Max and I getting ready fro the field
When I cut Max loose, he decided to make a 400 yard cast! Never had this happen before, and instead of cutting his legs out from under him right away, I froze. Judge asked if this was his normal run and I said "Yup!" It was hilly so this added to my anxiety. I have lost sight of my dog! Then I hear, "We have a point". Im not kidding, he was a good 300-400 yards. Now, I was praying that he held it! That is a long way and we are going up and down hills. SO I see him...........then I dont...............see him, he is still pointing. I am thinking that this could make up look real good or real bad! HE held it,as he should, until we go there!
Had 5 bird encounters. This is one of them. Kinda neat, you can see the chucker getting up. Funny thing is I was told to kick the birds up. Sooooo, I guess i took it to literal or I was just nervous. Because after the 3rd bird I was told to stop kicking them because they thought I knocked one or two out!
When I got back there were some comments about some NFL teams needing lace kickers.
Retrieve. I wont bore you with all the field pics, you all have been there.
Duck search was next after lunch. Here we are just getting instructed.
The send off. What is the worst thing that could happen? Max found the duck in about a minute 30. They had to dispatch it.He brought it in and was resent. 5-7 minutes later, he found the other duck! :multi: :crazyeyes:
Feather drag, nothing out of the normal here.Judge did comment on how he has wheels when he does anything.
Last thing was the heel and the steady to blind and marked ret. I didnt really feel great about the stakes going down hill, was worried about slipping and also was worried teh down hill would make Max forge ahead. So I over compensated and almost cost us some points. But we got through it.
Pretty much glad it is over and we are all ready to hunt. The plan is to make a run at VC, if we get it great, if we dont Max is retired to the good life of hunting dog and family friend. He has earned it in my book.
I need to also thank the handful of more experienced trainers that helped give me the confidence to get this done. That also help guide me on how to handle my dog better and make us a better team. We also cant get this stuff done without the support of our spouses. I really thank him for the countless hours of driving, getting yelled out for not launching the bird fast enough or being captain obvious when things go wrong.
OH, and my camera man rocks too! 
