Time to substitute a magnum mallard for the pine cone.
I’m not much of a duck hunter. The occasional mallard that flies within range or that we jump while wandering near a pond or stream, sure. But my preferences don’t matter. Manny’s got to have duck-hunting chops for the NAVHDA Utility test.
He’s required to successfully complete a “duck search,” combing brushy water for a frantically escaping/hiding duck. He’s got to stand or sit still while shots ring out across a “duck pond,” eventually swimming through bobbing decoys to make a strong retrieve.
So, I’ve dusted off my floaters and silhouettes (geese too) and started acquainting the youngster with faux fowl.
He’s shown little interest in the plastic phonies while retrieving most everything that I’ve placed in, around, or beyond the blocks. His uncle, on the other hand, has retrieved several decoys to hand! Maybe he’s just trying to be helpful.
We’ve only just begun, and our work has been restricted to dry land. But I’m bullish. Many of you know, that’s a far cry from a full string dekes, plus gunshots, a real dead duck and a gallery of fellow test-takers and judges. Keep your fingers crossed.
Have you done much “decoy work” like this? Any advice?
Scott Linden Outdoors 
Scott, I am also working towards UT this August with my now 2 year old. If you haven’t gone to a handler’s clinic or helped as a Marshal or helper at UT test, I suggest it. Duck search has me on the edge…. I never know just how it’s going to go. I have started with multiple ducks out hidden and taped to build drive for the dog to know that there is game to be found each time out. I am progressively putting the birds out further each time. I am also doing yard work with a white bucket for marked retrieves, I always have a duck by the bucket or past the bucket. I am working to get him expanding out to that mark further and further and will use the same bucket and mark on the marsh. After I get him going out to the mark, I will transition again to a floating minnow bucket as a mark on the water with a duck placed by it and then pulled into the reeds to leave a scent trail. I am training with others that use this method to help get the dog to make a big swim to the opposite bank to begin the search. Also, try not to shoot the blank shot before sending him each time, let that shot be the extra adrenaline push for the dog at the test and you can’t fire a second shot if you have to re-send the dog.
As far as steady by the blind goes, try tying a decoy to his collar and let him drag it on his retrieve. This will help him get used to this as a possibility during the test, it happens and can ruin a good mark and retrieve.
Good luck and I enjoy the blog.
All good points Rob. Good luck on your UT test – keep me posted. I’ll use some of your tips!