Hi everyone:

As summer finally arrives here in the western part of Oregon, the sun is also beginning to make an appearance. When June started, there was a local weather report that said the first 5 days of June were the coldest and wettest in recent history. Dash and I were well aware of that, because he and I have our workouts in the park early in the morning, and it was COLD. Of course, he doesn't mind the weather. If you've seen our shows we did in Vermont on Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock (in cold, raining weather), you already know that. He hunted hard on each of those shows, and the only time you could see he was affected by the rain was when he'd make a brief stop to shake off the water from his coat.

Here in my office I have Woodcock and Ruffed Grouse mounts to remind me of those shows. Of course I also have the DVD's of those shows to watch as well. Dash is rounding into shape for this upcoming bird season. I'm running him every other day (early in the morning, of course), and gradually extending the time we spend in the park working on his commands, wind sprints and retrieves. As I write this newsletter, he is sleeping right next to my desk, practically under my chair.

Over the years, many of you have commented to me about my shooting, and have asked what I do to stay sharp. Well, this is the month each year when I begin going to my local gun club to shoot clay targets. Usually I begin shooting after the fourth of July weekend and continue right up to the beginning of bird season. Although Dash doesn't get to join me, I have begun my season on Doves for the last couple of years and will do so again this year. Then he and I will be off to a early season Sharptail Grouse hunt in North Dakota in mid-September, a Pheasant opener in Mid October, and we'll continue hunting right up through the winter, including a Black Francolin hunt on Maui in January.

Stay in touch with us through this newsletter and we'll keep you informed on developments regarding possible reruns of the "Dash" series, as well as the publication date of my book about Dash, and other personal appearances that we'll be making.

I'll talk to you again in August.

Dez Young

Hi everyone:

As I sit down to write this newsletter, I'm getting ready to take off for a few days of fly fishing at White's Ranch, Paradise, Utah. Of course, Karenanne will be joining me along with her dog Brett and my famous birddog Dash. Dash, by the way loves to fish with me. He sits patiently by my side while I fish, and then inspects each fish before I release it back into the water. He never criticizes my casting or my selection of flies.

I have accepted a couple of invitations for appearances that I want to tell you about, so that you can make plans to stop by and see Dash if you're in the area. First is a trip this August to Eau Claire, Wisconsin to the 2nd Annual Chippewa Valley Outdoor Games at the Eau Claire Rod and Gun Club over the weekend of August 15-17. I'll be presenting my seminar (An amateur's perspective on training), as well as greeting Dash's fans at a booth. So if you're in that area, be sure to make plans to come by and see us. My friend and Director, Bob Corley is planning on being on that trip with Dash and me, and when the event is through, he and I are planning to borrow a couple of heavy flyrods and try our luck at catching a Muskie. It should be a lot of fun.

I expect there will be other appearances before this next one, but I also want to tell you that Dash and I will be attending the Wingshooting / Fly Fishing Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina on January 30 and 31, 2009. Again, we will do demonstrations, and well as have a place where fans can come by and pet Dash, get signed pictures and take their own photos if they wish.

From all of us involved in the "Dash" series, we want you wish you a great summer! I'll talk to you again next month.

Dez

Hi everyone:

As I mentioned in last month's newsletter, I've been working on Dash's book, which is tentatively titled: DASH IN THE UPLANDS...Legacy of a Legend. As of this newsletter, I've finished the rough draft and will be sending it off to the publisher (Bonasa Press) for editing. Timing of the release of the book has yet to be determined, but of course, I'll keep you posted on the progress.

For those of you who have ordered Hank's portrait, you may want to consider ordering Dash's as well, so that you will have images of both of my boys.

Now that spring is nearly here (although, it's constantly raining here in Portland), Dash and I will be starting his workouts again soon. He's been enjoying the time off, but he's getting a little restless and ready to get some training in between now and fall. We have some appearances that we'll be making later this summer and fall, so I'll keep you posted on those as well.

Finally, thanks so much for all of the kind comments you've been sending me about missing Dash on television. As of now, we are not planning to return, but you just never know...you're emails have been a delight to read, and I look forward to hearing from you anytime.

Dez

Hi everyone:

I'm sorry I missed updating you in February...but here's the latest news!

On February 9th, Dash, Karenanne and I were at the National Bird Dog Museum in Grand Junction, Tennessee. We were there for a very special occasion. The Executive Director, David Smith had requested that the museum have a print of Dash's official portrait (painted by Bob Bertram). His request was founded on the popularity of Dash's television show Dash in the Uplands. As you may already know, Dash's dad, Hank already had his portrait in the museum as the only television dog so honored, for his series, Hunting With Hank.

At the luncheon on 9th, I made the presentation in front of a large group of dog owners, trainers and breeders. Now, the museum will put Dash's portrait next to Hank's inside the entrance to the museum. So, both of my boys are now in the National Bird Dog Museum, alone as the only television dogs honored in that way. This acknowledgment of the work Hank, Dash, Bob Corley and I put into the eleven years of our productions verifies that we left a lasting impact on viewers across the country who enjoyed watching Hank and Dash travel the uplands of this great country. Now, for posterity my boys will greet visitors of the museum, who will be able to see the two dogs that brought quality upland bird hunting programs into so many homes for so many years. I know Bob is as proud of this accomplishment as I am. And he should be. He remains the best Director in outdoor television, and I'm sure in the coming years outdoor television viewers will see his work again.

Also, in February I started writing Dash's book. Dash in the Uplands will chronicle Dash's early training (beginning at 7 weeks of age), his first on-camera hunts (with his dad, Hank as the only guest), and all of his 62 episodes for OLN/VERSUS. As I did with Hanks' book Hunting with Hank...side by side in the uplands (now in it's second printing), I will not only review each of the shows, but share insights into how Bob and I decided to approach Dash's series, and meet the guests who walked in on Dash's points. If you enjoyed reading about Hank's adventures, I'm sure you'll want to read about Dash's as well.

Dash and I had quite an adventure at the Pheasant Fest in Minneapolis the latter part of January. The event was attended by over 25,000 people, despite the sub-zero temperatures. Thousands of Dash's fans came by to see us at the Cabela's booth over the three day event. The adventure took place afterwards. We tried to leave on the following Monday, but temperatures were too low to fly Dash home. So, we sat in our hotel until FRIDAY before we could get back to Portland. We spent a lot of time in our hotel room, watching movies!

We will probably have some news for you next month about a unique opportunity being presented to Dash and me...so I'll talk to you again then.

Dez

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

On December 27th and 28th, 2007, VERSUS television, Volume III, Edition Thirteen of DASH IN THE UPLANDS aired. That adventure had Dash and me seeking the Himalayan Snow Cock in the Ruby Mountains of Nevada. It is also the last original episode of this series that will be produced.

Since 1997, when his dad's series (Hunting With Hank) began to air on OLN/VERSUS, my friend and Director, Bob Corley and I have produced 135 shows. Hank starred in 67 episodes, Dash starred in 62, and there were a total of 6 Dez Young's Wingshooter's Journal specials from Scotland, Uruguay and Hawaii.

Although we have enjoyed producing these shows, Bob has always reminded me that: "... it's a business." And over the last few seasons, the business has become less fun and less profitable than either of us would like. So, at this point we have decided to retire the series, but not before I extend some very important "thank you's".

First, of course, I need to thank my "boys", Hank and Dash for becoming the television stars of the upland bird shows we produced. Between the two of them, we traveled to nearly all of the United States in pursuit of upland game birds. We even took Dash into Mexico and Hawaii. Because of the popularity of their shows, we were also invited to produce shows from Scotland, Uruguay and Hawaii. Personal appearances at sporting events added to our travel, and also gave us the opportunity to meet thousands of viewers who were thrilled to get to pet their favorite bird dogs.

My friend Bob Corley has been with me from the very beginning. Without his talent as a Director and Cameraman, we would never have won all of the numerous awards that came to our productions over this last decade. Senior Editor Bob Lawhead has done the final editing on every show we've done. David Bogan and Brent Barnett have been with us as "B" cameramen on many of our episodes. Their talent and friendship will never be forgotten. Noted author and outdoor industry expert Laurie Bogart Morrow has been our tireless representative, and a good friend to my wife Karenanne and I over these last few challenging years. My love and respect go out to my wife, who has supported every career decision I've made over the 25 years we've been together. And despite not wanting recognition, she has been a favorite on-camera guest on many of Hank's and Dash's shows. We all want to thank our viewers, our hosts and sponsors for the support and encouragement you have given us as we've gone from Hank to Dash, and from season to season.

BUT, THERE'S NEWS REGARDING THE FUTURE:

First, I'm happy to let you know that a second printing of my tribute book to Hank, HUNTING WITH HANK, Side by Side in the Uplands is now available through Bonasa Press. If you missed your chance at the first printing, be sure to place your order before this printing is sold out!

Second, the official portrait of Dash is being printed as I write this newsletter. It was done by the noted portrait artist Bob Bertram...and it's beautiful. A copy of the portrait will be presented to the National Bird Dog Museum in February, and then he and Hank will be the only television dogs so honored. You may enquire here at our website for more details on how to order your own print of Dash. As yet, I've not set a price for the portrait, but it will be similar to the price charged for Hank's portrait.

Third, I am beginning the writing of Dash's book, and hope to have it to the printer in time for NEXT Christmas. It will follow all of Dash's television adventures as well as his early training, and even his rare opportunities to hunt without cameras. As with his dad's book, I'll be telling stories and recalling memories of our times together on the road.

Fourth, I haven't excluded the possibility of returning to television in the future. Perhaps those will be in a different format, or even limited "specials" with Dash or our Wingshooter's Journal episodes. Those decisions will come when and if the opportunities present themselves.

Last, I want to thank all of you for your ongoing support and appreciation for our efforts over the last 11 years.

I'll talk to you again next month...and remember... don't forget my rule: Never, ever, spoil your bird dog!

Dez

Happy Holidays everyone:

Once again the holiday season is upon us. Karenanne and I had a great Thanksgiving that included a weekend hunt with just the two of us and Dash. As we were driving to our hunt on Saturday morning, we tried to recall the last time we had hunted together without family or friends or cameras along. Sad to say, we couldn't remember when it was, so it had to have been a long time ago. We had a great day with Dash, and Karenanne took 3 of our 4 Pheasants that Dash pointed for us. It was particularly enjoyable because there was about 3 inches of new snow on the ground, so we could see Pheasant tracks all through the central Oregon country we were hunting. In order to stay warm, K.A. wore her heavy hunting jacket and her "Elmer Fudd" hat. You know the kind. Green, heavy wool outside, white wool inside, a short front bill and ear flaps that came down and tied under her chin. She looked so cute, I wanted to take a picture of her, but she politely declined.

For those of you in the mid-west, don't forget that the 25th anniversary of Pheasants Forever will be celebrated in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota this coming January 18, 19, and 20. Dash and I will be there representing our sponsor, Cabela's. So, if you're planning on attending, be sure to stop by and give Dash a "pet".

The following month, I will be presenting Dash's official portrait to the National Bird Dog Museum, so he and I have a busy schedule for the first part of the winter. As I'm writing this, he's laying on the floor of my office right next to my chair, dreaming of birds...he has no idea how famous he is!

From Dash, Bob and Liz Corley, Karenanne and I...Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Dez

Hi everyone:

As we enter the holiday season, it's time for me once again to wish all of you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.

I want to thank all of you who have been corresponding with me about this current season of DASH IN THE UPLANDS episodes. I'm glad you are enjoying the new shows. As each year passes, Dash becomes more accomplished in the field, and hunts more like his dad, Hank. I hope you will enjoy watching the rest of our shows that will air right up until Christmas. Remember, we're on Thursdays at 2pm est, and that show then repeats on Fridays at 11am est.

This fall, Dash and I have had the opportunity to take some "fun" hunts without cameras, and with my friends and family members. We had a great Sharptail Grouse hunt in North Dakota, a wonderful time in Eastern Washington on a Pheasant and Quail hunt, and have other hunts scheduled for later this season.

A hunt I'm particularly looking forward to will be with my friend and Director, Bob Corley, as well as the Master Editor for DASH IN THE UPLANDS, Robert Lawhead. Bob is an avid bird hunter, but seldom has the chance to actually pick up a shotgun instead of a camera. Robert has edited every single episode of "Hank", "Dash" and our "Wingshooter's Journal" specials, and yet is not a bird hunter. Bob and I took him out a few years ago with Hank, and it was a lot of fun, so I'm looking forward to watching him walk in on one of Dash's points.

Right after Thanksgiving, my wife Karenanne (a frequent guest on our shows) and I will have a hunt with Dash...just the two of us. With our separate, busy schedules, we don't get many opportunities to hunt together, so it will be a real treat for us the walk the fields together behind Dash.

As always, thanks for your continued support of our efforts. We look forward to hearing from you whenever you want to visit.

Until next time,

Dez Young

Hi everyone:

DASH IS BACK !

This month marks the return of DASH IN THE UPLANDS to Versus network. You will see some great work from Dash again this year as we travel the country to bring you our bird hunting adventures. You'll watch Dash hunt for wild Bobwhite Quail and Pheasants in Kansas (our first visit to that state)...wild Pheasants in South Dakota...REALLY wild, spooky Sharptail Grouse in Nebraska...Mearns Quail and Gambel's Quail in Arizona...and we'll top it off with the most incredible adventure we've ever taken when Dash and I hunt for Himalayan Snowcock in the Ruby Mountains of Northern Nevada.

There will be 13 new shows for you to watch, each of which will air twice. The premier show each week will air on Thursdays at 2pm est. That same show will then repeat on Fridays at 8:30am est. So check your local schedules so that you don't miss a single episode. Although he won't be 6 years old until this December, this season marks Dash's 5th year of adventures. Bob, Dash and I hope you will enjoy them all.

I also want to give you a heads up on an addition to our appearance schedule. The 25th Anniversary Pheasants Forever Pheasant Fest will be held in Minneapolis this coming January 18-20, and Dash and I will be there in the Cabela's booth once more. So those of you planning on going to that event, be sure to stop by and see us.

Have a great start to your hunting season. I'll talk to you next month.

Dez

Hi everyone:

As of this newsletter, Bob and I have not received a firm date/time for this fall's DASH IN THE UPLANDS series on VERSUS. Last month I mentioned that we'd be on Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings, but if that changes, I'll let you know right away!

Dash is rounding into shape for this fall's bird season. I took him for his veterinary appointment last week and he's right at 62 pounds. I like to hunt him at around 60 pounds as the season begins, because he drops a few pounds as the season progresses despite making sure he is fed regularly and well. That reminds me to mention that if you are planning on taking your bird dog out this season, make sure you don't feed it a heavy meal in the morning of a hunt. A dog's digestive system will begin immediately, taking much needed blood from other parts of the body, which in turn will impact the way your dog performs. Ask your vet about this and you'll get more detailed information.

Also rounding into shape is my shooting. I've been shooting often this summer at my local gun club, and feel like my Merkel 20 gauge side by side and I are on the "same page". I certainly hope that's true when bird season opens up soon.

Bob and I are editing the last 5 shows for this season between now and early October. Also, this month I'll get a look at Dash's official portrait which is being painted by renowned artist Bob Bertram. My plan is to have prints of this portrait available for Dash's fans by the end of this year or the beginning of next. I've seen the initial effort of the artist's efforts, and I can tell you that it is going to be spectacular. If you have any interest in purchasing the portrait, I'll put all the information on this newsletter when it's ready.

To those of you who are bird hunters...I wish you a great upcoming season filled with thrills, good friends and lasting memories.

Talk to you next month,

Dez Young

Hi Everyone:

As August begins, and the signs of summer begin to fade into fall, my thoughts as always are turning to chasing birds. Dash and I are continuing to work every other morning in the park near us. I go over his commands and send him on "wind sprints" after retrieving bumpers until his tongue is dragging. Not living in the country, I don't have a place where I can "road" him as so many professional dog trainers do with their own dogs, but the park is at least a pretty good substitute.

July was filled with lots of time spent with my Granddaughter Caitlin and my Grandson London. Caitlin and her parents moved to South Carolina this summer so that my son Glenn could take a job with the Shakespeare Company. London lives in the Seattle area with my Daughter Stacy and her husband, so it was nice to have him visit as well.

It was great to have them here for several days of swimming in our pool, going to a local fun center, bowling on rainy days, seeing a movie (and having lots of snacks, of course), and going to the local shooting club (where London handled the buttons for the clay targets). It's the times like those that remind me of just how lucky I am to have a healthy extended family around me. I have to confess I didn't get a lot of work done during that time, but it was worth it.

Bob and I are nearly finished with 8 of our upcoming 13 new shows for this fall for our DASH IN THE UPLANDS series. As in the past years, I am very proud of these shows and I hope you will enjoy seeing them when they begin airing this fall. So far, although it hasn't been confirmed by VERSUS, we are looking at airing on Thursday afternoons (2pm) and Friday mornings (11am) est. If that changes, of course we will let you know through our newsletter.

I hope you are enjoying your summer.

Talk to you next month.

Dez

Hi everyone:

I mentioned last month that Karenanne and I were going to take some time and go fly-fishing in Utah. It was a great, relaxing few days with lots of time on the stream, and lots of time to just relax with KA and Dash. I spent more time fly-fishing in those few days than I have for the last several years. I also spent time with KA's parents (Don and Ann Swift), helping them learn the basics of fishing with a fly rod. Ann caught her first fish, ever, then caught a total of 14 fish, including a 20 inch rainbow that would not fit into my small, teardrop net. I had as much fun helping her as I did catching fish myself. Don also caught many trout, also including a 20 inch rainbow! KA has done some fly-fishing with me, so she was right at home on the stream. Between napping, reading and relaxing, she managed to catch a number of beautiful trout herself.

Then we were off to the Bryce Canyon area. What a beautiful part of our country! As much traveling as I've done across the states, I'd never had a chance to see this part of Utah, so it was a great treat for me to see the remarkable formations of the canyons and rocks that comprise the Bryce Canyon area.

Dash's workouts are going well, and he's in great shape as we approach mid-summer.

Bob and I have finished editing 6 of our upcoming 13 shows, with the remainder to be completed during the rest of the summer. So, while we're finishing up the next season, I hope you have a great summer. I'll talk to you again next month.

Dez

Hi everyone:

As I write this June Newsletter, Dash, KA and I are getting ready to leave for Utah to spend a few days fishing and then sight-seeing. We will be spending a few quiet, restful days at Sportsman's Paradise at White's Ranch, near Paradise. Dash and I taped a couple of shows there two falls ago and I've been thinking about it ever since. The bird hunting was great and the shows were fun to tape, but the most vivid memories of that place are: 1) the great hospitality offered by its owner Grant White, and 2) the outstanding Trout fishing in the small stream that flows through the ranch.

My friend and Director, Bob Corley and I spent several wonderful hours on the stream between tapings, catching Rainbows and Browns that would make any fisherman proud. This time, I'll have several DAYS on the stream, so I should be able to shake off any fly-fishing cobwebs that might be hanging around since last summer. As I mentioned in my May newsletter, KA's parents, Don and Ann Swift will be on this trip with me, so I'll be able to fish with KA, Don and even Ann (she is determined to catch her first Trout on a fly rod on this trip).

Of course, I'm taking Dash with me so that I can keep up with his summer work-out schedule. KA's dog, Brett (our female Gordon Setter) will also be with us, because...well, they're both members of our family!

On the DASH IN THE UPLANDS series...we've edited 4 of the 13 new shows that will air this fall, and I'm very pleased with the shows...it will be a fun season for Dash's fans.

Well, I have more packing to do, so I'll say "so long" for now. Have a great time in June, and I'll talk to you again in July.

Dez