People
Dr. Seth Bynum
Dr. Seth Bynum is a North Carolina native but has lived in the northwest for more than 15 years. He is a second-career veterinarian, having spent more than a decade as a writer and photographer for newspapers and magazines in Montana and Washington. When he’s not in the clinic, you’ll find Dr. Bynum outdoors with a shotgun or fly rod, accompanied by his two rambunctious German Shorthairs, River and Shine.
Latest
Hunting with Dogs
What Vaccines Does My Dog Really Need?
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the veterinary profession in ways none of us predicted. Not only were pet owners forced to comply with the awkwardness of curb-side medicine, but the shelter-in-place mandates detonated an explosion of pent-up demand for new puppies. Now don’t get me wrong—having a...
Waterfowl
Should I Adopt My Next Hunting Dog?
For all the promise and anticipation wrapped up in a new puppy, there exists a certain charm in restoring the shine on a second-hand bird dog. Tailgate legend has a long chapter devoted entirely to these pups. Their stories feature washed-out trial dogs that just needed more time to blossom or the...
Waterfowl
Is a Raw Diet the Right Choice for Your Dog?
Few things will turn south an otherwise civil conversation about dogs faster than the topic of what to feed them. As a practicing veterinarian and bird hunter who spends a great deal of time engaged in tailgate banter, I’ve both received and dished out my share of subtle eyerolls and outright looks...
Turkey
How to Kill a Tom in the Evening
If you’re looking to squeeze as many hours as possible from a short spring season, don’t discount the fading light of evening as a prime occasion to catch a longbeard at his most vulnerable. While the enthusiasm of a new day and the warmth of morning sunlight on his feathers may make a gobbler more...
Turkey
How to Kill a Tom in the Rain
Gobblers love good weather. Crisp, clear mornings and abundant sunshine entice an otherwise tight-lipped old longbeard to broadcast his vitality and availability for spring romance. His fondness for an idyllic sunrise makes sense when you consider his breeding strategy revolves around a far-reaching...
Upland Birds
Docking Tails: Is Puppy Pain Worth the Gain?
There’s no better window into a dog’s soul than its tail. Wagging, rigid, quivering, or tucked, each manifestation of this expressive appendage conveys the extensive vocabulary of canine nonverbal communication. Like a hand of cards tipped towards the poker table, there’s no mistaking a dog’s intent...
Upland Birds
The Best Upland Shotgun
A well-fitted, reliable shooting iron can greatly enhance your enjoyment in the field. But with the mountain of manufacturers, gauges, and finishes available, how does one go about selecting the ultimate upland shotgun?
I’ve met two kinds of bird hunters: those who can’t possibly own enough shotguns...
Waterfowl
4 Ways to Save Money at the Vet
If you’ve spent enough years in the good company of fine dogs, there’s no escaping one attribute they all share: Hunting dogs are expensive. If you haven’t depopulated your wallet or set fire to your credit card on behalf of your hunting companion, you should know that your time is coming.
From gear...
Waterfowl
Should I Give My Dog CBD?
The therapeutic benefits of cannabis have been well documented in human medicine, from aiding in the control of seizures and management of arthritis, to adjunct treatment for mood disorders and anxiety. As our understanding of this plant and its medicinal and recreational uses expands, so does our...
Turkey
How to Hunt Turkeys with a Dog
Call it heresy or a useful game management tool, but if you haven’t yet taken a wild turkey on the wing in fall you’re missing out on a thrilling, challenging way to put white meat on the Thanksgiving table. While fall turkey hunting has taking a backseat to the popular pursuit of spring gobblers in...