It’s about time for some sunshine. We have had a unusually wet and cool weather here in Northern Nevada this spring. As a whole we are around 100% of average for rainfall up to this point, but what has been really unique this year is the number of cool cloudy days. This has essentially kept many days of direct sun from beating down, drying out the ground, grass, plants, etc… As a result I am seeing very good growth of native grasses, and cheat grass. I run with my dogs in the hills every morning, and I am surprised almost every day that as good as the grass looks, it is still getting even better. In fact it is the best that I have seen in years. When our birds finally do go to the nest, and when we have chicks on the ground, this grass growth is going to be very beneficial to survival rates.
Most years I would be a little concerned about this cold weather at the end of May, as we certainly don’t want snow or freezing temperatures when eggs are on the ground. So, if it had been 75-80 degrees for the last 6 weeks, then suddenly we had this cold wet weather, I might be a bit concerned. But because we have had consistent cool wet weather, I don’t believe that our quail and chukar have gone to the nest yet, (in fact around Reno I know that they haven’t), and that natural instincts has told them that it is not time yet. So, as a result I am anticipating a later than average hatch, but I am also anticipation an above average hatch, with above average survival rates. The long term forecast is showing a significant warming trend, and as soon as that happens the process or reproduction should quickly kick into gear. A lot can happen between now and the time that the chicks are a couple weeks old though, so I will be keeping my fingers crossed.

Best,

Jay

My Dad was in town this weekend for a day and we spent it fishing out at Pyramid lake. The weather was windy and nasty, but the fishing was really good. It was a great time with my Dad, and probably the last time I will be fishing out there this year.
I am really excited now to explore and fish some more of our high desert lakes and streams here in Nevada. That is high priority on the fishing list for the summer.

Best,

Jay

I bred one of my male German Shorthair Pointers (Cash) a couple of months back to a really nice dog named Gia, who is owned by my friend George. This weekend was the first time that I had been able to make it up to see the puppies. It was a lot of fun to see the little pups. They are beautiful. In this picture they are about 10 days old. I am excited to see them again when their eyes are open and they are developing their own personalities.

Jay

Just another quick reminder to all of you running your dogs in the “off season”, in regards to exercise and training. As temperatures rise, let’s all be conscious of that heat. Making more water available to our dogs, shortening the length of their runs, and trying to use the cool morning and evening hours for their exercise will keep them safe, healthy, and happy. Every year dogs die from heat exhaustion that could have been prevented, and sadly it is nobody fault but the dog handler. Let’s make sure this does not happen to any of our dogs...

In many parts of the country snake season will also quickly be upon us, if it isn’t already. So let’s all be conscious of that as well. Most importantly, any unusual swelling or unusual behavior after a run this time of year earns an immediate trip to the vet. There is a ton of good information on the internet regarding snake bites and dogs, and obviously your veterinarian is a great resource to answer all of you questions. So, if you haven’t already, please take the time to do a little research. It could someday save your dog’s life.

This is a great time of year to take your dogs swimming. It is great for their health, their joints, and their conditioning. For you guys with retrieving dogs this is standard practice, but for us pointing dog people it can be part of our conditioning program as well. I have seen a few pointers that hate to swim, and many that love it. Lucky for me my dogs love to swim, and are very good at it. They have had lots of opportunities to swim since they were just puppies, so maybe that is why. When the rare opportunity for them to make a water retrieve arises while out hunting, they are all over it. And, at the end of the day, hunting dog or not, most dogs just love to play in the water.

Best,

Jay

I spent the last few days downtown here in Reno for the Reno River Festival. This festival consists of all kinds of events like kayaking, a crazy running race, concerts, a costume contest, and a down river stand up paddle board race, among other things. I was involved in two of the events. I judged the freestyle kayaking, and raced in the Stand Up Paddle Board Race.

The freestyle kayaking competition was Saturday, and although I don’t particularly enjoy judging, I found myself on the judges stand again this year. All of the competitors paddled really well, and they stepped it up a notch from the years prior. It was really fun to see.

Sunday I raced in the first ever down river Stand Up Paddle Board race, called the Surftech Rally on the River. The race was about 3 and ½ miles long. The top of the race had a bunch of long shallow rapids, and the bottom of the race had three larger pool drop type rapids. I did pretty well up top, feeling fast and staying on line. The bottom of the race was not so good to me though. I styled through the first of the three rapids perfectly, then proceed to crash and basically swim the last two drops. I managed to stay in the fast water though, so it could have been worse. If there is one thing that I know about racing down river it is that you are a lot faster on your board then off your board. In the end I finished third, and I had a great time. The Surftech Rally on the River, and the presence of Surftech in general was a huge asset to the Reno River Festival, and I was stoked to be able to participate in it.

Overall I think that despite some marginal weather on Sunday, the Reno River festival was another huge success. Congratulations to everyone involved, and thanks to everyone that came down to be part of another great year at the Reno River festival.

Jay