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Spaniel Bird Dogs
When most hunters think of bird dogs, their minds jump straight to pointers, setters, or retrievers. Yet for generations, spaniels have quietly earned a reputation as some of the most versatile and enjoyable hunting companions in the field. Compact, energetic, and eager to please, spaniels bring a unique style of hunting that combines close-working efficiency with an enthusiasm that's hard to match.
Best hunting dog breeds for upland hunting
There are several dog breeds that excel in upland hunting, and the best breed for you depends on your specific preferences and hunting style. Whether you’re flushing bobwhite quail in the piney woods of the Southeast, chasing sharp-tailed grouse across the grasslands of the Northern Great Plains, stalking ring-necked pheasants in the grain fields of the Midwest, pursuing chukar in the rocky terrain out West, or hunting ruffed grouse and woodcock in the dense young forests of the Great Lakes region, each breed is tailored to a different type of hunt. Finding the right one for your hunting situation can be key to success in the field.
You’ve got dove problems
September 1st signals the annual arrival of dove season and the start of the upland bird season for so many bird hunters. Shooting doves is for many wingshooters, the beginning of a glorious time in the outdoors. It readies the soul for days afield to chase other feathered game in the coming months. Days prior to the dove opener, shotguns are pulled out of their cases, camo attire is selected, and lots and lots of shells are purchased. With all these preparations, several blunders will befall many dove hunters.
Free Floating firing pins
Are you a safe hunter or shooter? Most people would say they are. Most people handle guns by not pointing them at other people and proper storage of firearms. Do you leave your shotgun loaded in the field or at home? If so this information is for you. Most shotguns have a cross bolt safety. Is it really safe while on safe? The cross bolt safety only keeps the trigger from being pulled. This doesn’t keep the shotgun from firing. Most shotguns have a floating firing pin, if the firing pin takes a jolt or hard hit it can and may fire. If the bolt is slammed forward the gun may go off. Not saying it will or not but it is a possibility. What if someone is walking ahead of you when this happens? What if you are in you vehicle and the shotgun is loaded and you hit and really bad bump or get in an accident? The shotgun could fire during this also causing damage to your vehicle or worse. Always keep you gun pointed in a safe direction. A direction that would cause minor damage to property and no damage to a person. Keep guns unloaded and bolt opened to the rear, so others can see you gun is unloaded when not in use, especially during transport and in the field before hunting. This is especially important when hunting in a group. Always be aware of your surroundings. Know where everyone in your hunting party is and only shoot when safe to do so. Be careful and enjoy the outdoors!
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See You At The Dance
Arguably, the most coveted days on a bird hunter’s calendar are the ones where he or she is actually hunting. Those days are the summit of a year-long hike through the day-to-day of dog training, vet bills, hard earned paychecks, and sheer anticipation of what is to come. There are few things we would trade them for. But when seasons have come to a close and winter has laid the earth to a silent, seemingly lifeless rest, where does a bird-afflicted hunter turn to? What can be done to satiate the need for adventure that doesn’t end with the close of upland seasons?
Retriever Safety
With a heave, I pulled my foot free of the thick muck, I wondered if another half mile of this was worth the trouble. The edge of this particular beaver pond seemed solid enough, but I had slogged far enough to find out that wasn’t the case. The previous day, a group of mallards were feeding on the far end of the hellish mire, and the decision was made to return with a couple dozen decoys. Behind me, my black lab was having a harder time than I was, the mud was clutching at her belly and legs, and the sharp ends of gnawed-off sticks protruded through the loamy sludge. Up ahead the mallards quacked and whistled tauntingly. Despite the temptation, I decided to turn back. To me, no duck is worth potentially injuring my dog.
Filson’s Ridgeway Fleece Pullover
Filson has a knack for integrating history into everything they stitch together. They seem to be able to bring back to life or reinvent pieces of history in the form of garments to handle the tough struggles of outdoorsmen. Filson is synonymous with high quality and durable materials. Their clothing and gear are made to withstand the rigors of the wild outdoors and built to last a lifetime. Some Filson pieces almost possess an heirloom quality and status. Clothing is constructed for long-term use and the company relies on using materials that offers protection from the elements and environment for a wide range of activities. Putting on almost anything Filson, is like transforming oneself into a rugged folkloric Paul Bunyan type figure.
A Day In The Mash
“Find em!” The rally cry was given to the eager pack of beagles. They excitedly hit the cover, noses to the ground, their tails wagging furiously . My son Steve and I had met his Uncle Gary Sanderson for a rabbit hunt. Having been with Gary once before at Thanksgiving and hearing his dogs in action, I knew we were in for a real treat.
Turkey Stand
It was four in the morning, and still dark outside when Charlie woke his son Avery. They had to get going early for the hunting trip. Charlie didn't make a big breakfast. He just boiled some eggs for the road. Boiled eggs worked well sitting by a tree all day. He would also take along canned Vienna sausages - the tiny meat logs crowded into a gelatinous ooze that Avery loved.
The Hunt Goes On
In the early 70s bird hunting was at its peak in Eastern North Carolina. I was a youngster still and loved to tag along on hunts with family and longed to have my own dogs. It was about this time that I attended my first bird dog field trial, a horseback event being held near my Uncle Henry’s farm. It was there that I first remember meeting Dr. W.C. Sanderson. He was there to compete as was his brother “Dute” Sanderson, a popular local professional dog trainer.
A Jam Up Hunt
It was going to be a good day. You could feel it. My son Steven and I were hunting for woodies on our favorite beaver pond. As we put our canoe in the water the temperature hovered around freezing as a light rain begin to drizzle on us. Perfect conditions for ducks!
More Than Just Retrievers
As an avid duck hunter growing up in central Arkansas, it is a given that most of the outings in the duck waters would be accompanied by a retriever, most often a lab. Labs and ducks go hand in hand. In Arkansas, practically all duck hunters have labs, plus they fill the role of family dogs in an endless number of non-hunting homes. Labs are loyal, loving, and obedient; something that makes for a great duck dog as well as a family dog.
CHAMPION WHEELYBIRD AUTO-FEED TRAP REVIEW
I've had my eye on this electronic clay thrower for a few years. Browsing the sporting goods section of the local Walmart, I'd see this unit sitting in the store's back corner. I've debated buying it several times in the past but always talked myself out of it. I have a hand thrower and a manual spring load trap that I've used for years. The problem with these is you have to have a partner tag along to use them. Coordinating with someone else is not always the most convenient when you're just looking for a quick tune-up. The manual trap I own does have a trigger that you can attach a string to, so it can be released from a distance, but this has never worked well for me, and you still wouldn't be able to release and shoot your own targets. The manual trap was too difficult for my wife and kids to operate, so I usually loaded and threw while they shot. The hand thrower isn't much different. Since all my kids have flown the coup, I was looking for a way to practice shooting before bird season without needing help. It's probably not advisable to go shooting by yourself, but the main reason I purchased this thrower was in the hopes I could release and shoot targets on my own. I also picked up one of the Wheelybird Wireless Remotes, although the foot pedal would have been easy enough to operate. Now, I can move around without a tether, so I can get a look at different shots without adjusting or moving the machine.
Upland Glossary
Upland hunting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors; for people new to hunting and especially upland hunting, learning some standard terms and slang words can be helpful when talking with other hunters. This list is not a definitive list of upland bird hunting terms. This list is intended to get the novice hunter quickly up to speed so you can spend more time hunting and less time wondering what your fellow hunters are discussing.
Nutrition’s Role in Supporting Your Sporting Breed Puppy’s Immune System
A sporting breed puppy’s exposure to the natural world can occur early in life, and frequently. Introduction to the woods and waters in which they will eventually work is important for future training. However, these environments often contain pathogens that can challenge a young puppy’s immune system. Selecting a nutrient-dense diet with prebiotics and a fortified antioxidant complex can help support a puppy’s developing immune system and natural defenses. A strong and functional immune system helps a puppy’s body identify and address potential pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
