Season's over for this year.

Well, the season is over for this year.  But that's alright. . . Lucy got a good start.  She was sounding off and tracking in some pretty dry conditions.  I'm still going to let her run during the Spring.  Hopefully, she will stay in scenting condition and be ready for next year!

Lucy Sounds-Off for the first time!

Today Lucy sounded off for the first time!  I think she is going to be a chop mouth if today is any indication of how she will do.  She still isn't "there" yet, but I am happy with her progress so far.  I hope that she will just improve with time.  Conditions were pretty dry and she is still only 9 and a 1/2  months old.  At any rate, she trailed a scent and sounded!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GtP8e4OHCM

Practice trip with Papa Tim!

Here is a practice trip with Papa Tim.  We jumped two rabbits.  Lucy didn't see them, and she trailed the scent a little way and then gave up.   Things are still reallly dry at this point.  Moisture would help her a lot.  Still, she hunted hard and she is making progress. . . good girl Lucy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjEqJzUc9TY

Lucy's new boots for Christmas!

We have a lot of stickers on the lease we hunt.  Our nine month old beagle can't go very far without getting stickers/goatheads in her toes.  We bought her a pair of boots for her first Christmas.

Here's the link to youtube that shows her the first time she had them on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub7ObA7LteA

Just click on the link above and it should take you to the video.

I can't wait to take her hunting in them for the first time!

Nine Month old's first rabbit

Here is a picture of my two beagles. The one on my left is 12 years old and has had to be retired because of back problems; although she did go on this hunt today (don't tell the vet).  The nine month old is in my arms.  The older beagle smelled the rabbit, but had to "check" a lot. The puppy has good instinct - she busts the brush and smells a lot.  However, it was dry and neither dog really smelled well.  My dad shot the rabbit after we busted it the second time.  The dogs never really got on scent.  I think the puppy will get it; it will just take time.