All Purpose Dogs

I spent today on the new TeamQuail Ranch in Fisher County . . . what a beautiful day. Chris Snow (new grad student) and I were setting up a Texas Quail Index line on the property. Of course I carried along 3 other "research associates" (i.e., Betters Li'l Annie, Doc, and Babe). Had a couple of nice points (saw 5 coveys altogether; covey size generally around 12 birds). I was disappointed that we saw no blues today; saw as many as 6 coveys about 6 weeks ago there.

The Betters picked up a new skill today -- they were baptized as "hog dogs." When we ran onto a sounder of wild hogs, I jumped from the pickup with my .30-30 and put two shots into a big sow as she ran off. I guess the dogs figured, what with this being a poor quail year, the Master was switching from feathers to fur. So, they proceed to catch piglets, a total of 5 in all. Annie and Babe both retrieved one to hand. I didn't scold them . . . all will be forgotten when they scent quail.

About 2 hours later, we came across another sounder, a half dozen sows, assorted choats, and probably 15 piglets the size of cottontails. I dropped 2 of the bigger sows, and watched as 2 more limped off hit. Annie made another retrieve.

The coyotes will eat well tonight. Cantad amigos!