The title pretty much sums it up. It will be in the low to mid 20's in the morning with some ponds starting to freeze. This is my yellow lab 2nd season hunting. When is it to cold to put him in the water? I love to work him just don't want to hurt him.
I should've put that I do hunt him in a well fitted vest. And will have a heater that I can put on him if needed.
He should be fine. Main thing is proper nutrition. Dogs need good quality food that will help him retain fat. We all know fat is an insulator. Bring him snacks and fresh clean water. You’ll know when he’s had enough. Watch out for violent shaking. That’s a sign they are getting too cold. We bring a towel to kinda help dry and wipe the ice off. Keep the ice and mud out of the paws if you can too. The neoprene vests are awesome. We hunted a lab one time when it was so cold his tail froze to the bow of the boat and I had to thaw it out with coffee. I think it was in the teens . We pushed it that day and we were all miserable. Shoulda left the poor guy at home cause we only killed one duck that day. Another time that same dog ended up with my coat on haha I will dig that pic up sometime and post Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
Thanks for the advice. It says 26 on my phone right now. So i may give a try. I won't be out there but a couple of hrs. I would like to see the pics of it if you can find them.
You really can’t tell it was cold. But it was freezing balls. He loved me after I gave him my Drake heavy coat Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
This was another day. No snow or ice but it was probably 20 degrees. He layed on top of me for the boat ride. We spooned to keep each other warm haha Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
Lol. He is a good looking dog. I haven't hunted with one in years. Now that's all I want to do is to see him work. This is him this morning. Was not as cold as they was calling for. So it was all good. Thanks for the help.
Let common sense prevail. I hunted my lab in some very cold conditions. All were FF and CC so they were going when sent. When he began to slow down a little he was done. We had a fire going over the bank and he and I sat by the fire while the others shot a few more ducks and retrieved them with the boat.
That looks like a cold day West. You’re right on the common sense. You can tell when they start to tire Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
Thanks you got a good looking dog too. Sioux is retired as he’s I think 12 yrs old. Those pics were prob 3-4 yrs ago. He’s my good buddies dog Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
Mine has just turned 2. We are still working a few problems out with him. But he is still by far the best one I have ever owned.
Good luck with your pup. Enjoy the journey, it is over way to soon. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
This is very true. You work 2-3 years to get a good seasoned dog. Hunt the 5-7 years after that. Then they are retired and your starting all over.
Thanks for the help everyone. Ill keep hunting him as long as his is acting ok with the cold. Ill be sure to watch him.
That looks like one cold morning. Plus a great diver hunt. I really enjoy diver hunting. We just don't get them here like I would like to.
Late season on the St Lawrence river in NY, very cold indeed. I love diver hunting too. Big water, late season, layout boats, rock blinds whatever, its good stuff. I don't have a hunting lab (we adopted a 8 YO YLF a couple months ago) now so I'm pretty much out of the game until I get another one.
I so want to get into duck/goose hunting. My dad was never into it. My grandfather (mom's dad) was a master but was done by the time I was old enough. I'd kick in a lot to get into it. Just saying...if anyone in NE Illinois/NW Indiana/SW Michigan needs a partner I'd love to get in on it.
