If you’re a hunter or recreational shooter and not actively considering hearing protection, it’s time to step it up. We’re a quarter of the way through the 21st century, folks, and hearing loss from gunfire is not only preventable, it’s trending towards uncool.

As a fellow bird hunter and sporting dog enthusiast (as well as a veterinarian) I’m always on the lookout for tech that enhances both the hunting experience and preserves the well-being of my canine companions. I’ve been a strong advocate of electronic collars for years, both as a way to humanely and quickly train sporting dogs and as a means of promoting their safety in the field.