Pointing Dog Journal

04/14/2025

"Golden Moments" by artist Lou Pasqua evokes nostalgia and beauty on our May/June 2025 cover of The Pointing Dog Journal.

04/03/2025

Thought I'd share my editorial from the upcoming May/June issue, for, in the spring, thinking spring thoughts...
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As of this writing in mid-March, it’s possible – ever so faintly but incredibly possible – that spring might be on its way by the actual weather if not by the calendar. Some rare 70-degree days in northern Michigan a week or so ago hinted that nice weather wasn’t, in fact, a myth, but then a few inches of snow the next day left more than a little doubt that we hadn’t dreamed the whole thing.

Then I heard it when I let the dogs out for their evening duty: the first peent from the woodcock that always finds the little patch of meadow on our neighbor’s property. Robins showed up, the local ducks started getting frisky again, and that overwhelming sense of renewal permeated the outdoors as much as the dank aroma of a spring rainstorm ready to burst from the clouds.

I recall a younger time in South Dakota with a young English setter still unsure as to what to make of all those wonderful smells. The horizons stretched before us in those warm, off-season days as we ran and trained and learned and grew tired. So much hope and promise in those days, made richer by the fact that I didn’t carry a gun.

I wonder if, during this off-season time of year when the muscles stretch once again and we start the long process of preparing for the season, we don’t strengthen the bond with our dog more than during the actual hunting season. Perhaps it is because we’re going afield without any intention other than working together to get better. We’re not worried about firearm safety, we’re not trying to bag dinner, we’re not competing against our friends who just posted their tailgate results from their latest trip. It’s just us and the dog and “out there.” Running, training, sweating, paying close attention to this friend of ours whose only desire in the world is to be exactly where he or she is at that moment.

As much as we encourage one another to “soak it up” during the hunting season, this season can hold just as much if you’re willing to get out there and see for yourself.

03/26/2025

When we think of spring, we think of puppies. Please share a photo of your precious pup!

03/21/2025

Happy ! "It’s the time of year where pointing dog owners start thinking about training!"

By Bob and Jody Iler Spring – it’s the time of year where pointing dog owners start thinking about training! Maybe you’ve welcomed a new puppy later last year and would like to have pup ready to hunt in the upcoming fall season. Or maybe you’ve gotten a new pup this spring and are hoping [.....

03/14/2025

What will you find in the March/April issue? Check out the complete Table of Contents on our website: https://pointingdogjournal.com/march-april-2025/.

Features The Hopener By Scott Linden Hunting that First Bird By Steve Smith 18 Puppy Fast Facts By Tom Keer Sharptail Dreams Photo essay By E. Donnall Thomas Jr. Never Give Up By Frank Jezioro The Case for Chase By Mark Payton Departments Favorite Covers Quail in the South By Brett Smith The Gun Roo...

02/27/2025

Brett Smith created this beautiful scene in "Quail in the South," which is featured on the cover of our March/April 2025 issue. The full table of contents will be posted soon!

02/12/2025

While human, avian, swine, and equine flu viruses are common, dogs have been considered exempt from the flu – until recently.

In addition to dog tracks, outbreaks of influenza have occurred in boarding facilities, animal shelters, daycare centers, and vet hospitals.

01/20/2025

Would you like to see an issue of our magazine? Request yours online at https://pointingdogjournal.com/subscribe/no-obligation-signup/. Thank you!

If you are not a subscriber request your no-obligation issue today!

01/16/2025

One of the most important commands your pointing dog learns is Come. This is the command that can save his life, teach him to reliably retrieve a bird to hand, and help him to form that crucial bond with you as his hunting partner and lifetime companion.

One of the most important commands your pointing dog learns is Come. This is the command that can save his life, teach him to reliably retrieve a bird to hand, and help him to form that crucial bond with you as his hunting partner and lifetime companion.

01/01/2025

Here's to a fulfilling, productive, and memorable 2025!

12/30/2024

Good morning! Today and tomorrow are the last opportunities to save 20% on subscriptions and PDJ products in our online storefront. Use code Holidays20 when you visit https://secure.villagepress.com/store/items/list/group/128. Thank you for your consideration!

12/25/2024

We wish you and all those you love a beautiful holiday!

12/18/2024

Merry Christmas, all! Wanted to share this heading into the winter; it also appears in the Jan/Feb issue, mailing soon! From our friends at Orvis.

by Jake Smith With our athletic dogs, I am always carefully observing them for any limps or gimps. Having dealt with torn cruciate ligaments, osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, and the aches and pains of aging, I’m mindful of doing what I can to help minimize their discomfort. And since they sleep abo...

12/10/2024

Hats, subscriptions, books, and DVDs are all available for 20% off with promo code Holidays20. Visit https://secure.villagepress.com/store/items/list/group/128 to take a look around!

12/06/2024

We have new hats! Visit https://secure.villagepress.com/store/items/list/group/113 to get one for this winter. Don't forget promotion code Holidays10 to receive 10% off and free US shipping!

11/20/2024

From now until Christmas Eve, save $5.00 on every regular and gift subscription to The Pointing Dog Journal. There is a Print+Digital option or a Digital Only option. Use promo code Holidays5 at https://secure.villagepress.com/store/items/list/group/7/sourcecode/Holidays5 to get started! Thank you for your consideration!

11/06/2024

What can you expect in the November/December 2024 issue? The full table of contents is always posted online!

Ringneck Challenge, Ringneck Rewards by E. Donnall Thomas Jr. Random Dog Thoughts by Steve Smith Pointing Dog Dreamin’ by Christopher Smith Season Finale by Jeff Kershner Day Thirty-Six by George Bird Evans Here’s to Tailgating by Jake Smith Departments Favorite Covers Max by Christopher Smith T...

10/25/2024

Our 2025 calendars are in stock! They are available now for $16.99 each. Visit https://secure.villagepress.com/store/items/list/group/110 to snag yours before they sell out!