Hunting with Dogs?

[JBehr]

I am just getting into hunting and really enjoy hunting upland birds. I haven't done any waterfowl yet. I've been on a two hunts at the Daysland release site and seen a couple hanging out by the road, but nothing in the bush or fields.

Anyways, I was just wondering if anyone knew of any really good, solid tips, material, or videos I could read/watch to learn how to hunt with a dog. Also, I have a Dalmatian and he has an incredibly good sniffer on him. I hide treats in the basement and turn him loose.. he will find them in seconds. Loves that game. Does anyone have any experience using a Dalmatian as a hunting dog? Is it a good idea? His attention span is pretty low at times, but when he gets his nose on an interesting scent, he likes to track it and I have also noticed that he will point when he sees birds or squirrels in a tree.

Thanks in advance

 

[hoytcanon]

The question isn't; can he smell a bird... it is; can he stay in range?

I would not take an untrained dog in the field without a handler... you will likely have to check-line the dog, and it is unsafe to do that alone, while you are swinging a loaded gun... you would be more likely to shoot the dog than the bird.

Try some basic trials in a field with bumpers or dead birds planted... see if he will quarter in good shooting range. If he can't you would be best to leave him at home or heel him on lead... drop the lead before you shoot.

 

[Glock4ever]

I have never tried hunting with a dalmation. I have taken my Lab out a bunch for upland and he is very good at doing figure 8s around me and flushing out grouse but I don't generally like hunting with a dog. The constant nagging from wife not to shoot him gets pretty thin after a while. My wife took a great working dog and turned him into house dog... sigh.