Hunting over Pointing Breeds
Hunting over a steady pointing breed defines the classic tradition of upland bird hunting. Pointing breeds are bred for endurance, intelligence and drive and are considered to be the upland game hunter’s most stylish and graceful choice for a hunting companion. A quality pointer is selectively bred to scent out game birds and hold a point by fixing their muzzle on the location of the game until the hunter can move into gun range. These dogs were originally bred to locate and hold game so hunters could throw nets over the birds. Today, pointing breeds represent one of the best and most classic options for the upland hunter.
A good pointer should develop a strong sense of smell and drive at a young age. Drive or ‘becoming birdy’ is the underlying strength of these dogs and pushes their desire to hunt at all times. Pointers are also designed to cover long distances and run for hours through their remarkable endurance. They come in a variety of coats, colors and sizes, some with shortened or docked tails and others with full tails. A pointer’s tail is instrumental in the dog’s ability to display to the hunter that he has located game.
Essentially, a successful hunt over a pointing breed should run something like this. Pointers may differ in their field of range, or how far they distance themselves from the hunter. Some dogs are wide rangers and other work closer. The dog runs the range in search for the scent of game using his high powered nose, in a quartering or zig- zagging pattern. Once the dog has picked up a scent he will turn and move in a smaller range until he can positively pinpoint the location of the bird, where he will move on a steady point. A steady point should display as the dog still and tensed, with a straighten tail and pointed nose. This alerts the hunter to move into shooting range, the bird is flushed and hopefully a successful shot is made. Pointing dogs should remain steady, or completely still and staunch through the shot until released by the handler. Then the dog tracks the dead game and retrieves it to hand. When hunting with two or more dogs, a pointer should back another dogs point, or stand on point just behind or to the side of the other dog without interfering.
A pointing dog on point is a beautiful sight of grace and style. It’s no wonder they represent the classic style of the upland shooter. These dogs also make wonderful family pets.
