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Foreword

As Editor of Full Cry Magazine, I have closely observed the increasing popularity of squirrel hunting with dogs over the past several years. Some of our readers will wonder where we were all these years, as they have continued a family tradition that goes back many generations. They learned to hunt squirrels with dogs from their grandpappy, who learned from his grandpappy. These hunters are fortunate because they developed the skills of training squirrel dogs at an early age, and just as important, inherited dogs that could get the job done. Unfortunately, in most areas of the country, the skills and dogs have either been lost, or never existed.

There are a number of reasons for the increasing interest in doggin’ squirrels, not the least of which is the pleasure of watching your favorite prospect develop its full potential as your hunting partner. Hunters and dogs go together. What is better than a stroll through squirrel woods with Ole Bowser out there using his eyes, ears, and nose to locate Mr. Bushytail? Squirrel hunting with dogs has now spread to almost all sections of the country.

In the following pages, David Osborn has performed a valuable service for the squirrel hunter, young and old, men and women, for this is an outdoor sport that anyone can enjoy. With the help of Dennis Eiland and others, David has provided an interesting account of the sport from A to Z, including the important subjects of purchasing and training your hunting partner.

Although the book was written for people who are unfamiliar with squirrel dogs, I believe that many experienced hunters will find it to be a valuable source of information. The sections on squirrel biology and management are important because hunters are first and foremost conservationists. With a section on preparing squirrels for the table, David’s book presents a very complete overview of hunting squirrels with dogs. Read and enjoy.

Seth R. Gault, Editor
Full Cry Magazine
1 September 1998