The conversation covers John's fascination for upland habitats, the training and behaviour of dogs, and wildlife conservation and management. It delves into his personal journey, his experiences with the North York Moors, and the impact of weather and conditions on wildlife behaviour and migration. The conversation explores the impact of scenting conditions on dog behaviour and the importance of understanding the landscape and environmental conditions for maximising the dog's performance. It also explains the learning curve of dogs, the impact of experience on performance, and the potential of dogs as detection machines.

Takeaways

• Upland habitat fascination
• Training and behaviour of dogs
• Wildlife conservation and management Scenting conditions impact dog behaviour
• Understanding the landscape and environmental conditions is crucial for maximising the dog's performance

Chapters

• 00:00 Fascination for Upland Habitats
• 20:51 Wildlife Conservation and Management
• 40:00 The Impact of Scenting Conditions
• 01:03:00 Learning from the Dog

Craig Koshyk is author of Pointing Dogs Volume 1 – The Continentals and Volume 2 – The British and Irish Breeds. He also hosts the excellent Hunting Dog Confidential podcast and writes for Project Upland Magazine.

The discussion covers the author's fascination with writing and researching, the discovery of rare and extinct dog breeds, hunting experiences in different countries, and the vastness and diversity of upland bird hunting in North America. The conversation delves into the hunting culture, contrasting the traditional hunting ethos in Manitoba with the more sport-oriented approach in the US. It also explores the hunting culture in Quebec, the impact of market hunting on conservation efforts, and the distinct hunting traits of different breeds. The journey to a new breed of hunting dog is also discussed, highlighting the personal connection to the breed's origin. The conversation delves into the influence of breeding on hunting behavior, the unique characteristics of French dog breeds and culture, the decline of English setters and pointers, the potential development of an English HPR, and the discussion of genetics and breeding practices. The conversation delves into the art of breeding dogs, the impact of selective breeding, the role of true breeders, challenges in dog breeding, testing and proving working abilities, the evolution of dog traits, the impact of breeding practices, the importance of testing and proving, the reality of breeding and hunting, the impact of breeding on working dogs, the significance of honesty in breeding, the experience of English trials, and future plans and trips.

Takeaways

• The joy of writing and researching
• Discovery of rare dog breeds
• Cultural exchange through hunting experiences
• The vastness and diversity of upland bird hunting in North America Hunting culture varies between regions, with some emphasizing tradition and sustenance while others focus on sport and economic activity.
• The impact of market hunting on wildlife conservation efforts and the subsequent regulations and laws put in place to protect endangered species.
• The distinct hunting traits and tendencies of different breeds, and the considerations involved in choosing a new breed for hunting. Breeding significantly impacts hunting behavior
• French dog breeds and culture are unique and influential
• The decline of English setters and pointers is a notable historical trend
• The development of an English HPR is a potential area of interest
• Genetics and breeding practices play a crucial role in dog breeding and development Selective breeding shapes dog traits
• Testing and proving working abilities is crucial for breeding
• Honesty in breeding is essential for the well-being of dogs

Chapters

• 00:00 The Joy of Writing and Researching
• 39:22 Hunting Experiences and Cultural Exchange
• 53:37 The Vastness of Upland Bird Hunting
• 59:31 Upland Game Hunting: Manitoba vs. the US
• 01:06:03 Breed-Specific Hunting Traits
• 01:23:06 German vs. French Breeds in North America
• 01:31:15 The Journey to a New Breed
• 01:36:22 French Dog Breeds and Culture
• 01:41:55 Developing an English HPR
• 02:03:38 Genetics and Breeding Practices
• 02:09:06 Challenges in Dog Breeding
• 02:14:18 The Evolution of Dog Traits
• 02:20:24 The Reality of Breeding and Hunting
• 02:37:39 The Experience of English Trials

The conversation delves into the Andy's journey into falconry, starting with his early encounters with birds of prey and the progression to becoming the falconer at Dunrobin Castle. The conversation delves into the art of falconry and grouse hawking, highlighting the expertise and fieldcraft required for success in these pursuits. It also explores the impact of environmental changes on falconry and the role of dogs in falconry and grouse hawking. The conversation covers the adaptation to prey behaviour, the impact of environmental factors bird populations, challenges and conservation efforts, the process of breeding grouse, influential mentors, and the encouragement of new falconers through observation and learning.

Takeaways

• Falconry as a Passion
• Training and Managing Harris Hawks Fieldcraft and expertise in falconry
• The impact of environmental changes on falconry Falconry requires careful observation and adaptation to the behaviour of prey birds.
• The impact of environmental factors, such as bird flu and wind turbines, on falconry and bird populations.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Origins of Falconry Passion
• 05:23 First Encounters with Birds of Prey
• 10:59 Training Sparrowhawks and Unconventional Methods
• 18:39 Transition to Harris Hawks and Their Management
• 31:03 The Role of Harris Hawks in Falconry
• 45:17 The Art of Falconry and Grouse Hawking
• 01:08:50 The Role of Dogs in Falconry and Grouse Hawking
• 01:26:21 Adapting to Prey Behaviour
• 01:33:28 Challenges and Conservation
• 01:43:48 Breeding Grouse
• 01:52:49 Influential Mentors
• 01:58:53 Encouraging New Falconers