09/01/2026
For many of us bird hunters, it’s finally here: OPENING DAY!!
BUT….
As a veterinarian and hunting dog owner, I think the best preparation goes beyond conditioning and getting your gear ready. It means thinking through the situations you hope never happen, recognizing changes before they become emergencies, and having a plan when the day doesn’t go exactly as expected.
The little details matter:
• Knowing your dog’s normal
• Paying attention to weather and workload
• Being intentional about nutrition and hydration
•.Carrying supplies you actually know how to use
• Giving your dog the time and resources they need to
recover—especially early season when they’re still
getting ramped up and dialed in.
You can’t control every variable in the field. You can control how prepared you are for them.
Before you head out for opening day, send this to your hunting partner and compare notes. Five minutes of preparation now could make a big difference in the field.