Pheasant hunting season in Utah is fast approaching, and there’s no better companion for this exciting time than your French Brittany. These energetic dogs, also known as Épagneul Bretons, are renowned for their excellent bird hunting skills thanks to their acute sense of smell, high energy levels, and natural retrieving abilities12. Here are some tips on how to prepare for the hunt and maximize your success.

 

Training

Training is crucial in ensuring a successful hunt. Start by reinforcing basic commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘come’, and ‘heel’. Then progress to more complex hunting commands such as ‘fetch’ and ‘point’. If your Brittany is new to hunting, consider enlisting the help of a professional trainer or joining a local hunting club3.

 

For pheasant hunting, it’s beneficial to expose your dog to the scent of pheasants before the hunt. You can do this by using pheasant scented dummies in your training sessions4. Also, get your pup used to the sound of gunshots to prevent gun-shyness.

 

Conditioning

Physical conditioning is essential for hunting, especially in rugged terrains like those found in Utah. Regularly exercise your French Brittany to build stamina. Activities such as swimming and playing fetch can help improve their fitness5.

 

Field Practice

Nothing beats real field experience. If possible, expose your Brittany to live birds before the hunting season starts. This will help them understand what they’re supposed to do when they encounter a pheasant. Remember to keep these sessions controlled and safe for both the dog and the birds1.

 

Gear Up

Equip your dog with a high-visibility vest to protect them from potential hazards in the field and make them easily identifiable. Also, consider investing in a good quality hunting collar. These devices often come with GPS tracking features which can be invaluable if your dog goes off chasing a scent6.

 

On the Hunt

During the hunt, allow your Brittany to work the field in front of you. Their longer legs give them the ability to cover a lot of ground quickly7. Trust their nose and watch for a change in their body language. A Brittany on point is a sight to behold and a clear indication that there are birds nearby.

 

Remember to keep the hunt enjoyable for your dog. Give them plenty of praise when they do well and keep a positive attitude throughout the day. A happy, confident dog will always perform better8.

 

In conclusion, preparing for pheasant hunting season with your French Brittany requires time, patience, and dedication. However, the rewards of a successful hunt coupled with the joy of working as a team with your dog make it all worthwhile. Here’s to a successful hunting season!

 

Footnotes

  1. https://forum.ultimatepheasanthunting.com/threads/hunting-wiley-birds-with-french-brittany.20840/ ↩ ↩2

  2. https://www.huntingpa.com/threads/french-brittany.82643/ ↩

  3. https://www.facebook.com/groups/514409592814743/ ↩

  4. https://gundogforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19560 ↩

  5. https://wagwalking.com/activity/activities-for-a-french-brittany ↩

  6. https://www.gundogmag.com/editorial/gundog_breeds_brittany_0717/175353 ↩

  7. https://www.pheasantsforever.org/BlogLanding/Blogs/Nancy-Anisfield/Medium-Size-Full-Force-The-Brittany.aspx?feed=articles ↩

  8. https://homeandfielddogs.com/areas-we-serve-at-home-and-field-dogs/bird-hunting-in-minnesota-with-french-brittany-spaniels/ ↩

Picture of an English setter retrieving a pheasant to a hunter
Young French Brittany playing outside, pointing pheasants and posing in the studio
Picture of an Orange and White French Brittany hunting pheasants in the fields
Pictures of various birds harvested when we were hunting