Edge of the Wilderness Outfitters - United Kingdom - All
The Field Magazine
British monthly magazine about country matters and field sports. The Field Magazine was started as a weekly magazine in 1853, and has remained in print since then; Robert Smith Surtees was among the founders. In the nineteenth century, it was known as Field: The Country Gentleman's Newspaper. The magazine is one of the earliest hobby magazines. It is published by Future plc.
Founded in 1853, the editors The Field cover the best of hunting, fly fishing, hunting, sporting dogs and everything else that makes life in the British countryside exceptionally enjoyable.
Editor: Alexandra Henton
Frequency: Monthly
Circulation: 28,294
Print and digital editions.
First issue: 1853; 172 years ago
Company: Future plc
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Website: https://thefield.co.uk
Alexandra Henton,THE FIELD Editor:
“Dickens was one of the first Field readers. Well, he might have been – he was certainly drinking pals with The Field’s first editor. Back in 1853, the magazine was founded for those who loved shooting, fishing, hunting and could sniff out a decent claret at 1,000 paces.
It’s still like that today. The Field gives its readers the best, whether it’s guns, rods, writing or photography. We like to think it’s like a great party – entertaining, informative and provocative.”
The Field Magazine is a monthly glossy dedicated to those brave souls who shoot, fish and hunt way beyond the call of duty. Since 1853, its staff has selflessly brought its readers the cream of rural life, be it pheasant shooting, dry-fly fishing or the distinct merits of Cheval Blanc. If you love fieldsports, errant terriers and very foxy friends at hunt balls, The Field is for you.
Field #Magazine #Hunting #Future_plc #United_Kingdom
Curly-Coated Retriever Hunting Dog: History, Training, Field Use, and Care for the Serious Hunter
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🐾 Introduction: A Retriever Built for Real Work
Among the oldest and most distinctive retriever breeds, the Curly-Coated Retriever stands out not just for its unique coat but for its versatility in the field. This is not a showpiece dog—it’s a working companion built for water, marsh, and dense cover. Hunters who value endurance, intelligence, and a soft mouth for game recovery will find the Curly-Coated Retriever a reliable and often underrated asset.
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📜 Curly-Coated Retriever History and Breed Origins
The Curly-Coated Retriever dates back to the late 1700s, making it one of the earliest retriever breeds on record. Developed in England, the breed was designed for multi-purpose game retrieval, particularly in waterfowl hunting. Its ancestry includes the now-extinct English Water Spaniel, Retrieving Setter, Irish Water Spaniel, and possibly Poodle and St. John’s Newfoundland bloodlines.
By 1860, the Curly was officially recognized as a retriever breed alongside the Wavy-Coated Retriever (now the Flat-Coated Retriever). The breed gained popularity in New Zealand and Australia, where its rugged build and water-resistant coat proved ideal for local hunting conditions B. The first Curly-Coated Retriever arrived in the United States in 1907, with a resurgence in the 1960s thanks to imports from England and Oceania.
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🦆 Game Types: What the Curly-Coated Retriever Hunts
This breed is built for retrieving upland game and waterfowl. Its soft mouth and steady temperament make it ideal for:
• Ducks and geese in marshes and lakes
• Pheasants and partridges in dense cover
• Grouse and woodcock in woodland terrain
• Rabbit and hare (occasionally, with proper training)
The Curly is not a pointer or flusher—it excels in retrieving downed game, especially in challenging environments where other breeds may falter.
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🌍 Geographic Popularity: Where the Curly Hunts
While not as common as Labradors or Golden Retrievers, the Curly-Coated Retriever maintains a loyal following in:
• United Kingdom: Particularly in wetland and estate hunting
• New Zealand and Australia: Known for waterfowl and rugged terrain retrieval
• United States: Used by niche hunters and retriever enthusiasts
• Scandinavia: Occasionally seen in duck hunting communities
Its rarity adds to its appeal among hunters who prefer a breed with heritage and individuality.
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🧬 Curly-Coated Retriever Breed Characteristics and Care
Size and Build:
• Males: 70–80 lbs, 25–27 inches
• Females: 65–75 lbs, 23–25 inches B
• Muscular, deep-chested, with a long neck and strong hindquarters
Coat:
• Tight, water-resistant curls in solid black or liver
• Single-layer coat—no undercoat
• Do not brush; brushing causes frizz. Instead, rinse and hand-fluff to maintain curl integrity
Temperament:
• Intelligent, independent, and loyal
• Slightly aloof with strangers, but deeply bonded to handlers
• Requires mental stimulation and consistent work
Health:
• Lifespan: 10–12 years
• Common issues: hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, distichiasis, and cataracts
Care Tips:
• Minimal grooming—occasional rinsing and trimming around ears and feet
• Regular exercise and field work to prevent boredom
• Annual vet checks and joint monitoring
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🐕🦺 Training for the Hunt: From Puppy to Field Partner
Training a Curly-Coated Retriever requires patience and structure. These dogs are highly intelligent, which can be both a strength and a challenge—they learn quickly but may resist repetitive drills.
Early Socialization:
• Begin at 8–10 weeks with exposure to sounds, terrain, and basic commands
• Introduce water early—most Curlies take to it naturally
Obedience Foundation:
• Sit, stay, heel, and recall must be solid before field work
• Use positive reinforcement—Curlies respond well to praise and food rewards
Retrieval Basics:
• Start with bumpers and dummies
• Gradually introduce scent and feathered game
• Practice in varied terrain: water, brush, and open field
Water Work:
• Use shallow ponds for early water retrieves
• Progress to deeper water and moving currents
• Reinforce return-to-hand behavior with consistent reward
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🏋️ Curly-Coated Retriever Field Conditioning and Drills
To prepare a Curly-Coated Retriever for real hunts, structured drills are essential:
Marking Drills:
• Teach the dog to watch and remember fall locations
• Use multiple dummies and staggered throws
Blind Retrieves:
• Train directional commands (left, right, back)
• Use whistle and hand signals for control
Steadiness Training:
• Teach the dog to remain seated until sent
• Crucial for waterfowl blinds and multi-dog hunts
Scent Work:
• Introduce game scent early
• Practice tracking wounded birds in cover
Endurance Conditioning:
• Long walks, swimming, and hill work
• Build stamina for full-day hunts
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🎯 Field Performance: What Sets the Curly Apart
The Curly-Coated Retriever’s waterproof coat, strong nose, and quiet demeanor make it ideal for:
• Cold-weather waterfowl hunting
• Dense cover retrieval
• Long-distance blind retrieves
• Multi-bird hunts with minimal handler input
Unlike flashier retrievers, the Curly works with calm precision. It’s not a showy dog—it’s a reliable partner that gets the job done with minimal fuss.
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✅ Final Thoughts: A Hunter’s Retriever with Heritage
The Curly-Coated Retriever is not for everyone. It requires commitment, training, and respect for its independent nature. But for hunters who value tradition, versatility, and a dog that thrives in the field, the Curly delivers.
Its history, field performance, and distinctive coat make it a standout choice for those who want more than just a retriever—they want a legacy. Whether you’re hunting ducks in the marsh or pheasants in the brush, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a breed that honors the past while performing in the present.
