I took both pedigrees and showed them to some English Setter guys for their opinions and to a man all agreed on paper this seemed like a perfect match. A good combination of size, desire, range, style, looks (tricolor), and proven bird finding ability.

 

I talked with the Foreman brothers a number of times before making my final decision. They were both informative and helpful. When the my final decision was made all I needed was to wait for Primer’s heat cycle to start. It all started March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) and 7 days later I was on my way to Marion, Pa. were the Foreman's were running dogs in the Pa. Grouse & Woodcock Championships. I drove the 2.5 hours after work on a Tuesday, stayed Tuesday night, and watch some great dogs run on Wed., left her for another couple of days, and pick her up on Saturday afternoon. The in-between details are not important. Some 63 days later I have puppies.

 

This is my first experience with being involved from the start, it has been amazingly fun. I have 9 perfect puppies to choose from. My plans are to keep two and sell the rest. Each day I change my mind, should it be this one, that one, or maybe the other one. This fall in Michigan Grouse woods will be fun with Primer as my main bird finder, and the puppies just learning the ropes. Jewel is 12 and can’t hear, see and run like she used to. Her desire is still there, but late last year on two occasions she disappeared twice and I spent hours catching up to her. Jewel has provided to many happy days in the Grouse woods to allow her to get lost in the middle of Michigan Grouse woods, she is officially retired.

 

To my surprise, word of mouth has been the best form of advertising. I have not really tried to advertise this litter, but word of mouth has kept my phoning ringing. Bird hunters, trial guys, and those who do both have called with high interest. The females have all been spoken for and there maybe only two males not spoken for.  I am sure at 8 weeks I will have mixed emotions. Happy to  be down to only  two and sad to see these pups leave not knowing what there future will bring them. I know my two will lead long lives, filled with bird hunting and the best care imaginable.

 

Skeet Shooting?

 

I have not renewed my NSSA membership and of course not shot any registered skeet in 2009. I plan on renewing and shooting the ColorMatrix, but from there I don’t know. I am sure some don’t care and may even celebrate if I don’t shoot again, but I probably will on a limited bases.  As far as being involved in running, promoting, taking reservations, writing programs, you know, the grunt work of putting together registered shoots, I AM ALL DONE!!!!  The same goes for my membership at Sportsmen’s. I have never been just a member. You know, just show up, shoot, drop my shells, complain about targets & full trash barrels, watch while other work their butts off, go home. After 33 years as a very active member I will feel no remorse or guilt about becoming a porch sitter. Well deserved on my part I think.

 

The ColorMatrix is not full, but is doing well, considering the times we are experiencing. 97 current shooters have signed up. I am sure this will go up down in the next week and half, so consider coming up or down and shoot a day or  the entire shoot. The program was rewritten to give lots of money to the classes, the entry fee was reduced, and of course we will feed you. Come shoot Ohio’s only top 20 shoot and support Ohio Skeet Shooting.

 

Jim Murphy   #80600