So you got bit by the bug. You can’t make it though a night without dreaming, or a day without thinking about dogs. As with about everything in life, if you ask 100 people a question, you are bound to get a hundred different answers. The problem is when your new to the dog hunting world, there are a million questions and not enough time in the day to process and weed through a trillion answers.
You will find there are countless people willing to share their “professional opinion” on social media. Everyone has an opinion on what breed of dog to get, how to start a pup, buying “broke” dogs… the list goes on and on. These are all very important things to consider when starting off, but there is one topic that often gets overlooked by hunters, both new and seasoned veterans. One that can make the trip of a lifetime, or make you wish you were pulling porcupine quills out of you leg rather than be in your current situation. It’s time that we shed some light on one of the biggest commitments you will make in you hunting career, and possibly your life.
What should you look for in a hunting partner? This question seems simple right? Someone that shares your interest in dogs, someone easy to talk to, etc. But choosing a hunting partner is not as easy as picking a date for Saturday night off some dating app. We are talking about a serious commitment here people! So, to save all you new hunters out there looking for that special someone a lot of heartache, here are some things to consider when choosing a companion. And if you think you have already found that special someone, you might want to see how they stack up against this checklist.
Do they have reliable equipment?
Nothing kills the fun like spending all day looking for someone’s dog because they are not properly equipped. Not having enough collars for all their dogs should be a giant red flag. regardless of if they have broken GPS tracking equipment or just not enough collars, the outcome is usually the same. When you hear the phrase “We will be alright, he/she will stay with the rest of ‘em. They always come through”, be prepared for a long day. Actually, you should probably just call in sick for work on Monday and stay ahead of the ball. It is almost guaranteed that this will be “the first time” ol’ reliable doesn’t make the tree.
Do they pack like a dad?
Let’s face it, throughout you hunting career you will see lots of deep canyons, steep mountains, sloughs, swamps or others. Navigating the treacherous terrain can leave you exhausted and famished. But if you have a good hunting partner, you know there are always backup provisions when needed. If the inside of their hunting rig has evidence of a child under the age of 7, you should probably move them up the list of potential suiters. Beef Jerky, Granola bars, fruit snacks, goldfish, juice boxes and many others will help boost your energy and give you that extra pep back in your step.
Can they spin a track?
Were not talking bear, cat or coon tracks. Were talking about and expertly crafted playlist to act as a personal soundtrack for your most “epic” adventures. A person’s musical preferences will tell you a lot about them, so take note! As with any partner sometimes opposites attract, however it is very unlikely that the sweet southern sounds of Lynyrd Skynyrd would make a very good duet with the pounding rage of Pantera. They say variety is the spice of life, but just be cautious to not over season things. Note: bonus points should be awarded for songs about “Mama”, trains, trucks, prison, or getting drunk. In addition, anyone who blast Tyler Childers has extremely high potential to be a great hunting partner now, and when you take your hounds to heaven.
Could they qualify for Daytona?
As you will find on your personal hunting adventure, dogs are not the only part of the equation that have to be quick on their feet. Especially in the hound hunting world, one must have the correct combination of speed, agility, navigational skills and a little thing we like to call “crazy”. A qualified hunting partner knows when they need to conserve fuel, tires and brakes. On the flip side, they also know when to hammer down and let the ponies run. Just remember, at some point your life could very well be in their hands. These skills/tendencies can be calculated on what I call the Safe x Crazy Matrix. If someone is overly safe, you can never keep up with the race. But just a little heavy on the crazy side, and you are sure to find out if you are pit crew material or not.
Are they faithful?
This is going to be one of the hardest parts for most. Sometimes you have to go through a couple awkward pairings to find the right fit, but before spilling your guts remember “loose lips sink ships”. You may not want to reveal your deepest secret hunting spots with someone that is not fully committed or trustworthy. Trust your innermost secrets with the wrong person, and BOOM! Your secret spot is now listed on Google Maps, and you can’t even walk down the road without stepping on a doggie land mine. As a word of caution, there is no fury known to man that rivals the rage and anguish of a hunter scorn.
May the odds forever be in your favor on your quest to find the unicorn of the hunting world. Keep your vision clear, an open mind, and use this painfully earned knowledge to help you on your journey to find a truly great hunting partner.
