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The Bird Dog Babe

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Creating holiday decor with feathers has become on

Creating holiday decor with feathers has become one of our favorite ways to honor the birds we’ve harvested and share the beauty of the season.

Last year, we donated 40 handcrafted wreaths, ornaments, and feather trees to @herupland Feather Foundation and as gifts for landowners who host their events.

This year, we’re excited to be taking orders from friends and family—and we’re so grateful for the kind words and support! ❤️

The @birddogoftheday ornaments are a perfect addition to the wreaths, and we love how these creations celebrate the bird dogs we love, the beauty of the uplands, and the magic of the holidays.

#feathercraft #upland #featherwreath #feathertree #featherornaments #birddogornaments #birddogoftheday #festivefeathers

High up in the rugged rimrock, where chukar laught

High up in the rugged rimrock, where chukar laughter echoes and the air feels wild and untamed—I’m grateful to walk these paths. He is the reason I’m here, the one who leads me into these breathtaking places I might never have known.
#braccoitaliano #chukarcountry #gratefulwanderer

Sometimes you gotta pull out the Cocker to spice t

Sometimes you gotta pull out the Cocker to spice things up!

#midgethecocker #Fieldcocker #upland #flushemanddustem #rockoutwithyourcockerout #pheasantseason #cockerspice #conservationcocker #proplansport

@williambastian00 and I had a short walk today wit

@williambastian00 and I had a short walk today with this crew 🪶

#pheasanthunt #fieldcocker #redsetter #germanwirehairedpointer #birddogs#upland #claddaghkennel #proplansportingdogs #proplandog

Boy Squad 🤟🏼 #braccoitaliano #irishsetter #

Boy Squad 🤟🏼

#braccoitaliano #irishsetter #boysquad #proplansportingdogs

When you only have an hour of free time but the mo

When you only have an hour of free time but the mountains are calling, you grab a friend and your Bracchi! Angus, daughter Poppy, and @chinabeach45 and I made the most of a quick walk, bagging a couple of ruffies over stellar dog work. It’s been a whirlwind coming off our fourth annual @herupland Mountain Grouse Camp, and this moment in the field was the perfect cap to an amazing week!

This year’s camp was next level. We had 18 incredible women participants, 2 youth, 16 volunteers, and 4.5 days of hands-on learning in the heart of the grouse woods. From wingshooting to bird biology, conservation, and wilderness first aid, the knowledge, camaraderie, and passion on display were unmatched. I’m beyond grateful for the outstanding volunteers who make this event possible—and for the community of women who show up, lift each other up, and grow together.

The friendships formed, and the experiences shared in this mountain classroom are truly one in a million. My heart is full and my body is tired. #herupland #mountaingrousecamp #braccoitaliano #ruffedgrouse #proplandog

This year marks 20 years of owning, breeding, trai

This year marks 20 years of owning, breeding, training, and competing with German Wirehaired Pointers, and what an incredible ride it’s been!

When I first started, I thought GWPs were the only gun dog I’d ever need. Their grit, drive, and versatility in the field captured my heart. And oh those beards 😍 But like anything, my journey evolved. Ten years ago, my admiration of form and function brought the Bracco Italiano into my world. Watching them work made every day in the field fulfilling, even when the game bag was light.

As I transitioned from the Midwest flatlands chasing ruffs and pheasant to the rugged western mountains, my perspective—and my dog power—shifted. Five years of hunting prairie birds, mountain grouse, and chukar taught me that no single breed has a monopoly on excellence. With that, my rose-colored glasses came off.

I’ve learned to appreciate great dogs, no matter their breed. Today, it’s all about the admiration of watching fine tuned dogs in the field. If the work isn’t there, I don’t need to take the shot. Each breed brings something unique, and I’ve grown to appreciate them all. They each have their own strengths and quirks, but the good ones? They’re a sight to behold.

#20yearsofbirddogs #uplandhunt #birddogs #gundogs #proplansportingdogs #braccoitaliano #germanwirehairedpointer #fieldcocker #redsetter #englishpointer

He can have anything he wants ❤️ #ketchuppup

He can have anything he wants ❤️

#ketchuppup #proplanpuppy

22 years ago, while I was in college, I got my fir

22 years ago, while I was in college, I got my first bird dog, Reagan Mae, an Irish Setter. She was my world. When I lost her 10 years ago, the thought of bringing another red dog into my life was too overwhelming. I was scared of comparing another one to her, knowing she was truly one of a kind.

But over the years, I realized how much I missed everything that made her and the breed so special. Last year, I decided to reach out to the amazing Kelli Aitken @quantonas_irish , and joined her waitlist. Watching Kelli’s dogs perform at the AKC Gun Dog Championship a few months ago solidified my decision—I knew I needed a pup from her line.

Swipe to see the newest member of our family, a little red bundle of joy. The kids have lovingly named him “Ketchup.” ❤️

#RedSetter #BebeBirdDog #NewAdventures #PuppyLove #KetchupThePup #ProPlanSportingDog

More Macaws ❤️

Live video of Scarlet Macaws (Ara Macao) along the

Live video of Scarlet Macaws (Ara Macao) along the beach today. I spent a semester here while in college studying these amazing creatures; they hold a special place in my heart. So glad they showed up on our final day here ❤️

#costarica #puravida #scarletmacaw

Angus left no points on the table this weekend, ea

Angus left no points on the table this weekend, earning a NAVHDA UT Prize 1 with 204 points. Only the 11th Bracco Italiano to earn the coveted award.

Beyond grateful for all my training partners, family support, as well as the judges and volunteers for the Big Sky NAVHDA test. It was an incredible day to watch my bestest boy do his thing and I am so damn proud!!

Owlspoint Confess Trouble at Claddagh UT1

#navhdainternational #navhda #braccoitaliano #proplandog

🌟 We’re gearing up for an exciting weekend at

🌟 We’re gearing up for an exciting weekend at the Canfield, OH dog show! 🎉 Our Pro Plan team can’t wait to meet you and your dogs. Stop by the new Event Center at the Canfield Fairgrounds to chat about which Pro Plan formula is best suited for your dog’s needs. Plus, if you’re a Pro Club member, don’t forget to pick up your free gift! 🐾 See you there! #ProPlan #CanfieldDogShow #DogNutrition #ProClubMembers #PurinaProPlan

Beyond grateful to the @navhdainternational organi

Beyond grateful to the @navhdainternational organization for bringing incredible people into my life and for setting the gold standard in versatile hunting dog work. This framework helps me set and achieve training goals for my dogs and myself as we gear up for hunting season. This past week, Angus and I had the privilege of participating in multiple dog braces, assisting friends from Alaska, Canada, and locally in preparing for their Utility and Invitational testing. It’s always rewarding to see these dogs excel and to be part of such a dedicated community.

#NAVHDA #DogTraining #HuntingDogs #UtilityTest #InvitationalTest #HuntingSeasonPrep

For the Top 20 Competition at many Breed Nationals

For the Top 20 Competition at many Breed Nationals, the owner/handler chooses a song to play during their time in the spotlight.

Which song would you choose for your dog?

#dogsong

If intensity is measured by the liquid ounce, the

If intensity is measured by the liquid ounce, the Bracco wins

#braccoitaliano #bracco #birddogoftheday #droolworthy

It’s the enthusiastic recall for me ❤️ Kune

It’s the enthusiastic recall for me ❤️

KuneKune Pigs are the smallest and possibly the cutest domesticated pigs in the world! Not only do these little charmers have the most adorable wattles swinging from each side of their faces, but they also boast a personality that will steal your heart.

Give them a belly rub, and watch them flop over in bliss, just like a dog!

#kunekune #kunekunepigs #bellyrubbliss #kunekunesofinstagram

I’m super excited to share some of the feather c

I’m super excited to share some of the feather creations I’ve been working on. All feathers are from birds that William and I harvested this past season, alongside our beards and Bracchi (and Midge!)

Turning feathers, each with its own story, into something beautiful and wearable is more than just a hobby for me—it’s my way of holding onto the quiet moments, the beauty of the uplands, and the joy of creativity. It’s my retreat from the hustle and bustle, where I find peace and a sense of purpose.

Here are a few of the hats I’ve crafted, each feather hand-picked and thoughtfully placed.

I’ll be adding more to the website as time allows.

thebirddogbabe.com/shop

#PointedPluckedPretty #FeatheredTreasures #FeatheredArtistry #NatureCrafted #WildFeathersWildHearts #EthicalElegance #WingsAndWhimsy #ArtOfTheHunt #ConservationCreations #FromFieldToFashion #PlumePerfection

The Bracco Italiano, an ancient and noble hunting

The Bracco Italiano, an ancient and noble hunting dog breed from Italy, exhibits a distinctive and elegant trot, setting it apart from other breeds. This trot is characterized by a harmonious and efficient movement, showcasing both the breed’s grace and its stamina. When trotting, the Bracco Italiano moves with a smooth, long stride that appears effortless, yet covers significant ground. This stride is a result of its well-balanced body structure, with a powerful hindquarters propelling the movement and a strong, muscular front end guiding the direction.

The trot of the Bracco Italiano is also marked by its notable “drive” and “reach.” “Drive” refers to the powerful pushing action of the hind legs, which propels the dog forward. “Reach” describes the extent to which the front legs stretch forward during the stride. The combination of these two elements contributes to the breed’s ability to move swiftly and efficiently, a vital trait for a dog bred for hunting over varied terrains.

Observers often note the level back and steady head position maintained by the Bracco Italiano while trotting, which further emphasizes its dignified appearance. The breed’s loose skin does not detract from its athletic build; rather, it accentuates the fluidity and elegance of its movement. This unique trot is not only a testament to the breed’s physical capabilities but also an expression of its centuries-old heritage as a versatile and esteemed hunting companion.

#braccoitaliano #bracco #braccotrot #thrustingtrot #thenoblebracco #italianpointer #braccoitalianosofinstagram #bracco #angusthebracco #primthebracco #brackenthebracco #structureandfunction #fitforfunction #birddog #pointingdogs #birddogoftheday #proplansportingdogs #proplandog

First formal backing session with Angus this after

First formal backing session with Angus this afternoon went better than I thought it would. A positive approach with reward retrieves made a super happy honoring Bracco today. Next I will add in new dogs of different breeds and at various grounds.

Nara enjoyed a break from her pups to help her buddy out and appreciates his manners today.

See how we finished today’s session in my stories 👆🏻

#braccoitaliano #backingbracco #gwp #germanwirehairedpointer #birddogtraining

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