Best Tools to Use When Hunting

When hunting, there are many items you can bring along to make the journey easier and more enjoyable. But what items/tools should you bring? Here are some items to bring to help you along:

1 - Safety gear! The number one item on our list is safety gear, and for good reason. A first aid kit is a good item to carry along, and many are available at a low cost from local stores. Be sure to wear your orange vest as well to protect against fellow hunters.

2 - Bird whistles. If you are out hunting certain types of bird, there are whistles available to help you along.

3 - A cell phone. Be sure to turn it on silent or off when you're stalking your prey. A ringing cell phone is never a good idea when a deer is within sight. Some prefer leaving their phone at home when hunting, but if there is an emergency, it will be a while before you can get a hold of one. That could be your saving grace.

4 - Food! Keep snacks and water on hand in case you get the munchies.

5 - A map of the area. To help ensure you don't accidentally get lost, it's a good idea to keep a map on hand of the local surroundings, if one is available.

6 - A companion. Although not technically an "item" having a companion with you during your hunt is not only safer, it'll also help the time pass. Two heads are better than one, and four eyes are better for spotting animals when hunting, as well as a good way to keep an eye out for any dangers that may be around.

Spring Time Hunting

Winter will be ending soon, and spring will be here. Get an early start on spring time hunting with these tips:

1 - Get your reservations in early! When the cold weather subsides, people will be eager to get back out there and hunt again. Make sure you beat the crowd by getting your reservations in beforehand. One great place to hunt is Watermelon Pond - perfect for friends or family.

2 - Have proper gear. Gather all necessary items including vests, first aid, and other necessities way ahead of time to ensure you will have all the materials.

3 - Pick your game. Spring time is a good time for turkey hunting. But if turkey is not your first choice, research what game animal you'd like to hunt.

For other great tips and hunting advice, check out Cedar Ridge Setters.

Training the Upland Gun Dog English Setter, Mitzie

I've trained a lot of upland gun dogs during my 28 years as a professional bird dog trainer. Many I remember, a great percentage of them due to their degree of difficulty in training. Some I remember more than others, perhaps because of the distinct personalities each dog possesses, others because of the relationships that have been formed with their owners.
One particular dog that fits both criterion, I have trained and boarded off and on for several years. She is an English Setter from excellent lineage. Her name is Mitzie. Her owner George Milligan of Orlando, Florida is an avid upland bird hunter and fly fisherman. George never fails to bring me some goodies from his recent fly fishing adventures throughout the world. The Alaskan Salmon is particularly delicious.
My nickname for Mitzie is "Princess" due to the fact that she is unbelievably spoiled and also very hard headed. Her intelligence makes her very difficult to train as she always seems to be one step ahead of me. She is constantly a work in progress. Retrieving, I would put mildly, is not her forte. Getting her to fetch a dead bird was a battle of wills, which at most times, I believe she won. Gradually, we have made progress and she has finally resigned herself to begrudgingly deliver a bird almost to hand. George and Mitzie share a great bond and hunt in many different areas of the country. She has an exceptional nose, loads of drive and tons of stamina. She has becoming proficient in handling many types of upland games birds, including quail, grouse and woodcock. Although she has been trying at times, I have a special place in my heart for her and always look forward to the times she spends with me here at Cedar Ridge