Montana 2021 part 2- Sharptails and Partridge!

[@SAsnault]

It is definitely a gamble to keep the extra bird. I appreciate your integrity in not editing that out which would be easy to do. I would hope that a game warden would understand and appreciate that you aren't just leaving dead birds in the fields. I love your content and it has been hugely motivating. I am picking up a Vizsla pup in about 6 weeks and am really excited for the next hunting season. It's been about 10 years since I've been hunting.

[@ericforrester1]

Thanks. I love hearing this…good luck with the new pup!

[@teammelita8613]

Enjoy your Vizsla! They're the best

[@callmecamo2]

I would've kept the extra bird and counted it toward my next day's limit. I didn't drive that far to leave meat in the field, especially if I killed it. On a side note, Cici is just amazing.

[@johnvanderwalker4830]

That was pretty impressive, backing with a bird in the mouth. Good boy is an understatement.

[@gregorybeane4609]

IMO you make the best upland bird hunting videos on the web. I'm curious why you place a cartridge in the ejection port of your semi-auto when you store it, I've never seen that before. Also, I'd like it if you would describe the shotgun/gauge/ choke(s) and load in your hunts. Thanks for posting.

[@ericforrester1]

Thanks Gregory! When I want to make my gun safe, I remove the shell from the chamber and place it sideways in the ejection port. It’s a shortcut instead of completely emptying the gun. I shoot 12 and 20 gauges. I usually have open chokes like skeet for most hunts since the shots are close range. I will sometimes run a tighter choke like Modified on Chukar hunts if the birds are skiddish. Most of the season I shoot 7.5, sometimes 6. I started shooting 5 at Chukar in the steep stuff so they fall dead more often.

[@valleyquail1790]

Went back to “check” on that ol porcupine! Lol 😂 good work man! Another awesome hunt.

[@ericforrester1]

Thanks! 👊

[@koenanderson3365]

I’d love to see you cook them up!!!

[@w.tiefel348]

The extra birds seems to happen when you hunt out west. Hunt with two shots and follow up on hit birds if possible. Love the dog work!

[@TaralgaBushAdventure]

Been loving these videos, and going back through past ones. Reminds me greatly of 'Hunting with Hank' on PBS many years ago. You have a great way with your dogs, and you enjoy the day, regardless of the good and bad. Great work!

[@ericforrester1]

Thank you! I’ll have to look him up. 👍

[@TaralgaBushAdventure]

@@ericforrester1 Hank was the name of the dog :-) and I think there might be some later episodes on KZbin with son-of-Hank, but found it had to find the originals. Cheers!

[@ralphkassing6821]

I don’t shoot at birds outside my range. I don’t want to leave the field with a bunch of wounded birds. Sharptails about 40-50 yards usually.

[@jdp0359]

I imagine a Game Warden has heard every excuse in the book. If it were me I'm sure I would have gotten a citation.

[@Swing_Twice]

I grew up hunting with a game warden and if I were to guess, a reasonable warden would just take the extra bird from you. In many states it's illegal to knowingly leave game. So if you knowingly left a bird out on the field, that could get ya a ticket too just as well as the over limit. You did what I would have done. Honest truth usually gets ya pretty far! Good on you for showing what happened too.

[@ericforrester1]

I agree. Honesty is the way to go. 👍

[@brianseage5452]

Really good gundog work. Here in GB we use whistle rather than voice. Might be worth a try in USA.

[@aarongodderidge2239]

I just got WPG puppy and your videos are really motivating me to get her on some birds! I agree with picking up the extra bird my guess is that it would depend on the fish cop that stopped you. great video!

[@ericforrester1]

Thanks! 👍

[@vadenk4433]

Man watching your dogs work is thing of beauty. I hunt over a Golden retriever so I only get 2-3 second points on occasions but he sure flushes well and retrieves wounded birds like nobody’s business. I did get to walk in on a the first point ever from my buddies Brittney pup last season. It was a covey of valley quail and was definitely something I could get used too lol. I mostly hunt pheasants and have always had flushing dogs but man I’d love to also have a pointing breed. I love your videos

[@ericforrester1]

I love pointers…it changed the game for me.

[@manjunathaga584]

Super shots 👌👌

[@jondreger934]

Sniper in part 1, followed by my shooting skills in the second. I feel you.

[@SHARPPITT]

That’s awesome video brother , come visit California if you can , I have couple of honey holes , Awesome video as always , God bless

[@jimmussell5813]

Always incredible all around. The most impressive thing is your consistency and finding the great hunting spots. Wish I knew your secret. Congrats on the sage I know the feeling and you Sure are a great shot!

[@ericforrester1]

Thanks Jim!👍

[@wildfirenorv]

Seen a dog find ducks that other hunters downed a couple days before. Incredible noses and conservation tools!

[@kevintravis2154]

Love watching the dogs! Hoping to get mine out Friday for Grouse and Woodcock here in Michigan

[@michaelscanlan6192]

I definitely agree. I always try no matter what to get the birds that are down. If asked again I agree just tell the truth.

[@BreathWork.Adventures]

Looks like you have given up on the front sight bead as well! I have the same ethos shotgun and have gone through all of them chukar hunting...

[@davidcaul7836]

Brilliant stuff your dogs are a credit to you

[@ericforrester1]

Thanks 👊

[@toddvanvooren5440]

Videos are always awesome! Dogs are sooo cool! Bird numbers great to see! If you are on public ground , I’m always surprised you don’t see more hunters.

[@ericforrester1]

I try to find places with fewer hunters, even if it means a few less birds.

[@toddvanvooren5440]

Less birds?… lol. You seem to get into more birds than most KZbin hunting dudes! I also want to get a dog from you! I know that line is probably long. Have a great season. I’m going to Kansas in November.👍

[@ericforrester1]

😁 we have an email list if you would like to be notified of litter announcements. Send me an email through ghostpointwirehairs.com if you’d like to be on it. Thanks

[@toddvanvooren5440]

I put my email on your website. I live in California, but my family is in Illinois. You have inspired me to go to Montana!!!

[@randoski2010]

Great footage of both beautiful country and dog work, That short grass prairie hunting is my favorite. A word about your "over limit" dilema. While I know it's easy to Monday morning quarterback I've adopted the ethic of if I don't recover a bird or I think I wounded a bird I count that against my limit. Not easy to do in the heat of battle I know, that's one of the reasons I carry a double gun in the field. Also not as easy to do when shooting Huns, cause they taste so good. I think this is maybe a greatere consideration given you're not shooting your normal loads. Just something to mull over. It's pretty obvious you're out there because you like to see dogs work game and groceries are secondary. Keep the content coming.

[@ericforrester1]

Well said. Yes , I think I had more cripples on this trip than ever before. I won’t ever use those loads again.

[@samsmith7150]

Eric goes again making all bird hunters jealous!!!

[@corkforbrains]

3 shots and a Shit! LOL! I could see us being friends if distance wasn't such an issue.. Should I be asking about the lack of watering sites in your videos in Montana? I imagine they don't make for great video, but with birds that large and plentiful, I'm alittle surprised there doesn't seem to be more water? Thanks for making these, you are making bein' 65 damn uncomfortable here and that's a very good thing!

[@gkhunting]

wonderful nature and video

[@horseshoe70]

Watching from New Zealand. Love watching your content/season if our off season =)

[@msb2948]

The conundrum here is the laws of each state in that some mandate reporting some don't. Some states fine you if you leave a game animal and some allow over the standard limit just for what you experienced. I would be curious what the current Montana laws are. I used to live in Idaho and they carried a bit from year to year. Regardless, your an excellent hunter with good morals and ethical scruples. I had a Setter who used to routinely catch pheasants, year round when we ran her for exercise, she caused a few incidents not too I similar to this situation. God bless.

[@vikingman0317]

Eric, another fantastic video. Thank you for sharing. Questions on the loads you normally use. I heard you say non-tox 5’s, steel? Bismuth? I used bismuth this year in ND and noticed they didn’t have the knock down power and the pellets fragmented. I used 5’s (which are/were a favorite lead size) and I found pieces of fractured pellets when we cleaned birds. Next year I plan to go up a size from lead (4’s) and maybe plated to help hold them together? I shoot a side by side that I’d prefer not to run steel down. Thoughts?

[@ericforrester1]

I’ve been shooting copper plated bismuth. I used the #5’s for pheasant and they worked well but I’m usually shooting pretty close so I could definitely go smaller. I plan to use the 5’s on Chukar also. I’m hoping they will stone the Chukar so they don’t glide forever down the mountain. I previously used 6’s.

[@drewclements04]

Great dog work as usual! I would have probably done the same thing in your situation. No reason to leave a crippled bird in field. It was an honest thing and by luck you were able to find it. New loads that don't have the power to knock down birds really sucks, but its what we've got these days.

[@MrGDurbin]

Another great video

[@daven9735]

You heading to Wyoming this year? If you do let me know, I can probably hook you up with some different ammo.

[@daveandersen2484]

Hi Eric! I’m watching the 2017 North Dakota grouse hunt with cici. I was born in Fargo. I saw your bennelli hat. My mom’s cousin was Tom knapp, the benelli trick shot , worked for them. He passed away. It looks a lot easier for you to just work with one dog . But you get more birds with 2 it seems. Plus you have to be great to keep the 1 dog from getting in the way of the other dogs point. You and the dogs have to really be dialed in. One dog looks more my style. I can multi task many things, but not birds and dogs! I’m watching on t v , but I don’t know how to comment on the t v , and don’t care to learn.. lol

[@ericforrester1]

😁 yes, things were much simpler with one dog that’s for sure!

[@daveandersen2484]

@@ericforrester1 if you had to count on 1 dog to bring 1-2 birds home to feed your family. And birds were scarce in the only place you could hunt. Would you pick tubbs or cici? I’m guessing cici? Is there something special about a good female bird dog? Or am I just partial? You can tell me, I promise I won’t tell tubbs, plus he can’t read the reply!

[@ericforrester1]

That’s an almost impossible question but probably Cici. That said, right now, Tubbs is my best all around dog. It would depend on the specifics of the situation but no matter what, it would be a difficult decision.

[@daveandersen2484]

@@ericforrester1 yes, it is an almost impossible question. Imagine 1930 in the depression. We are broke, and we have no money for extra gas , or very few places to hunt. Like we are a farmer with 100 of our own acres. And even shells are a luxury. I have this female springer, that I have said. If I was that farmer in 1930. There is no other dog I would want. To bring home a rabbit or squirrel or game bird of some type. Hiding out super good on the 100 acres. I have loved every dog I have ever had. And cried like a 4 year old girl when it came down to putting them down. But this female springer, she is the most loyal and tenacious hunter I have seen. All business in the field. Plus she never leaves my side. She’s never more than 10 feet away from me for 14 years. She’s 10 pounds bigger than a normal springer, big feet big stocky girl. I live in a big city for 43 years, Phoenix. I have stopped counting at 100 dogs I have got out of traffic and back home to people. I carry treats to throw them. I have dog rescue down.. lol. You have not lived until you lift a stray into your pickup truck, and hope they don’t bite in fear. None have, I spend time to let them know I’m the alpha before I lift them. Dogs are part of our family. We owe them. Dog spelled backwards is god . I think a famous person said he never met a dog he didn’t like. Can’t say the same for humans. Another famous person said if there are no dogs in heaven, he doesn’t want to go.

[@steveillingworth5120]

Great video Eric. When is the best time of year to hunt Sharptailed Grouse in Montana?

[@ericforrester1]

Early season. September 👍

[@codyg6057]

I think keeping the bird is good so it doesn't go to waste but I also know guys count wounded birds towards their limit. It's hard to do and I really can't do it myself if I'm honest.

[@ronwebb6999]

Eric - love your videos. Was that public land you were hunting in this video. If so, where was it.

[@mattcollier616]

Another great video and awesome dog work been watching too see when you have pups available been striking out lol

[@ericforrester1]

Thanks. We have an email list if you would like to be notified of litter announcements. Send me an email via ghostpointwirehairs.com. 👍

[@devanwright3440]

Where are you from Eric? Love the content. Just working on my new pup and trying to get him to point. 5 month old pudelpointer

[@ericforrester1]

Indiana. Good luck with the new pup!

[@xaviermachuca8042]

Very good job dogs

[@frankmartinelli5204]

Guys,something poped up in my mind...Those areas where the game birds are scarce,has anyone seen those chem trails going on ?

[@jayl5941]

I really enjoy your videos. What camera are you using to capture these?

[@ericforrester1]

Thanks. GoPro Hero 10 black

[@uplandadventures2351]

Cece is a rockstar

[@ericforrester1]

In episode 3 she really goes off! 👍

[@brueggemanate]

Interested to know your camping setup.

[@ericforrester1]

I have a video on it on Patreon.

[@ventureoutdoorswithkirk]

Your ears must've been burning, I just said, he should have another video coming out. Nice dog work again. Is there something you're looking for in the habitat to single out Huns vs Sharpies?

[@ericforrester1]

Thicker cover. More like quail habitat.

[@G.daskas]

Hello friend . I'm from Greece and really like your videos . What is that hose that you are giving water at your dogs?? Where can i find it??

[@ericforrester1]

It is a water bladder or hydration pack. I bought mine from Amazon. I like the ones that have a valve on the hose to turn it on and off.

[@G.daskas]

@@ericforrester1 thank you very much my friend God bless you

[@AP-cm3kb]

What percent of birds you feel flush out ahead of you vs the dogs point? Sharptail esp seemed to be busting as soon as they saw us this week, but also have a first season pup so not sure how much is the dog. Just seems a lot higher in person than KZbin :)

[@ericforrester1]

There are a lot of factors that go into this but I’d say over this entire trip, it was 50/50 or a little worse. That’s for sharpies and Huns.

[@AP-cm3kb]

@@ericforrester1 thanks, helps give me some perspective. 💪

[@tshifty3742]

Hi Eric, I’ve never done upland hunting before, but you are definitely inspiring me to do so. I just have a couple of questions. How do you dispatch birds that the dogs bring to you alive? When do you feel like the dogs are too close to shoot? You definitely know your spread a lot better than I know mine because I honestly wouldn’t feel very comfortable about shooting with the dogs in a close proximity. Also, why did you dispatch the porcupine? Is it mainly just to keep the dogs safe or is that a common practice out west?

[@ericforrester1]

If a bird comes back alive I’ll break its neck. Over the years of training and field trailing I have shot a lot of birds that did not fly well. This has forced me to learn how close I can shoot around the dogs. Dogs have been injured and killed this way so you should never take a shot you’re not 100% comfortable with.

[@chucknelson7559]

Eric, could you add location details to your descritions? It helps a lot when digitally "scouting" areas for possible trips and also to look for similar habitat and terrain. Thank you for your videos.

[@mnch1034]

Toujours foooooor 👍🌹🇩🇿

[@davidcaul7836]

We are not allowed shoot hen pheasants here in Ireland but the dog has often caught one what els is to do only bring it home for the pot I am sure an officer would understand

[@kyleduncan221]

Once again living vicariously through you! Awesome video and dog work! Curious what you do career wise that allows you to hunt as often as you do? Regardless, you are blessed!

[@ericforrester1]

Thanks Kyle! As you might expect, I’m self-employed.

[@kyleduncan221]

@@ericforrester1 Awesome!

[@DuckbumSD]

What we’re using modified choke or tighter ?

[@ericforrester1]

Skeet I think.

[@tuckerl2849]

love your content man, keep it up

[@ericforrester1]

Thanks!

[@Workingcockers]

I enjoy your videos. I’d love to do that with my cockers. I hunt them and field trial them. I’m in ND right now for the Cocker Nationals.

[@DavoodJavadi-to3my]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@donscott2500]

What part of Montana are you in ? What time of year ?

[@pisom4314]

i hope the porkypine didnt live to eat another meal;-) on the extra bird question, you didnt wanton waste game, the dogs didnt find it the first time around. i would have kept it (maybe in a separate pocket;-) thats why you should take Tom with you tho!!! LOL

[@ericforrester1]

😆 we could have used another limit on this trip!

[@ericforrester1]

And no, I don’t think the porkie made it. 😉

[@jacobzirkle9153]

What do you look for in a gun spot?

[@dennisvandergriff7757]

Awesome dog work as usual with your dogs. What shells were you shooting?

[@dellyman7892]

If you dont mind me asking, what part of the state are you in? Is it private ground?

[@ericforrester1]

All publicly accessible.

[@huntershunters7185]

V GOOD

[@Okay17282]

I got a bird dog question? Does your dogs have good points and prey drive when it’s hot or no?

[@ericforrester1]

Yes. But some dogs are able to handle heat better than others.

[@Okay17282]

@@ericforrester1 okay mine pup does not do very well lol

[@g-man2228]

Least make an attempt to pick up empties, especially if hunting someone’s property…👊🏻🇺🇸

[@al_alexader4562]

😍😍😍

[@rickedger8770]

I would like to know you dogs breeding kennel specially CCs and if you trained them your self. Thanks

[@ericforrester1]

I have a couple of their pedigrees on our website ghostpointwirehairs.com

[@ericforrester1]

Yes I train them myself.

[@rickedger8770]

@@ericforrester1 do you have GSP?

[@ericforrester1]

GWP

[@nasholson8800]

Hey all I want to say is when you walking away from the porcupine I was like what are you doing and then when you walked back and I saw you left your gun up I was like good

[@zacwayman9473]

What breed are the pointers? Gsp or english or different ?

[@ericforrester1]

German wirehaired pointer‘s

[@philipmorphew6301]

I would leave it lay.

[@Tommyworldwalker]

Liked 210.

[@AfzaalWardag]

Flat terrains No fun In Pakistan we have awesome wild terrains Which has more ups and downs Mountains and ditches each terrain offer different look۔

[@mjuberian]

Good stay there and hunt then.

[@AfzaalWardag]

@@mjuberian Yesss Don't you worry I'm enjoying them since 1994

[@zamrika]

good hunting, but wasting 50% birds meat

[@weinerdog137]

A reasonable field enforcement officer might use discretion in your favor..might. An organized information mining operation piped to a centralized society control operation will penalize you. If your "social credit score" is impacted, you will please let us know?

[@TaterSaladz]

Hopefully you don't get a ticket in the mail....

[@finntastic1473]

Pristine wilderness yet your happy to fire off a great many cartridges WHICH ARE NOT BIODEGRADABLE and you leave the plastic in this wilderness, shame on you. Furthermore who fails to train their dogs not to jump or run into shot so as to not endanger their dogs. I don't care how good a shot you are.