Double hunting

This is a problem that is cropping up more and more on shoots and Trials, and could have damaging long-term effects in the gundog arena, warns Ryan

- Ryan Kay KCAI (WG)

Hunting with a spaniel or HPR should be an enjoyable and relaxed affair, as the dog covers its beat and works in tune with you… responding quickly when you give a whistle command. It should be no different and behaving just the same whether you’re beating, rough shooting or in a Field Trial. The same dog can do all those things, because when it comes to hunting, they are one and the same to the dog: simply finding and producing game.

The hunting itself should be efficient, but not regimental, as the dog works out the fresh scent messages. Using the wind is very important, and the handler should always hunt their dog according to the wind direction, helping their dog to make full use of it.

That all sounds a bit serious, especially for those who are just happy if the dog simply doesn’t bugger off! But trust me, taking the time to learn and hunt your dog in this way will actually make him less likely to disappear, as the dog realises that you’re there to help them find the actual game that they’re looking for – resulting in a trusting and cohesive partnership.

All that said, there is a problem that is becoming far too common, one that I repeatedly see everywhere nowadays, and especially in Field Trials. That problem I see is ‘double hunting’. That is to say – covering/hunting the same bit of ground or cover twice, sometimes even three or four times over. Is it a problem really? Why all the fuss? Does it matter? Well, this poor and simple technique has quite a lot to answer for. I’m calling it a ‘technique’ as if it’s a consciously developed thing, and for a few I believe it is; those people consider it the best way to hunt a dog, but others, I believe, don’t even realise that they’re double hunting their dog at all.