Illinois Retriever Hunt Test Part 2

Illinois Retriever Hunt Test Part 2

The Illinois River Retriever Club held their annual hunt test on May 16 & 17, 2015 at the Banner Marsh Conservation Area.  Some of the best retrieving dogs from around the state, ranging from five months old to over nine years old attended  to show off their skills and ability.  Last week, Capitol Outdoors wrote about the Hunter Retriever Club (HRC) and our feelings about Linc entering his first test hunt test.  You can read, Illinois Retriever Hunt Test Part 1, here.

Illinois Boating Safety Rules and Regulations

Illinois Boating Safety Rules and Regulations

National Safe Boating Week is May 16-22, 2015 and Illinois Boating Safety Rules and Regulations is not something to be taken lightly.

Boating season is here and don't forget there are some new boating laws effective in Illinois.  Make sure to always check rules and regulation before going out.  Earlier this year, we took an online boating class.  It's something we recommend everyone should do.

Illinois Retriever Hunt Test Part 1

Illinois Retriever Hunt Test

This weekend Linc has a hunt test.  Excited, nervous and anxious are just some of the words that come to  mind.   Linc is a year and four months old and has over half dozen waterfowl retrieves under his belt and that's only having him in the field three times.  His obedience is great, drive is indescribable and he just keeps improving each training session.

However, Linc does have one weakness. He may seem scared, but he is still working on his social skills and we are building his confidence. He can handle a gun shot fine, but freaks out when he sees people and runs away.  This is one of my jobs as trainer to make sure that he knows that he is OK and safe. I need to keep him pumped up and make sure he knows that he's a good dog.  Introducing him to people at places like Bass Pro and Scheels helps him adjust.

May is Invasive Species Month

May is Invasive Species Month

While you're taking a few minutes to surf Facebook, Twitter, and who knows what else, remember that May is Invasive Species Month.  For some, you maybe asking, what is an invasive species?

Invasive species are plants, animals, and other organisms that have been introduced outside their natural habitat.   With little to no predators, this allows for high reproductive success which causes problems and destruction in their new environment both physical and economical.  The biggest problem we have is the number of invasive species.