Winter and all content
Shooting Times & Country|December 23, 2020
Most of our canine companions love snow but freezing conditions can pose a challenge for gundogs in the field, says David Tomlinson
David Tomlinson
Winter and all content

DREAMING OF A white Christmas? I doubt it will happen, as snow is increasingly rare in the southern half of the British Isles. In England, there’s rather more chance of snow at Easter than Christmas, though the difference is that if it does snow at Christmas, it stays around a lot longer than it does at Easter.

I have always liked snow and still marvel at the magical way it changes a landscape. Shooting after a fresh fall of snow was always a special pleasure, as a snow-covered landscape tells you so much about the local wildlife. You can see where a fox has stalked a rabbit, follow the tracks of deer or note how many pheasants are coming to your feeders. Tracks in the snow reveal so much that normally passes unnoticed.

At the risk of sounding anthropomorphic, I would suggest that most dogs love the stuff, too. Young dogs that haven’t encountered snow before are usually fascinated, cavorting and galloping with abandon, while even older dogs will allow themselves a luxurious roll.

The downside of snow is that it will ball and freeze in a dog’s feet or the feathers of a spaniel. This can drive a dog to distraction, forcing it to make frequent stops in a generally unsuccessful attempt to gnaw off the offending ice.

From what I recall — and it’s a long time since I last worked my dogs in snow — it’s wet snow that creates these problems, not the dry, powdery stuff. One way of preventing snow balling is to fit your dog with snow boots, of which there’s a surprising variety available, as an internet check will reveal. A good snow boot should fit comfortably and securely, and give warmth, protection and added traction. Some dogs will wear them happily, but I’ve met others that refuse to have anything on their feet.

この記事は Shooting Times & Country の December 23, 2020 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Shooting Times & Country の December 23, 2020 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRYのその他の記事すべて表示
United we stand
Shooting Times & Country

United we stand

Following United Utilities' decision to end grouse shooting on its land, Lindsay Waddell asks what will happen if we ignore our vital moors

time-read
5 分  |
August 02, 2023
Serious matters
Shooting Times & Country

Serious matters

An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning

time-read
3 分  |
August 02, 2023
They're not always as easy as they seem
Shooting Times & Country

They're not always as easy as they seem

While coneys of the furry variety don't pose a problem for Blue Zulu, he's left frustrated once again by bolting bunnies of the clay sort

time-read
5 分  |
August 02, 2023
Debutant gundogs
Shooting Times & Country

Debutant gundogs

There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting

time-read
4 分  |
August 02, 2023
When the going gets rough
Shooting Times & Country

When the going gets rough

Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique

time-read
5 分  |
August 02, 2023
The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition
Shooting Times & Country

The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition

In this excerpt from the 60th anniversary edition of the BDS's Field Guide To British Deer, Charles Smith-Jones considers the noise they make

time-read
4 分  |
August 02, 2023
A step too far?
Shooting Times & Country

A step too far?

Simon Garnham wonders whether a new dog, a new gun and two different fields in need of protection might have been asking too much for one afternoon's work

time-read
6 分  |
August 02, 2023
Two bucks before breakfast
Shooting Times & Country

Two bucks before breakfast

A journey from old South London to rural Hertfordshire to stalk muntjac suggests that the two aren't as far detached as they might seem

time-read
6 分  |
August 02, 2023
Stalking Diary
Shooting Times & Country

Stalking Diary

Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill

time-read
2 分  |
August 02, 2023
Gamekeeper
Shooting Times & Country

Gamekeeper

Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside

time-read
3 分  |
August 02, 2023