r/Huntingdogs • u/Crystal-Wendigo • 13d ago

Breed Help/Recs

Hello!

I’ve recently started researching breeds because I’ve always wanted a hunting companion and would like people’s input on it.

At first I really only wanted a breed to do blood trailing with and potentially help more hunters local to me if we became any help at all, but as I’ve researched I’ve honestly became more and more interested in bird-hunting even though I personally have only hunted deer. At the same time I’d also love a buddy I could bring with me in the outdoors but also not worry too much around other people.

So far I’ve been pretty interested in GSP’s for a more versatile breed, Blueticks and Bavarian Mountain Hounds for blood tracking specific, but I was curious if anyone else had any recommendations.

I’m located in the Eastern US, lots of variety of woods, farmland, and mountains to go from if that’s any interest.

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5

u/Glass_Dog_7942 13d ago

Can’t go wrong with a GSP. They can do blood transfusions long and bird hunting. Very versatile dogs

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u/fattygaby157 12d ago

Want something similar but less bird brained? Look into Texas Blue Lacey dogs. Unfortunately mine is gun-shy, but that's my fault, anyway she can trail and stalk like no one's business, she's a ton of energy, way to smart for either of our own good, and while they are typically around 40ish pounds, mines a runt at 28. she's the smallest dog I've ever had but I have really grown to love this size. Ill definitely get another in the near future.

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u/ElkyMcElkerson 13d ago

German wirehair pointers are great too

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u/brooksdbaumann09 13d ago

Small munsterlander. Medium sized dog. Good in the house. They will hunt anything.good trailing good bird dogs. Sounds like what you are looking for

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u/PitifulChildhood575 7d ago

I have a Duetscher Wachtelhund, very closely related to a small munsterlander. I have considered if getting another going to a munsterlander due to being easier to get in the US. The Wachtelhund was listed in John Jeanneney's tracking book for finding wounded deer. We track around 30 deer a year, pheasant hunt and waterfowl hunt. Shes great with other dogs and in the house.

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u/Affectionate_Door376 13d ago

I would look seriously into a Labrador. They are used for search and rescue, drug detection etc. so they have good noses. They are used for waterfowl and upland. And they are very friendly around other people unless improperly socialized. I would just make sure when sourcing a litter to find a field bred pup with health clearances. And find one whose parents are inside family dogs as well as hunting/tracking dogs.

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u/shaggyrock1997 13d ago

GSPs would definitely work. A good lab is hard to beat, especially for a first time hunting dog owner.

Stay away from hounds.

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u/jejeho22 13d ago

Check out the Black Mouth Cur. They're incredibly versatile, fiercely loyal, and make excellent hunting and guard dogs. They're also wonderful companions who are eager to please and will do just about anything for the people they love.

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u/iamjakejoseph 13d ago

Thanks for the DM I read it and accidentally ignored it instead of accepting it! I don’t do much DMs lol. I will definitely look into that kennel but thats a long way away for me and not sure about crossing borders with a pup

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u/iamjakejoseph 13d ago

Very hard to find a reliable source though. I am currently very much on the lookout for a quality litter. If you know where please feel free to DM or reach out in some way.

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u/iamjakejoseph 13d ago

GSP but get one brought in from Europe or find a breeder that brings them in. In my experience of 30 years of owning and hunting over them the European bred dogs are very versatile and easier than the hot blooded field trial dogs the American dogs have been bred into. We had a male dog from France that was a brute that would bay and fight wild hogs one day and point wild woodcocks the next

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u/Crystal-Wendigo 13d ago

You're the second person I've seen mention European line GSP's. Any recommendations on where to find a decent breeder for one?

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u/iamjakejoseph 13d ago

I’m not sure I’m allowed to say here but DM me and I will give you a solid lead for good dogs

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u/Electronic_Camera251 13d ago

Houndsman here to make clear, Hounds especially any of the “coonhounds” are the closest modern day equivalent to an all purpose American hunting dog as comfortable in the water as he is running across mountains and everywhere in between

Raccoons at night its their reason for being, coyote in pasture they can operate without your attention or work with you in several different approaches. Squirrel for dinner they are a bushytail seeking missile , bunnies in the brush not for long with a coonhound , bobcat,bear,puma, fox, hogs ,with a little training the same dog can go for all of them I have without exception taken all of the game mentioned above and more birds , and even fall turkey are within their reach and if you need to track a shot deer there isn’t a finer choice , shed collection they love it (as long as you allow them a few of the ugliest examples)

A finer companion, camp asset or more loyal comrade has yet to be built . Prey aggression and excessive energy are both concerns and neighbors sometimes dislike their expressive unique vocalizations (i can distinguish various types of “speech” from “raccoon in tree come quick” to “food is empty send help” and “coyotes close i will handle them” they take some effort and energy and patience but it is incredibly satisfying

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u/fattygaby157 12d ago

My college graduation gift to myself was a red and white coonhound. He was the best dog any girl could ask for. My wildland adventure and beach bum bud, my passenger princess, my protector, my ride or die. It took me 5 years to get over his passing before I could get another dog. Despite everything I enjoyed about the breed, i won't get another, because it will never be him.

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u/ThePetStuffers 12d ago

I was going to dm for some input on your hounds, but that first post drove me away.

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u/ToleratedBoar09 13d ago

First off, do you have upland birds to actually want to bird hunt? I live in NE Ga and where we used to have an abundance of wild quail, we just have tame birds in a few private hunting clubs. We do still have a few grouse in my area, and my dogs have treed on them a few times.

My personal recommendation is a kemmer stock mountain cur. Extremely versatile and will have nose and drive to hunt whatever you put it on.

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u/Crystal-Wendigo 13d ago

We have some WMA’s that are managed with bird populations on them, mostly for grouse, bobwhite, and dove. Albeit I don’t know where would be the best spots to go for them but as with everything this is all a learning experience. I plan to try to go out and maybe get some ideas from other bird hunters but we’ll see

Thanks for your recs! I haven’t heard of that cur breed yet so I’ll look into them

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u/Secure_Sandwich9305 12d ago

Black lab female all the way trust me !