Text and Images by On Track Media Group
What Condition is Your Condition In?
Don’t let the COVID quarantine fifteen or the heft of the holiday feasting weigh you down in the new year. Both you and your dogs will benefit from a little extra time outdoors. Sure, it may be cold and snowy out, but maybe it’s time to try a new pursuit or make some new friends and check out a new game. Rabbit/hare and small game seasons remain open in many parts and some states offer winter seasons on big furbearers during the first few months of the year to keep us fit and following tracks. If you don’t keep hounds or beagles, perhaps you can arrange to swap a future hunt with someone who does.
Feeling frisky? Leash up the dogs and strap into your skis or snowshoes and hit the trail or head off into the backcountry to stay active this winter. If you’ve never heard of skijoring, it traditionally involves being pulled by dogs while standing on skis, but in modern times, many folks are also running, biking, or motoring being dogs to get everyone some fresh air and burn some calories during the snow-covered months. Whether for fun or for function, getting outdoors, even during the winter months, will do both you and your dogs some good.
Upgrades & Updates
Whether you need to retire damaged and worn-out gear or you’re ready to invest in the best new tech, make your next race more enjoyable and keep your dogs running more effectively and safely with some upgrades and updates during the off-season. This down time is ideal for updating the firmware and software on your electronics; don’t let outdated tech ruin your next hunt. Make much-needed repairs to the kennel and dog box, replace rotten collars, and fiddle with those fix-it-ups you forgot to do during the hunting season.
Need technical assistance? Give the DU Customer Service Crew a shout for some quick troubleshooting to keep you on track. And don't forget about their trade-in program when it's time for your next new gear upgrade.
There’s no better way to spend your Christmas cash than by clicking through the DU Supply website and finding some fancy new collars, leashes, dog boxes, supplies, electronics, and attractive apparel — I’ve got my eye on a custom designed DU hoodie! Outfit yourself and your canine counterparts in style in ’22.
Join the Club
I can’t think of a better way to stay involved in the hunting and sporting dog world during the long, frigid winter months of the off-season, than by joining a conservation organization or local hound group. I’ve personally been a longstanding member of various national non-profits and hound associations for several years now, and I can easily list off a number of benefits. From friendships and hunt invitations, to dog training and educational workshops, special events, volunteer projects, and more, these relations and experiences have become an extension of my enjoyment of this lifestyle and deepened my connection to hunting and the outdoors.
These groups are perfect for staying involved, staying informed, and staying inspired. If you’re new to an area, new to the sporting community, or just want to enrich your experience with like-minded people, joining a conservation organization or local association can be one of the best things you do for yourself, your fellow hunters, and for the outdoor community as a whole.
Not sure where to get started, head to Double U Hound Hunting Group Alliance to find a list of state hound hunting organizations.
Take Someone Hunting
If you haven’t yet embraced the unique and rewarding experience of bringing a new hunter on their first hunt or road race, you’re seriously missing out. There is little that compares to the gratification of seeing a stretched-out smile on their face after their first outing. It only takes a single spark, one tiny flicker of passion to ignite a fiery lifelong journey and dedication as a bona fide hunter and gun dog junkie. It’s one of the things I look forward to the most each season and my most memorable moments aren’t the bang up, banner days, but rather the humble ones where I was able to help create a life-changing experience for someone.
But as we always say, it’s not just about the hunt and the kill. More and more, I hear about wives, kids, and friends who just want to be included to watch the dogs work or want to ride along during training season. There’s an undeniable, universal connection that we all share when we participate together and enrich each other’s experience in some way. Think about who in your life has expressed some interest in your dogs or your lifestyle in the outdoors, it might mean the world to them to get out with you next time, and it could mean adding another hunter and supporter to our ranks.
Have More Fun
If you found yourself at any point in this last year getting frustrated or stuck in a rut, it might be time to smash the reset button before your next hunt. Our motivations for getting outdoors are constantly changing as we evolve as hunters or advance in age. There’s a natural progression and it’s normal to hit a few sticking points along the way, we’ve all been there. Don’t beat yourself up, but rather take a second to see where you’re at and remind yourself why you got started on your journey in the first place. Don’t ever forget to have fun while you’re out there. We’re the lucky ones, who get to spend time afield with friends, family, and our beloved dogs. These priceless moments are fleeting as our traditions are scrutinized and questioned, land gets posted or developed, kids grown up too fast, dogs get retired and pass on, etc. Success isn’t about punching tags, killing limits, making more trees, or grabbing content for the ‘Gram.
Redefine success for yourself and remember it comes in many forms. It’s about spending time out there, making memories, and enjoying good company. Maybe you come home empty handed, but victories can also be measured by the ear-to-ear smile on a new hunter’s face, a young pup’s first race or tree, or a laughable, teachable moment that no one will ever let down. The next time you head out, change up your currency by targeting a new area, chasing a new species, or just trying something different. Keep things in perspective and you’ll have no problem having more fun.
