Tucker

Tucker was a great companion in my life, I was reminiscing over our times together and thought I'd share some of the photos. I wish I would have taken pictures of him as a puppy. He was amazing. I remember him pointing and holding quail at 10 weeks old. He retrieved the only pheasant I ever shot over him and had to drag it back because he couldn't get the whole bird in his mouth. Tucker was a self trainer. I hope I was as easy to train for him as he was for me.

Tucker was a member of the family the day I picked him up from the breeder. He bonded and became an irreplacable member of the family as soon as I carried him in  the front door of his new home.

Tucker went everywhere with me. He loved camping and hiking during the off season.

At times he even shared a beer with me.

He was a pointing fool and would hold birds forever as long as he knew I was there. But if he wasn't sure I was coming he had a special talent of backing off the point, coming back to locate me, making eye contact, and than returning to the scene. The birds were usually still there, producing several limits over the years.

During his fourteen years of hunting he produced over 4,000 chukars/huns with countless limits to his credit.

He was quite a team player. He never cut off another dog's point and most dog's knew better than to cut off his. He was always top dog around the camp but never minded sharing a limit of birds. Honoring was natural for him and the dogs he trained.

Several Team limits were accomplished. Especially with Dakota. Team Tuckota always seemed to produce. 

But after the hunt Tucker knew how to rest.

Every once in a while I shot well enough to give the boys a chance at a team retrieve, although I don't shoot that way often.

During the off season Tucker points a Turkey for me.

He was a good father to Dakota and a great step father to Riley. He quite often had to show them the rules but soon afterwards they were ready to follow his lead.

Time finally caught up with Tucker. Both sadly and fortunately his inactive time was short. He lived only three months past his last hunt. I would have loved to have him on the couch next to me for several years. He deserved that. But I don't think that was what he wanted. He felt he was needed more hunting with my good friend Jeff, who died 7 months earlier in a tragic car accident. I'm sure the two of them are scouting hunting areas for me, when it is time I should join them.

I will always remember that last limit we produced at 13 years of age. Man we worked together good as a team. You always seemed to know how to make me successful. I looked  like I knew what I was doing because of you. Tucker, thank you for making me a better hunter and person.

What a thrill it was to have Barbara take us on our last hunt together and watch you retrieve your last bird. You  finished in style , just like you came into my life.