For the Dogs

Since the inception of the Upland Bird Camp in 1991 at Deep Portage, Pine Shadows has been a part of the camp providing dog training demonstrations, puppy imprinting, dog first aid, Upland Shooting instructions and promoting the youth involvement in the hunting world.

Campers spent Thursday at Pine Shadows as part of the total experience while attending the camp. The week long camp is based at Deep Portage near Hackensack and for one day of the week, the campers get actual hands on work with dogs, guns, dog care and how to hunt upland birds with your dog.

Sponsored by the Ruffed Grouse Society and Pheasants Forever, the camp offers campers that have a fire arms safety certificate the opportunity to learn the basics of hunting upland game birds.

Classes cover the habits and habitat needs of game birds as well as safe and proper wingshooting techniques and even how to prepare and cook game birds.

Students learn ethical hunting techniques and the role of conservation organizations in maintaining the sport of game bird hunting as well as how to locate hunting areas and how to respect private landowners.

Trained dogs are an important aspect of upland bird hunting so this course included a field trip to Pine Shadows Kennel where students learn about bird dog breeds and training techniques.

For more photos go to spotted.brainerddispatch.com.