It was the last couple days of the October 2019 season. Patch got a chance with an older male and young female dog. The young one was 8 months old so hopefully the youngster could learn from her older ones. It was a calm and crisp morning leaving the dogs out of the trucks about 0845. There were a small drove of birds that were hanging around an old homesite in this one area. We parked about 500 yards from the home site and would work our way along this ridge to and around the area. We had walked about 200 yards and Patch and the male dog took off towards the home site. About 275 yards from us the 2 dogs lite up the dead silence of the morning. We seen 3 birds flying that appeared to be hens. The dogs continued to chase and break birds. The young pup was hanging around us when the other 2 took off. But when they started barking the youngster took off towards them. Once the dogs came back we walked up to the break site and put the young dogs nose in all the fresh scratching. She barked a couple times as we encouraged her. Since we do not want her to bark on scent but sight of birds we stopped when she barked. So at that point I took Patch back to the truck. Dan stayed with his male dog and the pup.
I got Patch back to the truck and sat there with her and started in on a nice Padron 2000 Madura cigar. Only 1/2 hour into it I heard the shot. What a great way to relax enjoy a hunt with a great cigar and your best friend laying next to you on a beautiful morning.
After building a cloth blind and covering the dogs, birds started calling. Of course the older dog slept while the youngster was anxious but manageable. After the shot both dogs got to the bird and the making of a new turkey dog was in motion.

Earl

What a great stories about the beginnings of your fine dog Patches. And of sharing with good friends. And also for sharing tthe stories with us

Working dogs, always great, working a new pup, even better. Sounds like you all had a great fall season. Patches definitely had a good year. Congrats.
V