Dominating the Field with Premier Gundog Gear
Whether you’re an avid pheasant hunter or just getting started with the sport, I bet you’re like me: when you get ready to head to the field, you want gear that will keep you safe and comfortable, right? If we are safe and comfortable when we chase birds, our dogs should be too. After all, they will put on more miles and do most of the heavy lifting. No matter if you’re hunting behind a pointer or a flusher, you want to have these items in your hunting tote.
Hunting Vest
At times, we hunt in thick, rough, and burry cover. Our dogs are tough, but they’d appreciate having some body armor that helps protect their core from getting cut up or covered by burs. Hunting vests also give us an advantage of seeing our dog when they are working cover. I prefer a vest that has straps and buckles so I can make sure it’s snug, but not too tight. I also hunt with longer-haired dogs, so I keep a bottle of detangler and a brush in my hunting bag. Cleaning burs and debris from their ears, legs, and tail is so much easier if I do it when we get back to the truck than if I wait until the end of the day, when we are back at home.
Foot Care
Remember, your dog is going to put on many more miles than you, which means keeping their feet healthy and comfortable is huge. If your dog is prone to foot cuts or just seems to have tender feet, you might want to consider getting them a pair of boots. I’ve found putting on some miles before hunting season helps my dogs build up stronger, healthier pads. I also use Musher’s Secret to help give their pads some protection. Musher’s Secret is also a good product to use if your dog gets dry or cracked pads.
Eye Care
Because our dogs are busting through cover, their eyes have a high chance of getting injured or full of debris. Depending on the cover you hunt and your dog’s tendency to eye injury or their eyes picking up debris, you might consider getting them a pair of Rex Specs. I always keep a bottle of eye wash in my hunting pack so if needed, I can wash out my dog’s eyes. The wash not only flushes their eyes, but it also helps calm any irritation.
First Aid Kit
I never want my dog to get injured, but I’d rather be prepared if they do manage to get hurt. I carry a small first aid kit in my hunting vest, and I keep a larger kit in my truck. You can find a good first aid kit at most places that sell hunting dog gear, like Gun Dog Supply or Ugly Dog Hunting. Another item that falls into my first aid category is a pair of wire snips that can cut braided wire that trappers use in snare traps. I’ve yet to come across a trap when hunting, but I know it’d be serious, if not life-threatening, if I didn’t have snips handy.
E-collar
No matter how far you let your pointing dog range or what kind of cover you’re hunting in, knowing the location of your dog is huge. From most expensive to least, there are three ways you can keep track of your dog. First, you could get a GPS collar. If you do, I recommend that you spend the money to get a collar that provides both tracking and correction modes. If a GPS collar isn’t in your budget, no problem. I’d recommend a long-range E-collar with a beeper that you can either have automatically identify your dog or that you can simply press a button on your remote to make their collar beep. If you’d rather not run an E-collar, you’re not alone. My recommendation to you would be to put a bell on your dog’s collar so you can keep a mark on where they are in the field.
Water
Keeping our dogs hydrated is something we can’t overlook. Even if the temperature is low and snow is falling, our dogs will still need water. I prefer to carry two water bottles in my hunting vest so I can give my dogs drinks throughout the hunt. I also keep a jug of water and a bowl in my truck so I can give them time to drink when we get back to the truck.
Crate
Just like we appreciate getting a chance to sit in a climate-controlled, dry truck in between hunts, our dogs do too. I prefer to transport my dogs in Ruffland Kennels, with bedding in them. If it’s cold, I have them in the cab or wrapped with covers. If it’s warm, I have them in the cab or have fans on the doors.
Remember, keeping your dog safe and comfortable will help them enjoy hunting with you. And they might be a little more forgiving if you struggle to drop birds for them.
By Kyle Dana
September 2025
Here are some Tips for your Gun Dog before the Season Starts
Here is this month’s digital version of the Iowa Sportsman
Here is the Cattle/Dairy side of things
