HUNTING
There’s nothing like hunting with a well-trained dog that understands its role, has drive and is eager to please. This Lab couldn’t get a mourning dove into the hands of its owner fast enough, so it could get back to hunting. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
THE JOY OF GUN DOGS By Scott Haugen
T
his past bird season was a busy one. I went on over 100 hunts in multiple states for waterfowl, upland birds and other migratory birds. My pudelpointers went on most hunts with me, but I did have the opportunity to hunt with other dogs, too. I love hunting different birds in different places with different people and seeing how their dogs work. The bond that a dog and their master share is, frankly, what motivates many of us to go hunting. I went on a few hunts last season where there was no dog, and I didn’t
like it. Walking across a field to pick up a goose or quail, or wading into a pond to fetch a duck, was lackluster compared to watching a dog work. Those hunts made me miss and appreciate hunting with my dogs even more.
SOME DOGS I GOT to hunt with were just happy to be out. They weren’t from top pedigrees, nor did they have awards to show from multiple competitions. They simply loved soaking up the heat of the morning sun, riding in the boat or walking across a field to start a hunt. They might nose through your gear bag hoping to find food scraps, and may not have been in the biggest rush to
work, but they loved being afield and more importantly, being with their master. Their eyes, demeanor and wagging tail left no doubt about that. I hunted with a few dogs that were simply outstanding. Well trained, driven, could mark multiple ducks dropped from a flock, would rapidly quarter a section of land to gain the scent of a quail covey – and kept up that pace all morning long. These dogs also had a love of being with their master and doing what they’re bred to do. A few hunters would apologize before the hunt even began about faults their dog had, which we’d likely see displayed. I didn’t mind, and when it did happen, I offered
calsportsmanmag.com | APRIL 2022 California Sportsman
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