Pup's First Hunt

Paul Taylor

Active member
Lost my 14 year old yellow lab "Jake" in April and my brokenhearted 23 year old son picked up a new pup 2 weeks afterwards. I questioned his hasty decision to get a pup so soon.

I only had 3 months to train him and this past week was the big reveal to see how this little fella would do over 60 decoys and 3 guns. He has a soft mouth, a hard head, an incredible drive to retrieve and is steady in a pirogue. We hunt the South Louisiana Gulf marsh which is not for the faint of heart. He endured high winds, cold rain and harsh conditions for his first hunt which wasn't what I wanted..... at 8 1/2 months the little pup really shined! "Cooper", named after the Cooper River down here in SC, aka "Coop", has a lot to learn but I have no doubt he's going to be a good duck and upland bird dog! I'm anxious to get him back on the water this week over the holiday!



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Mr. Taylor, those pictures are fantastic and your new pup, Cooper, looks like just what the "doctor" prescribed to help all in the family! Continued success with him. Have you taken the time yet when you are one of the 3 guys in the blind, to leave you gun in the case and just work with him? I know some guys that do that and you will not regret it. Really it is good for both of you. Just a thought. The season is still in its infancy. Just so you know with all the reps he should be getting this year, I'm betting that he will WoW you by the time the season is over. Keep on documenting his success with your camera.

Good luck and be careful.
Al
 
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