Meet a German Shepherd Duck Dog

by
posted on October 10, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (30)

Eastern Shore market hunters loved the Chesapeake Bay retriever. The new breed fetched ducks all day and guarded the boat all night—just what these men needed. But perhaps they overlooked a dog that would've been even better suited to those dual roles: the German shepherd.

Take the photo below, shared on Delta Waterfowl's Facebook page by avid duck hunter Keith Benning.

"Who says you have to have a lab?" writes Benning, a resident of northern Minnesota. "She's a double duty guard dog and retriever! First year trying her out for hunting, so far so good. Eight for eight on ducks, and two for three on geese. ... My Lab of 11 years passed away and I wasn't ready for another retriever. She loves the water, so a week before the season started I had a friend toss a frozen duck while I shot just to see what she would do. She brought it in every time. First real retrieve didn't go well as it was a goose and she wasn't sure exactly what I wanted her to do with it. I ended up having to go get it myself, but got her excited by it when I brought it in. Next goose she brought in without a problem. She's already watching the birds flying, watching where the gun is pointed when I shoot, marking well, and waiting to be sent. Only problem is she keeps leaving birds at the edge of the water. I decided to start formal retriever training since she is picking everything else up so well. Whole deal has been pretty cool so far."

I'm really curious how this is going to play out. Have any of you ever force-fetched a non-sporting breed?

Latest

SPD Ptototype
SPD Ptototype

#SundayGunday: Henry Special Products Division HUSH

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the HUSH Series, from Henry’s new Special Products Division, SPD for short.

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.