First off, I tried to search with no luck, so forgive me if this has been discussed before. I mostly hunt tidal flats with some pretty thick mud. I can walk through it, but it isn't fun. I have considered getting a dog partially because it would make retrieves easier, and partially because I believe it would be a blast to hunt with. However, I am concerned with how a dog would handle the mud. The areas have water, but sometimes the dog would be walking versus swimming. Is this a concern for a dog? I would hate to put a dog in any danger. Thanks for any insight.
The dogs will do good in this stuff for the most part. 4 legs with webbed feet, unless you have a 100lb lab like myself. Their are a few nasty swampy mud areas and my dog has to work to get through them, but we have never had any issues. Myself, I would sink past my knees and it is brutal to retrieve downed birds. Good thing is that other's typically won't hunt this location due to the challenge.
Thanks for the replies. The dog would have to be more graceful than me, I usually end up practically belly crawling. I would definitely keep a close eye on him. I just worry that if the water level was just right the dog could sink down in the mud and put his head underwater. I'm probably over thinking it though. Now I just have to finalize which breed I want!
Thanks again for the replies, sounds like I should be alright. I have narrowed it down between a lab and a small munsterlander. I like the size, appearance, and temperment of the small munsterlander as it will be an inside dog. Also, it would be nice to have a versatile dog, however it would primarily just be a waterfowl retriever. On the other hand, the lab is a tried and true duck retriever, so we'll see. Thanks again for the help.
I all so hunt mud flats and can't eaven thank what it whould be like with my dog resse. She is a small Lab 50 lbs and hunts really nice in the mud .for me the key is small and light upland birds WOW and she can retrive any goose long legs and light is what works for me. Good luck. :beer: cheers.
We have 2 feet and weight and move slow. Dogs have 4 and fast. Do the math. But I would never send a dog if I'm not willing to rescue.
A bird is not worth your life or dogs.
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