Following The Scent: Bird Dogs, Their Handlers, and Field Trialing

Bird dog performance events may not be what many people believe they are. This book takes the reader behind the scenes across the span of two years campaigning. The author reports from chapter to chapter on the progress of two dogs, one already a field champion, the other a dog just getting started in field trials. More importantly, each chapter examines various elements of field trialing not directly connected to the dogs. Most of these elements are common to all breeds of bird dog performance events whether they be the pointing dogs, the flushers or the retrievers. This book looks at the interplay between the clubs sponsoring the events and wildlife managers responsible for the grounds on which they are held. It looks at the friendships and conflicts between dog handlers. This book also looks at the elation of winning field trials, but shows the follies which occur as well, and much more. If you are a hard core field trial handler you will nod your head as you read saying to yourself, boy if that isn't the truth. If you have never been to a bird dog performance event and have wondered what they are really about, this will tell you the story.