Bird hunter's guide to dog games and why you should enter one

Extend your hunting season, forge a year-long bond with your hunting dog ... just two reasons to try a trial, hunt test or "bird dog challenge." I've entered, marshalled, gunned for, cooked for, passed - and failed - a lot of them, and gotta tell you, it's the best way to enjoy your dog during the off season. Oh, and he'll LOVE it.

From how to find one, finding a group that fits your needs, to reasons you'll be glad you entered, to how they work, I'll offer my 30-plus years of um, "trial and error" (lots of error). If nothing else, you'll laugh at the many goofs me and my dogs have made over the years.

Then, we look at your clever license plates, and help you start planning now for next year's big road trip - with a few strategies most of us don't use.

And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, LandTrust.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.