Pointing Dog Journal

10/19/2026

This update to our 2026 Upland Gamebird Hunting Forecast incorporates the results of late summer upland gamebird population surveys conducted by state fish and wildlife agencies. This data measures recruitment of birds into the fall population, providing a more finely tuned forecast than was possible at press time for the print magazine in mid-July.

Get the updated 2026 upland gamebird hunting forecast, including state-by-state outlooks for pheasants, bobwhite quail, prairie grouse, Huns, and chukars.

09/21/2026

There are a lot of memories about Delmar being shared. We like this one from Park Cities Quail.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Delmar Smith yesterday. Delmar reached the age of 100 earlier this year, and was still as sharp as ever. He was widely regarded as the greatest bird dog trainer of all time, and has a permanent place in the Bird Dog Hall of Fame at the National Bird Dog Museum.

We hope you will enjoy watching this video linked below of Delmar receiving our T. Boone Pickens Lifetime Sportsman Award in 2016. Boone and Delmar were lifelong friends and “pure bred and registered Okies”, as Delmar was always eager to say. Rest in peace, Delmar. Our prayers are with the Smith family.

https://youtu.be/HzMdz8I5eMw

Photo credit: Covey Rise Magazine

09/21/2026

We're saddened to learn of the passing of training great Delmar Smith over the weekend. His words and methods have existed in the pages of PDJ from pretty much the beginning, through his own writing, and those of his sons Rick and Tom, and nephew Ronnie, and Sharon Potter, and so many others who have developed incredible bird dogs following his advice and philosophy. Our condolences are with all the Smith family, and we hope they take comfort in the many memories of a full, full life. (In this photo, Delmar receives the Founder's Award in 1994 from the Bird Dog Foundation.)

08/31/2026

You're never friendless if you have a dog.

08/28/2026

Congratulations, Mike Showman for winning a one-year subscription to The Pointing Dog Journal. Please message us or send an email to associate editor Jill LaCross at [email protected] with contact details so that we can get your subscription started.

Thank you for sharing your pointing dog breeds and all the incredible photos. We hope you have a great hunting season!

08/26/2026

Every day is when you have a pointing dog in your life. Today, if you comment to this post with your pointing dog breed, you'll be entered to win a one-year subscription to PDJ! The winner will be announced Friday, August 28. Good luck!

08/19/2026

This gorgeous scene will whet your appetite for fall. Thanks to artist Rod Crossman for providing the cover art for our September/October 2026 issue of The Pointing Dog Journal.

08/17/2026

What can you expect for the 2026 bird hunting season? Read the full forecast on our website!

08/12/2026

This fall is lining up to provide the best hunting in decades in key states with the largest populations of several upland gamebirds. Read the complete forecast on our website!

Get the 2026 upland gamebird hunting forecast for pheasants, bobwhites, ruffed grouse, woodcock, prairie grouse, desert quail and chukars across top hunting states.

07/17/2026

Hunting season is almost upon us, but training season is each and every day. The Pointing Dog Journal has been working alongside hunters who enjoy training and spending days afield with their pointing dogs since 1993. Keep the tradition going! Visit our online storefront https://secure.villagepress.com/store/items/list/group/5 to start your own subscription or send it along to somebody else who would appreciate it. Save 20% with code US250 through the end of the month.