Scott Linden Outdoors

Ready to roll

The little guy started his career with us on a five-hour drive from breeder to his new home. He’s been to Montana and back, and yesterday went on his first quail hunt two hours away. He’s taken every trip in stride, hunkering down in his crate for the duration, like his uncle knowing it’s a good time to rest, relax and prepare for the next challenge.

He’s not getting much time in the field – growth plates are nowhere near ready for stress – but he’s a game little guy. Flick opens up (in a puppy way) and moves ahead, seeking objectives and tracing faint scents on the breeze. In a miniature way, he is showing his genetics and a boldness that I hope I can rein in when necessary.

Milestone: wheat stubble was the most-foreign surface Flick has encountered to date. After a tentative step or two, off to the next objective.