08/31/2024
And so it begins…
It’s the eve of opening day for several parts of the country. I’m generally out there for it, but not this year. All four of the Snell children have moved this summer and my list of parental responsibilities has been stretched to the limit. I’ll be headed to Texas tomorrow, but not for a dove hunt. I’m playing truck driver helping with the last of moving the favorite daughter.
Fortunately, I’m not too upset by it. I don’t have a retriever right now so I don’t have a dog that’s bugging me to shoot a few dove.
I also don’t like to sweat while I’m hunting.
Tomorrow the temperature in Starkville will be 72 at sunrise with a humidity of 96. Missing that won’t break my heart.
I’d prefer to be up north for Huns and Sharptails but things are not much better there. Highs this week in Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming and Nebraska are in the 80s and 90s.
Heck, the high is going to be 84 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. That’s a little warm for running bird dogs for me.
BUT - a lot of you will go. And my take on it, is if you can go, GO.
Just keep the weather in mind - your dogs won’t.
Most dogs that have any amount of drive will work way past the point of safety. Always keep an eye on the temperature and make sure your dog gets plenty of rest and water.
If your dog isn’t in shape (and most are not this time of year) take short rounds. If you are dove hunting, don’t send them after every bird. Maybe go with multiple dogs and take turns.
It’s important that you pay close
attention to the weather and that it isn’t too hot for running your dog. It’s amazing how fast a dog can go into heat stroke and there is
little that you can do to stop it once it starts. Watch them closely and make
sure they have plenty of shade and water.
Hunt early, take breaks often, rotate dogs and keep an eye on them.
Here are a few links on heat stroke - read up just in case.
https://www.eukanuba.com/us/articles/the-three-progressive-stages-of-heat-related-illness---hri
https://mossyoakgamekeeper.com/dog-training/preventing-heat-stress-and-hypothermia-in-hunting-dogs/
Many young hunting dogs will be ruined tomorrow by inexperienced, excited dove hunters.
If your young dog isn’t properly gun conditioned, don’t take them to a dove field tomorrow. It’s not smart to “find out” how they do with gunfire.
http://www.gundogsupply.com/sws-gun-shy.html
If you are not sure if your dog is properly gun conditioned, he’s not.
Have fun but be smart.
There’s nothing worse than making a simple mistake that ruins a dog or ends a life.
