For many hunters, the end of deer season brings an uncomfortable silence. The woods seem emptier, the excitement of the hunt fades, and the anticipation that had built for months suddenly disappears.

BETHESDA — After years as a backup, Emmitt is flourishing as top dog for Team Weaver. Emmitt, a mountain cur, is Weaver’s latest squirrel hunting companion. For years he was the understudy to Arlo, a ...