Doghandler Jonna Persson
We at EKA1882 know Jonna Persson as a passionate dog handler on Instagram @jonnampersson, with a love for nature and hunting. Her heartfelt posts and beautiful photos inspired us to learn more about her journey. We wanted to share Jonna’s experience with you, whether you’re already hunting with dogs or just curious about how to start.
Jonna is 34 years old and lives just outside Billesholm, near the village she grew up in, outside Södra Vram in Skåne. When we begin our digital meeting, we hit the ground running. Jonna is sitting in her loader at work, effortlessly maneuvering the machine while cheerfully answering our questions. No big deal in Jonna’s world.
Working and pursuing her passion for hunting in a male-dominated field is no issue for Jonna. She’s fully aware of a certain kind of banter but having grown up in this environment, it’s all she’s ever known. Her male colleagues have always shown respect over the years — sometimes even offering too much help. 'But I can handle it myself,' Jonna says firmly.
This is exactly what Jonna wants—to inspire other women to take charge and embrace the outdoors, both for hunting and with their dogs. 'Everything I share on social media is honest and realistic. I want to show that it's possible to have 10 dogs and still give them all the love and care they need. I've chosen to “live dogs,” and I want to show both the good and the bad sides of that life. With me, people should feel they can reach out and ask anything—there are no stupid questions,' says Jonna.
How did your interest in hunting begin and have dogs always been a part of it?
"I grew up with hunting," Jonna shares. "My dad has always hunted, and my mom got her hunting license when they met. Our family bred dachshunds when I was little, so dogs have always been part of life—and so has hunting." She adds, "If I didn’t have dogs, I probably wouldn’t hunt. They are part of the experience. As a dog handler, you get more action, see more wildlife, and become part of a team, both with your dog and other handlers."
When Jonna and her sister attended an agricultural high school, it reignited their passion for hunting. Their parents weren’t hunting as much anymore, but the sisters felt the pull to reconnect with that life again.
Can any dog breed become a hunting dog, in your opinion?
There are different breeds suited for various types of hunting, but any dog breed can do it—it just takes training," Jonna explains.
She has nine hunting dogs and a Chihuahua, who just tags along. "The little coffee break dog," she says with a laugh. The breeds include Karelian Bear Dog, Wachtel, English Springer Spaniel, Münsterländer, and Labrador.
Jonna has tried to keep the dogs focused on the type of hunting they were bred for. The various forms of hunting she does with her dogs include: Baying (for wild boar and moose), Flushing, where the dog stays close and acts as a complement, moving slowly. 'The animal being hunted is less stressed and moves more slowly, making it easier to shoot,' Jonna explains. Then there’s Driving (which Jonna mostly does in Skåne) and Retrieving dogs.
What should you consider if you want to start taking your own dog out hunting?
In the beginning, it's important to listen. Be humble and take a lot of advice from other, more experienced dog handlers. You need to be cautious; you're hunting dangerous animals, so you have to think about both your own and your dog's safety.
Can you bring your dog to a hunt even if it’s not trained for it? Absolutely, says Jonna! Let it loose and see how it reacts and behaves. But it's important that the dog is in good physical shape, as that reduces the risk of injury.
Jonna hunts 95 days a year, so the dogs need to be in top condition to perform well. This involves preseason training, but also a cooldown period after the hunting season.
'I’m a total nerd, nerd, nerd!' Jonna has a training and diet schedule. But that planning ensures the dogs’ well-being. They go on many regular walks, cycling, and swimming, and as the season approaches, the training ramps up. The Karelian hunts bear and needs to be ready by August, the Labrador by August 26th, and the rest by October," she explains.
How far do you go with your dogs to hunt?
I have driven to Norrland to hunt bear and from me the whole of southern Sweden and Södermanland are suitable. It is a reasonable distance with a dog sled.
Tips on equipment to take with you when hunting with a dog
- Protective vest for the dog
- GPS necklace
- Pelj
- First aid, to wear and in the car
- Blanket, both for warmth and to be able to dry the dog with
- Food for recovery
Jonna always hunts with a rifle, a Class 1 Tikka T3. She also has a collection of EKA1882 hunting knives, both the G3 and G4 Swedblade. 'One stays in the trailer, one in the car, and one on me,' says Jonna. In the car, there’s always a kit, regardless of the season: a hunting knife, seat pad, first aid kit, marking tape, and flashlight.
Apart from hunting, what activities do you and your dogs do?
Camping with my dogs is my happy place. I love loading up the dog trailer and hitting the open road. Some of my pups love to sleep in the trailer, while others can't resist curling up with me in the tent. It's so easy to make camping a family affair with our furry friends. And cooking over a campfire is one of my favorite things to do. My go-to camping meals include kebab in pita bread, fluffy pancakes, and delicious quesadillas. You can also never go wrong with air-dried ham, fresh salad, and juicy tomatoes.
Do you have any final words for those who want to start as dog handlers and hunters?
If you've even thought about giving hunting a try, don't hesitate! It's an experience you won't regret. The possibilities are endless, especially for women. And let's face it, every hunter also needs an EKA knife. EKA1882 offers incredible value for money and quality. Perfect for beginners and seasoned hunters alike.
Just as we're about to wrap things up, a dog's head pops up in the driver's seat. Apparently, Majken had been there the whole time and woke up when she heard Jonna say 'time for lunch'. She's been exhausted after swimming so much today, says Jonna. We then end with a happy thank you and goodbye.
If you want to know more about being a dog handler, ask about hunting and wildlife, don't hesitate to follow Jonna on Instagram and get in touch with her.
