Bird launcher

[10Key]

Anybody have a local source for or a bead on a used bird launcher? I have found a ton on-line varying in price from $50 to $500. I am just not sure what to look for. It would be nice to fondle one before buying. I don't need or want a fancy remote launcher, a corded launcher would be just fine.

[thinkingman]

I know Happy Gilmore has a fair amount of experience with those things...He should be along shortly...

[oldhunter]

Great question, I will be interested in the answer. I should be in the market over the next few months

[wildweeds]

Whatcha planning on using it for? I got a couple of em and I honestly really only use them to teach backing.I've got a super fool proof way to plant pigeons that act almost like wild birds,they get up and go when pushed and never have any battery issues,mechanism failures,operator errors.

[10Key]

My pup is having an issue pointing, he gets excited and flushes. I want to be able to recreate the bird experience as much as possible. I think the more exposure to birds without him being able to catch them, the better.

[skagit]

I too am dealing with a young "pointer" that likes to flush more then point.  Finding a source of pigeons this last year has nearly been impossible.  I am considering building a backyard pigeon coup and raising some homers.

[RC3]

Dogtra launchers are the best in my opinion but they are also expensive.

Best thing is to just hunt wild birds and your pup will learn:)

[Happy Gilmore]

Anybody have a local source for or a bead on a used bird launcher? I have found a ton on-line varying in price from $50 to $500. I am just not sure what to look for. It would be nice to fondle one before buying. I don't need or want a fancy remote launcher, a corded launcher would be just fine.

Make one? I've heard of guys using everything from rabbit pens to coffee cans. If you're ok with string release just dream up something cheap and easy. Dog doesn't know the difference.

can't remember the pointer website but, their classifieds would be the place to look.

[Stilly bay]

I  got the lion country supply model for $200 and couldn't be happier with its performance. it doesn't look like the most durable out there but mine has taken a beating. the trouble with bird launchers is one is never enough.

[10Key]

I think RC3 is right...Went out today and I can see a huge difference in his demeanor when he on a scent, trying to get him out as much as possible!

[wildweeds]

 There is in my opinion no manmade substitute  that even comes close to the knowledge gained where the rubber meets the road...............................on wild birds,penraised westside stock doesn't apply here either.I had the priviledge and honor of meeting an older fella whose passed away, he was a very well known trainer/field trialer of GSPs and weimeraners in the 60's-70's and moved on to Pointers and Setters,His name was Tommy Schwertfeger he was quite a character, He told me "Kid there's a game that's been going on since the beginning,long even before I was in shortpants and that game is "Point em or knock em,they figure it out soon enough that chasing don't get the birds in their mouth all they need is birds in the area and time on the ground". That old buggar really knew his stuff,I learned some really cool tricks from him on keeping style in a dog and how to give one that don't have much some more.A half dozen encounters with him and I can say I wish it would have been a whole lot more.

I think RC3 is right...Went out today and I can see a huge difference in his demeanor when he on a scent, trying to get him out as much as possible!

[Stilly bay]

There is in my opinion no manmade substitute  that even comes close to the knowledge gained where the rubber meets the road....................

I beg to differ. while wild birds are great, they are out of your control. a bird in a launcher is one hundred percent in your control. it flushes only when you want it to. its great to watch pup chase wild birds all day and sometimes never learn something because your waiting for just the right situation... which never happens.

you can make a sickly homing pigeon flush wilder than any grouse that ever lived with a launcher.

I think the technology and the price of launchers is what intimidates/threatens a lot of people into thinking they don't need one. 

[wildweeds]

We can agree to disagree on this subject,Great birddogs of yesteryear that spawned the genes of our modern times were trained,developed and acheived greatness with nothing more than a leather leash,pinch collar,checkcord and WILD birds on the praries or other places inhabited by great numbers of wild quarry with a skilled trainer at the helm.I learned from one of these fellers from yesteryear who learned from a feller 50 years his senior how to "plant" a vivacious pigeon that would "ACT" like a "Wild" bird and allow zero *censored* from a dog be it a rookie or a veteran.I've got 2 launchers and use them for "Backing/honoring" and that only.Get the dog into a prarie full of birds at 8-12 months old,shoot only the pointed birds and the mold is cast.If it takes all the newest gizmos to get desired results and a bunch of training the homework in the  prospect selection process is where the breakdown occured IMO.

There is in my opinion no manmade substitute  that even comes close to the knowledge gained where the rubber meets the road....................

I beg to differ. while wild birds are great, they are out of your control. a bird in a launcher is one hundred percent in your control. it flushes only when you want it to. its great to watch pup chase wild birds all day and sometimes never learn something because your waiting for just the right situation... which never happens.

you can make a sickly homing pigeon flush wilder than any grouse that ever lived with a launcher.

I think the technology and the price of launchers is what intimidates/threatens a lot of people into thinking they don't need one.