After my 6 year lab (Sauk) had ACL surgrey in July I was not sure that she would be able to hunt all let alone the opener (she needed 3 months of recovery and rehab - basically on a leash or in the crate for the full three months). She got of the leash just 6 days before the opener. The vet said she should be able to return to full activity and after a couple short hunts mid-week at a local release site decided to take her along Saturday.

My son and I have hunter the duck opener nearly every year since the early 1980s and always have a good hunts and once in awhile actually kill a bird or two. As with the last few years hit the bay in our little boats for a morning hunt on the incoming tide. Great morning with a some birds flying in the sun (love all the colors of decoying birds in bright sun). Sauk did great retrieving two limits of birds and seemed to disappointed that the "game" had to end. Can't tell you how good it was to she her returning after a good retrieve with her tagging wagging and that smile on her face. She was tired and a sore last night (out of shape?) but seemed her normal self this AM.

The 2010 season is off with a bang and it looks like my 4 legged partner if good to go though needs work in building up her overall condition. Suspect it will be a couple more weeks until she is ready for hunts of more than a couple hours. We'll be working on her stamina the next couple weeks chasing upland birds and hope to have back to full hunting shape by November.

Tight lines
Curt