Relocating?

[JJK]

When hunting ruffs or wild pheasants, do you prefer a dog to relocate on their own?

Maybe relocating isn't the right word, I'm not sure. Anyway, when hunting my pup will point but if the bird runs he will start searching without me releasing him. He usually waits for me to get close, looks at me, then off he goes. I don't know how I feel about this or what works for providing decent shots at these birds.

[setterguy]

Personal preference. When hunting pheasants, I think it is helpful, just because of cover. In the woods I prefer my dogs hold until released because there may be more than one bird in an area.

[kentuck_ike]

Setterguy times 2

[rundrave]

the nose knows!

just remember that and trust your dog and you will be fine. I 2nd guessed one of my dogs on point. Flushed the bird with my foot and the dog stayed there even after I commaned "No Bird" he remained locked up. I proceeded on thinking he was just after old scent and to my dismay a bird was still there all along.

the nose knows lol

[gspman]

For pheasants I think you'd be better off with a dog that self relocates. You will walk up on a lot of unproductive points otherwise. You need to be vigilant that the dog doesn't turn into a relocator/flusher. Some dogs will do what appears to be relocating with the intent that the bird will flush. Other dogs will wait until you get even with them and then blast in for the flush. Both are bad faults IMHO.

For grouse I say the dog needs to stay put. Grouse don't put up with much dog monkey business (like relocating) so once the dog is pointed I think it should stay put until released.

[JJK]

Guess I need to figure out what I prefer or primarily what I'll hunt. I'm closer to decent grouse area and will hunt them the most. So I'll have to learn how to train a grouse dog.

Currently he relocates on his own,it was O.K. for pheasants and he pinned a few. But yeah, the ruffs didn't play nice.

Thanks