Have you ever tried to travel with your pooch, regardless if it is hunting season or not? It can be downright impossible to take Fido on a plane, and many motels frown upon your furry pal as well.

This past weekend I did a meet-and-greet at the Billings, Montana, Cabela's store. I was pleasantly surprised that Cabela's not only accommodates your pets with shaded kennels outdoors, but invites them indoors if they are well behaved—and of course trained—in the more sophisticated bathroom methods (meaning not leaving clues on the carpet). They even have a corral outside to accommodate folks traveling with saddle horses.

My wife and I were traveling in different directions, so that left one of us taking Sage on the road. I won the honor and was happy to oblige. Not only was Sage a great visitor to the Cabela's store, but she brought extra attention to our booth as I pitched hunting products and talked strategy with enthusiastic hunters of all walks.

As for the motel issue, the Kelly Inn in Billings welcomes canines, and even has a bowl of biscuits at the front desk to emphasize their commitment. I'm used to this after living most of my adult life in the bird hunting country of central South Dakota. Most motels welcome or accommodate dogs because they know hunters with dogs are their bread and butter. The Ramkota Inn in Pierre is a prime example of laying out the red carpet for hunters and dogs, but that's not always the case in other corners of the country.

Times are changing and businesses are realizing they need to make everyone happy or pay the price of no income. I hope you find your future travels with your canine as welcoming as I did this weekend. Keep patronizing the motels that are friendly to your best friend.