How long

J

jonmac

New member
I have a Brittany that is about 3 and would like to know how long is to long to hunt him?

I have had him out 2 times now, the first time was about 4 hours and this time was about 3 hours.

I always have water for him and give it to him quite often.
 
It really depends on the weather conditions (temp, snow etc.), and the dog's conditioning. With my dogs I can tell when it's time to quit by their body language and drive.
 
I've had Brittants for nearly 30 years. If it's not too warm and the dog is in "hunting condition" they should be able to go most of the day. I've had dogs that could hunt all day but my current Brit has one speed (pedal to the metal) and is pretty much done in 2-3 hours. But that's okay with me since at 78 I'm also done in a couple of hours myself. :)
 
I've owned a variety of breeds over the years. I am an all day hunter, so they learn to pace themselves. They might go too fast early in the season, and aren't moving as fast at the end of the hunt, but if you keep hunting when they are tired, they will learn to slow down.

I'll echo what was said about the heat. They can overdo it when it is too hot. You are giving him water frequently, which is great. Heat or extreme cold are the only situations where I've shortened a hunt, or at least shortened individual hikes during the day.

All dogs have more endurance when it is cooler out. If they are water loving, letting them take a dip in relatively clean water during the hunt, on warmer days, can extend their activity.
 
He should be good to go all day with breaks in between walks/hunts. Water and a mid-day biscuit or two is usually all they need. Agree that cooler weather is easier on the dogs.
 
Dakotazeb said:
I've had Brittants for nearly 30 years. If it's not too warm and the dog is in "hunting condition" they should be able to go most of the day. I've had dogs that could hunt all day but my current Brit has one speed (pedal to the metal) and is pretty much done in 2-3 hours. But that's okay with me since at 78 I'm also done in a couple of hours myself. :)
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It's great you are hunting at 78!
 
Limitless said:
I am guessing, for many of us, part of hunting is a race/pushing back against mother nature and father time.
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Expectations have surely changed, but there still is adventure and some honey holes to be discovered. I have seen the good old days and have been able to share them with my sons. For some these will be the good old days. God bless. The dogs were the rock stars, each in their own state, as we moved to greener pastures as things did change. Persistence has paid dividends in memories.
 
Wind River said:
Expectations have surely changed, but there still is adventure and some honey holes to be discovered. I have seen the good old days and have been able to share them with my sons. For some these will be the good old days. God bless. The dogs were the rock stars, each in their own state, as we moved to greener pastures as things did change. Persistence has paid dividends in memories.
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Yes persistence and scouting,knocking on doors.Since this covid thing,some people don't answer the door.
 
Limitless said:
I am guessing, for many of us, part of hunting is a race/pushing back against mother nature and father time.
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At 61 I've never felt that at all. Just like to and can hunt, so I hunt as often as I can, which isn't very often.

I also play golf and walk 18 holes (very hilly course.) Most of the guys my age ride carts. A couple older than me walk but not many. And I'm too short for my height!
 
AtTheMurph said:
At 61 I've never felt that at all. Just like to and can hunt, so I hunt as often as I can, which isn't very often.

I also play golf and walk 18 holes (very hilly course.) Most of the guys my age ride carts. A couple older than me walk but not many. And I'm too short for my height!
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Murph, at 61 you are still a young pup. But every year from here on out you will feel the aging process. And when you hit 70 it's only going to speed up. Unfortunately those are just the facts of life. The body just isn't what it use to be. Complications start to appear like Diabetes, Afib, etc. But while you are still able "get R done". :)
 
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