Hunting Blog

When we talk about being prepared for our hunt, we focus on things to take that make our time in the field successful. We make lists of essential safety gear and supplies, but often overlook the needs of our travelling companions - particularly those with four legs.

Just as you make sure you’ve got enough food for the people in your party, be sure there’s plenty for Fido. On a similar line, you’ll want to be sure you bring fresh water for the dog to drink, just like you bring water for yourself - particularly in the early part of the season, when summer temperatures cling on, adequate hydration is just as important for your dog as it is for you.

Another important consideration is field first aid. You pack at least a limited first aid kit for yourself and those in your party on the off chance that one of you gets hurt. But what about your dog? In addition to common sense things like keeping an eye on his legs and eyes for possible injury, pack a first aid kit especially for him. Include cotton balls, swabs, gauze pads, adhesive tape, saline solution, scissors, toenail clippers, bedadine scrub and a steroid-free ophthalmic ointment. In the event of a mishap on the field, your dog will thank you.
More informations about hunting dogs

In the run up to hunting season, you will no doubt service your weapons, check your gear for damage or repair requirements and pick up a few new bits to replace worn or weary kit as you go. A lot of hunters overlook the importance of keeping their dog in top form during the off season.

Hunting dogs are a huge investment - the pedigree and initial training alone can be staggering costs for the average person to absorb. But we suck it up, sign the checks and smile, knowing that our investment in Fido will be well worth it in the long run. The trouble is, overlooking your dog’s fitness in the off season will lead to reduced performance when the season opens up again.

Aim to keep working your dog through the year - practice with him often. Aim to run a half-hour series of drills reinforcing your dog’s key skills every other day. If your dog is used to working in the water, build up his time on land work gradually so he doesn’t get bored or frustrated with it.

Most animals have exceptional senses - this is what helps them survive in nature as well as during the hunting season. When it comes to hunting game, you have to accept that the majority of nature’s creatures have far sharper senses than you ever will. So, to give yourself a shot at, well, having a shot, you need to approach the hunt with care.

Move slow, if at all and mask your tracks as many ways as you can. Remember that deer, elk and similar species can hear even better than they can see, so you’ll need to stick to firm ground to avoid alerting those big tufted ears to your presence. And most of all, keep your eyes peeled. The best chance you have of bagging that trophy is ensuring you see him before he sees you, plain and simple.

A good scope and a pair of binoculars can go a long way toward giving you an edge in the field - so choose them wisely, but use them with care. A hunter with eyestrain is about as much use as a chocolate tea pot.