You can’t truly compare one hunting dog to another without showing respect for their individual strengths and talents. In my experience, Coleman stands out as the finest hunting Labrador retriever I have ever owned. His abilities surpassed those of my first dog, Prince Mickey, a field-trained English setter who was a gift for helping Dad with a heating system installation. Mickey, affectionately known as “King Dog,” was irreplaceable, leaving a legacy that was hard to match.
Coleman: A Brewing Legend
Years later, I was fortunate to have a black Labrador named JEB, known as “Mr. Independent” for his tendency to leave the hunt for a nap in the truck whenever he fancied. My wife often referred to him as “Devil Dog: Hound from Hell” due to his mischievous nature. We kept him entertained, but when Coleman entered our lives, everything changed. At just seven months, he flushed and retrieved his first ring-necked pheasant on State Game Lands, earning him a special place in my heart and a frame next to his urn.
Coleman quickly established himself as more than just another hunting dog; he became a remarkable companion whose performance on the field outstripped that of any Labrador I had ever hunted with. By January, he had not only matured but showcased abilities that set him apart, becoming undoubtedly the best I had ever worked with. That fall, he consistently flushed pheasants across State Game Lands and Martz’s Gap View Preserve. His prowess was even more evident during his first hunt for Canada geese on the St. Lawrence River, where he retrieved an impressive twelve birds, some of which were larger than he was.
Celebrating Milestones Together
To celebrate our anniversary that January, we booked a combination goose and duck hunt, which Coleman made unforgettable by retrieving two ducks simultaneously. Weather conditions, whether it was scum ice in ponds or snow drifts, never deterred him from accomplishing his missions. His first birthday was one for the books, featuring a delicious goose sausage patty that highlighted the joy of our shared adventures.
In 2007, a new regulation passed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission allowed dogs to assist in fall turkey hunting, marking another evolution in Coleman’s hunting journey. With a plentiful supply of turkey feathers available, scent training became seamless. By October, I was convinced he was ready, and after securing access to prime hunting land in Lewistown Valley, we faced our first turkey hunt together. By 8 a.m., he had picked up the scent and was engaged in a spirited run toward the nearby flock, invigorating the woods as they took to the trees.
Unforgettable Moments in the Field
After a brief interlude to gather ourselves, Coleman settled down as I began calling with assembly sounds. A hen responded, and before long, several birds drifted back within shotgun range. My aim was sure, filling my tag swiftly. Coleman was visibly pleased to have helped secure the bird but couldn’t retrieve it himself, becoming fascinated by its scent while we returned to the truck. I told my wife that Coleman would surely bring her a bird the following day.
The next morning, he repeated our successful routine and led Betty to the same tree where I had taken my shot. After a calculated wait and some calls, the birds returned, resulting in another successful hunt. However, once again, Coleman was thwarted from retrieving the bird. His patience was supreme, and in a moment of exasperation, he marked his frustration on that turkey. While he may have been unable to lift it, the memory of that retrieval attempt remains unforgotten.
Though Coleman’s physical capabilities might have been limited in those instances, his spirit and companionship cemented him as an invaluable asset in the field. These hunting excursions with Coleman turned into cherished memories, each outing further enriching the bond we shared.
For hunters looking forward to the upcoming season, note the following fall turkey dates:
2026 Fall Turkey Seasons
- Oct. 31-Nov. 15: WMUs 1A, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B, 4D
- Oct. 31-Nov. 8: WMUs 1B, 3D, 4C, and 4E
- Oct. 31-Nov. 15 & Nov. 25-27: WMUs 2A, 2F, 3B, 3C
- Oct. 31-Nov. 20 & Nov. 25-27: WMUs 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E
- Oct. 31-Nov. 3: WMUs 5A and 5B
- Closed to fall turkey hunting: WMUs 5C and 5D
Season Limit: One bird per license year. No single-projectile firearms permitted during fall turkey seasons; only shotguns and archery equipment may be utilized.