If some of you haven't read that I purchased a new pup for blood tracking while PA waits for the bill HB420 to pass. Here's the link to the story and pics. http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1581400


Axel and I had our first track, he amazed me.

I went down behind my garage, a place where Axel has never ventured. I made my very first blood line. I wasn't positive what to do so I took what I read in John's book. My breeder was kind enough to supply me with some blood when I picked Axel up on Monday. I thawed some blood and down behind and upwind from the garage in the grass and trees I started a blood line at one tree. At the tree, I placed a few pieces of venison and started dribbling the blood from that tree into the wind to another tree approximately 50 yards away. Periodically dropping small pieces of venison. At that tree I turned hard right and headed out out into the woods. I only traveled approximately another 50 or so yards and I placed several good pieces of venny.


I intended to wait about a 1/2 hour or so because after all this is Axel and I's first attempt together.


Fifteen minutes later, I had Axel outside for a while prior to tracking so he could get some wild oats out of his system. I saw him head into the garage and I wanted to go in and get my camera. I thought he'd be okay for a second and went in to get my camera. I came out and called to him and he didn't come out. I went to the garage and I looked and no Axel...I almost panic'd but thought he can't be that far. I looked around the garage and thought he couldn't be...I looked and sure enough he was down on the blood line already. Mind you, he's never ventured there before and I don't know if he smelled the venison or blood seeing it was upwind from the garage.


I went to him and encouraged him. Not knowing where he started I picked him up and put him at the starting point. He immediately ate the venison and started up the blood trail. His excitement built and he moved along. He usually followed the trail downwind occassionally crossing it back and forth. At the second tree, right turn he pushed past the turn and immediately turned back, found the turn and pushed forward at a surprising pace. He found the end point, consumed the venison all the while lavishing the praise I was giving him.


I know at this point I should have a find, something for him to chew on and claim....I'm working on finding road kills but it's tough this time of year with immediate spoil.


I picked him up and lavished him with praise as we walked back to the house. I sat him down on the porch and he immediately shot past me, ran down to the starting point and proceeded to follow the same trail from begining to end at a very fast pace.
I praised him once again and we returned to the house. I praised him all the while.


I am so proud of him regardless of how simply my blood trail might have been. I know now I can increase the difficulty...he was amazing to watch and I had my doubts because I've only ever seen it one other time and that was Monday when my breeder drug a thawed out, water logged deer leg. I will never doubt again. I am truly impressed with a Wire-haired Dachshund's natural ability.