Sporting Shooter

Jul 18, 2023 | sportingshooter.co.uk | Vicky Payne

If you own a female gundog, it is likely that at some point your vet will have asked if, or when, you plan to spay her. Is spaying the best option for gundog bitches, and if it is, when is the best time? When I started my veterinary career, we spayed most bitches three months after their first season, unless they were required for breeding.

Jun 19, 2023 | sportingshooter.co.uk | Vicky Payne

Something that we often take for granted in the shooting field, but which amazes other people, is how well gundogs get on. It isn’t unusual for there to be more than 10 dogs of mixed ages, sexes and breeds on our beaters’ wagon or to see several crammed into the back of the shoot Land Rover with their owners.

Apr 17, 2023 | sportingshooter.co.uk | Vicky Payne

I found myself standing in the dispensary last week looking at the bewildering choice of anti-parasitic agents and wishing for the simpler days when I was training – when the only options were cans of flea spray, worming powder for pups, and tablets for adult dogs. Things have moved on because the old products weren’t always effective and contained ingredients found to cause health problems. Sadly, we face more parasite threats now than in the past.

Mar 14, 2023 | sportingshooter.co.uk | Vicky Payne

The problem with getting into gundogs is that you start with one, but pretty soon you have several more. Most serious pickers-up will run a team of dogs on each shoot day and will have youngsters and retirees at home too, and someone with several days beating a week might need at least a couple of spaniels to make sure one is fit for every working day. Keeping multiple dogs has always been an expensive hobby, but as we face the cost-of-living crisis, saving money is more important than ever.

Mar 13, 2023 | sportingshooter.co.uk | Mike Yardley