English Setter - All
The English Setter: A Gentleman's Gun Dog – History, Hunting Prowess, and Care
The English Setter, often dubbed a "gentleman's gun dog," is more than just a pretty face in the field. These dogs are tireless workers with a keen nose, bred for centuries to find and point game birds. If you're considering an English Setter for hunting, here's what you need to know.
A Breed Steeped in History and Purpose
The English Setter's roots trace back to 14th-century Europe, with origins in spaniel-type dogs. Selective breeding in England throughout the 1800s by dedicated sportsmen like Edward Laverack and Purcell Llewellin refined the breed into the elegant, skilled pointer we know today. Laverack focused on beauty and temperament, while Llewellin prioritized field performance. These early bloodlines laid the foundation for the modern English Setter.
Key Fact: English Setters were developed specifically to locate game birds, "set" (crouch or lie down) in front of them, and allow the hunter to approach.
What Can an English Setter Hunt?
English Setters are primarily upland game bird dogs. They excel at hunting:
Quail: Their speed and stamina make them ideal for covering ground in search of quail.
Pheasant: They can handle the thick cover where pheasants often hide.
Grouse: Their ability to adapt to different terrains is valuable in grouse hunting.
Woodcock: Their soft mouth ensures gentle retrieval of these delicate birds.
Where Do English Setters Shine?
While English Setters are found worldwide, they are particularly popular for bird hunting in:
United States: A long-standing favorite for upland game.
United Kingdom: Their country of origin, still widely used in driven shoots and walked-up hunting.
Canada: Well-suited to the vast Canadian landscapes.
Europe: Used in various European countries for hunting a variety of game birds.
Characteristics and Care: Beyond the Hunt
English Setters are known for their:
Temperament: Gentle, intelligent, and eager to please.
Stamina: Built for long days in the field.
Nose: Exceptional scenting ability.
Coat: Medium-length, feathered coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting.
Health: Generally healthy, but prone to hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
Caring for your Setter:
Grooming: Brush several times a week, paying attention to feathering on legs and belly. Bathe as needed.
Exercise: Daily exercise is essential, whether it's running, playing fetch, or hunting.
Diet: Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their activity level.
Health: Regular vet checkups are crucial for preventative care.
Training Your English Setter for the Hunt
Early training is key to developing a successful hunting dog. Start with basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come, and heel.
Introduction to Birds: Expose your puppy to birds early on, using clipped-wing pigeons or quail. Let them scent and chase the birds.
Pointing Instinct: Encourage the pointing instinct by gently restraining your puppy when they show interest in a bird. Use the command "Whoa."
Retrieving: Teach your dog to retrieve gently. Use soft dummies and reward them for bringing the dummy back without damaging it.
Gunfire Introduction: Gradually introduce your dog to the sound of gunfire. Start with a low-caliber firearm at a distance and slowly increase the volume and proximity as your dog gets comfortable.
Field Training Exercises
Check Cord Work: Use a long check cord to control your dog in the field. Practice pointing, backing (honoring another dog's point), and retrieving.
Bird Planting: Plant birds in the field and allow your dog to find them. This helps them develop their scenting ability and pointing skills.
Water Work: Introduce your dog to water gradually. Practice retrieving from water and swimming.
On the Hunt: What to Expect
Range: English Setters typically hunt at a moderate range, staying within sight of the hunter.
Pointing Style: They have a classic, stylish point, often with a high head and tail.
Retrieving: They are natural retrievers, delivering birds gently to hand.
Adaptability: They can adapt to different terrains and hunting conditions.
Teamwork: English Setters thrive on working as a team with their handler.
Specific Hunting Considerations:
Cover: Be mindful of the cover you're hunting in. Thick brush can be hard on their coat, so consider protective gear.
Heat: English Setters can overheat in hot weather. Provide plenty of water and shade.
Communication: Learn to read your dog's body language. This will help you understand where they are in the field and when they are on point.
Conditioning: Ensure your dog is in good physical condition before hunting season. Increase their exercise gradually leading up to the season.
The English Setter is a versatile and rewarding hunting companion. With proper training, care, and a strong bond, you'll have a loyal partner in the field for years to come.
Woodcock Hunting Methods in Morocco: Field-Tested Techniques for Real Bird Hunters 🪶
Woodcock hunting in Morocco is not for the casual shooter—it’s for hunters who appreciate the challenge of elusive birds, unpredictable terrain, and the satisfaction of working dogs through dense cover. The Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) migrates to Morocco from late October through February, settling in humid forests and shaded valleys. This article breaks down the actual hunting methods used in Morocco, based on real field experience—not theory.
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🎯 Method 1: Walked-Up Hunting Over Pointing Dogs
This is the gold standard for woodcock hunting in Morocco. It’s how most serious hunters operate in the cork oak forests of Azrou, Ifrane, and Benslimane.
🔹 How It Works:
• Hunters walk in a loose line, spaced 15–20 meters apart.
• Pointing dogs (English Setter, Brittany Spaniel, German Shorthaired Pointer) quarter the ground ahead.
• When a dog locks on point, the hunter approaches quietly.
• The bird flushes—usually low and fast—and the shot must be taken instantly.
🔹 Terrain:
• Cork oak forests with thick underbrush
• Moist valleys with eucalyptus and lentisk
• Grain fields bordering forest margins
🔹 Tips:
• Use or #8 shot for tight patterns and minimal meat damage.
• Keep your safety off only when the dog is locked on point.
• Always shoot above the horizon—Moroccan terrain hides dogs and beaters in dips.
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🐾 Method 2: Solo Walk-and-Flush (No Dogs)
For hunters without dogs, this method demands patience and a sharp eye. It’s best used in low-pressure zones or late season when birds are holding tight.
🔹 How It Works:
• Walk slowly in zig-zag patterns through likely cover.
• Pause every 10–15 steps—woodcock often flush when you stop.
• Listen for rustling or clucking sounds in the underbrush.
• Shots are fast, close, and often through tight gaps.
🔹 Terrain:
• Overgrown field margins
• Abandoned orchards
• Dry riverbeds with scattered brush
🔹 Tips:
• Wear boots with ankle support—terrain is uneven.
• Carry extra shells; flushes can be unpredictable.
• Use a lightweight shotgun for quick mounting.
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🌙 Method 3: Static Hunting at Dusk
Rarely used, but effective in known feeding zones. Woodcock are crepuscular and often move at dawn and dusk.
🔹 How It Works:
• Hunters set up near feeding areas—wet clearings, forest edges, or water troughs.
• Wait silently in natural blinds or behind cover.
• Birds arrive in singles or pairs, often walking in before flushing.
• Shots are taken as birds rise or pass overhead.
🔹 Best Use:
• Early season when birds are less wary
• Estates with controlled release or feeding programs
🔹 Tips:
• Use camouflage or earth-tone clothing.
• Stay silent and still—movement ruins the setup.
• Ideal for solo hunters or those with limited mobility.
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🧭 Method 4: Spot-and-Stalk (Advanced)
Used occasionally in remote areas where woodcock are truly wild and sparse. Requires optics, terrain knowledge, and stealth.
🔹 How It Works:
• Locate birds from a distance using binoculars.
• Plan a route using terrain features to stay hidden.
• Close the gap to within 30–40 meters before flushing.
• Take the shot as the bird rises—usually low and erratic.
🔹 Best Use:
• Late season when birds are educated and wary
• Areas with low hunting pressure and minimal dog activity
🔹 Tips:
• Use terrain to your advantage—stay below ridgelines.
• Avoid direct sunlight behind you; it casts long shadows.
• Be ready to shoot fast—woodcock don’t wait.
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🧾 Gear Recommendations
• Shotgun: 12 or 20 gauge, preferably double-barrel or semi-auto
• Ammo: or #8 shot, 32–36 grams
• Clothing: Lightweight camo or earth tones, breathable layers
• Footwear: Waterproof boots with good grip
• Accessories: Game vest, shell pouch, eye and ear protection
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🗓️ When to Hunt
• Season: Late October to February
• Best Months: November and December
• Hunting Days: Friday to Monday only
• Time of Day: Early morning and late afternoon are most productive
🦮 In Morocco, woodcock hunting relies heavily on specialized pointing dogs, each breed selected based on the region’s terrain and hunting style.
English Setters are widely used in the Middle Atlas Mountains, particularly around Azrou and Ifrane. Their slow, deliberate pace and exceptional scent-tracking ability make them ideal for dense cork oak forests, where woodcock tend to hold tight in cover. Setters are valued for their soft mouths and patient work, especially in humid or foggy conditions.
Brittany Spaniels are compact, energetic, and perfectly suited for tighter brush and rough terrain. They’re favored in mixed hunting environments like Benslimane and Meknes, where you encounter a combination of forests, fields, and scrubland. Their natural drive and endurance allow hunters to cover more ground without sacrificing precision.
German Shorthaired Pointers are the go-to breed when hunting in more open areas. Their range and speed are excellent for flushing birds that sit near vineyard edges or eucalyptus groves. In zones with less underbrush, GSPs excel at quick location and confident pointing.
Braques Français, though less common, are appreciated for their obedience and adaptability in various Moroccan terrains. They’re often used by experienced handlers in estates with complex geography and mixed cover types.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Woodcock hunting in Morocco is a test of skill, patience, and instinct. It’s not about volume—it’s about precision. Whether you’re working dogs through cork oak groves or flushing birds solo in a misty valley, the methods here are real, refined, and rewarding. Morocco’s terrain and migratory patterns make it one of the most underrated woodcock destinations in the world.
Pheasant Hunting Methods in Morocco: Field-Tested Techniques for Real Hunters 🦚
Pheasant hunting in Morocco isn’t a casual weekend pastime—it’s a calculated pursuit that demands skill, patience, and an understanding of terrain, bird behavior, and local conditions. Whether you’re walking up birds in the cork oak forests of the Middle Atlas or shooting driven pheasants in Benslimane, the methods used here are rooted in tradition and refined by experience. This guide breaks down the actual hunting techniques used in Morocco, with no fluff—just practical insight for serious hunters.
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🎯 1. Walked-Up Hunting Over Pointing Dogs
This is the most common and effective method for pheasant hunting in Morocco, especially in mixed terrain like vineyards, scrublands, and forest margins.
🔹 How It Works:
• Hunters walk in a line across the terrain, typically spaced 10–20 meters apart.
• Pointing dogs (English Setter, Brittany Spaniel, German Shorthaired Pointer) work ahead, quartering the ground.
• When a dog locks on point, hunters approach and flush the bird manually or let the dog do it.
• Shots are taken as the pheasant rises—usually fast and low.
🔹 Best Terrain:
• Vineyards in Meknes
• Cork oak forests near Azrou and Ifrane
• Grain fields in Benslimane
🔹 Tips:
• Use or shot for optimal spread and penetration.
• Keep your safety off only when the dog is on point.
• Always shoot above the horizon—Moroccan terrain often hides beaters or dogs in dips.
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🚩 2. Driven Pheasant Shooting
Less common than in Europe, but practiced in larger Moroccan estates like River Camp and Chassamir. Ideal for groups of 6–10 hunters.
🔹 How It Works:
• Beaters push birds from cover toward a line of stationary shooters.
• Drives are organized with flags, whistles, and dogs to control bird movement.
• Hunters rotate positions between drives to ensure fairness.
🔹 Best Locations:
• River Camp (Benslimane & Meknes)
• Chassamir (Marrakech region)
• Widiane Chasse (Azilal Province)
🔹 Tips:
• Use double-barrel or semi-auto shotguns for quick follow-up shots.
• Expect high, fast birds—practice overhead shots before your trip.
• Don’t shoot low birds—safety first.
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🪶 3. Static Hunting Near Feeders or Water Sources
Used in semi-wild setups or private concessions where pheasants are released and conditioned to feed in specific zones.
🔹 How It Works:
• Hunters wait near feeders or water troughs at dawn or dusk.
• Birds arrive in small groups, often walking in before flushing.
• Shots are taken from blinds or natural cover.
🔹 Best Use:
• Early season hunts when birds are less wary
• Estates with controlled release programs
🔹 Tips:
• Use camouflage or natural cover—pheasants have sharp eyesight.
• Stay silent and still; movement ruins the setup.
• Ideal for solo hunters or those with limited mobility.
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🐕 4. Dogless Walk-Up Hunts
For hunters without dogs, this method relies on slow, deliberate walking through cover to flush birds manually.
🔹 How It Works:
• Walk zig-zag patterns through likely cover (hedgerows, scrub, vineyard edges).
• Pause frequently—pheasants often flush when you stop.
• Listen for rustling or clucking sounds.
🔹 Best Terrain:
• Overgrown field margins
• Abandoned orchards
• Dry riverbeds
🔹 Tips:
• Wear boots with ankle support—terrain can be uneven.
• Carry extra shells; flushes can be unpredictable.
• Use a lightweight shotgun for quick mounting.
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🧭 5. Spot-and-Stalk (Rare but Possible)
Used occasionally in remote areas where pheasants are truly wild and sparse. Requires binoculars, patience, and stealth.
🔹 How It Works:
• Locate birds from a distance using optics.
• Plan a route using terrain features to stay hidden.
• Close the gap to within 30–40 meters before flushing.
🔹 Best Use:
• Late season when birds are educated and wary
• Areas with low hunting pressure
🔹 Tips:
• Use terrain to your advantage—stay below ridgelines.
• Avoid direct sunlight behind you; it casts long shadows.
• Be ready to shoot fast—pheasants don’t wait.
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🧾 Gear Recommendations for Moroccan Pheasant Hunts
• Shotgun: 12 or 20 gauge, preferably double-barrel or semi-auto
• Ammo: or shot, 32–36 grams
• Clothing: Lightweight camo or earth tones, breathable layers
• Footwear: Waterproof boots with good grip
• Accessories: Game vest, shell pouch, eye and ear protection
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🗓️ When to Hunt
• Season: October to February
• Best Months: November and December
• Hunting Days: Friday to Monday only
• Time of Day: Early morning and late afternoon are most productive
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🧭 Final Thoughts
Pheasant hunting in Morocco is a blend of European tradition and North African terrain. Whether you’re working dogs through cork oak groves or shooting driven birds in a vineyard valley, the methods here are real, refined, and rewarding. Success comes down to preparation, patience, and knowing your ground.
