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Grouse hunting with a dog is an exciting and challenging way to experience the thrill of the hunt.
Not only can you cover more ground and flush out more birds, but you can also strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion.
However, there are many aspects of grouse hunting that can be difficult for beginners to master.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to hunt grouse with a dog in order to ensure success on your next outing.
From proper training techniques to gear selection and more, we’ll cover everything you need to know so that you can maximize your results.
The best dogs for grouse hunting
Grouse hunting is a popular sport in many parts of the country, and dogs can be a valuable asset when it comes to flushed birds.
While any dog with a good nose and good hunting instincts can be successful, there are certain breeds that tend to excel at this type of hunting. Here are some of the best dogs for grouse hunting:
pointer – The pointer is a classic grouse-hunting breed.
They have an excellent sense of smell and are very athletic, making them able to cover a lot of ground quickly. Pointers are also very obedient, which is important when you’re out in the field.
setter – Setters are another excellent choice for grouse hunting. They too have a great sense of smell and are very agile, allowing them to cover a lot of territory.
Setters are also known for their gentle nature, which can be helpful when working with young or inexperienced hunters.
retriever – Retrievers are commonly used for waterfowl hunting, but they can also be quite successful at grouse hunting.
They have a strong sense of smell and are very good swimmers, making them well-suited for retrieving birds that have been downed in thick cover.
Spaniel – Spaniels are often used for upland game bird hunts, and they can do quite well on grouse as well.
They have a strong sense of smell and plenty of energy, allowing them to work through rough terrain and flush out game
Training your grouse hunting dog
Assuming you have a young dog that has never hunted before, there are a few things you will need to do in order to train it for grouse hunting.
The first thing you need to do is get your dog used to being around birds. This can be done by taking your dog to a park or area where there are plenty of birds and letting it off the leash to run around and play.
As your dog becomes more comfortable with being around birds, you can begin training it on specific commands such as “sit” and “stay”.
Once your dog has a good understanding of these commands, you can begin taking it out on short grouse hunts.
Start by having your dog sit and stay while you flush the bird out of the bushes. Once the bird is flushed, give your dog the command to “fetch” and watch as it retrieves the bird for you.
With some patience and practice, you will soon have a fully trained grouse hunting companion that will make your next hunt even more enjoyable.
Tips for successful grouse hunting
1. Start your grouse hunting season early the birds are more plentiful and easier to find in the early season. Mid-season is more challenging, as the birds are more dispersed and difficult to locate.
2. Know your terrain grouse typically inhabit areas with dense cover, so be sure to do your scouting beforehand to identify likely locations.
3. Be prepared for a challenging hunt grouse are notoriously difficult to flush out and shoot, so be patient and persistent.
4. Use a good dog =a well-trained pointing or flushing dog can be invaluable in locating and flushed out grouse from their hiding spots.
5. Be cautious when shooting due to the dense cover, there is often little room for error when taking a shot at a grouse. Make sure you have a clear line of sight and take careful aim to avoid wounding the bird.
Hunting grouse with a dog is an exciting and rewarding experience that can bring years of enjoyment.
It requires dedication, patience, training and practice to become successful.
With these tips in mind and a good relationship between you and your hunting companion, there’s no doubt you will be well on your way to becoming an experienced hunter of the elusive game bird. Good luck!
