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Birds With Boise
By Sandra L. Hoesel ©
To hunt over a German Wirehaired Pointer is probably one of the most fascinating and thrilling endeavors one can undertake. This breed is so versatile, they will hunt whatever game their master desires, be it upland birds, waterfowl or fur. Wires have such a strong desire to hunt and high intelligence that it also makes training for the higher levels of competition somewhat challenging from time to time.
Any of us who enjoy hunting have found a great way to combine our competitive spirit and extend our hunting season through one medium: The American Kennel Club Hunting Test for Pointing Breeds. As of this writing, there are three different levels which encompass the hunt test, with each category rising in difficulty.
The Junior Hunter title is a degree attained by qualifying at 4 AKC Hunting Tests. This level does require some training as the dog is required to point a bird long enough for a handler to get within normal gun range. The Junior dogs are typically younger and have not learned that they are not supposed to chase birds yet. However, the thrill of Junior dogs is watching them learn how to use their noses in different situations and make game. My heart pounds every time I see a Wire puppy go on point for the first time!
The Senior Hunter title commands the dog stand until the shot and he is sent for the retrieve. Training a Wirehair to do this is not difficult, especially when the retrieve is the reward for waiting for the handler's command. The dog also has to acknowledge his bracemate on point.
At this level, you are working your Wirehair in more realistic hunting situations.
Obedience training is not only a necessity, but great fun with your Wirehair.
You will find your dog is not only a better companion at home, but also a much more enjoyable partner when hunting. The breed responds best to very positive, fun training, however there is nothing wrong with a simple quick correction when needed as long as it is immediately followed by praise. Wires are very quick to learn, however need to be entertained and challenged, otherwise will find ways to amuse themselves, which are guaranteed to not amuse you!!
The pinnacle of the AKC Hunt Test is the Master Hunter title. At this level, the dog is a finished gun dog that demonstrates a strong desire to hunt, along with the intelligence to seek objectives and use the wind to his advantage. The dog
must point staunchly and hold the point until the bird is shot and sent by the handler to retrieve the bird. The dog must always retrieve promptly and tenderly to hand. Can you imagine the thrill of hunting with a partner with these abilities?
This is why I train, handle and hunt over my own dogs...
I really enjoy hunting with my Master Hunter "Boise" as I know he will not only find game, he will wait for me to get there to shoot and then will retrieve the fallen bird right to my hand. I can send this dog down into a slew while I continue
to walk on top of a ridge and let him work all the areas that a foot hunter without a dog would have to cover on his own to make game. Additionally, at the Master level the dog must honor his bracemate on point when encountered.
It is so exciting to watch Boise running at full speed and suddenly slam on the brakes when he sees a dog standing point off in the distance! Also, it is a nice thing in the hunting field as it eliminates competition between the dogs for the birds, which often results in birds getting up before gunners are in range.
The most fun however, is to take Wires hunting on wild birds. I took "Boise" and my female Wire "Tomi" along with my Master Hunter Weimaraner "Donner", out to South Dakota to hunt Pheasants and SharpTailed Grouse. It was such fun to watch "Tomi" learn how to work running wild birds!
Also, the dogs are so personable that you can take them anywhere and they will graciously interact with other people and animals. It is such a pleasure to hunt over dogs that have drive and enthusiasm, coupled with manners and wonderful, loving personalities. Wires are just that and more. They enjoy any activity you wish to partake in be it the show ring, the obedience ring or the field.
Boise: Ch. Flatlander's Boise CD MH HIT CGC
Tomi: Ch. Blu SandStorm Atomic Fyrball MH CD CGC
Donner: Bing's Donner CD TD MH CGC SDX V
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