Retrievers Live up to Their Name Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are more popular up North. They’re big, super thick dogs and therefore are good in cold water but are also extremely hard-headed animals. “Tolling” Retrievers are about the size of a Collie, have high energy, and are very intelligent. They were bred to hunt and usually have an instinct to find and retrieve birds. With some training, these dogs can be a huge asset to your hunting outings. They get their name from their ability to act as a decoy and lure waterfowl within gun range by “tolling”. Don’t Let the Poodle Fool You Standard Poodles are wicked smart and are referred to by many as the “master of most dogs” as they can outrun, outswim, and outhunt any other breed. They are easy to command, have webbed feet that make them good swimmers, and their curly hair acts as a wool jacket in damp conditions. In other words, they’re great for waterfowl hunting. Land Dogs When hunting upland game like pheasant, grouse and chukar, you’ll likely want a dog with short hair that is able to run well on land. For example, Cocker Spaniels, English Setters, and the Weimaraner breed are all good choices. German Shorthaired Pointers are also widely used for upland game, deer, and fowl hunting. A good hunting dog will really depend on the time and effort you take to train them. YouTube is a great place to find tutorials on “how to train hunting dogs.” Hunting Tips for Elk Hunting There are a few things to consider when elk hunting in Washington State. For instance, will you be using archery, a muzzleloader/black powder, or a modern firearm? Understand the area you want to hunt in, the time of year open for hunting, and type of elk you can hunt. For example, if you’re hunting using archery (although more challenging than a modern firearm), you can usually begin hunting about a month before the next round opens. When obtaining your elk hunting license you have to pick your tag – Western or Eastern Washington – as certain areas are open for certain animals during given times of the year. Regulations change from time-to-time therefore, you’ll want to review them each season. Some of the best places to go elk hunting are the Blue Mountains, the North Cascade/St. Helens and Colockum and Yakima regions, however each year can be different. Hunting backpack The Best Backpack for Hunting