AZ Javelina and Gambles quail hunt

Kapitan FeldJager had to stay home on this trip, big boys only. Jager is well behaved enough and follows commands well enough that I trusted him to potentially be close to Javelinas. He's been around Coyotes, Mustangs, Donkeys, Deer, Elk and Pronghorn up close and behaved very well. Of course, I just like having him along.

Scott was the resident expert, so Garth and I followed him out into a fairly remote part of AZ about 80 miles south of Kingman. Very cold, with some sleet, snow and freezing rain - good times! Scott and Garth headed out with their bows and Jager and I made some circles and immediately got into some fantastic Gambles Quail. Great time by all!

Rough stuff out here in AZ. Note the cactus has been nibbled on by the Javelina. Was in the 30's but  very nice with sunshine the 2nd day. Garth was certainly geared up and ready, sporting Sitka layers up top, upland thorn proof on the legs. No Javelina taken, not from a lack of trying and hitting every canyon in the area. 

Jager on point of Gambles Quail. There were about 40 in the covey and Gambles Quail do not sit still. I use the whoa command to keep Jager still as the quail scurry around in the bush immediately in front of him. I had a few shots on the ground, but waited until one flew above the bush. Very rough terrain, at least for me. No problem for Jager of course. 

Posing for a photo with Jager

Garth and Jager posing for a photo. Cold and wet the first day! Makes you appreciate your gear when you get it right!

Jager checking out his Gambles Quail take for the afternoon, Garth enjoying an Ice Cold Coors!

Jager doing some "forced fetch" practice after a hunt session. Gotta reinforce what you learn! Doubles as a great time to take photos! 

Scott prepared some nice prawns, Pronghorn chops and tenderloin. He took the Pronghorn at 650 yards up north of Ely. 

Jager, doing what Jager does, be spoiled. Tucked in the warm sleeping bag next to the heater. He deserved it, he hunted very hard all day for 2 days. I know traditional bird dog guys that think I "ruin" my dogs by never using a kennel but Jager has turned out great so far. Ya just have to dedicate 2 hours a day to working them so they won't burn the house down! A tired bird dog is a good bird dog.