Labrador – All 19

News

The Labrador Retriever: The Ultimate Hunting Companion

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reason. Known for their intelligence, loyalty, and friendly nature, Labradors are not only great family pets but also exceptional hunting dogs. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, a Labrador can be your perfect partner in the field. In this article, we’ll explore the Labrador’s hunting capabilities, their characteristics, how to care for them, and how to train them for hunting.  

What Can a Labrador Hunt?

Labrador Retrievers are versatile hunting dogs, primarily bred for retrieving game. Their strong sense of smell, stamina, and eagerness to please make them ideal for various types of hunting. Here’s what they excel at:  

Waterfowl Hunting: Labradors are natural swimmers, thanks to their water-resistant coat and webbed feet. They are excellent at retrieving ducks, geese, and other waterfowl from lakes, rivers, and marshes.  

Upland Game Birds: Labradors can also hunt pheasants, quail, and grouse. Their ability to track scent and flush out birds makes them a valuable asset in upland hunting.  

Small Game: While not as common, Labradors can be trained to hunt small game like rabbits or squirrels. Their retrieving instincts make them great at bringing back smaller prey.  

Labradors are not typically used for big game hunting, as their size and temperament are better suited for retrieving rather than tracking or holding large animals.  

How to Care for a Hunting Labrador

Diet: A high-protein diet is essential for maintaining their energy levels. Look for dog food formulated for active breeds or working dogs.  

Exercise: Labradors are high-energy dogs that require regular exercise. Daily walks, runs, or play sessions are a must to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.  

Grooming: Their coat is relatively low-maintenance, but regular brushing helps remove dirt and loose hair. After hunting trips, check their paws, ears, and coat for debris or injuries.  

Health Checkups: Regular vet visits are crucial to ensure your Labrador is in peak hunting condition. Pay attention to joint health, as Labradors are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia

The Labrador Retriever is a remarkable hunting dog, combining intelligence, athleticism, and a strong work ethic. Whether you’re hunting waterfowl, upland game birds, or small game, a well-trained Labrador can be an invaluable companion. By understanding their characteristics, providing proper care, and investing time in training, you can unlock their full potential as a hunting partner. With patience and dedication, your Labrador will not only excel in the field but also become a beloved member of your family.

The Labrador Retriever: The Ultimate Hunting Companion The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reason. Known for their intelligence, loyalty, and friendly nature, Labradors are not only great family pets but also exceptional hunting dogs. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, a Labrador can be your perfect partner in the field. In this article, we’ll explore the Labrador’s hunting capabilities, their characteristics, how to care for them, and how to train them for hunting. What Can a Labrador Hunt? Labrador Retrievers are versatile hunting dogs, primarily bred for retrieving game. Their strong sense of smell, stamina, and eagerness to please make them ideal for various types of hunting. Here’s what they excel at: Waterfowl Hunting: Labradors are natural swimmers, thanks to their water-resistant coat and webbed feet. They are excellent at retrieving ducks, geese, and other waterfowl from lakes, rivers, and marshes. Upland Game Birds: Labradors can also hunt pheasants, quail, and grouse. Their ability to track scent and flush out birds makes them a valuable asset in upland hunting. Small Game: While not as common, Labradors can be trained to hunt small game like rabbits or squirrels. Their retrieving instincts make them great at bringing back smaller prey. Labradors are not typically used for big game hunting, as their size and temperament are better suited for retrieving rather than tracking or holding large animals. How to Care for a Hunting Labrador Diet: A high-protein diet is essential for maintaining their energy levels. Look for dog food formulated for active breeds or working dogs. Exercise: Labradors are high-energy dogs that require regular exercise. Daily walks, runs, or play sessions are a must to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Grooming: Their coat is relatively low-maintenance, but regular brushing helps remove dirt and loose hair. After hunting trips, check their paws, ears, and coat for debris or injuries. Health Checkups: Regular vet visits are crucial to ensure your Labrador is in peak hunting condition. Pay attention to joint health, as Labradors are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia The Labrador Retriever is a remarkable hunting dog, combining intelligence, athleticism, and a strong work ethic. Whether you’re hunting waterfowl, upland game birds, or small game, a well-trained Labrador can be an invaluable companion. By understanding their characteristics, providing proper care, and investing time in training, you can unlock their full potential as a hunting partner. With patience and dedication, your Labrador will not only excel in the field but also become a beloved member of your family.

Post: 21 January 20:23

hunterb

HUNTING SEASONS IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR, CANADA 2025–26: Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide

Plan your 2025–26 Newfoundland and Labrador hunt with our province‑by‑province guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species: Moose, Caribou, Ducks and more.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s rugged island barrens, coastal peatlands and boreal forests host robust moose herds, migratory caribou herds on the island and in Labrador, and world‑renowned waterfowl staging areas. From the interior plateau to the remote tundra, popular pursuits include limited moose and caribou tag draws, spring and fall duck hunting, and black bear seasons—under clear provincial regulations across 30 Wildlife Management Zones (WMZs).

Plan an ethical, compliant hunt with exact season dates, bag limits and zone‑specific requirements for 2025–26.

What Is There to Hunt in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Big Game: Moose, caribou, black bear
Small Game & Upland Birds: Spruce grouse, willow ptarmigan, snowshoe hare, wild turkey
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks, geese, eiders, murres, doves (federal permit required)
Furbearers & Predators: Coyote, fox, beaver, muskrat

This province’s mix of habitats delivers year‑round opportunity—from spring bear and turkey to autumn waterfowl and tundra caribou hunts.

What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Unprotected predators (coyote, fox) may be taken any time on private land with landowner permission. Public‑land predator control outside open seasons requires a Fur Harvesting Licence and compliance with WMZ regulations. Always verify zone‑specific rules before targeting nuisance species.

Newfoundland and Labrador Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26

Moose

Island of Newfoundland – Rifle: Sep 13 – Dec 31, 2025
Labrador – Rifle: Sep 13 – Mar 8, 2026
Tags: Draw only; quotas by WMZ; applications Jan 15 – Feb 15, 2025 

Caribou (Woodland & Barrenground)

Rifle: Sep 15 – Oct 15 (select WMZs)
Tags: LE draw; very limited quotas; applications Jan 15 – Feb 15, 2025 

Black Bear

Spring: Apr 1 – Jun 30
Fall: Sep 1 – Oct 31
Tags: One per hunter; cub harvest prohibited; some WMZs closed to hounds

Note: Detailed WMZ calendars, quotas and weapon‑type restrictions are published annually by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. 

Newfoundland and Labrador Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26

Upland Birds & Small Game:

Spruce Grouse, Willow Ptarmigan: Sep 1 – Dec 31 (daily limit 5)
Snowshoe Hare: Sep 1 – Mar 31 (daily limit 3)
Wild Turkey: Apr 1 – May 15; Sep 1 – Dec 31 (daily limit 1; spring draw)

Waterfowl & Migratory Birds:

Ducks, Geese, Eiders: Aug 23 – Dec 31; Jan 1 – Jan 15 (daily limit 5 ducks; 5 geese; 6 eiders)
Murres: Sep 1 – Dec 31 (daily limit 15; island only)
Mourning Dove: Sep 1 – Nov 30 (daily limit 15)

Requirements: Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit & Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp 

Bag Limits by Species

Moose: 1 per draw tag
Caribou: 1 per draw tag
Black Bear: 1 per season (no cubs)
Wild Turkey: 1 per licence period
Spruce Grouse/Ptarmigan: 5 daily; possession 10
Snowshoe Hare: 3 daily; possession 6
Ducks/Geese: 5 daily; possession 15
Eiders: 6 daily; possession 12
Murres: 15 daily; possession 45
Mourning Dove: 15 daily; possession 45

Coyote/Fox: no limit private; Fur Harvesting Licence required public

License & Tags Information for Newfoundland and Labrador Hunters (2025–26)

Resident Licence: $48 (annual); includes one black bear tag; moose and caribou draw fees $15/tag
Non‑Resident Licence: $180 (annual); tag fees $75/species; draw fees $25

Additional Permits:

Fur Harvesting Licence (free; required)
Spring Turkey draw (applications Mar 1 – 15, 2025)

Hunter Education: Mandatory Newfoundland and Labrador Hunter Education Certificate or equivalent.

Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader

Bow: Compound, recurve, longbow; crossbows allowed only with special permit; broadhead cut ≥ 7/8″.
Rifle: Centrefire ≥ .24 cal; straight‑wall handgun calibres prohibited; shotguns with slugs permitted for moose where specified.
Muzzleloader: .40 cal+ patched ball or conical bullet; approved ignition only; single‑projectile conversions.

Regulations & Resources

Shooting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
WMZ Maps & Calendars: Available from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
Harvest Reporting: Mandatory within 24 hours via online portal or phone
Special Areas: Some wildlife reserves and protected areas require additional access permits

Verification Reminder:

Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and licence requirements on the official Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture hunting and trapping site to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt.

This guide was created based on information from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. https://www.gov.nl.ca/hunting-trapping-guide/2025-26/

With precise season windows, zone‑specific bag limits and complete licence details, you’re ready to plan your 2025–26 Newfoundland and Labrador hunt. Prepare thoroughly and experience this province’s extraordinary wilderness and wildlife heritage.

HUNTING SEASONS IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR, CANADA 2025–26: Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide Plan your 2025–26 Newfoundland and Labrador hunt with our province‑by‑province guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species: Moose, Caribou, Ducks and more. Newfoundland and Labrador’s rugged island barrens, coastal peatlands and boreal forests host robust moose herds, migratory caribou herds on the island and in Labrador, and world‑renowned waterfowl staging areas. From the interior plateau to the remote tundra, popular pursuits include limited moose and caribou tag draws, spring and fall duck hunting, and black bear seasons—under clear provincial regulations across 30 Wildlife Management Zones (WMZs). Plan an ethical, compliant hunt with exact season dates, bag limits and zone‑specific requirements for 2025–26. What Is There to Hunt in Newfoundland and Labrador? Big Game: Moose, caribou, black bear Small Game & Upland Birds: Spruce grouse, willow ptarmigan, snowshoe hare, wild turkey Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks, geese, eiders, murres, doves (federal permit required) Furbearers & Predators: Coyote, fox, beaver, muskrat This province’s mix of habitats delivers year‑round opportunity—from spring bear and turkey to autumn waterfowl and tundra caribou hunts. What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in Newfoundland and Labrador? Unprotected predators (coyote, fox) may be taken any time on private land with landowner permission. Public‑land predator control outside open seasons requires a Fur Harvesting Licence and compliance with WMZ regulations. Always verify zone‑specific rules before targeting nuisance species. Newfoundland and Labrador Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26 Moose Island of Newfoundland – Rifle: Sep 13 – Dec 31, 2025 Labrador – Rifle: Sep 13 – Mar 8, 2026 Tags: Draw only; quotas by WMZ; applications Jan 15 – Feb 15, 2025 Caribou (Woodland & Barrenground) Rifle: Sep 15 – Oct 15 (select WMZs) Tags: LE draw; very limited quotas; applications Jan 15 – Feb 15, 2025 Black Bear Spring: Apr 1 – Jun 30 Fall: Sep 1 – Oct 31 Tags: One per hunter; cub harvest prohibited; some WMZs closed to hounds Note: Detailed WMZ calendars, quotas and weapon‑type restrictions are published annually by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. Newfoundland and Labrador Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26 Upland Birds & Small Game: Spruce Grouse, Willow Ptarmigan: Sep 1 – Dec 31 (daily limit 5) Snowshoe Hare: Sep 1 – Mar 31 (daily limit 3) Wild Turkey: Apr 1 – May 15; Sep 1 – Dec 31 (daily limit 1; spring draw) Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks, Geese, Eiders: Aug 23 – Dec 31; Jan 1 – Jan 15 (daily limit 5 ducks; 5 geese; 6 eiders) Murres: Sep 1 – Dec 31 (daily limit 15; island only) Mourning Dove: Sep 1 – Nov 30 (daily limit 15) Requirements: Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit & Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp Bag Limits by Species Moose: 1 per draw tag Caribou: 1 per draw tag Black Bear: 1 per season (no cubs) Wild Turkey: 1 per licence period Spruce Grouse/Ptarmigan: 5 daily; possession 10 Snowshoe Hare: 3 daily; possession 6 Ducks/Geese: 5 daily; possession 15 Eiders: 6 daily; possession 12 Murres: 15 daily; possession 45 Mourning Dove: 15 daily; possession 45 Coyote/Fox: no limit private; Fur Harvesting Licence required public License & Tags Information for Newfoundland and Labrador Hunters (2025–26) Resident Licence: $48 (annual); includes one black bear tag; moose and caribou draw fees $15/tag Non‑Resident Licence: $180 (annual); tag fees $75/species; draw fees $25 Additional Permits: Fur Harvesting Licence (free; required) Spring Turkey draw (applications Mar 1 – 15, 2025) Hunter Education: Mandatory Newfoundland and Labrador Hunter Education Certificate or equivalent. Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader Bow: Compound, recurve, longbow; crossbows allowed only with special permit; broadhead cut ≥ 7/8″. Rifle: Centrefire ≥ .24 cal; straight‑wall handgun calibres prohibited; shotguns with slugs permitted for moose where specified. Muzzleloader: .40 cal+ patched ball or conical bullet; approved ignition only; single‑projectile conversions. Regulations & Resources Shooting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset WMZ Maps & Calendars: Available from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Harvest Reporting: Mandatory within 24 hours via online portal or phone Special Areas: Some wildlife reserves and protected areas require additional access permits Verification Reminder: Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and licence requirements on the official Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture hunting and trapping site to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt. This guide was created based on information from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. https://www.gov.nl.ca/hunting-trapping-guide/2025-26/ With precise season windows, zone‑specific bag limits and complete licence details, you’re ready to plan your 2025–26 Newfoundland and Labrador hunt. Prepare thoroughly and experience this province’s extraordinary wilderness and wildlife heritage.

Post: 30 July 13:38

Canada Hunting Seasons 2025–26: Deer, Elk, Moose & Ducks Guide

Labrodors – great hunters, even if they hunt mushrooms. 

Labrador is hunting dog, so … If a Labrador is picking mushrooms, it's called hunting anyway, just mushroom hunting.

"Truffle hunters" are looking for an underground mushroom by smell. Everyone knows that pigs have traditionally been used in this field. But these, undoubtedly, the smartest animals have a big drawback: greed. They know about truffles in about the same way as they do about oranges. Having found a precious mushroom, the pig devours it without a twinge of conscience – if the owner does not have time to take it away.

Any dog with a little sense of smell can easily sniff out the strong smell of a ripe truffle and indicate its location, without having to dig it up and devour it, as trained pigs do. In addition, it is somehow more convenient for an intelligent urban truffle collector to keep a dog in an apartment than a pig.

Labradors once again hold the title of the main good boys, this time in the hunt for truffles, beating even the hounds from Italy and France. 

Dogs undergo serious training. This course of study can be called "Truffle Dog University."  If before it was necessary to hire a special truffle trainer, now you can try to teach your Labrador yourself.

Nina Roe, Labrador Oscar's owner, noticed his talent for hunting truffles when he was a puppy. At 14 weeks old, she began to train him on YouTube lessons, and even then the dog found all the pieces of mushrooms that Nina hid around the house. The treats motivated him greatly, and soon Labrador Oscar went on his first informal hunting trip to the nearest forest. The result was excellent — every 10-20 seconds he returned with a mushroom, and in total the "harvest" reached half a kilogram.

By the way, Nina Roe herself is a chef from Sufflock, she produces truffle salt and oil, and also provides truffle search services. Needless to say, Labrador Oscar turned out to be the best business partner?

Labrodors – great hunters, even if they hunt mushrooms. Labrador is hunting dog, so … If a Labrador is picking mushrooms, it's called hunting anyway, just mushroom hunting. "Truffle hunters" are looking for an underground mushroom by smell. Everyone knows that pigs have traditionally been used in this field. But these, undoubtedly, the smartest animals have a big drawback: greed. They know about truffles in about the same way as they do about oranges. Having found a precious mushroom, the pig devours it without a twinge of conscience – if the owner does not have time to take it away. Any dog with a little sense of smell can easily sniff out the strong smell of a ripe truffle and indicate its location, without having to dig it up and devour it, as trained pigs do. In addition, it is somehow more convenient for an intelligent urban truffle collector to keep a dog in an apartment than a pig. Labradors once again hold the title of the main good boys, this time in the hunt for truffles, beating even the hounds from Italy and France.  Dogs undergo serious training. This course of study can be called "Truffle Dog University." If before it was necessary to hire a special truffle trainer, now you can try to teach your Labrador yourself. Nina Roe, Labrador Oscar's owner, noticed his talent for hunting truffles when he was a puppy. At 14 weeks old, she began to train him on YouTube lessons, and even then the dog found all the pieces of mushrooms that Nina hid around the house. The treats motivated him greatly, and soon Labrador Oscar went on his first informal hunting trip to the nearest forest. The result was excellent — every 10-20 seconds he returned with a mushroom, and in total the "harvest" reached half a kilogram. By the way, Nina Roe herself is a chef from Sufflock, she produces truffle salt and oil, and also provides truffle search services. Needless to say, Labrador Oscar turned out to be the best business partner?

Post: 11 January 1:13

Hunting and shooting in the United Kingdom (UK)

Filter


Sort by

Country

City