With the upland season approaching and some states opening as early as September 1, it’s time to get you and your Epagneul Breton ready for the hunt. While many in our community embrace the bird dog lifestyle year-round, others find joy in weekend escapes to the uplands with their French Brittany. To help you prepare for the upcoming season, we gathered pre-season advice from experienced hunters within the Epagneul Breton community.
Essential Preparation Tips
1. First Aid and Emergency Kits
Collin Johnston, CEB-US Board Member, hunts his string of more than a dozen EBs starting in Montana in September, moving to the UP in Michigan for the middle of the season, and finishing in Kansas to close out the season. He stresses the importance of having a first aid kit ready and knowing how to use it. Quick and efficient care in the field can remedy small issues or prevent them from becoming bigger problems. Don't forget to perform a thorough tailgate check after the hunt.
2. Conditioning Your Dog (and Yourself)
Collin advises making sure your dog’s pads are tough. This can include running your EBs on gravel or pavement (be careful of too much pounding on the joints). Pad care is also essential after a hunt. The same advice rings true for your feet. You owe it to your dog to put in the miles to keep up with them, so ensure you are ready and not hobbled by blisters or winded before surpassing the first ridge. Trimming nails can also help prevent ripping or splitting.
Mitch Chilton, a CEB-US member from Iowa, starts conditioning his EBs about two months before the season begins. This includes roading and free runs. With the added activity, he suggests adjusting the dog's diet accordingly, whether that means more kibble or a higher performance blend. Mitch prefers a higher-calorie diet to keep the total food volume lower, sometimes adding supplements (e.g., protein powders) to increase calories. He also adds a recovery supplement to their diet or water to enhance recovery between training sessions.
3. Health Checks and Vaccinations
Shawn Kearney, CEB-US member, hunts throughout the West, facing isolation and unforgiving terrain. He recommends scheduling an appointment with your vet before the season starts to set a benchmark for your dog's overall health. This ensures your vet knows your EB's baseline health, which can be crucial if you need to call from the road in a panic. Also, be sure to have local vet contacts handy and call ahead to confirm they are open weekends and accept drop-in patients. Make sure your dog is fully vaccinated, and if you plan to travel to a new destination, check for any recommended vaccines specific to that area.
4. Preparing for Hot Weather
Steve Loveless, CEB-US Communications Committee Member, resides in Utah where early season means high temperatures. He suggests learning the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and not pushing you or your dog too far when the conditions don’t allow. From a gear perspective, Steve advises packing a lead, as you never know when you will need to control your dog, and having a good pair of actual cable cutters in case you come across snares.
Predator and Hazard Preparation
Collin Johnston packs a skunk kit, using a 2-gallon bucket with a lid to store peroxide, baking soda, dish soap, sponges, and long kitchen gloves. [Here is a DIY recipe for skunk odor removal] Nothing ruins a trip quicker than a skunked dog, so be prepared to clean your dog as quickly as possible.
Misty Beals, a club member living in Oregon, advises considering rattlesnake avoidance training or a refresher course. She and her EBs target chukar across the NW, so early season is prime snake time whether hunting, training or just out for a casual stroll. The rattlesnake vaccine is another option; however, the potential side effects and clinical benefits make that a topic for personal choice.
Practice Your Shooting
CEB-US Field Trial Committee Chair Larry Ellison, a shotgun skills instructor living in Alabama, reminds us that all the pre-planning and artful bird work are only good if the hunter makes the shot. Whether that means seeking advice from a professional instructor or taking the time to drill at home with an empty gun (safety first!), try to ensure your shooting is not the weakest link.
Planning Your Hunt
From a hunting perspective, Matt Van Maanen, part of the CEB-US Strategic Growth Committee, suggests having a plan before turning your EB loose. This is especially important when hunting with buddies to ensure safety and efficient ground coverage. E-scouting on OnX or Google Maps will maximize your time hunting rather than searching for spots. Factors constantly change, or your first choice may already have a group hunting it, so having a backup plan can save the day rather than spending time searching for another spot.
Steve Loveless adds the importance of taking the time post-hunt to identify what went well and what you can improve on to be better prepared for the next hunt.
Final Thoughts
Look for our next post that will focus on puppy introduction to hunting.
As the upland season approaches, preparing both you and your Epagneul Breton for the hunt is essential. From first aid and emergency kits to conditioning and health checks, these steps will help ensure a successful and enjoyable season. With proper preparation, you and your EB will be ready to tackle the challenges and enjoy the thrill of the upland hunt. Happy hunting!
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