Hunting Preseason Rituals

Minnesota’s grouse season is about to start and I have been going through some of my pre-season rituals.

My first ritual is to get the boots oiled up.  Part of the process is checking over the old boots for holes, tears, and other damage.  It is also a chance to get any new boots ready to be used during dog training so they have a least some time on the ground before the season opens.

My second ritual is hitting the farm for some preseason work with the dogs.  I live in the suburbans and my dogs are walked on a leash and spend their outside time on a cable as our yard doesn’t have a fence.  These work outs gives the dogs a chance to work on their fitness as well as their range of motion.  They get enough walks so they aren’t too out of shape but  the running through the fields gives them the opportunity to stretch and move in ways that more closely replicates hunting.  The time at the farm also gives a chance to try out new products and to make sure that the current tools made it through the winter ok.  I fire up all of the dog tracking and training devices, test out the GPS devices, and make sure the vests, pants, and coats are all still fit and are ready to go.

I have some others but it is time to start to put he gear together for the opener.  Have a good hunt.

How to Release a dog from a bodygrip trap (also known as a Conibear Trap)

How to Release a dog from a bodygrip trap (also known as a Conibear Trap) from ADF&G on Vimeo.

Six Expert Tips for Training Your Bird Dog

Scott Miller’s suggestions for getting the best out of your hunting companion

by T. Edward Nickens  

1. ENGAGE WITH YOUR TRAINER
The biggest mistake dog owners make is failing to spend time with their dog and the trainer together. “They need to know how to correct the dog as much as the dog needs to know what is expected,” Miller says. Learn how your trainer gives praise and provides correction.

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2. LEARN TO READ YOUR DOG
Each dog is different and responds differently to correction. “You have to learn how much pressure and stress you can put on your dog,” Miller says. “When you’re working a dog, you look for a wagging tail. When they’re coming back to you, you can tell if they look happy in the eye.” Dogs are not robots, Miller says. When you see a dog drop its tail or back off a task, it’s time to ease up and try something different.

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3. DON’T GIVE AN INCH
Correct every mistake, no matter how minor. If a dog moves a single step when quail flush or the gun goes off, Miller moves in immediately. He calmly picks the dog up and moves it back to its original position. Every time.

See all six plus the full Garden and Gun article