The Retriever Journal is more than a printed magazine: It’s a community of enthusiasts, a place to share stories, share photos, and chat about the wonderful—and challenging — aspects of having a hunting retriever at your side.
The Retriever Journal Online Community is regularly updated with stories not featured in the printed publication, as well as the spot to go to for our annual Traveling Wingshooter series. Sign up to receive Pass Along Emails, and get the word out – or find what you’re looking for—about time-sensitive litters, services, and wares at our Online Marketplace—it’s all here in the Online Community!
Update: 2024 Upland Gamebird Hunting Forecast
By Dave Smith This update to our 2024 Upland Gamebird Hunting Forecast incorporates the results of late summer upland gamebird population surveys conducted by state fish and wildlife agencies. This data measures recruitment of birds into the fall population, providing a more finely tuned forecast than was possible at press time for the print magazine […]
2024 Upland Gamebird Hunting Forecast
The upward trajectory of upland gamebird populations in many states may make this a magical season for bird hunters. by Dave Smith The signs of autumn are upon us: The days are getting shorter, the strokes of summer light are softening, and, for those of us in the West, smoke is in the air. After […]
Ducks Unlimited Reminds Hunters “Don’t Skip HIP”
The hunting season is here. Whether rushing to your local sporting goods store with your retriever or going online, purchasing a hunting license is one of the most important first steps for getting afield. Now is the time to remind migratory bird hunters of the importance of registering for the Harvest Information Program (HIP) during […]
Meet Our Cover Photographer
Meet Our Cover Photographer RJ catches up with John Hafner, the talented photographer who captured the shot on the cover of our August/September 2024 issue. RJ: How do you approach photography? What is your goal when you’re taking photographs? John: I always try to tell a story with my camera. Whether I’m shooting an upland […]
August September 2024
Features September By E. Donnall Thomas Jr. Cracking the Code By Chris Ingram Injured? By Jon Osborn Successful Season Checklist By Steve Smith Troubleshooting By Charlie Jurney Departments Waterfowling North America Early season options. By Doug Larsen The Wingshooter Flinching. By Steve Smith Training Champions Sharpen up marking. By Danny Farmer The Vet’s Office Sitrep. […]
Injured?
Assessing and avoiding canine injuries in the field. by Jon Osborn Few situations are more frustrating, emotionally taxing, and downright expensive than injuries to hunting dogs. Depending upon the severity, these maladies can range from costly inconveniences to scenarios where the dog sits out the remainder of the season and the family finances take a […]
Pass Along Email: Marking Concepts
Press Release Photo by Steve Oehlenschlager. Follow Steve on Instagram here! Marking Concepts by Charlie Jurney Last issue, I introduced the marking pattern, which emphasized how a dog views the world, angles on the horizon, and depth in the field. The first two marks are thrown at different angles, and the last two are […]
2023 Upland Gamebird Hunting Forecast: E-BLAST UPDATE
This update to our 2023 Upland Gamebird Hunting Forecast incorporates the results of late summer upland bird population surveys conducted by state fish and wildlife agencies. This data measures recruitment of birds into the fall population, providing a more finely tuned forecast than was possible at press time for the print magazine in mid-July. The […]
2023 Upland Gamebird Hunting Forecast
The upward trajectory of upland gamebird populations in many states may make this a magical season for bird hunters. It was on a splendid autumn day more than 20 years ago, following my two Labs across a gorgeous mosaic of cattail-lined oxbow sloughs and brushy field edges, that my friend, a novice upland gamebird hunter […]
