Max just turned 1 and has been working hard for this day. Training every day, but this past Saturday he got to put his skills to work for the first time. He was a total champ.

The first picture is him sitting by the blind, and the end of the day. Another cool thing was that I went with my friend and his 10 year old daughter. It was also her first day.

Hunting is not for everybody so I don't mean to offend anybody, but I was very proud of Max putting all of his insticts and training to work.

I've been so busy with pre-baby accomodations I haven't hadn't much time to take pictures so these are my first of the year.

Loren

I love the doggie-flauge!

Real Tree?

I'm glad to hear Max did well his first day out.

Hi Loren...what's the purpose of the vest on the dog...for camoflauge? 2nd shot is beautiful.

Hey Charles,
Welcome back to the boards. I haven't been on much at all, but it's good to see you and Deborah to make a visit.
The vest is for camoflauge. Especially with a black lab you need to break up the view of the dog so the birds don't get scared off.

I didn't shoot...it was really beautiful out there and plan to go back with a 600 mm lens rental to get some bird shots in a couple of weeks.

Loren

Go Max! I love a good hunting dog. I'd train my lab to do just that but he's too fat for the job, hehe. Besides, whenever he gets into water he just lays down and relaxes.

Great job on both shots!

Nice! I've never seen him hold still :)

Hunting over a dog is one of the true joys in life. Even if I don't see a bird all day long!

I don't hunt much at all anymore, but do like to go out with a camera and other hunters and the dogs.

That second photo has everything in the right place (sky, horizon, water,). The 'curve' of the water and sky are gentle and lead the eye well through the scen. I would only say that it seems if a little more light or detail along the right might really make it just short of perfect.

Many more happy trips to the wetlands for you and Max. My first 'hunter' was a female black lab.

Excellent images.
#2 is simply stunning.A story in itself.
I grew up hunting {N.Dak & Montana} and have many fond memories.Thanks for sharing these.
Rick

Hi Loren,

These are nice. Especially the second one. It's one that would look good enlarged and on the wall! Maybe with an inspirational saying attached to it! :)

I, too, was curious about the vest. I had guessed maybe a life preserver of sorts until I read your explanation.

I hope you guys have many more enjoyable trips!

Thanks for taking a look. North Dakota and Montana are great areas to hunt and just be outdoors. We've spent three weeks there last year and loved it.

I am looking forward to sharing the future moments with Max, and hopefully Alessandra.

Cheers,
Loren

It's funny about the vest. My wife couldn't bear the thought of a camo dog, but it has a purpose.

His attitude changes when it's on, "time for work".

Thanks again for the comments.

Loren

Thanks for the comments, I agree that hunting over a dog is great joy. I had a great time becuase of handling Max. Training and raising the dog has been very rewarding.

When my daughter is old enough we will get her own lab and have her work with me to train it. If I had a dream I would love to photograph labs and the envirorment they work in more often.

Cheers,
Loren