The U.S. Department of the Interior announced that more than $46.2 million in grants, under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), will conserve or restore 91,425 acres of critical wetland habitats across 17 states. The grants, matched by $99.1 million from partners, aim to support migratory birds and boost local economies through enhanced recreational opportunities. Additionally, $11.7 million from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund will conserve 3,268 acres across seven national wildlife refuges, fostering public access for hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. This initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s conservation goals, supporting biodiversity and climate resilience.
Key Takeaways:
NAWCA Grants: $46.2 million in federal funding matched by $99.1 million from partners will conserve vital wetland habitats across 17 states.
Biodiversity & Recreation: These efforts benefit 11 Endangered Species Act-listed birds and enhance local economies by expanding opportunities for wildlife observation, hunting, and fishing.
Public Lands Expansion: $11.7 million from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund will conserve land on seven national wildlife refuges, contributing to the “America the Beautiful” initiative to protect biodiversity.
Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized that these investments demonstrate the administration’s commitment to conserving habitats that are essential for biodiversity and community resilience in the face of climate change. More than half of endangered species rely on wetlands, and this funding supports critical projects that ensure their future.
Wetlands Conservation and Migratory Bird Protection:
The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, chaired by the Secretary of the Interior, helps conserve the nation’s most important waterfowl habitats through projects that support both ecological preservation and outdoor recreation. For example, acquisitions funded by the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund include:
Bear River Watershed (Idaho) – 656 acres for $610,000
Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge (Missouri) – 294 acres for $2.94 million
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Maryland) – 460 acres for $1.57 million
Additionally, the sale of Federal Duck Stamps continues to play a vital role in supporting these conservation efforts, raising over $1.2 billion since 1934.
These efforts by the Department of the Interior and its partners ensure that the nation’s diverse ecosystems are preserved for future generations, enhancing both the natural environment and the quality of life in surrounding communities.
Taking your gun dog on their first hunt is an exciting time and it is easy to get lost in that excitement. It does require preparation and doing everything you can to put your dog in the best position to succeed. Ensuring a positive first experience is a crucial and fundamental piece to them turning into the gun dog of your dreams.
Understanding the Hunt and Your Dog’s Preparedness
Before heading out for your first hunt, it’s essential to match your dog’s training and experience with the type of hunt you’ll be doing. For retrievers, the first hunt usually revolves around waterfowl or dove hunting. The key here is preparation—replicating the actual hunt environment as much as possible beforehand. Here are a few points to consider:
Mock Hunts: A week or a few days before the hunt, conduct a mock hunt to simulate the hunting environment. Set up decoys, mojos, dog stands/blinds, etc, and let your dog familiarize themselves with the area. This exposure is critical for young dogs to understand what will happen during the actual hunt.
Specific Environment Familiarity: If your hunt involves waterfowl, make sure your dog is accustomed to water and has experience retrieving in similar conditions. For dove hunts, your dog should be used to smaller birds, and understand how to handle them properly. Doves have delicate feathers that can easily come out in the dog’s mouth, so practicing retrieves with this type of bird is crucial.
Control and Commands: Dogs should respond well to commands and demonstrate control in a variety of scenarios. Basic commands (here, heel, sit, kennel/place) are crucial, but advanced skills like running blinds (retrieving a bird that falls out of sight) may also be necessary, depending on the hunt.
Tips for the First Hunt: Keeping it Simple and Positive
When it’s finally time for the first hunt, the goal is to ensure a positive experience for the dog. Here are some specific strategies:
Keep it Small and Manageable: For the first hunt, go with one or two hunting buddies. This reduces the number of variables and makes it easier to manage the dog. A crowded hunting environment with many hunters and gunshots can be overwhelming for a young dog.
Focus on Easy Retrieves: Aim for straightforward and visible retrieves, like birds falling near the decoys or within easy sight. Avoid complex or long retrieves that could overwhelm or confuse the dog. Simple, successful retrieves will boost the dog’s confidence and create positive associations with the hunting experience.
Safety First: Safety should be the top priority on the first hunt. Keep the dog safe by holding onto their collar or using a leash to prevent them from breaking (running out too soon) and getting into danger. The excitement of the first hunt can be difficult to replicate in training, so it’s important to manage this carefully. It is wise for the handler to not carry a gun on the first hunt and instead, focus on handling your dog.
End on a Positive Note: Ensure the first hunt is short and ends positively. Even if there aren’t many birds, a few successful retrieves and a happy, safe dog are more valuable than a chaotic hunt with many variables. This positive ending sets the stage for future successful hunts.
Building Rapport with Your Dog
A successful hunt is as much about teamwork as it is about the dog’s training. If your dog has been with a professional trainer, spend time building rapport with them before the hunt. Just because your dog is trained, doesn’t mean you are speaking the same language. It takes time to build a rapport and teamwork.
Understanding Commands and Signals: Dogs need to learn the specific language, commands, and body language cues of their handlers. This helps avoid confusion and enhances teamwork in the field.
Consistent Reinforcement: Reinforce training behaviors such as waiting for the command to retrieve, staying calm, and ignoring distractions. The more your dog sees consistency in your handling, the more it will learn to trust and follow you.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Hunters new to handling dogs or those handling a dog for the first time should be aware of common mistakes:
Rushing the Dog’s First Hunt: Don’t rush into a hunt immediately after getting your dog back from the trainer. Spend time reacquainting and reinforcing your expectations.
Lack of Control: An out-of-control dog can ruin a hunt and potentially endanger itself or others. Dogs should demonstrate control in training before being taken to a real hunt.
Ignoring Hunt-Specific Training: A dog that has only picked up ducks should not be expected to know how to handle doves, geese, etc, without training for it. Each type of bird and hunting environment should be introduced in training first.
What to Expect on the First Hunt
Even a well-trained dog might face unexpected challenges during their first real hunt. For example:
Excitement and Breaking: Even experienced dogs can break (jump out before being released) when they encounter new, exciting situations, such as multiple hunters firing simultaneously or a large group of birds landing. Prepare for this possibility by keeping the dog close and under control.
Sitting for Long Periods: Hunting often involves waiting, which is hard to replicate in training. Be prepared to manage your dog’s energy levels and keep them engaged or calm during long waiting periods.
Handling the Unexpected: Certain scenarios cannot be perfectly simulated, such as multiple birds coming in from different directions or hunting in new terrain. These situations will be learning experiences for both the handler and the dog.
Final Thoughts
A dog’s first hunt sets the tone for their future hunting experiences. By carefully preparing, managing the environment, and focusing on positive reinforcement, you can ensure your gun dog builds a love for hunting that lasts a lifetime. Always prioritize the dog’s safety and experience over the success of the hunt itself. Remember, a well-managed first hunt with simple retrieves and a controlled environment leads to a more confident and capable hunting companion for years to come.
John McCarter is the owner and lead trainer of Bayou Gundog in Knoxville, Arkansas.
On August 1st, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association announced the formation of a bipartisan Legislative Council Study Committee on Sandhill Cranes. This committee, which includes state legislators and representatives from agricultural, birding, and hunting communities, is set to address the burgeoning sandhill crane population in Wisconsin and its associated issues, including as crop damage. The committee’s first meeting took place on August 1 at the Horicon Marsh Education Center.
Bruce Ross, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association (WWA), praised the establishment of this committee, emphasizing the need for a management plan for the state’s increasing sandhill crane population. He advocated for science-based solutions to manage the population and mitigate crop damage.
State Representative Paul Tittl (R – Manitowoc) chairs the committee, which includes public members like Todd Schaller, Vice President of WWA and former Chief Warden of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Schaller’s appointment underscores the committee’s commitment to using scientific data to inform wildlife management decisions.
The sandhill crane population in Wisconsin has seen significant growth since the early 1900s, when federal protection was established through the international treaty on migratory birds. The population has doubled in the past decade, surpassing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s upper population goals by nearly 100%. This rapid growth has resulted in increased agricultural damage, estimated at over $1.6 million in 2022, with more than 1200 cranes destroyed under federal kill permits.
Farmers have been using the chemical deterrent AVIPEL™ to mitigate crop damage, costing approximately $2 million in 2020 for application on 200,000 acres. The potential area affected could expand to 3,000,000 acres with the crane population’s continued growth. There is currently no financial relief for farmers dealing with crane-caused crop depredation or for the use of AVIPEL™.
In addition to agricultural impacts, the growing crane population poses other challenges. Negative human interactions, like those experienced with increasing Canada goose populations, are expected to rise as cranes become more prevalent across Wisconsin.
Currently, Sandhill cranes are hunted in 17 states and 3 provinces, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service based on annual population counts and scientific research.
The Wisconsin Waterfowl Association is a state-based non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the conservation of Wisconsin’s waterfowl and wetland resources. Since 1984, WWA has worked to restore critical habitat in Wisconsin, educate the next generation of waterfowl hunters, and advocate for policies that protect Wisconsin’s resources and the rights of citizens to hunt.
It’s almost hunting season and you’re excited to get out in the field for your gun dog’s first season. All gun dog owners, myself included, hope their pup will be a hunting machine from the moment they first step foot into the field for a hunt. This is rarely the case. That reality is, your gun dog’s first hunt and first hunting season is a learning experience for both of you. To be fair to both of you, it’s important to set realistic expectations around the first season and first few hunts. As you take your dog out into the field, here are a few key points to keep in mind.
There’s no substitute for an actual hunt.
Perhaps you plan to go out on an early season dove or waterfowl hunt. When you get to this hunt, it may seem like you have a different dog out hunting than what you’ve trained all summer. No matter how much we try to simulate a hunt in training, there’s nothing quite like an actual hunt. The level of excitement, the sights, smells, etc. can take your dog to another level. That’s okay. It’s your job as a handler to keep them under control and safe in these new settings.
Your dog is still learning.
Every hunt is a learning experience for your dog, but the learning curve is steepest during the first few hunts and the first season. There’s a lot to see and experience for them including your own excitement they have to process and regulate. If you’ve hunted with a seasoned and well trained gun dog, they will seem to anticipate whats about to happen, have a great cadence with their handler, and be under control. If you are duck hunting, they’ll watch the sky for birds. Your dog may look to the horizon instead of up into the sky. That’s okay too. It takes time for dogs to learn those skills and hunt effectively. Seasoned dogs are seasoned for a reason. They’ve been through multiple hunting seasons and have learned through various scenarios they’ve encountered in the field.
Be patient and be consistent.
Have realistic expectations for what your gun dog can do based on what you’ve trained. For example, don’t expect your dog to trail a running rooster for a 1/2 mile right out of the gates if they’ve never done it before. The likelihood that your dog will be outsmarted by a cunning rooster is high and that’s okay. Be patient with your dog as they learn the ropes and go through these learning experiences. However, being patient doesn’t mean compromising your training standards in the field. For example, if you are duck hunting and haven’t let your dog break in training, why allow it when you are hunting? Hold your training standards in the field and avoid your dog developing bad habits.
As the summer heat intensifies, training dogs safely becomes a paramount concern for professional trainers and pet owners alike. I’m John McCarter, owner and lead trainer at Bayou Gundog in Knoxville, Arkansas. With over three years of full-time experience and a background in healthcare, I’m here to share my practical and lifesaving advice on how to keep our canine companions safe during the hottest months of the year.
A Bit About Me
I’ve been running Bayou Gundog for over three years now, after a few years of part-time training while working as a registered nurse. My healthcare background gives me a unique perspective on animal health and physiology, which is crucial for maintaining the well-being of the dogs I train. Currently, I oversee the training of 30 dogs: 20 advanced dogs are set to travel with me to Michigan for the summer, while 10 younger dogs will stay in Arkansas with my assistant trainer, Charli Reddell.
The Challenges of Training Dogs in the Heat
Training dogs in extreme heat requires meticulous planning and a keen eye for safety. My daily routine starts as early as 5 AM to take advantage of the cooler morning hours and maximize training efficiency before the heat sets in. Given the rapid increase in temperature and humidity here in Arkansas, this early start is crucial.
To ensure the safety of the dogs, I follow a structured approach encapsulated in the acronym SWAT: Shade, Water, Airflow, and Temperature.
1. Shade: Providing shade is essential. I park my trailer in shaded areas, use natural shade from trees, and set up umbrellas or canopies when natural shade isn’t available. Keeping dogs out of direct sunlight reduces the risk of overheating.
2. Water: Constant access to cool water is vital. I ensure that water is available throughout the day, adding ice in the morning to keep it cooler for longer. Proper hydration is crucial not just during training but beforehand as well.
3. Airflow: Maintaining proper airflow helps in cooling the dogs. I use fans, keep my truck’s AC running, and position my trailer to take advantage of wind direction. These measures ensure the dogs remain cool during and after training sessions.
4. Temperature Monitoring: Using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi thermometers, I remotely monitor the temperature inside my trailer. This constant vigilance ensures that the dogs are not exposed to extreme heat.
Recognizing and Managing Overheating in Dogs
Recognizing the signs of overheating in dogs can prevent serious health issues. I look for symptoms such as excessive panting, loss of focus, and changes in the color of their tongues and gums. Immediate action is necessary when these signs appear.
To cool an overheated dog, I advise against using very cold water or ice, as it can cause blood vessels to constrict, worsening the situation. Instead, use cool water, place the dog in a shaded area, and use fans. Rubbing alcohol on the dog’s pads can also help due to its cooling properties. Being prepared and having a plan in place for such situations is crucial to avoid serious health issues or fatalities.
Precautions and Additional Considerations
Dogs do not sweat like humans; they cool themselves primarily through their mouths and pads. During training, it’s essential to limit the time a dog carries a bird or bumper to avoid obstructing their primary cooling mechanism. Shorter, more frequent training sessions are advisable during hot weather.
The age and overall health of the dog also play a significant role in how well they handle heat. Older dogs, puppies, and those with health issues are more vulnerable and require extra care.
Personal Experiences and Final Thoughts
I’ve had personal experiences that highlight the importance of these precautions. I recall instances where dogs, driven by their instinct to please and play, have pushed themselves to the point of collapse. This underscores our responsibility as trainers and owners to prioritize the dogs’ well-being over training goals, especially in extreme weather conditions.
My expertise and structured approach provide a comprehensive guide for dog trainers and owners to follow, ensuring that their dogs remain healthy and safe even in the hottest conditions. My passion for the subject and commitment to animal welfare drive me to share this detailed advice.
By adopting my SWAT approach and being vigilant about the signs of overheating, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable training experience for your furry companions, even in the sweltering summer heat.
Force fetch is a crucial training technique in the world of retrievers, helping to instill discipline and resilience in dogs. This method is essential for any dog handler who aims to develop a well-rounded and obedient retriever, capable of handling various challenges in both training scenarios and real-world hunting situations. In this article, we will delve into what force fetch is, why it is important, and the step-by-step process to implement it effectively.
Force fetch, also known as “force breaking” or “trained retrieve,” can be understood in two key aspects:
Part One: The Common Understanding
The first part of force fetch is what most people envision: training a dog to retrieve an object, such as a bird or bumper, and deliver it directly to the handler’s hand. This involves the dog leaving the handler’s side, picking up the object, and returning promptly without dropping, playing, or shaking off water. The goal is a seamless retrieve where the dog understands the task, and performs it efficiently and consistently.
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Part Two: The Deeper Purpose
The second, and arguably more important, aspect of force fetch is teaching the dog to cope with pressure. This includes understanding and responding to pressure, learning how to turn it off, and overcoming difficulties. This process builds a resilient, confident dog with the ability to tackle more advanced training tasks. It equips dogs with the mental tools to push through challenging situations, be it in a hunt test or out in the field during a real hunt.
Why is Force Fetch Important?
Force fetch lays the foundation for a dog’s advanced training and overall behavior. It teaches problem-solving skills and how to deal with adversity. Here’s why it’s essential:
Resilience: Dogs learn to work through discomfort and pressure, becoming more resilient.
Consistency: It ensures reliable performance in retrieves, crucial for hunting and competition.
Foundation for Advanced Training: Skills learned during force fetch are foundational for more complex training, such as pile work, T-patterns, and blind retrieves.
Mental Discipline: Dogs develop a higher threshold for pressure, making them eager and willing to perform tasks even when conditions are less than ideal.
The Force Fetch Process: A High-Level Overview
Force fetch involves a series of steps that gradually teach the dog to understand and respond to commands and pressure. Here’s a high-level look at the process:
Step 1: Hold
The initial step in force fetch is teaching the dog to hold an object in its mouth calmly. This can be done on a table or the ground. The handler starts by placing their fingers or a soft object, like a paint roller, in the dog’s mouth, encouraging the dog to hold it without chewing or spitting it out. This stage focuses on the dog relaxing and accepting the object.
Step 2: Introduction to Pressure
Next, the dog is introduced to slight discomfort through the ear pinch or toe hitch methods. The handler applies pressure to the dog’s ear or toe, while simultaneously introducing a bumper into the dog’s mouth. When the dog takes the bumper, the pressure is released. This teaches the dog that holding the object turns off the pressure.
Step 3: Fetch Command
Once the dog understands holding, the fetch command is introduced. The dog learns to reach for the object to relieve the pressure. Initially, the handler places the object in the dog’s mouth, but eventually, the dog will begin to reach for it proactively.
Step 4: Movement and Retrieval
The training progresses to having the dog move to fetch the object. This can be done on a table or the ground, with the dog learning to pick up objects placed at increasing distances. The dog is also taught to deliver the object to the handler’s hand, reinforcing the complete retrieve process.
Step 5: E-Collar Conditioning
To reinforce the training, an e-collar is introduced, providing a consistent form of pressure that the dog can learn to respond to. The collar is used alongside the ear or toe pressure initially, and then gradually, the dog learns to respond to the e-collar alone.
Step 6: Force to Pile
The final stages involve force to pile exercises, where the dog retrieves objects from a distance, reinforcing the fetch command under varying conditions and distances. This step transitions the dog to more complex tasks and sets the stage for advanced training.
How can I learn more about Force Fetch?
There’s lots of available resources online. To see a step-by-step guide, check out the How To Teach Force Fetch course that walks a handler through the process, step-by-step, and using varying breeds of dogs.
Bob Owens is a profession gun dog trainer, owner of Lone Duck Kennels, and host of Lone Duck’s Gun Dog Chronicles. He resides in New York, where he runs AKC hunt tests and field trials in the summer, and travels to South Carolina in the winter.
I was introduced to firearms at an early age. My Christmas present as a nine year old was a youth .22 long rifle. I shot my first pheasant at 10 years old on a game farm. I grew up in a culture of handling guns of all different calibers – from shotguns to rifles. From sighting in our rifles for deer season to shooting five stand, my family always emphasized hearing protection. However, when we went into the field to chase everything from deer to rabbits, hearing protection was an after thought. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized hearing protection is an essential, yet often overlooked aspect of hunting for many hunters. We put an immense emphasis on handling firearms properly, and we spend money on the best gear we can afford to withstand the elements; however, protecting our hearing often falls by the wayside. The sound of gunfire, although a familiar part of hunting, poses a significant risk to our hearing over time. Exposure to these loud noises can lead to permanent hearing damage , subtly creeping up on hunters as they age. According to the National Council On Aging, about 40 million American adults between the ages of 20–69 have hearing loss caused by excessive noise exposure. Art Diaz from Alclair Outdoors, was recently on an episode of the UpDuck Podcast and discussed this topic as well as the innovative technology available to hunters today to help protect against hearing loss.
Today’s Hearing Protection Technology
Diaz, grew up in California, has incredible photography skills, and has a background as a musician. Wearing hearing protection as a musician is commonplace, as Diaz shared, and his goal when he started working with Alclair Outdoors was to bring his experience as a musician wearing hearing protection to the field. He wanted to improve his hunting experience, and safeguard his hearing without sacrificing environmental awareness. Alclair Outdoors specializes in creating custom-fit hearing protection for outdoor enthusiasts. This is what drove him to help build customized, high tech options for hunters. Unlike the basic earplugs that muffle all sounds, today’s hearing protection equipment is designed to filter harmful noises while allowing hunters to hear ambient sounds, such as the movement of game or the conversations of fellow hunters. This balance is crucial for maintaining situational awareness while hunting, ensuring both safety and success. One of the many questions I had was if the technology would allow me to hear soft sounds such as wing beats, conversations next to me, and the soft crunch of grass as a deer approaches. Diaz explained that his experience as a hunter and understanding what hunters like myself wanted to hear, is what allowed him to help build the innovation into the lineup of hearing devices Alclair Outdoors offers. One of the UpDuck podcast cohosts, Matt Jeske, bought a pair of ear plugs from Alclair Outdoors. On several episodes of the UpDuck Podcast he referenced his ability to hear conversations of other hunters in the blind with him, and the protection afforded after firing over 300 rounds in a day during a guided Mexican duck hunt.
Custom-fit for Comfort and Efficiency
Diaz emphasizes the importance of custom-fit devices for hunters, which offer unmatched comfort and efficiency. Custom-fit earplugs are molded to the unique contours of the user’s ears, providing a perfect seal against noise while staying securely in place, regardless of the hunter’s movements. This personalized approach not only enhances protection but also ensures that hunters can wear their devices for extended periods without discomfort.
One significant barrier to widespread adoption of high tech hearing protection among hunters is the perceived inconvenience of obtaining custom-fit devices. Diaz demystifies this process, explaining how simple it is to get fitted for Alclair’s products either at their facilities, trade shows, or through audiologists. A hunter needs to have a mold made of their ear via a puddy-like impression material. This mold is then sent off to Alclair Outdoors or another manufacturer. At an audiologists office, the appointment to create the molds can be completed in 15 minutes and the cost, while insurance dependent, isn’t typically over $100. While the process can seem daunting at the start, it is much simpler than it initially appears, and it’s hard to put a price on the benefits of hearing preservation.
There’s another piece of the conversation, and that is the cultural shift needed within the hunting community around hearing protection. Just as hunters have embraced advancements in gear and safety equipment, there’s a growing need to prioritize hearing protection. High-quality, custom-fit earplugs should be viewed as essential gear, akin to a reliable firearm or a sturdy pair of boots. Hearing protection is not just about preserving our ability to hear; it’s about maintaining our quality of life. Putting venison in the freezer, dropping a big rooster after my dog does his work, or shooting a few ducks are wonderful memories. Being able to share those stories and hear stories from other hunters throughout the rest of my life is even more important. While I spend a good amount of time thinking about hunting, the majority of my time is spent at my job, with my family, and living a regular life. For me, I don’t want the 1% of time spent in the field affecting the other 99% of of the life I live. As the hunting community becomes more aware of the importance of hearing protection, it’s hopeful that more individuals will take the necessary steps to safeguard their senses. I know I will be when hunting season approaches this fall.
There is plenty to plan and think about when taking any hunting trip. If you are traveling abroad to hunt, the amount of planning and detail required to get the most out of your trip is amplified by 10. Recently, I traveled south of the border to Mexico on an unforgettable duck hunting trip with my father. Reflecting on the trip, there are a number of suggestions I’d make to other hunters looking to make a trip to Mexico or any other foreign country.
Plan and Book Early
If an international trip is for you, consider planning early. For this trip, we utilized a waterfowl hunting booking agency that books directly with the outfitter in Mexico. The agency handled that side of the trip reservations, while we were responsible for the flights in and out of the country. The main lodge held 10-15 guests per slot, rotating out hunting groups every five days. With such limited slots and seats available in each slot, booking early for the dates you personally have available is important.
Pack Light
There is no need to pay for overweight baggage if it can be avoided. Bring enough hunting clothing and gear to be comfortable for your time afield. When traveling abroad, it becomes a challenge to not pack your entire hunting wardrobe when you aren’t sure what the conditions will be. Watch the weather for temperatures and pack for comfort. On this trip other hunters at the lodge wore mid-weight jackets in the morning. Personally, I never wore more than a sweatshirt over a long sleeve shirt.
Over the years, I have learned that less is more. That includes what you’ll wear at the lodge after your hunt. In my experience, no one at the lodge ever cared what I was wearing after the hunt. There was a laundry service available at the lodge as well. If used, you could cut back on clothing and hunting attire even more.
Outfitter Provided
The lodging and meals were two of the benefits provided by utilizing the outfitter we hunted with. The house was formerly the owner’s childhood home which had multiple bedrooms, a dining room, bar with a seating area, outside seating, and bird preparation areas. Three meals were provided each day with blind food for morning hunts as you got to your hunting spot. Between traveling to and from the hunts each day and the hunts themselves (typically out the door by 4 AM and not back until 5 PM), it was nice not to have to think about what I was going to eat each day.
Water and drinks were provided daily, and you were always welcome to grab additional water before or after the hunt. Each morning, I would grab a few additional bottles to be sure I stayed hydrated in the Mexican sun.
Bringing in firearms is allowed and completely acceptable. While we did not bring our own this trip, there were several people at the lodge who brought their own during our stay. Again, planning in advance is necessary, and a hunter needs to follow all TSA requirements. Additionally, you will need to allow extra travel time in the airports in order to accept your firearms upon arrival at each destination. This also requires an extra charge for importing the firearm through the lodge in Mexico. Work with your outfitter and/or booking agent to confirm the process and complete the necessary paperwork. For us, we utilized the firearms provided by the lodge. The Shotguns provided were primarily 1-2 year old Benelli and Berettas that are cycled out of service every few years due to the amount of use. We had no issues with our provided shotguns, and after a morning of shooting, we were comfortable with handling them.
Birds
Each day the ducks for the entire lodge are collected and donated locally. It is a good way to utilize the birds that cannot be consumed or brought back to the US in such numbers.
Most species of ducks are able to be brought back to your taxidermist if you choose to do so. You must ensure you have the correct paperwork during this process. Work with your booking agency and outfitter to be sure all Mexican and United States laws are followed to import your birds. I would suggest utilizing the 2-gallon freezer bags to seal your birds and freeze them for travel. We utilized a medium sized collapsable cooler bag to transport birds as a carry-on item, while others choose to put the frozen birds in a bag within their checked baggage. Either way, you will be visiting a separate check station at the airport upon your return to the United States.
Upon returning, plan to follow all USDA and USFWS guidelines regarding taxidermy and care of imported birds. When coming back to the US, you’ll need to go through a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) checkpoint and review your birds with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) where you will need to have your birds clearly identifiable. We had ours wrapped in shrink-wrap with the proper tags as suggested by the outfitter, and while that packaged the birds nicely for travel, it made it difficult to unwrap and show USFWS while trying to make connecting flights. With this process, a minimum of two hours for a connection is highly recommended.
Document Your Trip
For many, this hunt could be a one-time, trip of a lifetime. Even if you plan to frequently travel to hunt, document your trip to enjoy afterwards. As I do throughout the fall seasons, I like to take pictures and videos of each hunt, and traveling abroad was no different. For photos and videos, I brought my cellphone, DSLR camera, and GoPro camera (with extra SD cards) to utilize and remember the hunts. I came back with hundreds of photos, and dozens of GoPro video clips which I am still sorting through.
I also typed notes and reminders in a note on my phone, which will be useful in remembering details about the trip in the future. Anything from the location of the hunt, weather, other hunt or travel specifics, and how many and which types of birds were harvested each day.
Enjoy the Adventure
While on your trip, enjoy the entire experience. Get to know your fellow hunters at the lodge. Everyone comes from different parts of the country, has unique experiences, and hunts different species all around the world. Really get to know your driver/guide for the week. It is more enjoyable to get to know them on a personal level, and you might never know when they can do something above and beyond for you as a visitor.
If you have time, have your driver/guide take you out and enjoy the local food. Other hunters at the lodge had gone out with their guides on previous trips to experience the best local food and drinks. While we did not have this opportunity, we would make time for it on a future trip back.
In reviewing my trip, preparation was the key for experiencing a rewarding and memorable hunt in Mexico. When you take on this type of adventure, plan early, pack light, properly prepare your birds, document your trip, and enjoy the entire experience. You won’t regret it.
Capturing the essence of your gun dog in action, or at rest after a successful hunt, is an art form – a blend of passion, skill, and an eye for the right moment. On a recent episode of the UpDuck Podcast, professional photographer and videographer Keagan Keddell shared invaluable insights into the world of outdoor and hunting photography, with a special focus on photographing gun dogs.
Embrace the Journey
Keegan’s journey into photography began with a Nikon D3500, a base model DSLR. His pursuit of capturing the natural, untamed moments amidst the rugged beauty of Alaska allowed him to master his craft in some of the most challenging environments. He continued to seek knowledge and experience while upgrading his equipment before coming back to the lower 48 and beginning his journey into professional photography. Keagan’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, curiosity, and the willingness to learn from every shot, every light, and every shadow.
Photographing gun dogs, especially in the dynamic and unpredictable settings of hunting, requires more than just technical skill. It demands an understanding of the animal, the environment, and the moments that tell a story. Keagan shared several tips for amateurs and professionals alike to enhance their gun dog photography skills:
Understand Your Subject: Knowing the behavior and tendencies of gun dogs, especially your personal dog, can help you anticipate moments worth capturing. Whether it’s the intense focus of a dog on point or the companionship of a tired dog after picking up a limit of ducks, understanding your subject is key.
Rule of Thirds and Framing: Utilize the rule of thirds to create visually appealing compositions. The simplest way to understand the rule of thirds is to open up the camera on your phone, and look at the grid lines that appear. Placing your dog’s eyes along these lines can draw the viewer’s attention. Framing, such as using natural elements or hunting gear, can add depth and context to your photographs.
Embrace the Environment: Whether it’s the golden hues of dawn during a hunt from your duck boat or the technical grounds at a training session, the environment plays a critical role in the narrative of your photography. Use it to your advantage.
Capture the Action and the Stillness: Gun dogs exude a range of emotions, from the adrenaline-fueled retrieve to the calm after a hunt. Capturing both the action and the stillness can provide the full story of your dog’s hunt and life.
Gear Matters, But So Does Your Passion: While Keagan emphasized the importance of understanding your camera’s settings and investing in quality gear, he also reminded listeners that passion is the most crucial element, and the best camera is the one your holding onto. Keep learning and growing your photography skills, and your vision and love for your dog will ultimately shine through in your photographs.
Share Your World: Perhaps the most compelling takeaway from Keagan’s story is his desire to share the beauty and thrill of the outdoor world with others. From his family to all his followers on social media, Keagan likes telling stories that inspire and connect us to the great outdoors and our companions within it using the pictures he takes. Personally, there’s nothing I love sharing more than pictures, videos, and stories of my dogs.
Summing It All Up
Photographing your gun dog is a journey, and one you won’t be disappointed in starting. Our dogs lives are never long enough, and capturing the moments you share afield with them means more as your dog ages. My oldest dog is 7 now, and I wish I had more pictures of him. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting with your first camera, the key is to start, learn, and never stop looking for those moments. Tell your story. Tell your dogs story. You’ll look back later in life and be glad you did.
