Fall Is Coming. The West Is Calling.

There’s a certain feeling that comes with the first taste of fall air in the North Carolina mountains. The mornings turn crisp, the woods begin to whisper of changing leaves, and something stirs in the bird dogs. You can see it in their minds, their attitudes, and their bodies: the anticipation building with every cool breath.

For the handlers, it’s the same. The trailer gets loaded, the gear is checked, and the thoughts turn west toward aspen patches and corn fields. With wild birds on our minds, both the dogs and their hunters look forward to the coming days. The long summer is finally giving way to the season we’ve all been waiting for.

Buster is shedding some of that winter weight, looking leaner and running faster when the kennel door swings open. We know he is ready for the miles ahead. If there is one dog we can always depend on… it’s the “Old-Man.” The cries from the trailer let us know he smells them and he’s ready. He’ll be on a bird within minutes, and joy will fill our hearts.

Bessie is settling beautifully into her new kennel and Pop’s guitar shop, where she will spend the colder days curled warmly by the fire after a long day’s hunt. She’s quick as lightning and ready for the woods. She’ll be right behind Buster, waiting for the shot to ring out and the “dead-bird” call to be released. She lives for this. This year she will adjust to her new handler. She will be in the woods more now than ever and finish out as a beautiful mountain gun dog. She will always remain a part of our team.

Boss has grown into a big boy now, with those beautiful droopy eyes and a chiseled head that gives him a look all his own. He is mimicking Buster’s old soul, with his excellent manners. He is the kind of puppy I’ll always want on my heels. Our roles will reverse soon, and I’ll be trailing him with his nose to the ground and excitement in his heart. We are excited to see his progression this season. The best day with your setters is the day you come home from a hunt with a true “bird-dog.”

And Bliss? That little crazy girl is stepping confidently into her role as queen of the kennel. Her demeanor is calming, her manners are on point, and when she gets her freedom, you’ll find her where she belongs: with her nose to the ground, working the woods and dreaming of birds. Bliss comes happily to the kennel with a wagging tail every time, just happy to please those she loves. The calm will soon be over. The excitement in her heart will explode in the field. Our girl will get to do what she’s destined for: Birds. Birds. Birds.

What is next for us? Birds. Lots of them. Hunts end with coffee and conversation at the trailer. Worn-out dogs lie all around our feet. Cool nights and happy setters will do us all good.

A new little girl will join the team soon.

And we can’t wait.

Fall is coming. The west is calling. And the dogs are ready.