Finding Wounded Big Game

Jerry Russell · July 10, 2019, 04:40:19 PM

With hunting seasons just around the corner, I thought I would take a moment to remind everyone that when things go wrong after the shot and you simply cant locate that wounded deer, bear or other big game animal- DONT GIVE UP!
Tracking dogs are now legal in over 40 states and provinces and these dogs can work miracles in finding wounded game that would otherwise go unrecovered. Contrary to what some believe, a skilled tracking dog does not need any blood whatsoever to follow a wounded animal and most can track deer 20+ hours after the shot and some 40+ hours.

It is best to get to know your local tracker before the season and build a relationship so that you can find out what he wants you to do prior to calling him. Most will tell you that doing a grid search is a really bad idea and no matter how careful you try to be, a grid search will create a maze of scent for even a skilled dog to work out.

Many states now have extensive call-in networks where dogs are listed by county so locating a tracker is easy.

My tracker is Bear Dog. A Bavarian Mountain hound entering his 6th season. He works in both Georgia for Bear, Deer, hogs and turkey as well as being a critical part of my Canada bear camp. His tracks are legendary with some of the highlights being a deer recovery last year that occurred 37 hours after the shot and bear recoveries of 1.2 and 1.8 miles 24 hours after the shots. He sure makes me proud and LOVES his job.

Find your local tracker and use them when needed to preserve our wonderful resources.

Good hunting

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Jerry Russell · July 10, 2019, 04:46:57 PM

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Bvas · July 10, 2019, 05:16:12 PM

What is the best way to find a local tracker?

David Mitchell · July 10, 2019, 05:22:29 PM

Not allowed in West Virginia. I guess they would rather the deer lay down somewhere and die and go to waste. I fail to see any logic in that.

blacktailbob · July 10, 2019, 05:36:15 PM

You're in WVA. Some folks prolly think Jimmy is still president.

Jerry Russell · July 10, 2019, 05:36:40 PM

Quote from: Bvas on July 10, 2019, 05:16:12 PM
What is the best way to find a local tracker?

Just try and google "blood tracking dogs in ———- state. Failing that try and see if there is a network listed for your state on Facebook. You can also look at the "find a tracker" page of unitedbloodtrackers.org. There you will find at least a few trackers per state.

Our Georgia tracking network is very extensive and list over 80 dogs by county. Keep in mind that the closest tracker to you may be in a neighboring state.

Friend · July 10, 2019, 07:49:05 PM

An excellent topic...

Wheels2 · July 10, 2019, 08:54:27 PM

What do these folks charge?

Jerry Russell · July 10, 2019, 09:04:12 PM

Quote from: Wheels2 on July 10, 2019, 08:54:27 PM
What do these folks charge?

Many charge nothing at all and some ask for donations. A small percentage charge a very reasonable rate of $50-$80 to cover fuel. In some states these trackers will drive 2-3 hours to help a hunter.

In the rut the call volume is overwhelming. It is not uncommon for me to have 4-5 calls backed up over a 6 county area. I love tracking.

Chad Orde · July 10, 2019, 09:51:24 PM

I know more than one story from friends and a few of my own that could have ended better if guys would have called a tracking dog in.
Great thread

Bisch · July 11, 2019, 12:08:00 AM

Bear Dog is awesome!

I hope I can get my Zeke to be that good one of these days!

Bisch

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

wayne rollinson · July 11, 2019, 02:38:11 AM

It has to be seen to be believed what a good dog is capable of, what really makes a difference to success rates is firstly looking at the shot site and determining where the animal is hit before moving in and bumping the animal on, most bow hunters have the mentality to not rush in unlike most rifle hunters, Jerry could I ask a question how many states allow you to release a dog if it's still mobile?, I really cannot understand why any state won't allow a follow up of wounded game with a dog it is after all animal welfare,regards wayne

Possum Head · July 11, 2019, 06:07:21 AM

Good stuff Mr. Jerry!

Jerry Russell · July 11, 2019, 06:27:57 AM

Quote from: wayne rollinson on July 11, 2019, 02:38:11 AM
It has to be seen to be believed what a good dog is capable of, what really makes a difference to success rates is firstly looking at the shot site and determining where the animal is hit before moving in and bumping the animal on, most bow hunters have the mentality to not rush in unlike most rifle hunters, Jerry could I ask a question how many states allow you to release a dog if it's still mobile?, I really cannot understand why any state won't allow a follow up of wounded game with a dog it is after all animal welfare,regards wayne

Wayne
State laws vary as to if they allow a dog to be run off lead. Often there is resistance by some groups to legalizing blood trailing dogs so bill sponsors will have to add the "on lead" tracking language to get the law passed. Very generally speaking, most Southern states allow off lead recovery while the majority of Northern and Western states make you track on lead. Off- lead tracking has a higher recovery rate because a dog can catch up to and bay a deer that is still mobile such as one with a broken leg. The number of big game animals we find still alive 24 hours after the shot would amaze you. Ending the sufferings of these animals is a big part of why we track.

On lead or off lead, the recovery rates skyrocket with the use of these trackers.

I know there are other trackers on here. Post up some pictures of your dogs.