Author: Scott Haugen

A well-trained hunting dog isn’t just a companion in the field—it’s a vital partner that understands your every move. Whether you’re duck hunting or tracking upland game, hunting dog training goes beyond commands; it’s about developing a deep, instinctive connection. Skilled trainers, like Jess Spradley of Cabin Creek Gun Dogs, emphasize the importance of reading a dog’s body language and using nonverbal cues to create a seamless working relationship. In this article, we’ll explore expert insights into gun dog training, why daily reinforcement matters, and how understanding your dog’s expressions can make all the difference in the field. Dogs Read…

Common Hunting Dog Training Challenges and How to Overcome Them With hunting seasons wrapped up and spring on the horizon, now is the perfect time to focus on hunting dog training. Addressing unwanted behaviors early will ensure your pup performs better in the field next season. From curbing destructive habits to reinforcing obedience and retrieving skills, this guide covers practical solutions to common issues faced by gun dog owners. Consistency and clear communication are key to shaping a reliable hunting companion. Let’s dive into some real-life scenarios and remedies to help you and your dog succeed. Issue: “Those dog beds…

Bird hunting season is in full swing, offering endless opportunities to chase chukar, pheasants, ducks, geese, and more. But while planning your hunts, think about what they can do for your dog. A change of scenery and variety in hunting experiences not only keeps your dog engaged but also sharpens their skills and enhances their overall performance. Whether it’s introducing them to new terrain, different game, or challenging conditions, mixing things up can lead to exciting adventures for both you and your dog. This fall, make it a priority to create memorable hunting experiences that benefit your dog’s mind and…

Training a hunting dog is a rewarding journey that requires patience, consistency, and a clear strategy. Whether you’re starting with a young pup or honing the skills of an experienced dog, understanding the fundamentals of hunting dog training can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll cover essential training techniques and tips to help your dog develop the obedience, endurance, and specialized skills needed for success in the field. Get ready to build a stronger bond with your canine companion and prepare them for a lifetime of rewarding hunting experiences. My goal is to help new owners of hunting…

Coyote Hunting Less than three minutes into my first predator hunting calling sequence, movement below and to the left caught my eye. Certain it was a coyote slinking in from an expansive cover of blackberry bushes, my pulse shot up when I saw bright orange. Figuring it was a red fox, I was even more surprised when a prime-pelted gray fox stepped into the sunlight. Gun already shouldered; the 20-yard shot was simple. Approaching the downed prize, I thought about how many trail camera photos I’d captured of this fox over the past two years. I’d also caught multiple coyotes,…

Wyoming Elk Hunting Struggling to reach the top of the mountain, my tight, throbbing lungs worked hard. I was prepared for the challenge, but my body still felt the pain that comes with trudging up near vertical shale slopes at 10,000-feet elevation.  One last pause to catch my breath and ease the burn in my legs, and finally I reached the rock I’d been eyeing. Tossing my pack onto the tundra-like turf, I was awestruck with the captivating view from so high. “You made it,” smirked JJ, my longtime buddy and hunting partner on this trip who’d already recovered from…

We were sitting on an old skid road with a mature stand of Douglas fir trees towering from the ridge behind us, waiting for daylight. No matter how hard we tried, cutting through thick fog with binoculars was impossible in the low light. We knew that in front of us was a big meadow, and we could hear cows and calves calling out there. The elk were there; we just couldn’t see them. That’s when longtime hunting partner and guide Jody Smith whispered to me, “Let’s move up a couple hundred yards and see if we can find something in…

Photos by Scott Haugen I dropped anchor, patiently waiting in my drift boat while two bank anglers below, casted spinners. I ate a sandwich, drank water and watched them for nearly an hour. Finally, they quit fishing and started hiking upstream. I drifted down to where they’d been fishing and let out a plug. No sooner had the Mag Lip hit the target water and a bright, hard-fighting summer steelhead went spinning through the air, my plug dangling from the side of its mouth. In short order the fish was in the boat. It was my third and final summer…

DO YOUR HOMEWORK No matter where you choose to embark upon a do- it-yourself upland bird hunt, do the research before leaving home. As I write these words, we’re entering wildfire season, and over the past two summers, much of the western Cascade Range and even the Coast Range have succumbed to massive burns. After a year or two, these burns become prime quail habitat. If looking to drive out, check to see that no wildfires are burning in the places you want to hunt. Oregon’s Southwest Coast, from Coos Bay to the California border, has been solid for years,…