that I love you.

If It Should Be

If it should be I grow frail and week And pain should wake me from my sleep, Then you must do what must be done, 

For this last battle can’t be won.  

You will be sad, I understand, Don’t let your grief then stay your hand, 

For this day more than all the rest, Your love and friendship stand the test. 

 We’ve had so many happy years, What is to come will hold no fears, You’ll not want me to suffer, so, 

When the time comes, please let me go.  

I know in time you too will see, It is a kindness you do for me. 

Although my tail it’s last has waved From pain and suffering I’ve been saved. 

 Do no grieve that is should be you, Who has to decide this thing to do. 

We’ve been so close, we two, these years, Don’t let your heart hold any tears 

 

  

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Stalking with my best friend.

The Last Stalk

It is a long drive to the north coast of Scotland and when you are driving a Land Rover Defender it feels even longer.

My friend and I leave the Landy hidden in a little place we know. It will be a couple of days until we are back. I run a final kit check load the magazine put it in the rifle and throw the rucksack on my back.

It is a beautiful bright morning in January and although cold the weather looks promising, we are blessed with a steady breeze from the north east. My friend and I both know the wind will be all important over the next few days.

Stalking hinds is certainly more challenging than Stags. The latter often appear overpowered with testosterone and seem to act like the wrong kind of lads on a Friday night out in Sheffield. Hinds however stick together. Indeed they work together protecting the herd. Sometimes hundreds of eyes scouring the landscape for that little something that looks out of place. Their noses constantly interrogating the air carefully reading what they can from the wind. Deer have relatively average eyesight but they certainly make up for it with their sense of smell. My friend and I use the wind carefully too, we set off walking in almost the opposite direction to our first objective. The ridge, we need to get up onto the first ridge, from there we know we can see far into the mountains, but if we spook something on the way up this first little ascent then it could all be over. We have been walking fairly briskly and although it is cold the rucksack on my back traps in the heat.

We stop and I drink a little water. My friend does not want any, he rarely does, he is far too occupied with the stalk. We get closer to the first summit and we start to move very slowly now. We both know we could spook something and we need to take our time. We can't see what is over that first ridge, now only 500 metres away from us but my friend knows better than I do. He has a far better sense of hunting than I will ever have. I am now 45 and have been hunting all my life he is much younger than me and has only been hunting for a handful of years but still his senses are far more acute than mine. I have to trust in him now and silently I signal him to take the lead. He moves forward a little way and then stops and lifts his head up high, just like the deer we are stalking he reads the wind. I wonder what he can smell. I take a deep breath through my

nose willing to smell something. What can I smell? Cold damp air maybe a little peat but that is all.

What can my friend smell? I do not know but he is clearly scenting more than me. His whole body language has changed he is now immersed in the ancient hunt. I encourage him to move forward. He leads us carefully to the top of the ridge and we rest again. I take out the draw scope from the side pocket of my rucksack and lay down to glass the lower slopes of the mountains in front of us. Steadying the scope on the rucksack I can see right up into the mountains from here. I look at my friend he is sat next to me as close as he can get but still working the breeze and staring into the mountains. “What do you think chap?” I say to him almost expecting an answer. He looks at me and I see in his eyes that he is happy and excited. We move on a little further to a little rocky outcrop where we sheltered from a snowstorm a few years ago. I know from those rocks

I can see up one of the glens that is hidden from the ridge. We have been going for a few hours now and the straps in my rucksack are starting to bite a little with the weight of the rifle over the top of them.

I look at my friend. He never complains about anything. It does not matter to him how cold or wet the weather is or even where we are. Yes he loves his hunting but I think more than that he loves to be with me.

We carry on up into the mountains, now I lead and he follows right by my side. We pause again by a little rock and I get out the spotting scope again. I twist the focus ring on the spotting scope just a little more and yes, finally there they are. A group of 15 or so hinds grazing peacefully on the hillside. They are alert, always ready to run but we are a long way away and they have no idea we are there. Some are grazing and some are keeping watch, the main benefit of living in a large herd. We watch them for quite a while and I see one that could possibly be taken. She looks much thinner than the others. We don't want to take the really healthy ones they need to breed again. I try to figure out how we can get

  

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in close to them. My friend knows they are there too. He most likely knew they were there long before I found them with the glass.

I think I have figured out a route for us and using the range finder I try to find us a way to get in about 150 metres. It is going to be difficult and I will need the help from my friend for sure. We scramble back down into the burn we crossed a few minutes ago and head away from the deer. They are about 800 metres away and we have to try and get in to 150 metres for a safe shot. We follow the little burn downstream and from here I know there are plenty of little hillocks and rocks between us and the deer, but we have to be very mindful of the wind. The wind is both your friend and your enemy when staking, but I have my secret weapon with me. He can read the wind just as well or maybe even better than the deer can.

We turn and start to head towards the deer now we still have the wind in our favour and it is time for my friend to lead again. We both move off silently and this time with purpose our hearts beating faster. I leave my rucksack out in the open and jab my stick into the ground to help find it on our return. Like many before I have learnt the hard way. Finding ones kit out in the wilderness can be very difficult and many have got into serious difficulty not finding their kit again. After years of Fell Racing and mountain marathons running through the night, I copied the mountain rescue chaps and now most of my kit has a tiny Tritium glow light attached to it and some reflective tape. My head torch is always in my emergency survival kit in my jacket pocket and never in my rucksack.

We have been on the go now for about 4.5 hrs and don't want to blow it in the last few hundred meters. We stop often, my friend carefully reading the wind and me trying to find a route through this maze to the deer. We work well together, a true

partnership. We are close now, so very close. We have crawled for what seems like miles, my hands are so cold from the wet. My friend still not complaining he must be cold too, we both got soaked trying to crawl across the burn an half an hour ago. My goodness he is tough how can he be so stoical.

Even closer now I watch his every move he is like a compass locked on to the deer. I think they are much more to the left but studying him I understand he knows exactly where they are. They are further to the right I have taken us up the wrong route at the last fork. We stop again and I urge him to show me where

they are. He leads me along a tiny passage between the rocks and then suddenly he stops dead still.

I encourage him to steady but needn't have bothered he is rock solid. Like a statue carved from the rocks we are hiding amongst. What makes him do that? Some ancient reaction that man has merely helped to hone. I have seen it hundreds of times but it still amazes and thrills me.

Now the tricky bit, he has worked so hard for this and it is he who has brought us to this point (excuse the pun). I notice a slight tremble in his body. I very quietly reassure him to steady and hold the point. I see his head move ever so slightly in my direction, just a few millimetres but it is enough to assure me he is listening to me.

The difficulty we have here is that my friend is a hunting professional dedicated to this moment all his life. He is a Germany Wirehaired Pointer, one of the Hunt and Retrieve breeds. Unlike many other breeds, HPR's do exactly what it says on the tin. They hunt, point and retrieve.

If this was a grouse things would be simple. I would tell him to get in and he would flush the bird, and if I did my part correctly I would shoot the grouse and he, on my command would retrieve the grouse.

Simple.

This however is not a grouse, it is a group of about 16-18 hinds approximately 300 meters away. “Steady” I say to him again to reassure him. Then to make certain he knows I am talking to him I whisper his name, “Asterix heel boy!”. Nothing. He is still focused on the job. Quietly but a little more firmly this time. “ASTERIX HEEL BOY”

He breaks off his contact with the still grazing deer and makes eye contact with me again. He is back. I find a good spot for him to stay and instruct him to stay. I must do this last crawl alone. I chamber a round into the rifle and apply the safety catch. Slowly and silently I edge forward into position. My heart is pounding and my pulse is racing - not the ideal way to hold a rifle perfectly still. Always in the back of your mind that it has to be a one shot clean kill. No mistakes no rushing, take your time and try to control your breathing. If I can just make it to that tiny little lump in the ground. I peek very carefully over it, every movement has to be so slow and thought-through now. One false move and they will be gone in the blink of an eye.

I adjust the scope to 200m and slide the rifle into position. I scan the group of deer. Where is she? The hind I spotted earlier even from so far away looked skinny. There she is, on the far right of the group. She does not look well at all. I watch her carefully and those closest to her, making sure she has not got last year’s calf with her. No, she is alone. WAIT. What is that?

  

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I zoom in the scope to maximum x18 - too difficult to hold still to shoot at this magnification but useful for absolute detail. I can see something white wrapped around her mouth. I can't make out exactly what it is but it is a perfectly straight line. Nothing in nature has a line so straight, it must be man-made. Poor creature she will certainly starve to death. I doubt she would survive the next snowfall.

I adjust the scope back to x12 and I take careful aim. I pray that I don't mess up. I get my breathing under control and gently take up the minute slack in the trigger. Instantly after the shot all the deer scatter, they move so fast, so effortlessly. All but one, she jumps slightly lurches forward stumbles and disappears from sight. I have reloaded immediately without even thinking about it. I am scanning the area where she was standing. Nothing. I can't see anything at all, she has gone.

I wait for a few seconds and then I whistle. Two short blasts. Pip Pip. It seems I have barely let the whistle drop from my mouth and my friend is already by my side. ”Find it” I say with some urgency and my arm stretched out where I last saw the deer.. He moves off quartering the wind immediately. He covers the ground effortlessly just like the deer. Working the wind quartering this way and that, always working.

How clumsy he must think I am as I clatter and trip along behind him. I have no chance of keeping up. But always mindful of a possible poor shot and a wounded deer getting up in front. It is difficult for him, he has seen nothing for the last 25 min. Before I hid him behind the rocks out of sight he had seen the deer he had tracked so precisely. Now there is nothing but the empty ground they were grazing on. The smell of all those deer must be confusing, intoxicating to that delicate lovely hairy nose. As he searches, I wonder if he doubts me. I am certainly starting to doubt myself. Did I miss? Few seconds pass but seem an age, and then he suddenly spins in mid quarter. He moves forward purposefully I can tell he is certainly on to something. I am ready now too I make sure I have a firm footing and I raise the rifle slightly not ready to fire but ready none the less just in case. I watch him careful and I know he is almost on top of the deer now. He has found it. “Good boy Asterix, good boy”. My friend is pleased with himself and I am pleased with him. He knows it and I think this means more to him than anything.

I gralloch the deer. The light is starting to fade and we don't have long until dark. We will have to leave her here tonight, it is going to be very cold the meat will be fine. We start to backtrack to the rucksack we left behind earlier. There might be a more direct route but there are no tracks or paths in this mountain wilderness so if we are to find the rucksack again it has to be back exactly the way we came. It is dark and well below zero by the time we reach the tiny shepherds hut. What a welcome sight it is too, it has been a long day.

Dog first, kit and weapon second and yourself last. I know the drill. Simple really, you look after the dog, your kit looks after you if you look after it. I reach up and take down Asterix’s vet bed from the washing line that hangs across the hut. It is perfectly dry, I hope my down sleeping bag is also dry. I light the wood burning stove still laid from the last visit matches sticking out from the box for those cold fumbling fingers. I rummage in my rucksack and pull out our food. Complete food for you old boy and pasta surprise for me. I look under the bench that also doubles as my bed - success, 2 cans of beer, half bottle of whisky and a select few cans of food. Right the surprise part of the pasta tonight will be tuna. I open the tin and mix half of the tuna with his food, the other half is for me. I leave my friend in the hut eating and make my way out to the burn that runs some 100m behind the hut. My head torch glinting off the icy rocks. Not a good time to fall in, we are literally miles from anywhere or any help. We are on our own and we love it. I gather enough water for both of us for tonight and a brew in the morning. A thought crosses my mind did I remember the porridge oats and the little bag of powdered milk? When I return he has cleared his bowl. I refill it with water.

The wood stove is blazing away but I know it will still take more than 25 minutes for the kettle to boil. I light a second candle and carefully place it on top of the little candle stub already burning in the jam jar. You can't be too careful with fire living in a dry wooden hut in the middle of nowhere. Plenty of time to check my kit and clean the weapon, oh and maybe now is time for a wee dram. I look at my friend curled up tight in front of the stove, as always he appears to have one eye on me. I love it up here and he clearly loves it up here too. After dinner I clean the pots and we both settle down for bed. We will have another long day tomorrow, we need to walk out and fetch the quad bike so we can extract the deer. The hut is nice and warm now and the light from the fire in the stove is magical. I have put a little extra wood on and damped down the air inlet but it won't last until daylight. In the still dark early hours I awake. It is freezing cold. I quickly scramble out of my bag and put some more wood in the stove, open up the vents and with my spoon from last night’s supper and encourage the still warm orange embers back into life. I climb back into bed and look back at my friend and he looks back at me as only he c