Can big running dogs hunted from truck, Polaris Ranger and horse handle for a foot hunter?

Good question.  Come out this weekend to the Indians Nations Walking Field Trial at the Martens Ranch, one mile south of exit 255 on I-40.

I am supporting this walking trial with 8 dogs, most of which are big running dogs.  We shall see how it goes.  My guess is … …that they will shorten to the foot handler as the American Brittany is bred to do.   Some will shorten more than others and there are a couple that might not shorten at all, Gunner for example.

It’s going to be fun and when it is all over I will give a report on how it turns out.

Speaking of the Walking trial, I believe this venue is finally finding a place in our tough economic times.  The mid-west is traditionally horseback handled field trial country so walking trials have not really taken off for Pointers and Brittanys especially.

In the AKC pointing dog venue, the AKC walking gun dog stake is the most like hunting that you can get in an artificial setting.  The dog has to be steady to wing and shot.   The bird is not killed and only a cap gun is fired to simulate the shotgun.

Wing and shot is tough to do if you are a long time hunter and never trained a dog to be completely broke.  That’s just one of the many disconnects between hunters and trialers as most hunters don’t want a wing / shot dog and for good reasons that I completely agree with.  (wild cripples are less likely to get away, etc.)

Hope to see some of y’all out there this weekend.  The trial filled up and is now a 2 day trial.  Lots of entries so it should be fun.

Take care,

Dave