It's been a while since I last posted, so I thought it best to jump online and let you all know what's been happening. A few months ago, I made the decision to explore the natural instincts of my Vizslas and my Pointer and take them hunting. Vizslas and Pointers are generally described as general purpose gun dogs. With an ability to focus on both feathers and fur.

Rather than go down the standard path of training for birds, I made a decision to go down a slightly more difficult path. That of Hunting Deer, Goats, Foxes and Rabbits. These animals are all non native to Australia and as such are classified as pests. So not only will it be an experience for the dogs, but it will also aid in reducing the impact of introduced species on the Australian Flora and Fauna.

Once again, rather than making things too easy, instead of opting to use a firearm, I have rekindled a hobby I had at school, that of archery. So instead of using a firearm, we will be hunting with a bow. This is going to provide both myself and the dogs an even greater challenge. Anyone who has hunted Deer will know how easily spooked they are and how difficult it is to get within rifle range, let alone, the closer proximity required to get a clean take down from a bow.

So, of late it has been a process of re-skilling myself and becoming bow proficient again, which is now achieved. As well as commencing the training of the dogs in tracking animals in the bush. Thus far we have only been on one hunt and did not even get a chance to place an arrow on the string. But, it is all slowly coming together. I have been a little slack with the taking of pics, being so focussed on getting myself and the dogs ready prior to the Deer season kicking off. (It commenced in early May)

I am actually sitting in camp as I type this, having hunted all day without ever getting within range. The dogs are all asleep by my side in the tent as they are exhausted from using their noses all day. Next weekend is a holiday weekend and we will be going out again. Next weekend however I will have someone else with me, so may have an opportunity to take some pics and post them up. Here is a big Sambar Deer which was spotted on the property we hunt on recently. With any luck, the dogs will be eating Venison soon enough.

 In full flight (Fight)

a couple of pics from yesterday afternoon's walk.

After not seeing Ozkar for more than a week, Astro and Zsa Zsa were very excited to have him home. Mind you, the boys ganged up on her on our walk. However, ever the lady, Zsa Zsa took it on her stride, waited till they were not looking.............and nailed them!

The dull photos are due to a large bank of cloud which obscured the last of the setting sun. We are approaching winter and the days are getting shorter and colder. Although we have had some days of mild early 20's temps, there has been more days, cold and overcast. Soon enough the snow will be falling on our mountains. Surely a great excuse to take the team skiing! We'll keep you posted......

Just trying to work out how to post pics with the best quality balanced with a reasonable download speed, so please bare with me if the pics are either outrageously large or small........

Our first sunny day in a while, so I snapped off some pics and found these little gems amongst them.....

A new camera to improve the visual experience

My 7 year old digital camera finally got tired of coping with dirt and water and stopped working recently. It's why we have been a little slack with the pics, rather than subject you to too many shots taken with the mobile phone. Today we tried out the new Fuji 770EXR. It was a very dull day and I was learning my way around the camera, but on first use, I am impressed with how well it takes shots. I'm a photographic newby, so unless it's point and click, I'm lost. Here is the first pic I took.

vizsla movie_1.wmv

A montage of Vizsla pics, showing the versatility of the Hungarian Vizsla all set to a Vizsla Folk song......wonderful!

Which one is mine???

Today was the Hungarian Vizsla Club Of Victoria's fun day up at Daylesford. Ozkar and Astro of course went........and....we had a ring in, in the form of little Zsa Zsa. Not sure how welcome some of the humans made her, but the red bird dogs didn't seem worried by her "odd" colouring, they accepted her as one of their own.  It was at times difficult to tell which ones were mine. A sea of Russet Gold was everywhere. The three of them are exhausted, they played from midday till 5pm non stop, including a swim with 50+ other Vizslas in the river. Still not sure who had more fun, them playing, or me watching???