How to Hunt Grouse With a Springer

Grouse are a type of bird that can be hunted using a variety of types of dogs. Grouse spook easily and move regularly, which can make hunting with a pointing dog difficult. However, a flushing dog, such as a springer spaniel, is useful in that it scares the grouse into the air and makes them easier to shoot. Training your springer to hunt can help you become more successful during your grouse hunts.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
  • Hunting supplies
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Instructions

  1. Training

    • 1

      Teach your springer basic command such as "come," "stay," "heel" and "fetch." These basic commands form the basis of your training.

    • 2

      Train the dog to retrieve, or bring a grouse back to you, after shooting. Throw your springer a favorite toy and say "hunt." Tell him to "come" once he picks up the toy. Give him a treat as a reward.

    • 3

      Teach your dog to flush by taking him to a field and teaching him "left" and "right" commands. Throw his toy into the weeds and say "hunt." Give him a treat when he brings back the toy.

    • 4

      Walk through the woods with your dog and encourage him to chase birds of all kinds by saying "hunt." Reward him if he flushes the birds out of their hiding place. Scold him if he chases birds without your command.

    • 5

      Continue training your springer until he runs into brush on command, knows how to move left and right, and stays by your side even if startled or excited by other game

    Hunting

    • 6

      Bring your hunting supplies, such as your gun, ammos and camo. Bring your dog and a box of treats with you as well. Always reward your springer when he is successful during hunting, to reinforce the training.

    • 7

      Walk through the hunting area until you hear or spot some grouse. Take cover about 50 yards from the grouse and kneel on the ground to avoid startling the animals. Tell your springer to "stay" and reward him when he does.

    • 8

      Move your springer's by telling him "left" or "right" until he is lined up with where the grouse are located. Tell him to stay.

    • 9

      Pull your gun up to your shoulder and aim just above where the grouse are located. Take off your safety and look through your sights. Say "hunt" to your springer to get him to flush the birds' location.

    • 10

      Shoot grouse as they fly. Wait for them clear where your springer is located. Aim just ahead of their expected flight pattern to hit them. Your springer should retrieve the bodies as you trained him. Reward him with treats if successful.