Volkskrant Magazine published an article with of mine today about youth hunting in the US. I got to write the text for it as well.
The shots were taken on my first hunting trip to the Deep South of the US in 2010, but also in Oregon and California on my recent trip.
Pig hunting near Red Bluff, California with three generations of Bob:
Bob Jr, Bob the third, and Bob the fourth. Good times!
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This is Mojo the vizsla, on his first ever duck hunt. The vizsla is an all-round pointer/retriever dog breed from Hungary and a very sweet dog at that.
They are certainly not lacking in enthusiasm or machismo, as you can see.
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The teeth you see here came from a massive rodent called a nutria. Garry and Marcia, our Oregon hunting friends, caught and cooked one for an event called the “invasive species potluck”. It was a retirement party where everyone brought a dish with an invasive, damaging species. So they brought crocked nutria, and others brought fried bullfrog legs, popcorn sparrow, turkey casserole, dandelion salad, and many other treats. Doesn’t that sound like an awesome party?
This is Bella the airedale terrier. Bella is a bear dog. She works in a camp that is often visited by grizzlies. Since you can’t shoot grizzlies, you better have dogs in a place like that. They will let you know when bears are around and will attack and chase a bear off without hesitation, barking and snapping at their ankles. When getting a bear dog, don’t be tempted to get big breeds or bulldog types – go for quick and small dogs with a ferocious attitude, like shepherds or terriers.
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The hunt in the Rockies was a five and a half hour ride up the mountains, on trails where no motorized vehicle could possibly go. So luggage, food, and other supplies were transported by mule. Mules are great for carrying heavy loads across rugged terrain, but they love to get in trouble. And they don’t mind doing it while going up and down steep cliffs either. Our guides loved them, but I think I’ll stick to the horses for now.
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