I'm applying for tags this year and thinking about the Fall. I'll be introducing two boys to deer hunting this year, possibly some other game depending on tag draw. It's been many years since I've hunted anything but birds, and I have a dog now. He's a big dog, athletic, very experienced in the wilderness, but he's not a deer dog if there is such a thing. I mean, I think his breed is actually descended from Scottish Deerhounds, but I'm pretty sure that's irrelevant to hunting with a rifle. I have no intention of using him to do the hunting and he would be of no use for that purpose. But for the sake of legality, there are no restrictions on dogs in my state except that dogs cannot be used to pursue bear or cougar except in open season with a license and the respective tag.
He's very quiet in the field -- I mean he's absolutely silent in terms of vocals, but he can still make a lot of noise with his feet and panting. Even if I convince him to be sneaky, there's still his scent.
Hunting for us probably means a day driving, three or four days hunting, and another day driving back. We have units nearer but tags are scarce. So I'm not willing to leave him home alone that long. That means he's either staying in camp or by the 4x4 or coming hunting with us. I think I'd rather find him something to do that won't interfere with the hunt in any way, but not sure what that will be.
I'm looking for what your experience has taught you.
He's very quiet in the field -- I mean he's absolutely silent in terms of vocals, but he can still make a lot of noise with his feet and panting. Even if I convince him to be sneaky, there's still his scent.
Hunting for us probably means a day driving, three or four days hunting, and another day driving back. We have units nearer but tags are scarce. So I'm not willing to leave him home alone that long. That means he's either staying in camp or by the 4x4 or coming hunting with us. I think I'd rather find him something to do that won't interfere with the hunt in any way, but not sure what that will be.
I'm looking for what your experience has taught you.
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