• Get permission from the land owner. Check in when you arrive, know the boundaries of the farm. Leave all gates as you find them.
• Always have your dog on a leash if you risk disturbing the farmers dogs, poultry or stock.
• Always keep your gun barrels pointed away from your companions and dogs.
• Know where your companions are and don’t push ahead of them. Don’t wander off without letting your companions know where you are heading.
• Before climbing a fence, open your shotgun and hand it to your companion. Once over, hold theirs. Climb at a strainer post, preferably use a gate.
• Keep alert for things that your companions may not see – let them know. Make sure you all know where you will shoot so there is no chance of hitting a friend or dog.
• Make sure your companions realise that they are definitely not to shoot below head height or toward the ground if there is risk of hitting a person or dog.
• Identify your target. Identify what lies beyond your target.
• When you get back to the car unload your guns. Check the dogs for injury and offer them water.
• Never assume a gun is unloaded – always check.
• Make sure you take water with you on a hunting trip. Take a small restaurant honey packet with you in case your dog has a low blood sugar seizure.
• Take an old towel to dry your dogs before boxing them for the night. Make sure they are on a dry bed. Treat your dog like you treat yourself – after all, it is doing more work than you are.
• Enjoy yourself, enjoy the countryside, and enjoy your dogs. A dog and a friendship are worth more than any game bird shot.

Return to Main Page