Hunting Equipment

Posted by Derek Townsend on November 25, 2009 under Hunting Equipment | Be the First to Comment

Hunting can be lonely and solitary. But what if you had a hunting companion who is both loyal and highly skilled? You can, if you choose to hunt with a dog. A well trained hunting dog can dramatically increase your chance for success. Here are a few of my thoughts and ideas about hunting with a dog.

Hunting Equipment

Why Hunt with a Dog?

A hunting dog extends your eyes and ears and can hear game long before you see it. It can be satisfying and exhilarating to work in partnership with these intelligent and loyal animals. A well trained hunting dog is perhaps the most important piece of hunting gear you’ll ever own. Think about it: they must find and retrieve downed prey, a small object that weighs only a few pounds, in an immense marsh or field area that may cover acres, without damaging it.

Breeds of Hunting Dogs – Spaniels

Intelligent and obedient, the spaniel has a happy disposition, plenty of endurance and great enthusiasm. Spaniels are capable of correct independent action in the field. These dogs adapt quickly to many types of terrain and do well even in damp, cold conditions. Spaniels will retrieve from both land and water and have great endurance. The spaniel’s medium size makes it easy to transport and when not on the hunt, this dog makes an excellent companion.

Breeds of Hunting Dogs – Retrievers

Retrievers are prized because they are obedient and intelligent. Particularly suited to waterfowl hunting, retrievers love the water. In fact, their coats have water repellent properties and their feet have webbing that suits them ideally for swimming. These dogs are versatile and athletic, capable of working in a variety of terrains and in poor weather. Retrievers have a good attention span and superior concentration and have earned themselves a reputation for being amongst the most intelligent of dogs.

Hunting Equipment

Breeds of Hunting Dogs – Setters

Irish Setters search for game quietly and instinctively, relying mostly on their superior sense of smell. These dogs have a generous nature that allows them to defer to the hunter rather than take the prey themselves. Setter’s dogs are both graceful and strong. They have a surprising athleticism that allows them to cover ground rapidly when pursuing game. Elegant and beautiful companions, setters are also highly motivated hunting partners.

Every hunter owes it to himself to explore the complex, exciting, satisfying and productive dimension a hunting dog will add to his or her enjoyment of the sport.