Retrieving a
retired island bird in front of a flyer can be a tough challenge and this test
is no exception. With nine dogs having run we have seen 5 handles on this bird
alone, 3 pick ups, and only one clean job.
Dogs sent for
this bird and missing the need to check down for the island can end up
perilously close to the flyer guns and need a handle, or else work their way to
the long retired bird and then need a handle on the short bird. The dogs that
commit to hunt the area of the retired guns can show us that – where island
birds are concerned – the saying "Find the bird boy find the bird"
does not necessarily apply. The many pieces of water and tall cover that dot
this test area make handling to the island bird far from easy.
