I haven't been out that much lately with 2 weeks of firearms followed by 2 weeks of muzzleloader season interupting my bowhunting. So yeasterday, I headed out to see if anything would poke it's head out of the "honeyhole thicket" near my house. I took the long way around to avoid spooking anything bedded in there. I was downwind, as scent-free as possible and in the process of quietly screwing my steps into the tree when I heard a familiar sounding "jingling" sound.

I turned around to see my 8 month old German Shepherd--Apollo--tracking me to my tree! He was more thrilled to see me than I was to see him. As I ******ed him home, he jumped a deer and took off after it. Calling him didn't help and I watched 7 to 10 deer go running out of the far side of the thicket and and across the field away from where I planned on being! He wasn't following them and I soon found him wanting to play in the field behing me--but I wasn't "in the mood." Unbelievably, after taking him home, I still managed to see 3 deer--and heard more--while standing at the base of a tree on the opposite side of my house. No shots, but plenty of deer!

And . . . I jumped a nice buck on the way out this morning. He was wandering around in the meadow less than 100 yards away from my house. One more chance this evening!

Today's small bucks are tomorrow's trophies.

good story

Dave I have found that dogs, kids and farm equipment don't really bother the deer if they are used to hearing, seeing and smelling them. Although your dog is kind of new to area, he's more than likely know to the deer by now.

Dave I have had my lab do the same thing ,If I don't want him to follow me I have to put him in the kennel .How he can track the quad to tell what trail I take I don't know but he sure does .Nothing like getting a couple miles from the house and here he comes . Good luck with your hunting.

Maybe your dog was coming out to tell you that you missed a spot when you were working on scent control? <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

I'll come over and dog sit for ya <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Same thing happend to me last year. I went out for an evening hunt. I just get settled in and I hear something coming my way. I didn't expect to see a deer come from that direction, but it does happen. I get ready and their he is my big goofey half lab part this and a little of that dog John! Yep his name is john. I just smiled and took him home. Ever since then I make sure I shut both down stairs doors before I head out hunting!

TAKE YOUR KIDS HUNTING AND YOU WON'T BE HUNTING FOR YOUR KIDS

With a nice young dog like that, why not train him for deer recovery ?Start saving your deer blood each time you thaw some steak or burger and in the spring you can start the training process. If you are going to have a house dog anyway, why not train them for deer recovery if you're a hunter ?
B & E