WHY NOT TAKE A DOG DEER-HUNTING?

Apparently you need to learn a little bit more about US laws and courts. There are LOTS of courts that just love to stick to the letter of the law. They will gladly convict for illegally hunting with a dog regardless of the

If that's so, I'm disappointed. A plea in mitigation, giving humane considerations as the reason for breaking the letter of the law, ought to be acceptable to all but a very inflexible court, jury and judge.

Colin (Scotland)>Apparently you need to learn a little bit more about US laws and courts.

I found your article to be particularly enlightening. I do have one major concern, however. Many people, at least in my area, are terribly averse to dogs trailing deer. I have known men who would shoot a dog who ran deer. I honestly would be concerned for the safety of a dog.

I have never been with someone who was trailing a wounded deer, nor have I been on a hunt where dogs were used to drive them out of the deep cover. But I would suspect that the 2 methods are quite different.

For one, I suspect that trailing a wounded deer is done either on-lead, or within a very short distance from the people working the dog (20-30 yards). In that case, I would have very little concern that the dog would be in any danger.

Keep in mind that I am a proponent for shooting out of control dogs who harrass wildlife. But note that 'out of control' is a very key phrase.

I can't even imagine taking my dog up hunting for deer. Here in Wahington state, where there's deer, there's sure to be their natural predator the cayote. Deer have a great sense of smell, you'd be lucky to see one. (2) Unlike bird hunting, deer hunting requires much patience, more than any dog can endure. (3) Not only is it illegal (here), in fact, as of last year, it is illegal to hunt bear and cougar with dogs. Which brought upon an inevitable increase in bear and cougar population, and an increase in attacks on small children and farm animals. No, though I feel dogs are nessessary to hunt in daylight hours the nocturnal game such as these, deer hunting is not for the dog. My dog doesn't miss a thing, and welcomes the backstrap scraps when I get home.

Hello from Colin in Scotland. I posted the first piece, describing how i use my labrador.

It really isn't dirty pool - believe me! Just a wonderful learning experience with a faithful companion in the field, and a safeguard against losing a down-and-dead-but-unlocateable deer, or (worse) a wounded one.

Best: Colin