On Saturday 24th April, we started our water training, which was disrupted by a protestor! With an accusation that we were breaking the law training our gundogs in close proximity of a wild bird nest.?
I informed the protester that I did not consider we were disturbing the goose, furthermore Canada Geese are considered vermin under a general license for 12 months of the year. This meant I was quite within my rights to shoot the geese, destroy the eggs to prevent crop damage within the terms of the general license, it's worth mentioning also that you do not need to carry a copy of the general license and do not need to prove crop damage.
The complainant tried to no avail to disrupt our training session, which was inconvenient but provided a useful distraction for the gundogs who all behaved very well.
After a short while the protester decided she was wasting her time and disappeared, only to reappear 1 hour later quoting the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 section 1 and she had reported the offence to the police taken our registration numbers.
We just ignored the women and carried on with our training.
On Wednesday 28th April, I received a phone call from Leicestershire Constabulary advising me that a complaint had been received that I and others had been seen disturbing a wild bird on its nest, whilst training our gundogs. I explained to the police officer that Canada Geese are covered by Natural England's General License, and they can be shot at any time of the year, furthermore they are not listed as a protected wild bird, and the eggs could be destroyed under the terms of the general license.
Much to my surprise this police officer who is responsible for wildlife offences was not aware of this fact, although he did appreciate that Canada Geese can be a nuisance and obviously had a duty to investigate the complaint.
Like all good police officers, he did seek to keep the peace and asked me if I would consider not training in the particular lake, whilst the goose was sitting on the nest. I informed him I was not in business of appeasement, especially from an ignorant member of the public. Who did not understand the law, and only wanted to prevent us from training our gundogs because she was anti hunting.
I had no intentions of disturbing the nest and my comments about shooting the pest, although perfectly legal under the terms of the general license, I had no such intention.
I asked the officer to seek advice on the matter from BASC or Natural England, as I did not believe any law had been broken. Within 30 minutes, I received a phone call from the police officer, confirming, what I had said to the protestor was correct.
It is interesting how the police use their resources! it has taken 4 days from receiving the complaint, to investigate the registration number, obtained a name, check the name against their firearm/shotgun records and make further enquiries. If an accurate written statement had been obtained from the complainant, surely a knowledgble officer should have been able to deal with this without investigation ! It this what Mr Cameron WASTE argument is all about?
For the record!
Disturbing any bird included in Schedule 1
Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended by schedule 12 of the Countryside and Rights of way Act 2000 concerns the protection of wild birds, their nests and eggs. Subsection 1(5) creates the offences of disturbing any wild birds or their young while they are building their nests or while they are near the nest and it contains young or eggs.
1(5) if any person INTENTIONALLY or RECKLESSLY
a. Disturbs any wild bird included in schedule 1 while it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; or
b. Disturbs dependent young of such a bird,
That person shall be guilty of an offence.
For the purpose of this offence 'Any wild bird' means any bird included in Schedule 1.
Canada Geese are not mentioned on Schedule 1 of the above act.
For those interested in reading more about Canada Geese and the requirements under the Natural England's General License a link can be found by following
http://workinggundogs.co.uk/default.aspx
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Thursday, 22 April 2010
I just got caught Email Scam from DHL VIRUS
I have always been very vigilant with opening attachments and have the latest firewall and antivirus software loaded, but today I got caught WHY....
Firstly I am now very busy, I have been waiting for a delivery!
I received an email which appeared to originate from DHL stating problems with a delivery address, which is quite common for my address.
It reads:
Dear customer!
Unfortunately we were not able to deliver your postal package you have sent on the 2nd of February in time because the addressee's address is not correct.
Please print out the invoice copy attached and collect the package at our office.
DHL Express Services.
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 9.0.814 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2827 - Release Date: 04/21/10 19:31:00
The attached Invoice DHL_Invoice_Copy_7327.zip
Is a virus, fortunately not a very dangerous one its called XP Antimalware which is Trojan variant, The virus basically shuts down your system deactivates your virus software and tries to convince you your windows software has detected a virus, and recommends you buy a removal tool to get rid of several virus's its found!
After several hours of research, I did manage to get in removed without too much difficulty and no expense, except for the time taken!
If you receive this type of email BEWARE.
If you open it, its too late...but this advice works
http://www.myantispyware.com/2010/03/17/how-to-remove-xp-antimalware-2010/
Firstly I am now very busy, I have been waiting for a delivery!
I received an email which appeared to originate from DHL stating problems with a delivery address, which is quite common for my address.
It reads:
Dear customer!
Unfortunately we were not able to deliver your postal package you have sent on the 2nd of February in time because the addressee's address is not correct.
Please print out the invoice copy attached and collect the package at our office.
DHL Express Services.
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 9.0.814 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2827 - Release Date: 04/21/10 19:31:00
The attached Invoice DHL_Invoice_Copy_7327.zip
Is a virus, fortunately not a very dangerous one its called XP Antimalware which is Trojan variant, The virus basically shuts down your system deactivates your virus software and tries to convince you your windows software has detected a virus, and recommends you buy a removal tool to get rid of several virus's its found!
After several hours of research, I did manage to get in removed without too much difficulty and no expense, except for the time taken!
If you receive this type of email BEWARE.
If you open it, its too late...but this advice works
http://www.myantispyware.com/2010/03/17/how-to-remove-xp-antimalware-2010/
Monday, 19 April 2010
Dukeries Gundog Club Novice Working Test 18th April 2010
Dukeries (Notts) Gundog Club Novice/Vetran AV Retriever Working Test
This event was held by kind permission of Mrs. ME Stanford at West View Farm Besthorpe, Judges on day were Ms G Stewart, Mrs J Allsop, Mr F Newton and the Chief Steward was Mr. GR Jones.
23 Gundogs Listed on the running card including 2 vetrans, there were 2 non runners. I intended running Ballagan Handa (Tilly) but she came into season. Running card can be found at http://workinggundogs.co.uk under Dukeries club events.
As always when I visit a Dukeries Gundog Event, I expect a high standard of test and this event did not disappoint, although at lunchtime when only 3 gundogs had completed the tests, the organisers could be forgiven for being a little nervous that 21 had failed to meet the test standard !
I was one of the unfortunate 19, having failed on my first retrieve of the day, not exactly the best start, but the day did at least get better for me....
After the usual introductions, the competitors were split into 3 groups.
I was handling a Golden Retriever Number 13 Penmead House Tamar "Tamar" for Mrs. G Clarke and was asked to start on Test 2, we were asked to pick a short blind with shot in a maze crop after seeing a marked distraction with shot at an acute angle through the maze and over a deep 8' ditch. The mark was to be picked after the blind.
If your dog pulled to the mark you could not see your gundog after it entered the maze, which caused several handlers problems, only one gundog in my group succeeded. Tamar pulled towards the mark several times and after recalling eventually lost confidence so, I withdrew the dog resulting in no points 0/20.
Test 3 was a long double mark walk up with 2 gundogs in white grass, the gundog on the right was required to pick the first mark on the right, the other gundog had to honor that retrieve and then pick the 2nd mark on the left, which was out of the cover and over a 8' deep ditch. Tamar started to run the ditch line and went over on the 3rd command and picked the required retrieve, then both gundogs then change places for a repeat of the marks, Tamar picked her mark on the right very efficiently with an overall score of 16/20. At least 10 other gundogs failed this test, most failing to negotiate the ditch or ran in !
Test 1 was a double mark over a deep ditch the first mark landing the far side of a maze crop at an acute angle from the second mark which could be retrieved over a bridge on the corner of the maze crop. Tamar made an excellent retrieve on both marks, just needing one stop whistle on the second mark. Score 19/20. A number of gundogs failed this test, having pulled towards the second mark whilst in the maze?
After 3 tests, the judges stopped for lunch, and the chief steward decided to make a cut. All those gundogs with 2 failures were dropped leaving just 9 gundogs from the 22 running on the card.
The 9 remaining gundogs were split into 3 groups of 3, for the 3 remaining tests.
Test 6 required a short marked to be picked after a marked water distraction; Tamar scored 10/10 on the mark and 7/10 on the water having to be encouraged to enter the water.
Test 5 was a long single mark at the edge of a field with high trees in the background, Tamar scored 19/20.
Test 4 was a long blind down a track next to cover, Tamar overshot the mark having winded the dummy bag, but did recall on the whistle and picked on return. Score 19/20
Overall finished the day on a high, and the training issues are at least consistent, more work required on distractions and higher confidence still required on water.
I enjoyed the day, the winner would certainly be a worthy Open Gundog.
Results
1st Place Emmanygan Razor LAB/DOG 020408 AJ02089303 Sire Tascomonk of Mansgreen Dam Emmanygan Gypsy Owned & handled by Mr G Laughton
2nd Jodies Star LAB/BITCH 160508 AJ02634103 Sire Maplebrash Magic Dam Brodys Star Owned & handled by Mr P Holmes
3rd Natalia Eve LAB/BITCH 280607 AH02872208 Sire Drakeshead Indiana Dam Leawyn Latoria Owned & handled by Mr. J Burton
This event was held by kind permission of Mrs. ME Stanford at West View Farm Besthorpe, Judges on day were Ms G Stewart, Mrs J Allsop, Mr F Newton and the Chief Steward was Mr. GR Jones.
23 Gundogs Listed on the running card including 2 vetrans, there were 2 non runners. I intended running Ballagan Handa (Tilly) but she came into season. Running card can be found at http://workinggundogs.co.uk under Dukeries club events.
As always when I visit a Dukeries Gundog Event, I expect a high standard of test and this event did not disappoint, although at lunchtime when only 3 gundogs had completed the tests, the organisers could be forgiven for being a little nervous that 21 had failed to meet the test standard !
I was one of the unfortunate 19, having failed on my first retrieve of the day, not exactly the best start, but the day did at least get better for me....
After the usual introductions, the competitors were split into 3 groups.
I was handling a Golden Retriever Number 13 Penmead House Tamar "Tamar" for Mrs. G Clarke and was asked to start on Test 2, we were asked to pick a short blind with shot in a maze crop after seeing a marked distraction with shot at an acute angle through the maze and over a deep 8' ditch. The mark was to be picked after the blind.
If your dog pulled to the mark you could not see your gundog after it entered the maze, which caused several handlers problems, only one gundog in my group succeeded. Tamar pulled towards the mark several times and after recalling eventually lost confidence so, I withdrew the dog resulting in no points 0/20.
Test 3 was a long double mark walk up with 2 gundogs in white grass, the gundog on the right was required to pick the first mark on the right, the other gundog had to honor that retrieve and then pick the 2nd mark on the left, which was out of the cover and over a 8' deep ditch. Tamar started to run the ditch line and went over on the 3rd command and picked the required retrieve, then both gundogs then change places for a repeat of the marks, Tamar picked her mark on the right very efficiently with an overall score of 16/20. At least 10 other gundogs failed this test, most failing to negotiate the ditch or ran in !
Test 1 was a double mark over a deep ditch the first mark landing the far side of a maze crop at an acute angle from the second mark which could be retrieved over a bridge on the corner of the maze crop. Tamar made an excellent retrieve on both marks, just needing one stop whistle on the second mark. Score 19/20. A number of gundogs failed this test, having pulled towards the second mark whilst in the maze?
After 3 tests, the judges stopped for lunch, and the chief steward decided to make a cut. All those gundogs with 2 failures were dropped leaving just 9 gundogs from the 22 running on the card.
The 9 remaining gundogs were split into 3 groups of 3, for the 3 remaining tests.
Test 6 required a short marked to be picked after a marked water distraction; Tamar scored 10/10 on the mark and 7/10 on the water having to be encouraged to enter the water.
Test 5 was a long single mark at the edge of a field with high trees in the background, Tamar scored 19/20.
Test 4 was a long blind down a track next to cover, Tamar overshot the mark having winded the dummy bag, but did recall on the whistle and picked on return. Score 19/20
Overall finished the day on a high, and the training issues are at least consistent, more work required on distractions and higher confidence still required on water.
I enjoyed the day, the winner would certainly be a worthy Open Gundog.
Results
1st Place Emmanygan Razor LAB/DOG 020408 AJ02089303 Sire Tascomonk of Mansgreen Dam Emmanygan Gypsy Owned & handled by Mr G Laughton
2nd Jodies Star LAB/BITCH 160508 AJ02634103 Sire Maplebrash Magic Dam Brodys Star Owned & handled by Mr P Holmes
3rd Natalia Eve LAB/BITCH 280607 AH02872208 Sire Drakeshead Indiana Dam Leawyn Latoria Owned & handled by Mr. J Burton
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Kelmarsh Gundog Events, Very popular!
Kelmarsh Country Fair proved to be a popular event over the bank holiday weekend, the weather was overcast, hail storms on the Sunday made the ground soft under foot and the rain stayed away on the Monday, some traders appeared disapointed with the sales, their were lots of people not willing to spend a great deal, I managed to get a large discount on everything purchased, which was quickly spent by the children and friends, the food halls were great a place for a sandwich, the bison and wild boar was really nice.
After a browse, I decided to have a go, on the gundog events something I have been telling students to avoid for years "never race your gundog against the clock and never send it past game to pick game", but the lure of a brand new car was too much to avoid for many hundreds of gundog enthusiast and me!
The organisers of the gundog events had created a competition between the traditional scurry events and a proper working gundog event. Despite my own poor performance, I felt the working gundog event could have been more challenging without it being against the clock!
Both me and my friend entered our dogs in both events and decided to try and pick two dummies on an event called "Partridge Pens" 2 dummies were thrown into 2 separate pens surrounded by brashings of laylandii. My friend Bill went first and much to his surprise Monty refused to enter the pen! The retrieve appeared to very simple! thats the first mistake of the day! Bill eventually walked the dog out and asked it to jump the fence, which, the penny eventually dropped?
I also had the same problem with Poppy, I eventually got her in the pen, but not before picking a dummy lying on the ground near the thrower which disqualified me! To be fair I was in shock that such a simple retrieve had caught me out! I think this is something to be played out in the training field " I had never asked my dog to jump into a box on a grass field?
Well after a disastrous start, we decided to go onto the working gundog event, I had been warned that a fellow competitors field trial champion had failed this event the day before?
This test required your gundog to pick a blind after seeing a distraction thrown into a pen, the blind was an acute angle past the mark and there was a hidden bunker of a dip which you could lose your dog!
Well let's just say, all my gundogs weakness were exposed in this one event, and I failed miserably, she did not listen to the stop whistle, she was head strong, she did not follow commands on directions, she pulled to cover on open ground and this was after winning a novice event 10 days earlier!
It just goes to show the training is never complete and you never rest on your laurels in the gundog world if you want to work your gundog.
Not wishing to walk away a total failure, I did eventually get the dog to the area to pick the blind.
Having bought 2 tickets for this event, I had a second attempt, well lets say I should not have bothered, its definitetly back to the drawing board before her next working test.
Like most gundog enthusiasts we always carry on in the hope something will get better, and it did on the long mark retrieve Poppy managed it in 15 seconds, which was brilliant! Albeit not good enough to win but a very respectable time, I think the winner was around 13 seconds. I think my time would have only improved if I was lucky enough to have had a strong head wind, as some retrieves were a lot shorter than others.
I then went and had go on the up and over, which was a series of straw bails, I think 5 in all with 2 simultaneous marks at the end of a closed corridor, well this just spooked Poppy out, she actually froze in a closed space, drop the first dummy and ran back. I think the occasion of the day had just been too much for such a young dog, I eventually walked forward and encourage her to jump the bails, her confidence recovered very quickly.
Finally we arrived at the Pot Black event, this is where you pick a mark earning a red, then proceed to pick a blind yellow, then a mark red and then a blind green etc...
Well Poppy excelled at this until I needed to pick the pink, which was behind the black and her nose was to good for the job!! she ignored the whistle and picked the wrong color. Much to my surprise the steward asked me to stop her and get her to drop the dummy, then go back and picked the pink and I would have remained in the competition. Sadly I declined to teach my dog to drop retrieves, I have been working too hard to produce a proper gundog not an circus machine!
Its worth mentioning that spectators found these events very entertaining, the tradition field trialing world would be having a rye smile and avoiding some of these events like the plague.
But that said having a gundog for most owners is about having a companion to enjoy, whatever its faults, I am sure these events go a long way to achieving this..
Enjoy....
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