Points, Sets and Man

Pointers and setters, stars of research on grouse, ptarmigan and other game.In this book, the author looks back at 56 years' of personal experiences with his own pointers and setters, and those of members of the research team that he came later to lead. They studied the population biology, territorial behaviour, habitats and environment of red grouse and ptarmigan in Scotland. The joint achievements of men and dogs elicited a fresh understanding of populations and behaviour of animals in general, drawing international attention and recognition to the human workers. It is time to sing for recognition of the dogs, because the human achievements would have been immeasurably less had the faithful dogs not joined them to form a crucial inspirational partnership. The author tells of that partnership, its development and fruition. The book is mainly the author's personal account, describing how the human workers gradually gained insight and experience that made the partnership ever more effective. Because the author's dogs lived with him and his family, and the others in the team who had dogs usually kept them at home, part of the book tells of these relationships. Personal anecdotes and humorous events enliven the text. The author knew some other workers who used dogs to aid their research on wild animals, and visited them in Canada, USA, and Norway. Also he was in close touch with other colleagues who used dogs for wildlife research in France and northern Italy. A valuable international aspect to the book has been contributed by a few of these colleagues. Numerous photographs illustrate the text, showing dogs and men in fieldwork together and apart, as well as portraits of both. Hunters, shooters, researchers and dog enthusiasts in general will enjoy and appreciate this book