Walked-up shooting, also known as rough shooting, is a beloved form of game shooting in the UK, Characterised by a more informal and natural approach compared to driven shooting. In walked-up shoots, small groups of Guns walk across the terrain, flushing gamebirds from cover as they go, often accompanied by a team of highly trained dogs. In this setting, the role of a walked-up shooting dog is crucial, as they act as both hunting partners and retrievers, enhancing the overall experience.
What is Walked-Up Shooting?
Walked-up shooting differs from driven shooting in that there are no beaters driving birds towards the Guns. Instead, participants walk in a line through fields, moorland, or woodlands, flushing game from the ground as they move. It’s a more active, spontaneous style of shooting, with less structure than a driven shoot but often more personal and rewarding, requiring Guns and dogs to work together closely.
Common game species targeted in walked-up shooting include pheasants, partridges, grouse, and sometimes wildfowl or rabbits. This form of shooting is often favoured for its more relaxed atmosphere, smaller bag limits, and the way it allows Guns to enjoy the natural environment.
The Role of a Walked-Up Shooting Dog
In walked-up shooting, dogs are integral to the success of the day. Unlike driven shoots, where dogs primarily act as retrievers or beaters, walked-up dogs must fulfill multiple roles—flushing game, retrieving shot birds, and working in close coordination with the Gun. The ability of the dog to adapt and respond to the unpredictability of the shoot is essential. Let’s look at their specific tasks:
1. Flushing Game
A walked-up shooting dog is responsible for flushing birds from cover. As the Guns move through the terrain, the dog works ahead or alongside, searching for game hidden in grass, bracken, or heather. Their keen sense of smell helps them locate birds, which they will then flush into the air, allowing the shooter to take a shot.
This task requires a dog that works closely with the handler, as they must remain within gun range to ensure that the birds flushed are within shooting distance. A well-trained dog will quarter the ground ahead of the Gun, moving systematically to cover every area and flush any hidden game.
2. Retrieving Shot Game
Once a bird is shot, the walked-up shooting dog switches to its role as a retriever. The dog must locate the fallen game, often across rough or difficult terrain, and bring it back to the handler without causing any damage. This skill is especially important in walked-up shooting, where birds can fall in areas that are difficult for humans to access.
Retrieving requires a dog with a soft mouth, meaning it can pick up and carry the game gently without causing harm. It also demands a strong bond between the dog and handler, as the dog must be trained to follow directions and work efficiently to retrieve birds, even in challenging conditions.
3. Steadiness and Control
In walked-up shooting, steadiness is key. The dog must remain calm and under control throughout the shoot, especially when flushing birds or watching other Guns shoot. They should never break away or chase birds after they’ve flushed, and they must sit patiently after the shot until instructed to retrieve. This requires a high level of training and discipline, as the dog needs to maintain focus and composure in exciting situations.
4. Adaptability
Walked-up shooting often takes place in a variety of terrains, from open fields and moorland to thick woodlands or wetland areas. A walked-up shooting dog needs to be adaptable and capable of working in all environments. Whether navigating through dense cover, wading through marshes, or crossing rough ground, the dog’s versatility is vital to their role.
Types of Dogs Used in Walked-Up Shooting
Several breeds excel in walked-up shooting due to their natural instincts and ability to perform a variety of tasks. Some of the most popular breeds include:
• Spaniels (Cocker and Springer Spaniels): These dogs are the most commonly used in walked-up shooting due to their tireless energy, excellent noses, and ability to flush game from dense cover. Spaniels are ideal for quartering in front of the Gun and are known for their enthusiasm and work ethic.
• Retrievers (Labradors): Labradors are often used in walked-up shoots as reliable retrievers. Their intelligence, strong retrieving instinct, and ability to remain calm under pressure make them excellent companions. They are particularly valued for their retrieving abilities in rough terrain or water.
• Hunt Point Retrieve (HPR) Breeds (German Shorthaired Pointer, Vizsla): HPR breeds are versatile and able to locate, flush, and retrieve game. Their natural ability to point at game before flushing can be useful in walked-up shooting, allowing the Gun more time to prepare for a shot. These breeds are commonly used when targeting upland game, such as grouse.
Training for Walked-Up Shooting
Training a dog for walked-up shooting requires patience, consistency, and attention to detail. The dog must master multiple skills, including obedience, quartering, retrieving, and remaining steady under distraction. The following are key aspects of walked-up shooting dog training:
• Quartering: Dogs are taught to work in a zigzag pattern in front of the handler, ensuring that all ground is covered thoroughly. This allows them to locate birds that might otherwise go unnoticed.
• Steadiness: Walked-up shooting dogs must be trained to stay calm and steady during the shoot. They should not chase after game once it has been flushed or break away from the handler without command.
• Retrieving: Training should focus on developing a soft mouth, so the dog retrieves game without causing damage. Dogs should also be trained to retrieve over various terrains and in water, as birds may fall in difficult-to-reach areas.
• Handler-Dog Communication: The bond between a dog and its handler is especially important in walked-up shooting. The dog must be responsive to commands, often at a distance, and trust the handler’s directions when locating and retrieving game.
Why Walked-Up Shooting Dogs Are Essential
Walked-up shooting offers a more challenging and intimate experience compared to other forms of game shooting, and the role of the shooting dog is vital to its success. Without a dog, finding and flushing game would be far more difficult, and retrieving birds would be almost impossible in many terrains. The dog not only improves the chances of a successful shoot but also enhances the overall experience for the shooter, bringing a level of partnership and teamwork that is deeply rewarding.
Additionally, the presence of a well-trained dog adds to the enjoyment of the day. Watching a skilled dog work tirelessly across the fields, flushing birds and retrieving game, is one of the highlights of the sport.
Conclusion
In walked-up shooting, the dog is much more than just a tool for retrieving game. They are active participants in the hunt, helping to locate, flush, and retrieve birds in a variety of challenging environments. Their intelligence, adaptability, and training make them essential partners for any Gun, and their presence elevates the entire experience. Whether it’s a spaniel quartering through the undergrowth or a Labrador returning with a bird in its soft mouth, walked-up shooting dogs are the heart and soul of this traditional form of game shooting in the UK.