40 Best Names for Hunting Dogs

Your hunting buddies are likely some of your best friends. Which makes sense, since you don’t want to wake up before dawn and spend hours in a tree stand with just anyone.

Yet there is one hunting buddy that’s heads-and-tails above the rest: your hunting dog.

Hunting dogs aren’t just some of the brightest breeds, they are also the most devoted and trusting dogs. If you’re adding another hound, retriever, gun hound, cur, or a pointer to your family, you want a name that can stand up to their faithful and resilient reputation.

20 Best Hunting Names for Male Dogs

1. Buck: Not only is a buck a male deer, but it’s also the name of the tenacious, intelligent, and strong dog from The Call of the Wild. And don’t forget about Buck Knives, a brand that’s been trusted by hunters for over one hundred years. With a name like Buck, you bet your hunting dog will be seen as tough, sharp, and brave.

2. Brewster: If Brewster sounds unfamiliar to you, you should definitely look up Luke Brewster’s buck, the largest buck taken while free-range whitetail hunting. With a name like Brewster, you know your dog isn’t going to take guff from anyone and be ready when you sight your next shot.

3. Arrow: When it comes to the history of hunting, there is nothing more iconic than the bow and arrow. Using archery, people were able to expand their diets and the ability to take down their own game. Arrow is a great name for a pointer or any dog with sharp or keen senses.

4. Elmer: This Looney Tunes inspired moniker is ideal for pups that may or may not be the best at hunting wabbits. While Elmer Fudd may not have been the most skilled hunter, you bet a hunting dog named Elmer will be your best buddy whether it’s duck or rabbit season.

5. Ace: Are you proud of your accurate aim? Then you’re an ace hunter and your dog likely deserves a name that reflects your skill.

6. Atlas: While atlases have been replaced by smartphones, maps can still come in handy when you’re out of range on a hunting trip. Atlas also implies the Greek Titan strong enough to hold the universe on his back for all of eternity. A dog named Atlas won’t get lost in the woods and will have the endurance and strength to see you through any adventure.

7. Napoleon: The historic French leader, Napoleon wasn’t just a successful military leader, he also instituted the first hunting permits, which were used as a means to preserve wildlife. This name is ideal for a smaller hunting dog with a big personality.

8. Remington: This well-known gun brand makes a great name for dogs that are as tough as steel and bullets.

9. Bear: The king of the forest, the bear is strong, fearless, and fierce. Whether you have plans to bring your dog bear hunting, or not, this name is perfect for any hunting dog, but especially chocolate labs, black labs, and even white labs which look adorably like polar bears.

10. Pointer: Also known as “bird dogs,” pointing dogs act as a hunter’s eyes and ears by searching out and pointing to game birds, so their hunting human knows where to look before the spooked bird launches into the air. This name is great for dogs with astute senses and the adorable habit of lifting a front leg and pointing even when just on a walk around the neighborhood.

11. Roman: The Roman war dog was what we now know as the Cane Corso, but the name Roman signifies the cunning and strength of the Roman warriors. If your dog is big, bold, brave, and charges fearless into the woods, this name is more than fitting.

12. Archer: An archer is a skilled bowsman, which makes this a great name for a dog that hunts alongside a bowhunter. While a dog named Archer may not improve your aim, he may make hunting trips a bit more fun.

13. Bullet: All great hunters carry ammunition. If your dog is fast, faithful, and focused, Bullet may just be the perfect name for him.

14. Goose: This name isn’t just inspired by good hunting, it also pays homage to Goose from Top Gun. Why Goose? Because every Maverick needs a Goose by his or her side. Not sure if your dog’s the right coloration? Google “types of geese,” and we’re sure you’ll find one that works.

15. Fletcher: A fletcher is a skilled arrowsmith that attached the fletchings, or feathers, to an arrow. The purpose of the fletching is to stabilize and increase the aerodynamics of an arrow. This name works for a hunting dog that’s stable, focused, and quick.

16. Decoy: Hunting decoys are one of the most under-valued tools hunters use to attract deer, geese, and other targets. Decoy is a great name for any hunting dog, large or small.

17. Bowie: For a hunting dog with a little spunk and great taste in music, Bowie is both unique and adorable. This fun name hints at bow hunting without being as on-the-nose as some other names.

18. Reed: For those duck hunters, you know all about reeds. Not only do duck calls have reeds, the thin piece of wood (or mylar) that vibrates in order to make noise, but waterfowl frequently live in the reeds, or slender, woody plants that grow along the shoreline. This name is great for hunting dogs whose owners don’t want to scream “THIS IS A HUNTING DOG!”

19. Timber: As more forests and woods get turned into pine plantations, there’s a good chance you might hear a logger yelling “Timber!” nearby your hunting spot. This name also denotes the strength of a timber stand and the longevity of hardwoods.

20. Dude: You may not be familiar with this term when it comes to hunting, but we promise you it is an official term, even if it’s somewhat derogatory. A “dude” is someone who isn’t very seasoned at hunting but comes along on the trip. It also makes a great cute but goofy name for a hunting dog that doesn’t hunt.

20 Best Hunting Names for Female Dogs

1. Carrion (Carri for short): Carrion, or a decaying creature, may not sound that cute, but Carri sure does! If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind name for a female hunting dog, you can’t beat this one!

2. Spring: While this name sounds light-hearted and even lovely, it pays tribute to the spring hunting season. If your dog is sweet, loving, and full of life, Spring might be a great choice for her.

3. Maple: Nothing sounds more fun than hunting among the maple trees. This hunting dog name is ideal for a syrupy sweet dog, dripping with affection. The maple tree also symbolizes longevity and intelligence, which are both fitting for your best hunting buddy.

4. Foxy: Likely you’ve never been on horseback, hunting for foxes. But if you have a Foxhound or another dog breed traditionally used for fox hunting, Foxy is an excellent choice for a female hunting dog. This adorable name is ideal for a feisty female canine huntress with a bit of spunk and cunning.

5. Shirley: Shirley, as in a pun for “surely,” broadcasts confidence and skill. When your hunting dog dons this name, your hunting cohort will surely know how confident you are in your hunting abilities.

6. Daffodil (Daffy, for short): While daffodils are beautiful flowers that announce the spring season, Daffy the Duck is a mainstay alongside Elmer Fudd and Porky Pig. If you have a spritely female hunting dog or a female dog that has a personality as big as Daffy Duck, you might want to consider Daffy as the perfect name for your doggy darling.

7. Feather: Does this name tickle your fancy? From a cloud of feathers flying after taking a duck or goose, to the fletching feathers that help an arrow fly straight, this hunting dog name is dignified and feminine. This is also a great companion name for a male hunting dog named Fletcher or Arrow.

8. Gray: Gray is an outstanding name for a sweet hunting dog that doesn’t mind joining you for a hike or hunt on a gray morning. This moniker also references hunting Gray Squirrels or Gray Fox.

9. Birdy: Got a lady bird dog? Why not consider calling her Birdy? This name is uncommon and charming. It’s great for a bird dog breed or a flighty hound.

10. Shelly: Shelly alludes to shells, as in shotgun shells. And this clever name is perfect for a sweet dog with bright eyes and a wagging tail.

11. Scout: Let your dog guide you into the wilderness for a great time. As a scout, your dog is happy to blaze the trail!  If your dog is adventurous, upbeat, and ready to explore, Scout may be a suitable and sweet name.

12. Cat: Yes, you read this one correctly. Cats are extremely specialized hunters, and they tend to be swift, agile, and boast a success rate of 32% when it comes to kills. This bold name is short, sweet, and to the point. It would be fitting for any hunting dog that takes pride in her hunting ability.

13. Boots: There’s nothing more unpleasant than cold wet feet–Thank dog for hunting boots! If your sweet hunting girl keeps you warm, comfy, and on top of your game, this name fits like a glove—or maybe more like a boot!

14. Sprig: Have felt your heart flutter or leap hearing a deer, hog, or another animal crunch through the underbrush. Or maybe you’ve tracked a deer through snapped sprigs. Well, those small fragile branches are Sprigs. This name works well for small, thin, or pint-sized hunting dogs.

15. Fawn: This one may be too cute!  A fawn is a baby deer like Bambie. This name embodies a small, innocent, and gentle creature. If your dog is lovable and just plain dear, this may be a suitable name for her.

16. Keelie: Keelie is a nuanced reference to being even keel or a person that doesn’t rock the boat and goes with the flow. This name is perfect for a calm and well-balanced dog.

17. Covey: A covey is a group of birds. If your dog makes your heart flutter, why not name her “Covey”?

18. Frizzy: A frizzen is a small part of a rifle often referred to as a “strike plate.” This is what ignites a spark and causes the gun to fire. While this tiny piece of equipment may seem obscure, it plays a major role while hunting with a rifle. If your hunting dog creates a spark in your heart, Frizzy would make a great name!

19. Flinch: While a new hunter may flinch in response to gunfire, this hunting term also suggests a jerking motion in a bow hunter’s bow arm. If you choose Flinch for your pup’s name, you can rest assured she’ll likely be the only Flinch at the dog park.

20. Remi: Remi is the female counterpart to “Remington.” This name pays homage to the gun brand with a feminine flair.

We hope these hunting dog names lit a fire in your barrel. No matter how big, small, quick, or cute your hunting dog may be, your dog deserves a unique and bold name.

Have a blast with your new best friend and happy hunting, hiking, and having fun!