Airedales and Irish Terriers hunting wild turkeys from Wisconsin to Oregon

"Any woman who does not thoroughly enjoy tramping across the country on a clear frosty morning
with a good gun and a pair of dogs does not know how to enjoy life." Annie Oakley 1860–1926

June 2004: "I'm planning on getting an Airedale puppy out of Edmonton, Canada that I hope to hunt turkey with."
July 2004: "Too early to get a puppy. Headed back to Alberta in 3 weeks when they are old enough to come home."
October 2004: "Thought you would like to see Nightsun Beau Soleil, or 'Sunny' in action at 5 months of age. He is a natural!"
Christine L. Thomas - Stevens Point, WI
Hunting Airedales | Hunting Airedales | Hunting Airedales

Haven the
Airedale and Oliver the Irish Terrier

"My Airedale Haven is doing well for an 8 yr. old. She has developed a 'bone spur.' However, thanks to a good vet and the medication working well, she is doing fine. This past fall I was lucky enough to get permission to hunt on two small cherry orchards. Our biggest problem were the foxes, who also like turkeys and eggs. Also, Airedales like to hunt fox and so she was distracted part of the time. Gary 1/24/2011
I've had three Airedales. The first two I got as pups. My latest is from Airedale Rescue. She was about 1-1/2 when I got her. I went to Rescue because I felt I was too old to go through puppyhood again. I knew she was special when I learned she not

only chased squirrels, but caught & killed them in seconds. Possums & Coons were her next prey. I started her on turkeys because I noticed her interest in larger ducks & geese. 1/28/11
I added a new addition to my 'household.' I was planning on getting another Airedale from Rescue. However, they couldn't find the right sex & age. My girl is 9+ and so, I needed a male about 4+ So, while they continued the search, I looked at other rescue groups. I found a 4 1/2 yr. old Irish Terrier. I may have

found the Best Kept Secret in the Dog World. Great little hunters. Along with the Airedale, they were used by the Brits in WWI and are intelligent, bark less then most terriers, and are great. I've had him now for 2 months, and will start him on some training. I've chatted with some hunters I know and learned they even make good retrievers. He was named Oliver, but I mostly call him 'the little guy.' Remember my Airedale is 103 nonfat lbs. and Oliver is 37 pounds. We will see how he does. Funny, the AKC says they are not eligible for Earthdog competition. Actually, he is big for an Irish, but my Vet could feel his ribs. He will probably never 'go to ground' because of size, but with training should be able to handle all vermin outside the hole. 8/8/11
Oliver came from an All-Breed Rescue group around here called Second Chance Companions. I was surfing various rescue sites and saw his picture. Couldn't believe an Irish Terrier was there. Outside of a dog show, I've only seen one. I, of course, had to apply, but I was lucky.

Airedale Rescue vouched for me and so the investigation of me and my home was short. He is a victim of the economy. His family had to move across the country and couldn't take him. He was castrated, his tail was docked and is held high, ears are perfect. He learned quickly not to snap at my Airedale. She taught him that he was being 'impolite.' His family told me that he does hunt moles. I can testify that he is intelligent, a good companion, and after several hikes in a wilderness area near my home, he does have a hunting instinct.
Haven (the Airedale) is doing well. My Vet put her on an anti-inflammatory (Meloxicam), and it works great at keeping the pain of her bone spur down. Oliver now hunts squirrels with her. Let me add, that she is my third Airedale but the first that can catch squirrels. The outcome is quick and merciful. Our Fall Turkey Season starts 10-15 till 12-31. I can't even buy my permit until September." Gary Perlstein Lake Oswego, OR 8/15/11 Irish Terrier