For me, upland hunting has never been just about putting birds in the game bag. It’s about watching a dog do what it was bred to do and sharing an experience that’s difficult to describe unless you’ve lived it yourself.
There is something special about stepping into the field on a crisp morning, watching the sun come up, and knowing your dog is about to do what it loves most. Every hunt is different. Some days the birds cooperate, and some days they humble both the dog and the hunter. That’s part of what keeps me coming back.
The dogs are what make it all worthwhile. Watching a young dog gain confidence, figure things out, and eventually become a dependable hunting partner is one of the most rewarding parts of owning an Epagneul Breton. Every point, retrieve, and successful hunt is the result of countless hours spent training, developing, and building a relationship based on trust.
Hunting has also shaped the direction of Dawson Lake Bretons. It reminds me what qualities truly matter in an upland hunting dog. Drive, intelligence, and natural instinct are important, but so are cooperation, endurance, and the desire to hunt for the person walking behind them. Those are the traits I look for every time I evaluate a dog and every time I make a breeding decision.
This section will be where I share hunting stories, memorable hunts, new places, successful days, and the occasional tough lesson learned in the field. Whether it’s chasing pheasants across the Midwest, following a dog through grouse cover, or introducing a young dog to its first hunting season, I hope these stories give you a glimpse into what makes upland hunting so rewarding.
Thanks for following along, and I hope to see you in the field.