Do You Need A Dog For Bird Hunting?

Do you really need a dog to hunt upland birds? No, and in fact, many times you're better off upland hunting without a dog. But if you've spent any time looking through hunting magazines, you've seen the beautiful, blue-sky shots of grouse or pheasant hunters pictured with two trusted companions: a double-barrel shotgun and a loyal dog. Read on to learn why it’s not only possible but sometimes desirable to hunt without a gun dog at your side.

The Cons Of Hunting With Canines

This is how it's supposed to happen: Your setter ranges out ahead and sweeps the area before you. When he hits bird scent, he locks into a point that says, "Hey boss, I got one right here for you!"

Or your spaniel barrels through the gnarly cover and turns a fleeing pheasant into a flushing, easy-to-hit target. Unfortunately, though, things don't always work out this way. Plenty can go wrong in the field, and some dogs can cause more trouble than they're worth.

1 | Bumping 

Bumping is a classic error that refers to dogs flushing birds before you’re close enough for a shot. Pointing dogs, especially inexperienced ones, do it because they get too close to their game. Flushing dogs bump birds when they get too far out of range. While the dog is producing birds (and sort of doing its job), all you can do is shake your head and curse as you watch (or hear) birds fly off out of range.

2 | Running By Or Passing Birds

All dogs pass birds in poor scenting conditions, or simply because they can't be everywhere at once. Unless the bird flushes near or behind you, you never know it happens. 

3 | Losing Interest

Other dogs tire out quickly and lose their enthusiasm for finding birds. The worst ones are the run-offs. You see these dogs twice a day: Right after you let you them out of the truck and hours later when you find them miles away.

Upland hunters who use dogs run into these problems all the time, even though they rarely admit it. So, don't think of hunting without a four-legged friend as a handicap.

Tips For Upland Hunting Alone

In the woods, predators fly over and walk by game birds all the time. Whenever the game birds sense trouble, their instincts protect them. Here's how you can use these instincts to your advantage:

• Move, but not too slowly: When a game bird senses danger, it freezes. Many times, the predator will pass by without knowing a tasty meal was nearby. As an upland hunter, you should move through the woods at a steady, even pace. Don't crawl along like you're stalking and don't hustle like you're late for dinner. If you come across any birds, their first reaction will be to freeze and let you go right by. That's when the next tactic comes into play.
• Move. Pause: There are two ways to get a game bird to flush. One is to walk close enough to it to make the bird feel threatened. Another is to walk at a steady pace for twenty yards or so and then pause—especially when you're in real ‘birdy-looking’ cover. Pausing makes birds nervous. They think they've been spotted and it's time to flee. Many times, they'll flush right when you start walking again. Be ready.
• Then zag: Another way to make a game bird nervous is to vary your path through the cover. This way, the birds won't know where you're heading next. This also makes them nervous and more likely to flush.

Final Thoughts About Wingshooting Without A Dog

Here are a few more things to remember when you head into the field without a four-legged friend.

• Always be ready to shoot: This is the most important thing to do when hunting on your own. Without a "heads up" from a dog, you never know when a bird is going to erupt into the air. So be sure your gun is ready. At the same time, be sure it's safe. Never take the safety off until you've determined your target (and what lies beyond it) and you've mounted your gun.
• Be the dog: One of the advantages of a hunting dog is they bust through cover you would rather avoid. But when you're on your own, this job falls on you. So, get into those tangles of alders or thick shelterbelts and kick the birds out. Keep your gun ready and your eyes on the escape routes the birds are likely to use.
• Get on downed birds right away: Another advantage of hunting with dogs is their ability to find downed game. When you hunt alone, you need to make up for this by moving quickly towards any birds you hit. If you don't find them right away, use your hat to mark the spot where the bird fell, and search in widening circles from there. Don't be surprised if you find the bird a long way from where you saw it go down. Some game birds—especially wild pheasants—are tough. Even after they're hit, they can run impressive distances before expiring.