Dogs

Purina Joint Care

June 6, 2023 by Ruffed Grouse Society

Cambridge Dictionary defines a joint as “a place where two things are joined together.” In terms of your hard-charging sporting dog, think how important the knee, hip, ankle, shoulder, elbow and carpal joints are to his or her performance and comfort day in and day out. And factor in the pounding those respective joints take year after year. Purina has been thinking about it – and in June 2023 is introducing Joint Care, a new soft chew supplement formulated to support canine mobility and normal daily activity. This latest addition to the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements line provides three joint...

The Skunk of Sault Ste. Marie

June 5, 2023 by Ruffed Grouse Society

by Rob Seilheimer I’m in the Upper Peninsula with three buddies. Red, yellow, and orange leaves descend upon us like raindrops falling from the sky. Ruffed grouse and woodcock are what we’re after. Every year, we make the drive from Indiana and cross the bridge. Trolls are what they call us. I’ll happily own that title. Also, a quick note for all the troll brethren, it’s a pastie. Pronounced pass-tee, don’t get it wrong, or you’ll be laughed at by every Yooper within earshot. Pastie shops are the Starbucks of the Upper Peninsula, minus the multibillion-dollar industry and lattes; they have one...

Knowing When to Retire and Acquire

April 3, 2023 by Purina Pro Plan

by Keith Schopp Claira was 12 when I knew. We were grouse hunting in thick cover on a snowy Minnesota morning, and my normally biddable shorthair who always checked back, always came to the whistle, always hunted with me and for me was out of sorts and out of touch. She was confused and I had to go find her, time after time. Even when we reunited and tried to regroup, she would range for 20 yards or so, then stop. I’d whistle or call her, and she’d go the other way. Finally, I had enough and resorted to the leash...

The Hunting Dog Spring Tune-Up

March 21, 2023 by Ruffed Grouse Society

by Seth Bynum, DVM As the snow recedes and winter eases her grip on the northern hemisphere, my mindset drifts from one of fond reflection of the past hunting season to budding optimism about the next one. Mother Nature freshens the landscape and lends her hand to the physical rebirth of our favorite covers, and the metamorphosis serves as an alarm clock pulling us from winter’s slumber. As leaves unfurl and lay the foundation for summer’s growth and prosperity, so too must we rise and make the most of this opportunity. Like most upland hunters, I’m smitten by the companionship shared with...

What I Wish I’d Known When I Got My First Bird Dog

March 15, 2023 by Ruffed Grouse Society

by Seth Bynum, DVM Those of us fortunate enough to share the fields and our homes with a bird dog understand the incredible joy and satisfaction they bring to our lives. With those rich rewards comes great responsibility and a commitment to train, feed and care for an athletic and fiercely driven creature that may well stand by your side for the next 15 years. It’s a decision not to be taken lightly nor one hijacked by impulsiveness. Consider the purchase of a new bird dog an opportunity to finely hone your needs and wants, and match that list to your lifestyle...

The Trap Doctor – How to Deal With Dogs and Traps

November 30, 2022 by Ruffed Grouse Society

by Keith Schopp The Trap Doctor never advertises, but he’s not hard to find. If you spot a truck with Minnesota “Trap Doctor” plates, you’ve found Jerry Snetsinger. His email address incorporates the “Trap Doctor” title, and you can usually run into Snetsinger at National Trap Collector Association swap meets. Jerry Snetsinger has been trapping and hunting for more than 60 years. He collects antique traps and fixes broken traps for friends and customers – hence his reputation as a trap doctor. As much as Snetsinger enjoys trapping, he loves walking behind a good bird dog even more. He’s proud of “Gypsy,” his...

Dogs

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