Gun Dog Magazine is the best magazine for hunting enthusiasts who are owners of retrieving breeds. Each issue is guaranteed to be filled with useful information devoted to you, your dog and the sport of upland bird and waterfowl hunters.
SWEAT WAS ROLLING down my back and brow when we finally breached the treeline and broke from the deep timber. The hot S eptember sun burned down on our necks, while our packs weighed down on our weary legs. I pulled my hip belt tighter, took a swig of water, and hiked on. My best friend, Natalie, and I were in Utah trudging through the mountains in pursuit of a trophy bull elk for Nat to notch her tag on, and we had more ground to cover. We had backpacked deep into the wilderness to sleep among the elk and get us closer each dawn. We had no limit of bugling bulls surrounding us each day. They called all day and all night—but from deep in the timber where they…
When September rolls around, upland bird hunters can count on the dove and sharptail grouse openers to get them primed for the fall months. Sharptail are a great species to cut your teeth on before other upland seasons open up, and perfect for young dogs to get reps in early on. Here’s how to find more sharpies this September. UTILIZE HYBRID/TOPO LAYERS Sharptail grouse cover consists of rolling prairies covered in short, thick grass and wildflowers. If you’re in habitat you think you’ll find a pheasant, such as cattails, you won’t find sharptail. To locate contours in the landscape and ridgelines on the map, utilize the topography feature on onX. Avoid flat terrain. Locate high and low contour lines to find sharptail. Low areas tend to be greener, as water…
WE WERE saddened to learn of the passing of long-time GUN DOG contributor James B. Spencer, who died September 15, 2022, at the age of 95. Jim wrote the magazine’s “Retrieve” column for 27 years and the “Pro Tips” feature for more than 14 years before retiring in 2012. He also contributed breed features and starred in several training videos, as well as authoring numerous training books. Although the golden retriever was his favorite breed, Jim’s experience was not limited to goldens or retrievers in general; he got his start in sporting dogs with Weimaraners. In addition to the numerous field trial wins he earned with his goldens, he also put hunt test titles on an English springer spaniel named Flick and a German shorthair named Erik. Long-time readers may…
GARMIN ALPHA 300I & TT 25/T 20 COLLARS The new Alpha 300 series is perfect for both dog training and hunting. The rechargeable lithium-ion handheld battery provides up to 55 hours of battery life so you can hunt longer in remote country without having to take the time to recharge. The 300i also comes with inReach technology, a safety-net communication system for emergencies when you are off the beaten path (subscription required). While both thinner and lighter than full-size Garmin TT collars, the new Alpha TT 25 and T 20 collars are more powerful. They provide tracking up to 9 miles away and 68 hours of battery life with the standard battery pack. 300i: $850; TT 25: $350; T 20: $200; garmin.com INUKSHUK 30/25 FORMULA Six out of the top…
TOM BECKBE PIEDMONT JACKET This new tailored-fit field jacket from Beckbe is an update on the 6oz Tensaw jacket of yesterday and is designed for early to mid-season fall hunting. It is as light as can be but holds up against the elements and brush of quail country. It wears beautifully and is just at home in the pine woods as it is in town. Beckbe also has many waxed canvas jacket options for female hunters, such as the Blakeley, which offers a tailored fit without sacrificing functionality. $485; tombeckbe.com ORVIS FOLIAGE WAXED FIELD COAT This classic looking field coat has a retro appearance with modern functionality and is sure to be a favorite for years to come. It features big-cargo style pockets, a roll-up hood and welted handwarmer pockets…
THIS RECIPE is a variation of one of my go-to dinners: red-wine braised [insert red meat here] over cheesy polenta. The acidic, dark-fruit flavors of dry red wine and hardy herbs complement dark meat well, and served atop creamy polenta, you get a soul-satisfying meal. It’s one of my husband’s absolute favorite dishes. You can slow cook sharp-tailed grouse or prairie chicken to make a rich stew. For this recipe, I’ve changed things up a bit. Instead of polenta, I serve this sharp-tailed grouse and wild mushroom stew over crispy parmesan corn mush, which is basically polenta that’s chilled, cut, and fried. Although corn mush is a bit more work than whipping up a pot of polenta in 10 minutes, you do get a textural contrast that I always thought…
