Everybody says buy a kin dog…..

To minimize animal suffering, officially recognized tracking teams commissioned by the hunting area owner may cross hunting area boundaries without the consent of the neighboring hunting area owner and to include carrying firearms euthanize the injured game during the search. Tracking teams consist of a handler and a tracking dog led by the handler.

Here is the dog tracker making that statement.
This is the by law required display of what was shot in our area in the last 12 months.
this last paragraph highlights everything that is wrong with UK deer stalking, and the exact reason why I am no longer a tracker and I no longer have a dog!
 
Don’t get a dog if you have doubts, even if you have work for them to do. They are not a bit of kit and deserve better, it’s a big commitment. Also, they will suss you out and you won’t develop the connection you need.
 
Lab.

1. Dead easy
2. Seem to have half a brain, can work things out for themselves even when we haven’t a clue
3. Always somebody happy to see you when you get home
4. Can find the way back to the car when you can’t
5. It will lead you home from the pub when you can’t see straight
6. If it won’t eat it then it is truly inedible (so far only orange peel and celery)
7. Enjoys shooting even more than you do
8. The walk gets you out when others would not
9. Recent research says that a dogs “gaseous and particulate emissions” are good for your immune system
10. Easy to start a Sourdough Starter, no shortage of yeast in the air. (If that doesn’t put you off Sourdough nothing will)
11. Portable deer radar. Can see round corners and into bushes, unlike thermal.
12. Will find the carcass even if it has fallen in a hole. Unlike thermal.
13. Knows when there are bugger all deer about so you don’t sit there all evening.
14. You can take a bigger pack of biscuits without getting nagged as you are “sharing” them with the dog

I think I need to get a replacement…
 
On the other hand…

1. They are a commitment
2. If you are not working it regularly it seems like a waste
3. Dog needs a life too
4. Vets bills can be ludicrous
5. You have to train everybody else much more than the dog so they don’t ruin it
6. Fitting brakes and establishing recall from Day 1 is essential but a bit boring
7. One day you have to take it to the vets for the last time.
 
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