Dogs in Hunting

Hey everybody,

Lately we are thinking of adding a dog to our family. My question is what is your opinion on taking dogs out in the woods with you? Obviously they leave scent behind. Do you think bringing dogs with you has an effect on deer movement? Like taking a dog to scout, check cameras, hang stands , etc. Let me know what you think!

 

I take my Shepherd almost every time I go to the property, until October when Bow starts. I have had trail cam photos of deer and yotes standing where my dog was earlier in the day and none of them seem to alarmed. Dogs are great for finding sheds and natural trails, most dogs will take the path of least resistance, just like the deer we hunt.

 

She goes with me every time I go unless I am bowhunting. I even make her carry **** sometimes.

 

I personally wouldn't bring a dog in where I plan on hunting, but I hunt Public land where it's legal to bring dogs (as long as they're on a leash) and I still kill deer. I just hunt far enough in where most people won't bother venturing, with or without a dog.

 

I would probably only bring her in the spring to look for sheds and put out minerals.

 

I bring 3 dogs with every afternoon when I feed, the deer don't seem to mind.

 

Our dogs roam free in our pasture wherever they please and it's not uncommon to see deer down there minutes after they get back to the yard. Like anything, I think they get used to it and know they aren't in danger from them.

 

I used to avoid it in the fall. But after talking to some co workers that coon hunt and found out they regularly hunt on the farm that I have permission on. I figured it doesn't really matter because I can't stop them.

 

As long as they are well behaved and not chasing and barking at everything you should be good. Where I hunt dogs mostly run all over the place its business as usual.

 

iv never had a problem with deer spooking from my dog!

 

Well we picked her tonight. Looks like a shed hunting dog to me!

 

Good lookin girl!

 

Nice looking dog. She looks similar to my MF Jones. Same color hair. Is it a cur?

 

We adopted her from the humane society. They said she is a mix of possibly Rhodesian Ridgeback. But I'm not sure though.

 

Here is another picture of her!

 

That's definitely a ridgeback. Awesome dogs. High energy and loyal. They are matriarchal so she'll be protective of the family for sure.

 

She does look a lot like one, only thing that throws me off is her size. She is 10 months and maybe 40 pounds. Very small for a ridgeback.

 

Still growing? You said you rescued her. Once she gets adjusted to the family. I bet she puts some weight on.

 

I'm sure she will grow some and put some weight on. If I were to guess, in the next year she'll add another 15 pounds.