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Mountain Biking Natural Communities Bird Dog Training Upland Bird Hunting

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Mountain Biking

Natural Communities

A natural community is an area that has experienced minimal human alteration. But when people spend time outdoors, in the woods or fields or along a stream, chances are they're passing through more than one natural community, sometimes resulting in a disturbance in the natural order. Understanding how these assemblages of plants, animals, insects, fish and reptiles co-exist can help preserve and protect the environment in which they live. We join Leif Richardson of the Vermont Non-game and Natural Heritage Program for a look at several natural communities in Niquette Bay State Park in Colchester.

Related Links:
The Nature Conservancy - Vermont Chapter University of Vermont's School of Natural Resources The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources The Vermont Backyard Forest Stewardship Program	Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife Leif Richardson, Non-game & Natural Heritage Program: 802-241-3716 Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Bird Dog Training

To train a bird dog requires a lot of basic obedience exercises. They must learn how to handle and carry game without destroying it. They must learn to work in the water. A dog must get to the point where it can use its hunting and tracking instincts to find game. The handler undergoes as much training as the dog. Developing into a finely tuned team takes practice and training. Hunting together creates a special bond between hunter and dog. We spent some time at the Diamond Brook Kennel in Brandon to get a taste of what it takes to train hunting dogs.

Related Links:
Diamond Brook Kennel Fielddog.com Kirby Mountain Kennels National Shoot to Retrieve Association North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association	Lake Champlain Retriever Club PO Box 311 Randolph Center, VT 05061 John Marchica, 802-273-3540 Green Mountain Golden Retriever Club

Upland Bird Hunting

When it comes to hunting for upland game birds there's nothing more enjoyable and challenging than grouse and woodcock. These birds lay low and blend into their habitat, making it almost impossible to see them until they take flight. The most efficient way to hunt them is by using bird dogs. Host Lawrence Pyne joins John Hayes of Kirby Mountain Kennels in East Burke for a day of upland bird hunting.

Related Links:
Fielddog.com The Grouse Point Almanac Kirby Mountain Kennels North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association The Ruffed Grouse Society UplandBirdDog.com	"Grouse Hunting with Tom Huggler" video is available from: Outdoor Images P.O. Box 250 Sunfield, MI 48890 800-735-3476

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