The Trials and Tribulations of Chukar (a Brittany)

[AspenBud]

You might let the breeder know this happened. It may not be anything genetic in the line, but info is always helpful.

[10Key]

Good call Aspen, going to email now

[10Key]

10/10/2015: Headed out to some quail grounds Saturday for Chukar's first hunt with a single-eye. We weren't in the least bit hesitant to take him out, but I did consider the location before we finalized a plan. I figured it was best to choose a spot that was relatively flat, with limited snags and underbrush. One spot on particular came to mind and it worked out great.

We arrived at the spot ~7:30 and started hunting into the sunrise, boy, it was gorgeous that morning! It was nice to see Chukar not miss a beat, as we hadn't been in the field but once or twice since we closed out last year on the last days of the season. We've been walking in the evenings as the kids have allowed It would have been nice to have a bit more wind, it was dead calm and the mosquitoes were thick! This was my first experience being attached by those little buggers on a bird hunt. At any rate, we worked the Russian Olive trees on the north bank of a lake and I saw Chukar get birdy about 75 yards in front of me. Before I could get into position, the birds flushed. This happened two more times. In total, we saw 25-30 birds in the same spot we located them the year previous. I popped off two hail-marys to no avail. When quail are in the thick stuff, we have always had trouble connecting. The lack of wind seemed to make it even tougher as Chukar would pick up their scent when were tight on top og them. We turned and hunted back towards the rig and we flushed a huge hen, that was fun.

At any rate, looks like Chukar will do just fine, we may have to try some hun/chukar ground in a couple of weeks.

[10Key]

It was an amazing run my friend, we will see you on the other side.

[10Key]

One of my favorite hunting shots

[full choke]

Sorry for your loss 10key.
Thank you for sharing your story.

[huntnfmly]

So sorry for your loss it’s never easy

[follow maggie]

Sorry to see this. He was a good friend for you.

[mburrows]

So sorry for your loss. We sure don’t deserve such great companions. Really neat thread that you’ll be able to remember Chukar through.

[Skyvalhunter]

Sorry to hear about your loss, parting is sweet sorrow. I had to put my 15 yr old Brittany down last weekend. A piece of my heart went with him. I was able to do lots of hikes, hunts and other adventures with him. A total loyal dog, a trait often lacking in humans. Will be looking for another to keep my French Brittany company. RIP Chukar

[RobinHoodlum]

I just read this whole thread. You gave Chukar a good life 10key and he returned the favor from what I can gather. If it fits into your current life situation, you'd do him further justice by getting another and applying lessons learned to your next hunting partnership.

[jetjockey]

Breaks my heart.  They never live long enough. Loved the posts.

[bracer40]

It’s a sad thing. Mine goes down this week. 😢

[10Key]

Thank you for all the king words...I didn't really have much to say until now.

It has almost been a year and we are ready for Brittany round #2. We have a bead on some pups that should be ready in July. I will update once we know for sure.

[UplandSetter]

Please keep us posted!! Looking forward to hearing about the (potentially) new pups. We're truly blessed to have these companions...