</a JR Holmes Oil Company </a Shark Guard Southeast Woods and Whitetail Mayer Insurance Services LLC
Aldeer Classifieds
Looking for Lowrance Ghost or 24v Ultrex
by bradbathome. 03/28/24 08:17 PM
Turkey loads/decoy
by Rem870s2. 03/28/24 04:41 PM
Wtb Browning 300 Mag
by desertdog. 03/28/24 03:36 PM
WTB Chevy 1500
by Okalona. 03/28/24 07:44 AM
Iso ruger american ranch
by AustinC. 03/27/24 08:20 PM
Serious Deer Talk
The Hollywood Buck.
by Mbrock. 03/28/24 08:56 PM
For the Don’t Shoot Does Crowd
by SEWoodsWhitetail. 03/28/24 10:45 AM
High Fencing
by RareBreed. 03/26/24 10:45 PM
Who's got the best deer hunting in AL
by TensawRiver. 03/26/24 01:26 PM
What makes you happy?
by Fishduck. 03/26/24 10:25 AM
March
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Land, Leases, Hunting Clubs
West Jefferson County hunting club
by Jmfire722. 03/18/24 08:36 AM
Western Ky farm
by todd w. 03/15/24 01:23 PM
Information on bibb county hunting club
by quickshot. 03/10/24 01:46 PM
Hunting Club
by Hibby. 03/08/24 04:34 PM
Mississippi club
by Gobl4me. 03/07/24 09:55 PM
Who's Online Now
113 registered members (hallb, William, jdhunter2011, timberwolfe, HawkPilot, Deerslayer33, Ryano, Floorman1, Beak_Buster, BCLC, Tree Dweller, 10 POINT, Chancetribe, fourfive45, jwalker77, TGreen, RSF, Geezer, Bandit635, ucmducks, outdoorguy88, Justice, Gobble4me757, CrappieMan, BPI, Atoler, Lightfoot, Jweeks, Coosa1, lectrode, TideWJO, taggedout, Cuz-Pat, Ray_Coon, Marengo hunter, dirkdaddy, cartervj, TroyBoy1988, AustinC, KENT, LuckyGoose, Mbrock, PourIron12, just_an_illusion, FNG68, Jotjackson, GomerPyle, Powers, Last Soldier, Solothurn, jbatey1, GATA87, MC21, Prohunter3509, robinhedd, limabean, kpswihart, Calvin, JohnG, Aldecks1, aucivil, Shaneomac2, MS_Hunter, globe, CAL, Cjunkin, Paxamus, JB71, bambam32, bward85, HBWALKER14, jumboSHRIMP, NVM1031, Weedpicker, Narrow Gap, WEMOhunter, booner, beerhunter, Backwater, Whild_Bill, CTMS, kyles, mdf, BamaBoHunter, AMB, specialk, Shane99, CarbonClimber1, Dubie, RCHRR, Woody1, YellaLineHunter, rblaker, Whitetaillane, SouthBamaSlayer, Morris, mzzy, UAhunter, Treelimb, crenshawco, desertdog, Brian_C, alhawk, 10 invisible), 625 guests, and 0 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Boykins #2831822
06/17/19 08:59 PM
06/17/19 08:59 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 18,778
colbert county
cartervj Online content OP
Old Mossy Horns
cartervj  Online Content OP
Old Mossy Horns
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 18,778
colbert county
After seeing that several here have one, just curious as to their temperament compared to a lab. I've had 4 hunting labs over ht year san just put my last one down. He did dual service, retrieved ducks and was a really good flushing/pointing upland dog.
He's the one in my avatar. I sen a Boykin 30 years ago an older gentlemen had on a dove hunt.

How hard headed are they? Training wise and prefer a female to male. I've had 3 males and 1 female Lab over the years and leaning towards another female since I don't have the desire to handle a male hard headness, females just seem easier to work. Not knowing about Boykins that well was curious as to who their temperment might be perceived compared to a female lab.

Are Boykins ok on upland, primarily quail, not a deal breaker cause I doubt I can find another lab like my last one.


“Socialism only works in two places: Heaven where they don't need it and hell where they already have it.” ― Ronald Reagan
Re: Boykins [Re: cartervj] #2835697
06/22/19 05:00 PM
06/22/19 05:00 PM
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 576
Waverly, Ala
F
Festus Offline
4 point
Festus  Offline
4 point
F
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 576
Waverly, Ala
I've got a male Boykin......had 2 female Labs before that. They are more "Hyper" than a Lab. Very Birdy....good flushing dogs on Pheasants....they love water so-good duck retrievers and equally well on doves....they just don't generally point.

Re: Boykins [Re: cartervj] #2836363
06/23/19 09:12 PM
06/23/19 09:12 PM
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,421
Gordo al
laidback Offline
12 point
laidback  Offline
12 point
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,421
Gordo al
We have 2 males and a female and 2 female labs. Their personalities are totally different. The Boykins like Festus said are very birdy and make great hunting dogs. They also do very well playing the hunt test game. They make great house dogs also. I love both breeds and enjoy training both but most lab trainers do not like training Boykins.


Oakwood Kennels Gordo Alabama
Retriever Training
Wood's Gracie RIP 12/08/03 - 01/15/16
HRCH Wood's Rascal MH RIP 07/15/06 - 01/26/17
HRCH Wood's Maggie
Wood's Gypsy
KJ Just Wood's Sebastian (Saban)
Xena Princess Warrior


He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, and his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. Unknown
Re: Boykins [Re: laidback] #2837173
06/24/19 08:16 PM
06/24/19 08:16 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,703
Winfield
R
rst87 Offline
8 point
rst87  Offline
8 point
R
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,703
Winfield
Originally Posted by laidback
We have 2 males and a female and 2 female labs. Their personalities are totally different. The Boykins like Festus said are very birdy and make great hunting dogs. They also do very well playing the hunt test game. They make great house dogs also. I love both breeds and enjoy training both but most lab trainers do not like training Boykins.

I’ve never been around them but the recent posts on here got me interested in them. They seem to be a pretty cool dog. Just curious why the lab trainers wouldn’t want to fool with them? Im new to retriever world and in the process of training my first lab. If they don’t chew everything up that would be a plus. How do they really handle the cold weather, reading on line you see all kinds of opinions?


"Life is hard; It's harder if you're stupid" John Wayne
Re: Boykins [Re: cartervj] #2837318
06/24/19 11:58 PM
06/24/19 11:58 PM
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,421
Gordo al
laidback Offline
12 point
laidback  Offline
12 point
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,421
Gordo al
They are hard headed and do things when retrieving labs don’t do. A good example is running out for the retrieve and rolling around on the duck. As far as cold weather goes all of ours don’t mind it. They get in cold water just like our labs do. Some Boykins don’t like water period but most do. They don’t chew as bad as labs but eat things especially women’s panties. Find a pup from a reputable breeder that hunts and runs hunt test. Make sure the genetic test have been done. Be prepared to pay big bucks for a quality pup. They start at about $1500 but really well bred ones go for upwards of $2500. Anything cheaper than that beware. They are out there for a lot less but I can assure the proper testing hasn’t been done.


Oakwood Kennels Gordo Alabama
Retriever Training
Wood's Gracie RIP 12/08/03 - 01/15/16
HRCH Wood's Rascal MH RIP 07/15/06 - 01/26/17
HRCH Wood's Maggie
Wood's Gypsy
KJ Just Wood's Sebastian (Saban)
Xena Princess Warrior


He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, and his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. Unknown
Re: Boykins [Re: laidback] #2837358
06/25/19 07:13 AM
06/25/19 07:13 AM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,673
OAK MTN
HBWALKER14 Online content
8 point
HBWALKER14  Online Content
8 point
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,673
OAK MTN
Originally Posted by laidback
They are hard headed and do things when retrieving labs don’t do. A good example is running out for the retrieve and rolling around on the duck. As far as cold weather goes all of ours don’t mind it. They get in cold water just like our labs do. Some Boykins don’t like water period but most do. They don’t chew as bad as labs but eat things especially women’s panties. Find a pup from a reputable breeder that hunts and runs hunt test. Make sure the genetic test have been done. Be prepared to pay big bucks for a quality pup. They start at about $1500 but really well bred ones go for upwards of $2500. Anything cheaper than that beware. They are out there for a lot less but I can assure the proper testing hasn’t been done.


Cant stress that enough. Make sure eyes and hips are in good standing. My parents had 2 before their current boykin. One had bad hips, and the other was blind for most of his life. They are good dogs, but if you want something that can upland hunt and will point/ retrieve i would suggest a brittany. Ive got one that will quail hunt his ass off. Point every covey and retrieve birds when shot. Dove hunts great too. Picked up 36 of 36 dove last season.


A BAD DAYS HUNTING OR FISHING IS BETTER THAN ANY DAY AT WORK
Re: Boykins [Re: cartervj] #2837673
06/25/19 03:02 PM
06/25/19 03:02 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,717
Selma
odocoileus Offline
14 point
odocoileus  Offline
14 point
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,717
Selma
The ones I have been around were hard headed as hell. And crazy. They're also the only dog I've ever been maliciously bitten by. And I deal with a lot of dogs.

I am sure there are some good ones out there, but they haven't graced me with their presence.

Re: Boykins [Re: cartervj] #2837693
06/25/19 03:39 PM
06/25/19 03:39 PM
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,016
Pike Road, Al
M
Mully Offline
10 point
Mully  Offline
10 point
M
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,016
Pike Road, Al
I have a female that is about to be 3 in a few weeks. She didnt turn out to be a hunting dog because life threw other things our direction when it was time to work with her but she is a great dog. She minds well, loves to go to the farm and do everything with me I enjoy(except hunt) and absolutely loves to curl on on the couch or in the bed with us. As far as being aggressive, mine is as far from that as you can get. In fact I am not sure she even knows how to growl.

Re: Boykins [Re: cartervj] #2838000
06/25/19 09:52 PM
06/25/19 09:52 PM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,863
Tuscaloosa
Booger Offline
Picker
Booger  Offline
Picker
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,863
Tuscaloosa
I wouldn’t trade my Boykins for anything. We have two girls that are 6 years old. Sweet, sweet dogs. One has attached herself to our son who is severely disabled. She loves him. The other loves her mom and would tight rope walk a razors edge to fetch a bird.


Pick'n and a grin'n
Re: Boykins [Re: odocoileus] #2838270
06/26/19 11:42 AM
06/26/19 11:42 AM
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,421
Gordo al
laidback Offline
12 point
laidback  Offline
12 point
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,421
Gordo al
Lol they are crazy for the most part. There are not only good ones out there there are great dogs that I would put up against most labs. Butch Herb has several that are exceptional with 2 of them having GRHRCH titles. His dog Pelham has won everything that can be won and has passed the Grand at least 6 times. Not many labs have done that. Our oldest male is a direct son of Pelhsm. He is the only dog that has bitten me while FF him. We love ours very much and wouldn’t take anything for them.


Oakwood Kennels Gordo Alabama
Retriever Training
Wood's Gracie RIP 12/08/03 - 01/15/16
HRCH Wood's Rascal MH RIP 07/15/06 - 01/26/17
HRCH Wood's Maggie
Wood's Gypsy
KJ Just Wood's Sebastian (Saban)
Xena Princess Warrior


He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, and his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. Unknown
Re: Boykins [Re: cartervj] #2839076
06/27/19 11:10 AM
06/27/19 11:10 AM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,961
Mobile,AL/ Baldwin, Al
gatorbait154 Offline
12 point
gatorbait154  Offline
12 point
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,961
Mobile,AL/ Baldwin, Al
I have a four year old boykin that is as crazy as a sprayed roach, but he's a great dog. He wants to go everywhere I go and will ride the tractor and lawnmower with me. He's a hell of a retriever will not stop retrieving as long as I'm killing birds or throwing a bumper or ball. They are very loyal animals with great temperament, but can be hard headed as hell at times.. My wife, who is far from an animal lover, actually loves our boykin and wouldn't get rid of him for nothing..

Re: Boykins [Re: cartervj] #2840433
06/29/19 09:49 AM
06/29/19 09:49 AM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,168
Jasper, AL
foghorn Offline
6 point
foghorn  Offline
6 point
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,168
Jasper, AL
Had Boykins for over 30 yrs, never seen any of what you guys are talking about other than loyal and absolute retrievers. They can be hyper or ADD at times but you cannot train them with a heavy hand like you would a Lab. Labs are great but will never own one again. The hyper-ness I think comes from the Springer influence, I had a male boykin that hated other male dogs and would try to fight them but loved everything else including kids climbing over him and on him. Definitely get the eyes and hips checked for sure as some lines are bad for hip dysplasia. They are super smart and will do things other dogs cant. My dad would tell his boykin lets go for a ride and she would get the keys and meet him at the truck! They are very loyal and will stay right with you no matter what you are doing, mine stays right beside me almost constantly and will retrieve till I get tired! I have hunted mine on chukar, pheasants, quail, geese, ducks (in ice), & doves without fail.


Retired US Navy Corpsman
Life is too short to hunt with any ugly dog!
Re: Boykins [Re: cartervj] #2859848
07/24/19 12:39 PM
07/24/19 12:39 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 184
Pelham, Alabama
280REM Offline
3 point
280REM  Offline
3 point
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 184
Pelham, Alabama
Originally Posted by cartervj
After seeing that several here have one, just curious as to their temperament compared to a lab. I've had 4 hunting labs over ht year san just put my last one down. He did dual service, retrieved ducks and was a really good flushing/pointing upland dog.
He's the one in my avatar. I sen a Boykin 30 years ago an older gentlemen had on a dove hunt.

How hard headed are they? Training wise and prefer a female to male. I've had 3 males and 1 female Lab over the years and leaning towards another female since I don't have the desire to handle a male hard headness, females just seem easier to work. Not knowing about Boykins that well was curious as to who their temperment might be perceived compared to a female lab.

Are Boykins ok on upland, primarily quail, not a deal breaker cause I doubt I can find another lab like my last one.



I'm late to this thread, but can echo much of what's been said. I had one years ago (that was not registered...long story). He was a very good dog, and training was not my superpower then. I've gotten better. He was hard headed, but a damn fine dog. Very birdy, good retriever, great watchdog too.

Currently have a 6.5mo old female. I paid $1500 for her. She's, hands down, the best PUPPY I've ever owned. Extremely willing to please, and learns fast. Loves to retrieve, and loves to get in the bush and quarter back and forth with her nose to the ground, and tail wagging 100mph. Not sure she knows exactly what she's after just yet, but she's a hunter. She loves to go places and rides in the truck very calmly. She goes to the office with me often and mostly entertains herself while I work. She's not been hard to house train, nor extremely destructive.

Boykins CAN BE hard headed and soft tempered (shut down if you lose your temper). This one I have now is not super hard headed, or soft tempered. I've discovered that shaping natural behaviors in to those I want is the easiest way with her. They are NOT labs. Labs I've owned and seen will take a 2x4 up side the head and not quit on you. I've owned a boykin pup (that I adopted out due to her soft temper and hard head) that would give up if you raised your voice, and also would soil her own kennel. I bought her from a news paper add about 15 years ago.

My experience these days with mine and others I know that have Boykins bought from reputable breeders is that the Boykin Society has been diligent in keeping the breed a hunter and with the standards, and if you buy from a reputable breeder, then you're likely going to get a fine dog. If you try to find one cheap, then do so at your own peril. May or may not be a great dog.

Above all Boykins thrive on human attention, and will be happiest and the best they can be at their jobs if they're are also a family dog.

Re: Boykins [Re: cartervj] #2875193
08/10/19 01:18 PM
08/10/19 01:18 PM
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 3,546
Mobile, AL
soalaturkeys Offline
10 point
soalaturkeys  Offline
10 point
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 3,546
Mobile, AL
I want a Boykin. I’ve lots of experience with field bred Springers so I know what to expect. Breeder recommendations are appreciated! Thanks.


"For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America" ~Benjamin Franklin

Isaiah 40:13-14

RAP is CRAP

NRA Life Member, GOA, BamaCarry Member
Re: Boykins [Re: cartervj] #2876549
08/12/19 11:08 AM
08/12/19 11:08 AM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 9,111
B'ham
Goatkiller Offline
14 point
Goatkiller  Offline
14 point
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 9,111
B'ham
They are too small for waterfowl hunting unless you are in a swamp where they can get up on a cypress knee and take a break from swimming or you are hunting a farm pond. They are a good wood duck dog. They are not an open or big water dog.

Other than that they are pretty much worthless.... but make great pets. Would be good for picking up doves and sleeping by the fireplace. That's about it. Overrated big time as a gun dog.


No government employees were harmed in the making of this mess.
Re: Boykins [Re: Goatkiller] #2878823
08/14/19 09:13 PM
08/14/19 09:13 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,961
Mobile,AL/ Baldwin, Al
gatorbait154 Offline
12 point
gatorbait154  Offline
12 point
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,961
Mobile,AL/ Baldwin, Al
Originally Posted by Goatkiller
They are too small for waterfowl hunting unless you are in a swamp where they can get up on a cypress knee and take a break from swimming or you are hunting a farm pond. They are a good wood duck dog. They are not an open or big water dog.

Other than that they are pretty much worthless.... but make great pets. Would be good for picking up doves and sleeping by the fireplace. That's about it. Overrated big time as a gun dog.

I disagree with your assessment. Took mine to Mississippi two years ago and he had zero trouble chasing down and retrieving mallards in open rice fields..

Re: Boykins [Re: Goatkiller] #2879101
08/15/19 09:41 AM
08/15/19 09:41 AM
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,016
Pike Road, Al
M
Mully Offline
10 point
Mully  Offline
10 point
M
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,016
Pike Road, Al
Originally Posted by Goatkiller
They are too small for waterfowl hunting unless you are in a swamp where they can get up on a cypress knee and take a break from swimming or you are hunting a farm pond. They are a good wood duck dog. They are not an open or big water dog.

Other than that they are pretty much worthless.... but make great pets. Would be good for picking up doves and sleeping by the fireplace. That's about it. Overrated big time as a gun dog.


I beg to differ. I am not saying in big water or with big ducks/geese that a lab isn't superior to a boykin but boykins can get it done. Just look up Eric Hicks on facebook and look through his pics. He hunts his in snow/ice, water and on land with everything from doves, pheasants, ducks and geese and they excel.

Re: Boykins [Re: cartervj] #2879186
08/15/19 11:33 AM
08/15/19 11:33 AM
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,189
Lamar
F
Fishduck Offline
6 point
Fishduck  Offline
6 point
F
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,189
Lamar
Boykin are fine dogs. The truth is they are smaller than a lab and they don't have a labs undercoat. I almost watched a Boykin freeze to death hunting the timber in Arkansas. The dog only made it because we threw it in the gunbox of the boat with a Q-beam as a heat source.

Re: Boykins [Re: Goatkiller] #2889332
08/27/19 08:15 AM
08/27/19 08:15 AM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 184
Pelham, Alabama
280REM Offline
3 point
280REM  Offline
3 point
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 184
Pelham, Alabama
Originally Posted by Goatkiller
They are too small for waterfowl hunting unless you are in a swamp where they can get up on a cypress knee and take a break from swimming or you are hunting a farm pond. They are a good wood duck dog. They are not an open or big water dog.

Other than that they are pretty much worthless.... but make great pets. Would be good for picking up doves and sleeping by the fireplace. That's about it. Overrated big time as a gun dog.


So, they're not a lab, thus worthless? Everybody got an opinion .

The first one I owned in the 90s could swim for hours including in the surf at the beach. Broke ice to retrieve wood ducks. I'd put his water ability up against any big breed pound for pound and he was 55lbs at his peak. Could go all day in 90+ degree heat too. Damned fine gun dog.

If I hunted geese or large ducks in big frigid water, maybe it would't be my first choice for that. For hunting, versatility, and companionship in the south, they're damned hard to beat. I've seen them used as flushers for quail and pheasant, both as the primary and backing up the pointers, and run circles around the pointers they backed up for retrieving. I've seen them trained to hunt box turtles in the woods for scientific research. They could locate and retrieve 4 or so an hour when researchers on their own would go good to find a couple a day.

Here's the thing. They were bred to do certain things, and their origin is in the swamps of SC. They do what they were bred to do quite well. They are NOT labs, and weren't meant to be. If I wanted a lab...I'd get one.

Re: Boykins [Re: soalaturkeys] #2889347
08/27/19 08:28 AM
08/27/19 08:28 AM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 184
Pelham, Alabama
280REM Offline
3 point
280REM  Offline
3 point
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 184
Pelham, Alabama
Originally Posted by soalaturkeys
I want a Boykin. I’ve lots of experience with field bred Springers so I know what to expect. Breeder recommendations are appreciated! Thanks.


I bought mine this past spring from a retired vet in H'ville. I don't know that he has any litters coming up. I can tell you this. Look for breeders who have, at a minimum, hip and eye certifications. Stay away from "breeders" offering dogs for sale under $1000.00. These are often pet owners who decided to have a litter. That was my take after researching. You can pay upwards of $2500. I wasn't willing to pay that. Dogs going for that are usually from established hunters/breeder/trainers and a pedigree of champion hunters. You can find good litters and breeders offering dogs under $2000 if you look and are patient.

Google up Michael Barnes of Valley Way Kennels. He's a trainer/breeder in H'ville and has breed stock, and seems like a good down to earth guy that knows Boykins.

Page 1 of 2 1 2

Aldeer.com Copyright 2001-2023 Aldeer LLP.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.1.1
(Release build 20180111)
Page Time: 0.112s Queries: 16 (0.035s) Memory: 3.2989 MB (Peak: 3.6035 MB) Zlib disabled. Server Time: 2024-03-29 13:24:51 UTC