FINDING WOUNDED DEER WITH DOGS !!!!

ole shep · February 05, 2010, 06:41:00 PM

I heard of some dogs in Texas called Lacys. They are pretty handy. LGDA.com

gregg dudley · February 05, 2010, 06:47:00 PM

Yeah, I heard there is one down Solana way named Cowboy that looks to make a good un.

February 05, 2010, 06:55:00 PM

Five Arrows Outfitters uses jack russell terriers. A friend of mine got a pup from them. He doesn't loose deer. She was a quick study too.

Nick559 · February 05, 2010, 08:02:00 PM

Lab - all the way, if you want an all around dog. I had one for 14 years that I used for every type of retrieve and retrieval and he was fantastic. We worked with deer blood on a rag to get him up to speed on tracking deer. Lots of articles and books on the topic out there but I'm only familiar with the older stuff.

Got a new puppy on the way so I'd better brush up on the topic myself.

bow loving man · February 05, 2010, 08:11:00 PM

I am trying what I have and that is a Border Collie and he is doing a wonderful job so far...hope to have him ready for September..

Nick559 · February 05, 2010, 08:14:00 PM

I forgot to add we also used tarsal glands, urine and untanned hide to help in the training. It didn't take much training.

Stay away from "over breeding" dogs like a chocolate that came from a long list of chocolates. A chocolate (which mine was) is the smallest slice of the genetic pie as far as labs go. Overbreeding for color is a problem. They can have heath problems (ears, eyes and nose to name a few) not limited to poor scent ability. Mine came from a black dame and a yellow sire. Neither had hardly any chocolates in a five generation pedigree.

Lots of breeds will do but the lab can do duty as a tracker, retriever, protection (great bark but too lovable to protect sometimes), pet and a great companion.

Nick559 · February 05, 2010, 08:16:00 PM

A Border Collie is a great choice. Just be ready with a brush or electric shaver for critter and sticker removal!

Nick559 · February 05, 2010, 08:19:00 PM

Bolong is right by the way. You'll get calls all hours of the day and night if your dog gets a good reputation. You might even get a few hunting invites as a bonus!

Nick559 · February 05, 2010, 08:21:00 PM

One final thought - it may be illegal in some states so check first on that.

Mr.Magoo · February 05, 2010, 08:44:00 PM

I think any of the sporting breeds can be trained to blood trail. I'd guess the hounds have the most potential.

Personally, I have a Drahthaar. I don't recommend the breed for a first time owner or anyone who isn't ready for one huge handful of dog.

Richie Nell · February 05, 2010, 08:54:00 PM

I have trailed many a deer with labs when I was in commercial bowhunting. They are amazing as I am sure other breeds are as well.

I have recently heard that some groups out west have been using the Standard Poodle (think that's the name). The big poodle. They say they are the best.

Nick559 · February 06, 2010, 12:41:00 AM

Standard Poodle? Absolutely! I waterfowl hunt once in a while with a friend who has a standard from Poole, England and what a retriever! That's the real poodle. A fisherman's and hunter's dog. Not what the French and the foofoo crowd have done to the breed. A lot like a Curly Coat with a heavier coat. There are some good breeders here in the states. Again, expect to be picking stickers and critters out of their hair for trailing duty. That's where a Lab has the advantage.

Earthdog · February 06, 2010, 04:10:00 AM

Nick,the French use standard poodles as police dogs,and have done for a couple of centurys.
You might try being a little less insulting to the people that developed the breed in the first place.
It's not them that ponce about show rings done up like flaming gays,they treat their national dog with far more respect than that.
You might also keep in mind who it was that helped liberate your own country while your poking crap at them.

Looper · February 06, 2010, 07:45:00 AM

I've got a Jack Russell, a yellow lab, and a lab/weimeraner mix. All three will find a wounded deer. The lab/weim mix and the jack are equally enthusiastic about it. I got them started by dragging around bloody butcher paper and giving them some trimmings when they found it.

I prefer to take Cash, the lab/weim mix for trailing. He doesn't get hung up as much as Taku, our jack.

wapitimike1 · February 06, 2010, 07:48:00 AM

I have two doxies that are in training for sheds and deer. It's great fun and good for the pups.

Bmac · February 06, 2010, 07:52:00 AM

A bit off topic but apparently Michigan just passed a regulation that dog trackers must pass a test (don't know yet what it involves), get permission from Law Enforcement annually to participate as a tracker, call the Report Poaching Line before and after tracking every animal and have a concealed pistol license but only use it for self-defense. Any other states have regs like this?

Nick559 · February 06, 2010, 09:27:00 AM

I didn't mean to be insulting to the French about their national dog. I have first hand seen and listened to breeders who have tried very hard to breed every working dog trait out of the breed. Narrow heads, slight bones, etc. The breed has a great heritage that was altered by some for "other" purposes. None the less, I even bought one last week for my French/Canadian fiancee's daughter. If she thought I was knocking the French she would cut off parts of my body that she had no use for. As to the French assistance in defeat of the British in that skirmish called the American Revolution, I am eternally grateful. Those were certainaly not the French that spat on me while I was once in Paris in an American uniform.