Waterfowl Hunting Retrievers

All over North America, hunters rely on retrievers to assist in waterfowl hunting. Working dogs retrieve game while providing company and security for their masters. Two of the most popular retrievers for duck and goose hunting are the Labrador retriever and the Chesapeake Bay retriever. Both breeds are large, heavy built dogs with waterproof coats, capable of swimming in the coldest of water.

The Labrador retriever is a solid, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a short, hard, easy-care, water-resistant double coat of solid black, yellow, or chocolate. Labradors have a broad head, chestnut eyes, thick nose, wide muzzle and thick muscular neck. They have heavy limbs and webbed feet aid in swimming.

Labrador retrievers are loving, affectionate, intelligent, and very loyal. They love to play, swim and spend time in the field. Most labs begin retrieving instinctively. They have an excellent demeanor with children and other dogs. Labs are easily trained and are popular for hunting, dog competitions and other activities.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is one of the most popular hunting dogs in North America. Their powerful, muscular body and waterproof coat make them an excellent retriever for waterfowl hunting. Their coat is short, dense and wavy, usually brown, red or tan. The head of the Chesapeake Bay retriever is broad and wide with a powerful but yet endearing appearance. The head and face of this breed is short haired. The eyes are yellowish or amber in color.

Chesapeake Bay retrievers make friendly, intelligent and obedient dogs. They are known to be courageous, loving and very trainable. The breed has a reputation for being affectionate and good with children. Chesapeakes often join a family as a puppy and take on a variety of roles which may include being a companion and protector of children while also acting as a working dog during the hunting season.

According to local legend, the Chesapeake Bay retriever breed originated when a shipwreck occurred off the coast of Maryland in 1807. A pair of Newfoundland dogs survived the shipwreck and found shelter with a local family. The pair were bred with local retrievers which eventually led to the development of the breed. The result was a type of dog that is well suited for hunting and swimming in the Chesapeake Bay.

Traditional North American Hunting Art

Simple hunting-related artwork is popular throughout much of North America. Hunting art often features traditional designs such as line art or historical photography. The following hunting-related products feature line art and vintage photography:



Canvasback Line Art

Pintail Drake Black and White

Both Designs can be found at North_America online store.

2 Nova Scotians Win Lifetime Hunting Rights

Two Nova Scotians have landed lifetime passes to enjoy world-class fishing and hunting in the province.

The departments of Natural Resources and Fisheries and Aquaculture announced on Dec. 17 2010, that Scott Johnson of Musquodoboit Harbour and John Webber of Shubenacadie have won the 18th annual Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters Licence of a Lifetime Lottery.

Mr. Johnson and Mr. Webber can hunt and fish throughout the province for the rest of their lives without having to buy another fishing, small game or deer-hunting licence. The prizes were donated by the two government departments.

John MacDonell, Minister of Natural Resources, drew one of the winning names saying hunting and fishing are a way of life in Nova Scotia.

"Our bountiful land and waters have long been a source of pride for Nova Scotians and hunting and fishing continue to be pastimes that thousands of us enjoy," said Mr. MacDonell. "I congratulate the winners of this lottery and encourage young Nova Scotians to hunt and fish in our beautiful outdoors and keep this great tradition alive."

Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, drew the other winning ticket and touts hunting and fishing as an ideal way to enjoy the beauty and greatness of our outdoors.

"These activities promote active, healthy living and are extremely important to the rural, coastal economy of Nova Scotia," said Mr. Belliveau.

Mike Pollard, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters, encourages those who don't hunt or fish to give it a try.

"It's a safe way to get exercise, safer than many mainstream sports and it's a healthy activity and a good source of all-natural food," said Mr. Pollard.

source: Province of Nova Scotia