When looking into hunting dogs, we typically go for certain breeds. But who is to say part-breds can’t do an equally good job? Surely not our brand ambassador Erica Victoria Egonsson, a huntress and train driver from Sweden who owns four furry part-bred hunters. Keep on reading to learn more about them.
Can you introduce us to your dogs?
I have 4 hunting dogs: Enzo, Atlas, Sally, and Loke. They are part-breds of West Siberian Laika and German Hunting Spaniel. They work very well for the type of hunts we practice. They track the game very well, have a great hunting lust, and can make wild boars and moose stand still for them.
How did they come into your family?
We got the first one, Enzo, 10 years ago. To be a team with your dog in the forest is one of the best parts of hunting. I can’t imagine a life without dogs, and they are a natural part of our family – like any other family member.
To be a team with your dog in the forest is one of the best parts of hunting.
What are their cutest and funniest habits? What are they like in general?
They do fun stuff every day – they are four strong personalities with a huge sense of humor.
Enzo is a really old man that loves his routines. Atlas and Sally are real cuddlers and show a lot of affection, always coming and crawling in your arms to cuddle and to be close. Also, Atlas has very high integrity, while Sally is very girly and always cares for everyone in the pack. At the same time, we can do nothing without her presence, and we call her “the little police”. Loke has a thing that he always sniffs your face – in addition to everything and everyone else. While not much of a cuddler, he is always happy and has a very kind soul.
What is the greatest challenge about owning a hunting dog?
The biggest challenge is the responsibility to make sure they are well-prepped for their mission in the forest. But it really is a team job, and it is the best feeling in the world when we can make a shooter happy with a good drive and a happy outcome.
How did you train it for hunting? How is it during the hunts?
Training is a lifelong journey. It starts immediately when they come home with obedience and tracking training. You need to spend as much time in the forest as possible and work on condition training, too.
The biggest challenge is the responsibility to make sure the dogs are well-prepped for their mission in the forest.
I like stalking deer and wild boars, for which I always bring a spotter: Axion 2 XQ35, Accolade 2 PRO, or Merger LRF XP50.
What’s your favorite hunting story with your dogs? What kind of hunts do you take them with you?
We use them for driven hunts here in Sweden. The best memory is Sally’s first game. A fallow calf got injured and she followed it, and kept it so a shooter could walk up and finish his job.
What kind of other hunts do you enjoy? Which Pulsar devices do you take on them?
I like stalking deer and wild boars, for which I always bring a spotter: Axion 2 XQ35, Accolade 2 PRO, or Merger LRF XP50. And for hunting wild boars, I use the Thermion 2 LRF XP50 PRO or Talion XQ38.
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