WINPRO Training: A Hunter’s Best Friend

 

Leaves turn from green to orange. The wind brings a chill. And camouflage makes an appearance everywhere (well kind of…). Here in Iowa, this means that hunting season is here. Whether you’re after deer, ducks, or turkey, man’s best friend is here to not only keep you company but give you an edge out in the woods.

 

While all dogs make great companions, there are certain breeds that are naturally better suited for being your hunting partner. But before you hit the blinds, determine what you’ll be relying on your four-legged friend for. Historically, dogs have been used to track, point, and set game for their masters, but just as modern life has evolved, so has the sport of hunting.

 

Tracking

 

The most obvious and common asset that dogs bring to the table is their keen sense of smell. This makes them, and many breeds in particular, perfect for detecting and tracking game.  Typically, animals in the wild have two responses to being hunted: to run or to ride, their own fight or flight response. Tracking dogs, generally hounds, terriers, pointers or setters, therefore utilize their senses to track down prey on the ground and notify their master of its location.

 

Typically with these types of dogs, the goal is furred animals like rabbits, squirrels, raccoons or other smaller critters that leave a scented footpath for the dog to follow. Once tracked down, the dog will then alert its master. Sometimes this often comes in the form of barking or making other sounds to draw the hunter’s attention. This, though, can cause lots of commotion, stress, and scare the prey out of reach. Therefore, some breeds are trained to simply “point” by extending a rigid tail and remaining very still, facing the animal. This quietly tells the master that an animal is near. Similarly, a “settler” will corner an animal in a tree for instance and settle at the bottom of it. They might let out a signaling bark or two but otherwise, a good hunter will follow the instincts of its companion and this teamwork leads to success in the field.

 

Driving

 

A similar strategy that utilizes the help of dogs is the practice of driving. Most commonly used for turkeys, pheasant, and deer, this method involves making lots of noise or movement, therefore scaring the prey into an open area where a clearer shot can be made. This is something that works best with teams of hunters and there must be ample communication among them.