Hunting for a Hare with a Dog: A Day in the Field with ROS the Spaniel

Today, my red spaniel ROS showed exceptional skill in tracking a wounded hare. He picked up the scent of the injured animal, chased it down with determination, and finished the job with a clear voice. The emotions I’m feeling right now are overwhelming - not because of the hunt itself, but because of the dog’s incredible work. Thanks to ROS, there’s no wounded animal left suffering in the field. I’m sure many hunters will understand this feeling. While there are breeds that might perform this task even more spectacularly, ROS is my dog, and this was only his second time hunting hare. It’s all part of his training, and I’m proud to share how it went. Here’s how it unfolded: We entered a thicket and emerged into a small clearing. I spotted a hare running along the edge of the field, clearly flushed out by hunters who had gone further ahead. I took a couple of shots through the tall grass, but ROS didn’t see the hare. We moved to check the area, and as we did, we heard a few more shots in the distance. Another hunter called out, signaling that there might be a wounded animal nearby. We followed the trail and soon found traces of blood. ROS picked up the scent and started moving-first a bit chaotically, but then he steadied himself and picked up speed. My friends began visually searching for tracks, but I decided to trust the dog. After all, this was his chance to prove his skills and validate his blood-tracking diploma! ROS led us out into the open field, checked the area, and then doubled back, confidently following the edge of the field. I stayed close behind. Suddenly, he veered sharply to the right, heading into a low-lying area filled with reeds and dense bushes - a spot I couldn’t navigate. That’s when I heard ROS’s voice for the first time. He had found the hare and was giving chase. A few seconds of barking, followed by the sounds of a struggle and the hare’s desperate cries as it tried to fend off its relentless pursuer. By the time I reached the scene, it was all over. But for me, the emotions were just beginning. This hunt wasn’t about the trophy - it was about the partnership between hunter and dog, the trust we place in our four-legged companions, and the satisfaction of knowing that no animal was left to suffer. ROS proved himself today, and I couldn’t be prouder. Hunting with a dog like him is a reminder of why we do what we do - it’s not just about the chase, but about the bond, the skill, and the respect for nature. Here’s to many more days in the field with ROS, my loyal and talented spaniel. 🐾