UNLESS SOMEONE LIKE YOU CARES A WHOLE AWFUL LOT, NOTHING IS GOING TO GET BETTER IT'S NOT - Dr. Seuss
Hunting with Hounds
Hunting with Hounds is a very unique way to hunt! Here's the basics.
Dogs cannot be used for ungulates off leash. They are typically for the purpose of treeing predators.
It is the only "Catch & Release" style hunting where an animal can be treed and inspected closely for gender, and health. They can also be tranquilized or left alone.
Do not start buying hounds thinking this is something you want to pursue without trying first. Hounds can never be off leash normally, no matter how well trained, because their instinct to pursue is too strong. Contact your local Fish & Game Club and ask to connect with a local Houndsman if you'd like to try! Some guide outfitters do offer this experience as well.
So,... how does it work?
You're driving along in a truck on a backroad with a dog box in the back. Slow enough speed so dogs can catch the smells in the air. You see a track and pull over. Looks like a fresh Cougar or Bear. You bring a dog over on leash to check if it picks up a scent. If it's a good track the team of dogs is released with GPS tracking collars. They disappear barreling into the woods howling. Here on out it's high tension as you watch the dogs on the map and figure out what roads you can drive on to catch up to them. It's that or run on foot but don't forget you need to get everybody and everything back to the truck after.
At this point the dogs could enter private land, they could cross roads and be struck by traffic, or the Predator could stop running and a battle is on.
Many wonderful hounds have been lost to a variety of deaths. They are all honored and missed.Houndsmen care greatly for their hounds and although the dogs can be in harms way, they help us.Often when a problem Cougar or Bear cannot be trapped it can be treed with hounds.Once the dogs have been stationary on the map that's the sign they've more then likely treed the Predator and are waiting for you.After climbing the hills required from the last available forest service road, the hunter can shoot the Predator. Field dressing is typically carried out on site and the Predator is carried out, and rifle, while managing a pack of hounds. This is why it's good/ necessary to have multiple people. If I made that all sound easy, it's not. It takes a great level of fitness and full time love for the dogs year round.
Laws & Regulations
Safety
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