From Wingshooting USA: Be A Good Guest When Hunting
Bend, OR – -(AmmoLand.com)- In someone else’s house, even Buddy’s on his best behavior. But when you hunt with someone else’s dog, everybody’s a critic … or worse.
Be a good guest in the field, too. Let the dog’s owner tell you what to do, whether it’s feeding, doctoring or field etiquette. Ask about shooting wild flushes, or birds over a broken point.
Keep criticism to yourself. If your dog were better, you’d be hunting with him. Same for commands and discipline, which usually fall on deaf furry ears coming from a stranger.
Help a dog retrieve to his owner by turning away if he comes toward you. It eliminates confusion.
You can always offer praise. A scratch behind the ear or a stroke on the back are always welcome after the job is done. Until then, keep your mouth shut and your hands in your pocket.
And finally, don’t forget the other obligation of a good guest. A bottle of something old and amber-colored from Scotland for your human host ensures a return invitation.
PS: I’m now a contributing editor to Versatile Hunting Dog magazine. Watch for my column every month. If you don’t receive this great magazine, go to www.navhda.org and join today!
About:
Linden Media Mgt. LLC was founded in the personal experience of Scott Linden, a city slicker made good by fresh air and wild places. A mid-career epiphany/introduction to fly fishing pushed Scott off the edge, a tumble that now includes dog ownership, multiple shotgun purchases and fanatic bird hunting. For more details visit www.scottlindenoutdoors.com.