It's Almost Here!!!

by Darik, Owner and Guide

The long-awaited SD pheasant season starts soon. All of us at Ringneck Retreat are looking forward to seeing our old friends and are anxious to meet all of our new hunters. The pheasant counts are most definitely up and the hunting looks fabulous.

We have had more rain this year than we have had for the past several years. Water is standing in places in most of the fields. I suggest that everyone that will be here for a hunt before the freeze bring good waterproof boots or a good boot dryer. But getting wet feet now and then is hardly noticed when the hunt is good, right? The standing water is also a huge help to the dogs—offering them an opportunity to get a quick drink and freshen their scenting ability in the field. We all know how much better the hunting is when the dogs are on top of their game. And when those puddles freeze up, it will make for some excellent late season hunting.

Hang on—don’t grab your gun yet! While the hunting is exciting and the pace sometimes a bit fast, take a little time to respect the beautiful birds and give care and credit to our four-legged hunting companions. One little tip is to have a light treat such as a can of sardines for your hunting dog at lunchtime. The little fish are high in protein and help keep the dogs’ energy up. Besides, it is only fair that they should get to have a little lunch after all that hard work. If it is hot out, make sure you don’t let your dog get dehydrated (see Training Tips by Bruce).

Once again I would like to say that the waterfowl hunting will be out of this world because of the rain we received this summer. If anyone was fortunate enough to get a waterfowl license, give us a call and let us help you to have a very memorable hunt. I wish you all a safe hunting season. Keep your barrel out of the mud.

A Day at the Lodge

by Roxann, Lodge Coordinator

During pheasant hunting season, we will host old friends and new at Ringneck’s beautifully appointed lodge.  We custom tailor our hunts to each individual client. Because we hunt only wild birds, the type of hunt will vary depending on the weather conditions. But no matter what is going on in the field, when you wake up in our lodge, you will be greeted with the smell of fresh brewed coffee and a hearty breakfast. Sharon, our head cook, starts cooking breakfast early in the morning—so no matter what kind of hunting you will be doing—you will be ready to hunt all day. Our hunters look forward to Darik and the guides arriving to join them for breakfast before the hunt. After breakfast everyone moves out to the front porch to get the dogs ready and head out to the fields. Once out there, an electricity moves through the hunters as they see the multitude of pheasants and wildlife in each field (this year there are a lot of birds).

“Wow, what a hunt!” “Did you see all of those birds?” “I have never seen that many pheasants.” Quotes like these are what we hear from some of our hunters as they walk though our doors after a hunt. We welcome hunters back into a warm lodge with hors d'ouvres and a variety of beverages. While everyone cleans up and gets ready for supper there is time to take pictures of the days harvest and of the group. The fire pit off the back deck gives hunters an opportunity to relax and catch up on the day’s news and sports scores. Under the direction of Sharon, a scrumptous meal is served, often including birds from hunts at Ringneck. So far, the only complaint we’ve had about the food is that seconds didn’t go far enough. After dinner everyone enjoys the cozy lodge, the good company, and swapping stories with the guides. To put the perfect ending on a great day, a comfortable bed with soft pillows awaits each hunter where they can enjoy the quiet tranquility of sleeping under the South Dakota sky.

Dog Tails

by Tank

Darik has added another member to the elite bird dog team. He is just a pup and won’t be a huge help this fall but I bet the little guy gets to tag along a lot. He is a male Black Lab and comes from parents that have been and still are at the top of the rankings in the BDC (think Tournament Hunters). He still needs a name but Victor says Rookie works just fine for now. (That comes as no surprise seeing how Victor still calls most of the rest of us Rookie yet.)

As for the tournament on Labor Day weekend, we had a lot of fun and it was a learning experience for all of us. Darik was not able do the shooting that day so Dean stepped up and filled in for him. Over all it went quite well even though we were all a little rusty. After everyone got that first run out of the way things were considerably better. There were not enough competitors to fill each event but it was great practice. We will be giving it another try the end of September in Colorado. Then it is off to the World Championships for Darik and myself where, if all goes well and Darik makes all of his shoots, we should have a pretty good chance. It will be a huge accomplishment if we make it to the final ten. If we do then you will be able to see us on TV.

So many things going on and so much excitement! I am still looking forward to the pheasant season most of all. All of us dogs are looking forward to finding, pointing, or flushing (for those silly labs) bunches of birds for our hunters this season. Oh yeah, and we will retrieve them too. Woof! Woof!

Youth Hunt

On the first weekend of October, Ringneck Retreat will host a Youth Hunt. Last year we were privileged to take a young man, Colton, on his first hunt. This year we will present him with his trophy—his first mounted pheasant—and wish him well for future hunting. Last year was really special for the guides and we know that this year’s hunt will be just as spectacular. For many of these kids, this will be their only opportunity to hunt such rich fields and with such high-caliber dogs. The dogs love it. We love it. The kids love it.

Welcome to the October issue of From the Lodge.

In this Issue

	It's Almost Here!!!
	A Day at the Lodge
	Dog Tails
	Youth Hunt

In Other News

October Tidbits by Dean, Expert Guide

October is here and with less than three weeks before the pheasant opener, the count down has begun. I feel like a kid on Christmas Day—just waiting for the okay from my parents to open my presents. With the nights getting a little cooler, CJ can tell the time is getting closer, too. I'm having a hard time keeping her from jumping in the pickup every day.

Kudos to those who have had a chance to get out and enjoy the dove, partridge, grouse, and early goose season. It felt good to get the first bruise on the old shoulder, didn’t it? To all of you that haven't been able to get out yet, hang in there and keep working on that Honey Do list. If you work hard on that list now, maybe you'll get to hunt more later!

Can't wait to see some of the old and hopefully some new faces in the next few weeks at the lodge.

Any time the temperature is over 60 degrees, dehydration can be a problem. It doesn’t matter if you have a longhair or wirehair. Dehydration can most definitely be a problem, especially if the weather is warm. To keep your dog safe, follow these simple rules:
1. Make sure he gets plenty of water.
2. If there is a water hole or creek near, take your dog to the water—do not let him near stagnant water as that has bacteria that can kill your dog.
3. Tuck a bottle of Gatorade (or similar sports drink) in your hunting vest. When your dog is hot, squeeze it into your dog’s mouth. This can help tremendously.
4. Rest your dog at certain intervals. Take your time. Don’t hurry.
5. Take a couple of gallons of water with you for the opening weekend to pour on your dog as he will need to be cooled down.
6. Do not hunt all day long when it is hot. Respect the dog. He will get tired.
7. Use common sense. Love your dog, cause your dog loves you.

Pass it on

Know anyone who might be interested in our newsletter? Click here to forward this email to up to 5 friends at once.