Hunting opener goes to the dogs (Wahpeton, ND and Breckenridge, Minn.)

Published/Last Modified on Monday, October 10, 2011 9:43 AM CDT

I’d imagine that any major bird opener �“ such as the approaching pheasant season – is like Christmas to a dog. Just like a child carefully observes presents mounting under the tree, I don’t doubt that hunting dogs absorb all the elements of the season as the sights, sounds and events occur, building up to the big day.

It starts with the assembly of gear in the back porch. As shotguns come out of storage and are leaned against the wall in various camo and beige cases next to the chest freezer, all hunting dogs worth their salt take notice. The fact that they haven’t seen the object for almost half a year doesn’t matter. It’s like ringing the bell for Pavlov’s pooch, the excitement has to come flooding back on the crest of man-modified instinct.

Then come the clothes. Blaze orange vests with deep pockets, still emitting the scent of last winter’s final bird, banged up and dusty baseball caps in browns and oranges, all trigger increased anticipation in a dog. Soon, dog and owner are inseparable

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