I don't know the law where you live but where I'm from their is a leash law in the state,and from what I was told is that a dog can be shot if seen chasing down a deer in the woods.Because a dog will run down a deer and leave it to die.Unlike a wolf or a coyote will kill to survive.I'm sorry but when you have a leash law in a state and people are aware of it,and let their dog run free in the woods,specially during hunting season,they shouldn't be surprised when fido doesn't come back but only his collar.The law is the law and people need to be aware of it.I own a dog and I will not let him run the woods without a leash.