Whitetail Deer HuntingGain a better understanding of the World's most popular big game animal and the techniques that will help you become a better deer hunter.
This coming weekend will be the second weekend in a row for dog season in my area of LA. I am not one who sees running dogs to be humane. Though the hunting is usually good while people run, thisfirst weekendI only had one doe run up on me. I have always hunted in the swampwhile people run dogs because thats where the deer go to lose the dogs. They run through the water so the dogs will not pick up the scent. Suprisingly no luck at all in the swamp because of it being dry I guess. Has anyone ever tried hunting highlines or had any luck hunting them during dog season? I am not a dog runner, but dont get me wrong it makes the hunting really good.
In our county, in NC, we arent' allowed to run dogs. We were invited to a hunt club in another county that does permit the dogs. This particular club, makes 2 dog runs in the morning. They go collect the deer, tag and process around lunchtime. The afternoon is reserved for stand hunting only. I do know for a fact that even when the dogs have been run, a successful hunt is not impossible. I saw several very nice bucks come in that evening. this is a very big group of hunters, so it really surprised me. I guess it comes down to how thorough the dogs are in thier runs. Most are running off sight of the deer, unless they don't strike anything in the first few minutes of turnout. Some deer are smart enought to circle behind the dogs and avoid being pushed out of the woods.
Dog hunting in the south is becoming a thing of the past. I do not do it. I think it can eventually ruin your property, that is if you don't have thousands of acres of land. Twenty years ago dogs would run through my property chasing deer every weekend. Ten years ago I could hear some running at a distance on some weekends. Today nobody even does it any more, and that is good news to me. If you have property and you want to run dogs that's fine, but I will never do it. I really don't think it's fair. I also don't think driving deer is fair, but it is also a tradition to some. What's the difference in driving deer with a dog or a human. They both serve the same purpose. Running dogs is one southern tradition that is disappearing. One day it will probably be outlawed.
I guess I am the oddball because I love bow hunting, gun hunting, still hunting, man drives, dog drives, all of it. I have done every one of these types of hunting this season alone. Variety is the spice of life. With any kind of hunting method you use there are tips and tricks and techniques and strategies that are used. Dog hunting and man drives are no different. If you don't know the land, know the deers patterns (bedding/escape routes/etc.), use the wind, you won't be successful. Dog hunting is quickly becoming a thing of the past with only 11 or 12 states still allowing it, but that is mostly due to lack of large tracts of land and property/landowner issues(understandable). But if you have ever had the oppurtunity to participate in a dog hunt with a good group of safe hunters who know their land and take care of their dogs it can be very fun. Now finding a group of guys like that is hard but not impossible.
I have killed three deer with dogs so far this season and there was nothing inhumane about those hunts or kills, just a freezer full with 2 does and a 7 pointer.
I've never been involved with dogs but i've been on a few drives and to me it takes all the fun and excitement out of hunting.Since the first drive I was on i have never approved of it. seems unfair to me.
I also don't think driving deer is fair, but it is also a tradition to some.
Whats unfair about it?Have you ever tried to pull off a successful deer drive?
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What's the difference in driving deer with a dog or a human. They both serve the same purpose.
Guesse next time we do a deer drive Ill tell the pushers to use thier noses to follow the deer, cant believe we never thought of that before.Theyll also be excited to know they should have no trouble keeping up with a running deer while keeping thier nose to the ground.Should change the whole way we do things.
Do you find it unsporting to use dogs for pheasants, rabbitts, ducks, geese, and other animals as well?Perhaps that should be outlawed and everyone should sit quietly and wait for them to walk by naturaly as well.It always amazes me to hear one hunter supporting the banning of another hunters method of persuing game.
Hunting is not fair. For hunting to be fair deer would have to have larger brains capable of much more complex thought. They would also have to be armed and capable of shooting back. Now that would be fair!! How many would be lining up to buy licenses then? Fair, let's be realistic.
Dog season
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