Getting Ready for Hunting Season

Saturday November 27, 2010 12:26pm

My boyfriend, Max,  went bird hunting a lot when he was a kid.  This year he decided to buy in on a duck lease with some friends.  Since Max has not been bird hunting in a while he had to spend some time getting all his gear together; waders, thermal underwear, his gun, etc.  While doing so, Max asked me if he could take my dog (Gussi) hunting with him.  I said yes but he would have to make sure that Gussi minded him.  With all the preparation Max was doing to make sure his gear was together, I wondered if Gussi had all her "gear" together?

I then dusted off Gussi's neoprene hunting vest and packed it for her trip.  I made a mental note to double check my dog's first aid kit next.  (It would not be good for our relationship if something happened to Gussi).  I checked it out and was satisfied that it contained all the essentials necessary to care for her in the event something unexpected were to happen. The following is what is in my first aid kit:

My First Aid Kit:  Duct tape, Scissors, Rectal Thermometer, Hemostats, Muzzle (or know how to make one out of what you have), Saline Solution, Skin Stapler, Flash Light, Quick Stop, Latex Gloves, Gauze Sponges, White Adhesive Tape, Cotton Bandage Roll, Roll Gauze, Vet Wrap, Antibiotic Ointment, Syringe, Multi-tool, and Chrohexidine Scrub. 

Depending on how long you will be hunting and how far from civilization you will be, you may or may not need to add to your fist aid kit.  Most things you need for you first aid kit you can pick up at any store that has a first aid section, or ask your vet, or check Cabelas. Even if you don't hunt your dog, but you do take them on long hikes or camping, I would recommend you have a first aid kit.  I have to admit that I have used mine at home before.

Bird Hunting is something that is incredibly fun for dogs and their owners.  Be sure you pay attention to your bird dog in the field.  Have they had enough to eat??  Are they eating the right food??  Don't forget that our four legged friends have different needs, especially during hunting season, because of all the exercise they are getting.  If bird hunting becomes a regular activity, you should also consider getting a higher protein dog food to get them through the hunting season.  Your dog will burn through calories retrieving birds for you and keeping warm in the bird hunting blind.  I recommend a food like Eukanuba Premium Performance, Enhance, or Purina Premium Performance.  If your dog is not as active in the summer months they will not need to feed a dog food with a high protein content.

Finally, keep an eye on your dogs water intake.  Are they getting enough to drink while bird hunting??  They should be.  Make sure you supply them with plenty of fresh water.  Just because it's cold out, does not  mean that your dog is not thirsty.

Happy Hunting!!!

Gussi last season after hunting with me.

Comments

On Nov 24, 2010 06:08pm, Ed Wachtel said:

I would add a bottle of peroxide, some bakings soda and some dish soap, makes a great skunk deoderizing solution. I will have to look up the exact proportions.

On Nov 25, 2010 07:47am, Adrienne said:

Ed Do you know from experience that you need skunk cleaner in your first aid kit? It can't be much fun to ride home with a skunk sprayed golden!

On Nov 27, 2010 11:35am, Roe Esparza said:

On your site, there is a news article that is also about hunting with your dog. It mentions getting a GPS collar for your dog. What are your thoughts on purchasing such a device??

On Nov 30, 2010 01:27pm, Adrienne said:

The GPS collars are usually for dogs that range further like Pointers, not so much Labrador and Golden Retrievers in my experience hunting my labs and goldens I have not found them necessary. That being said I am sure there is a time and place for them.

On Dec 01, 2010 11:06am, Roe Esparza said:

Good to know. Thanks Adrienne!

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