German Shorthaired Pointer Tracking Deer? Quick Answer

introduction

Humans have used dogs from the earliest days of their domestication to assist in hunting animals such as deer. A dog’s powerful nose makes them a great hunting partner, especially in finding and tracking quarries. German shepherds are most commonly used as guard dogs, police dogs, and were originally herding dogs, hence the name “shepherd dog.” While not primarily used as hunting dogs, many of the skills they excel in their other “jobs” lend themselves to tracking and hunting animals such as deer as well.

When hunting deer, hunters do not always get a clean shot, despite their best efforts, and a deer can be wounded if it takes flight into heavy brush. This is when having a dog that can track deer proves invaluable. A dog like a German shepherd that can follow the scent or blood trail of the deer to locate the wounded deer so the animal can be disposed of humanely. This also saves time and prevents the suffering and loss of an injured animal.

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You can use a German Shepherd in actual hunting scenarios to locate game trails, track down wounded game, or train your dog to follow game sniffers and use it in competitions and field trials. German Shepherds are focused, motivated, and intelligent working dogs with a strong prey drive and a keen sense of smell. You will want to use and direct these qualities to train your dog to track deer.

First, make sure he is familiar with the hunting terrain and the sights and sounds of a hunt. You can set scent trails for you to follow and encourage your dog to focus on deer blood and scent trails while ignoring competing scents. Because they are people-oriented working dogs, your German Shepherd will orientate towards you. Be sure to patiently guide and motivate your dog. When your dog finds a wounded animal, you surely want your German Shepherd to give you a signal. Be prepared to reward and reinforce signal behaviors like barking to let you know game has been spotted.

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Familiarizing your dog with guns, other hunters, and the presence of prey, as well as making sure your dog has a good leash memory, are all important steps in preparing for deer tracking. You can also equip your dog with a radio collar so you can find them if you get separated in thick undergrowth. You can buy deer scent or obtain deer blood and apply it to a cloth or object to create a scent trail, or use a real deer pelt to train your dog to follow scent.

Like humans, animals have extraordinary abilities, abilities that are harnessed and used to adapt to the environment. There is a plethora of animals with the best sense of smell, species that have abilities keener and more remarkable than others.

If you want to know what animals these are, read on because we’ve put together a great list of animals that have the ability to have the best sense of smell.

Humans have 396 genes for olfactory receptors; However, animals have more OR genes. It is smaller than rabbits’ 768 olfactory receptors. However, more animals have a high number of olfactory receptors, a gene that confers excellent olfactory ability.

That’s something to look forward to, so let’s get right to the list of species with the best sense of smell, shall we?

List of animals with the best sense of smell

Let’s move on to our list of animals with some amazing scent sensors.

1. Bear

Among the large animals that are best at smelling are bears. Its sense of smell is 300 times better than that of humans. Bloodhound, a type of canine, also has a sense 2,100 times better than a human.

Because the olfactory bulb area in the bear brain is five times larger than the human brain, bears have the best sense of smell of any animal in the world. This kind of ability makes bears both scary and fascinating at the same time.

Bears have huge noses, each containing thousands of scent receptors. This puts the species in first place worldwide among the species with the best sense of smell.

Because of their exceptional ability and keen sense of smell, bears are able to spot a deceased animal from up to 20 miles away.

When camping or in the forest, especially when bringing along bear-appealing food, the dominant olfactory receptors, which are 100 times more sensitive than the human nose, pick up the smell of the food brought along.

If you don’t store your food in an odor proof plastic bag, it becomes quite difficult to keep a bear away from your food in this situation.

See Related: Animals beginning with X

2. Shark

When considering which animal has the best sense of smell, sharks make the list. This predatory fish relies primarily on its ability to smell. Smell is so important to this creature that two-thirds of its brain is devoted to the olfactory bulb.

Because of this, sharks are terrifying predators, as they can detect the presence of a wounded marine animal or even an injured human victim from a mile away.

The shark not only uses its keen hearing to find food, but also its strong sense of smell. This species’ nostrils are located on the underside of its snout, on either side of its mouth.

They perceive their surroundings through hearing and their excellent sense of smell, which is made possible by the shark’s amazing ability and body structure to constantly have water flowing down its nostrils.

Using its incredible sense of smell, a shark can spot a drop of blood in nearly 100 liters of water!

See Related: Endangered Species in Oklahoma

3. Elephant

When it comes to animals with the best sense of smell, elephant is part of the list. According to research, this animal has the best sense of smell and is possibly the strongest ever discovered in any single species. Elephants have nearly 2,000 unique genes that allow them to identify scents in their environment.

Elephants have a keen sense of smell and thanks to their keen sense of smell and long range they can detect water sources from up to 12 miles away. According to previous research, African elephants are able to distinguish scent molecules with extremely tiny structural changes that humans and other primates cannot detect at all.

Located at the tip of the proboscis, their nostril is responsible for breathing, smelling, and water from the environment. Elephants’ sense of smell is constantly being used, making this animal one of the best-smelling animals. Its proboscis is always used to detect new smells and information.

See also: International Elephant Foundation

4. Snake

Wondering which animals have the strongest sense of smell? Snake is definitely one of those animals. Its remarkable sense of smell makes it a fascinating animal.

Snakes have nostrils, although they don’t have a nose and can smell with their tongues. The tongue of the anaconda, ground-dwelling snakes, and other aquatic snakes is used to detect smells.

snake sniffs through mouth; It relies on tongue-flicking gestures to collect airborne particles that they can smell through their mouths. It facilitates the sampling of air particles, soil and water and the analysis of the various compounds.

These animals use their tongues to detect all sorts of scents in the air, allowing them to identify a scent and locate prey or know where danger lurks. Like sharks, snakes use their keen sense of smell to be aware of their surroundings and survive.

See Related: Best Wildlife Conservation Job

5. Dogs

Dogs have a strong nose, which makes them animals with an amazing sense of smell. Dogs are generally considered to be good noses, as evidenced by the fact that police and military service dogs are trained to detect explosives.

But even though they don’t have that many olfactory receptor genes, their sense of smell is 100 times better than that of humans. Bloodhounds are a breed of dog that have an exceptionally keen sense of smell and olfactory abilities 300 times better than humans.

The part of a dog’s brain dedicated to evaluating smell is approximately 40 times larger than the part of a human brain. These animals are attracted to smells that are new, novel, and intriguing to them.

Dogs have an extremely sensitive sense of smell and a very strong one as dogs are trained and used for bomb and drug detection. They can also track people by smelling their clothes and spot dead bodies.

See Related: Best Endangered Species Book

6. Kiwi

Small but with an incredible sense of smell. In fact, the kiwi’s olfactory bulb is the second largest of any bird relative to its forebrain size. That is why it is one of the animals with the best sense of smell.

Kiwis have evolved a keen sense of smell for the simple reason that they cannot fly and their food lies on the ground.

They can only locate earthworms with their sense of smell. Kiwi’s nostrils are also located near the tip of its beak, which is a unique adaptation that makes tracking and finding food much easier for the bird.

See relatives: Amur leopard

7. Cows

Among the animals with the best sense of smell are giant, domesticated herbivores with claws like cows. This animal has a keen sense of smell, evidenced by the presence of 1,186 olfactory receptor genes compared to humans.

Its powerful nose was able to detect scents from five to six miles away. This ability of cows was valuable in situations where they could identify impending danger.

Cattle not only have a keen sense of smell, they also have excellent hearing. Although cows’ primary senses were sight and hearing, they also benefited from their excellent sense of smell to understand what was going on around them.

See Related: Environmental Organizations in Africa

8. Moth

You may be wondering why there is a moth on the list and the answer is simple. The moth, namely the male silk moth, is the world’s finest of all insects. A male moth can detect the scent of a female moth from more than seven kilometers away. This shows how intense and keen the animal’s sense of smell is.

Male moths use their feathered antennae to extract odor molecules from the air.

Their antennae detect scent components while they fly, rather than using their nostrils to smell them like most normally would. A single scent is detected through their highly developed sense of smell, which has evolved to only detect the scent of female moths.

See Related: Best Save the Earth Posters.

9. rat

If you’re looking for answers about which is best, rat or mouse, in terms of smell, the rats beat the mice. The rat is one of the animals with the best sense of smell.

They have strong sniffing abilities, allowing them a more varied and varied diet than cats, who can smell but are extremely picky eaters. They aren’t very adept at detecting smells, which rats can do.

The presence of 1,207 olfactory receptor genes in rats contributes to the animals’ excellent sense of smell. A patch of skin on the rat’s neck contains olfactory receptors that allow air to flow past the nose.

When a rat smells, the odor particles travel to its vomeronasal organ, where they process them. Rats also use this organ to recognize and distinguish between different individuals of the same rat species by detecting pheromones.

See Related: Best Conservation Posters

10. Horses

Horses are among the animals with a high sense of smell, and they are also among the most intelligent animals. Even though their sense of smell isn’t as good as a dog’s when it comes to smell perception, they have a far better sense of smell than humans.

This ability enables horses to distinguish between predators and other horses, and the anatomy of their nasal cavity has provided horses with a relatively large nasal cavity. There are also a disproportionate number of receptors due to the size of the horse’s head.

When they inhale a scent that intrigues them, their flexible nostrils flare. It’s similar to how dogs learn from each other by sniffing each other’s behinds, although horses are less direct in their communication when they first meet.

See also: Environmental organizations in Europe

11. Possums

Possums are marsupials, meaning they are mammals with a keen sense of smell. It is similar to the development of kangaroos and koalas, where part of their development takes place in the womb and the rest in their pouch.

Due to its limited vision and hearing, its sense of smell and excellent touch take precedence over these senses.

These genes are more significant in this species than in humans, which have a total of only 396 olfactory receptor genes. Because of their large numbers of OR, possums are remarkable animals that have a keen sense of smell.

There are notorious foragers who are often spotted snooping around gardens and properties in search of a food source.

A strong sense of smell helps possums adapt to their surroundings, allowing them to survive in urban environments.

Aside from its incredibly keen olfactory abilities, this animal is also known to have an exceptionally strong immune system, allowing it to defend itself against disease and toxicity from the venom of the snakes it hunts.

See also: Types of Lions around the World

12. Chinese softshell turtle

The Chinese softshell turtle, also known as the Asian softshell turtle, is one of the reptiles and one of the animals with the best sense of smell. In addition to China and Hawaii, this species can also be found in other places in the world.

This reptile made this list because of its 1,137 olfactory receptor genes, almost the number of cows OR.

The Chinese softshell turtle is a species of softshell turtle that is also considered an invasive species in the United States. It has a maximum height of 13 feet, depending on gender.

Olive in color, these turtles can have dark markings on their bodies as well as a long-looking snout. This animal uses its exceptional sense of smell to catch prey and determine if there is predator or incoming damage in its area.

Similar resources

Dogs have been excellent companions and efficient hunting partners for centuries. Their superior sense of smell, agility, endurance, and ability to navigate all types of terrain have enabled dogs to hunt animals that humans cannot conquer alone.

If you’re looking for an awesome pooch for your next hunting adventure, here are the 10 best dog breeds for deer hunting to consider.

The 10 hunting dog breeds for deer

1. Labrador Retriever

Labs are widely considered to be the best duck hunters out there. But did you know that they are also great deer hunters? Energetic, enthusiastic, and extremely intelligent, the Labrador Retriever can handle almost any weather condition. These pups can go the extra mile when it comes to tracking down and retrieving the kill. If you intend to hunt near bodies of water or on colder days, you should definitely have a lab by your side.

2. American Foxhound

The dog of choice for America’s first President, the American Foxhound excels as a deer hunting dog. Thanks to their strength, endurance, and keen sense of smell, this breed makes a great choice for day hunts for deer. Alone or in a pack, the American Foxhound will hunt a deer until the animal is exhausted. This love of running is what categorizes American Foxhounds as “running” hounds rather than “tree-hanging” hounds.

At home, this breed enjoys spending time with family and gets along well with young children and other pets.

3. Treeing Walker dog

A great hunting partner for deer, bear, coyote, and raccoon, the Treeing Walker Hound has a high prey drive and the ability to hunt almost anything. Bred in the United States, this hunting breed loves to run and hunt. Thanks to this hunting dog’s distinctive call, you’ll know exactly where the deer is. Treeing Walker Hounds excel at both fast hunts and all-day hunting competitions.

4. Bluetick Coonhound

This scent hound will be hot on the trail of any deer it encounters. Bluetick Coonhounds have even been known to prey on mountain lions and cougars! If you’re ever cornered by a big cat, you can sit back and relax knowing this dog has your back. Weighing between 45 and 80 pounds, this standout snooper can be very vocal when not playing the game. This breed makes a great pet for active families.

5. German Shorthaired Pointer

Hunting deer requires a lot of perseverance and power of smell. Luckily, the German Shorthaired Pointer has both! This prominent breed can easily outsmart even the most elusive deer and efficiently hunt game in any terrain. Officially recognized by the AKC in 1930, the German Shorthaired Pointer makes a great family pet during their downtime.

6. English Setter

The English Setter is a beautiful dog with a silky coat and a large head. He is an amazing hunting dog and is celebrated for his running and pointing skills. This breed will happily plod alongside you until it’s time to go to work. Then the dog will take off and expertly locate almost any game.

7. Beagle

Despite its small stature, this little pup is an excellent deer hunter. His incessant barking will help you easily find both the dog and the deer. The colorful beagle is also easy to spot and has one of the best noses in the hunting world.

Additionally, Beagles make great family pets for country, suburban, and city dwellers.

8. Plott dogs

Agile and athletic, the Plott Hound makes a fantastic companion for deer hunting. This tough, smart, and gritty breed can find and hold a scent like a pro. Its choppy, loud bark allows you to effortlessly follow the dog when it is chasing you. These dogs can easily navigate through dense, wooded areas to help you find hiding deer. Recognized by the AKC in 2006, the Plott Hound also makes a great family friend of the house.

9. Mountain Cur

The Mountain Cur was originally developed in Arkansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia to hunt raccoons and squirrels. Today they are wonderful deer hunters thanks to their stamina, speed and sense of smell.

10. Golden Retriever

One of the most popular family dog ​​breeds, the Golden Retriever also makes a great hunting partner. This highly intelligent dog can navigate the water just as easily as it finds its way through the woods. The golden is smart, tough and strong and loves to run and hunt. It obeys commands and will quickly help you find and kill a deer.

Breeds to avoid

While all dogs have a natural prey drive, some breeds are not good hunters. They are better suited as lap dogs. Some dogs you should never hunt with are the Maltese and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

How to choose a deer hunting dog

There are some unique traits that every great deer hound should possess. These include:

Conclusion

A deer hunter should never be without an excellent hunting dog. If you want your next hunt to be successful, consider adding one of these breeds to your family.

Selected image source: Vitalii_Mamchuk, Shutterstock

Teach your dog to track down a wounded deer

Chasing a wounded deer

Every hunter has felt the frustration of a wounded deer getting away. Either the shot wasn’t in the right place, or he wasn’t wounded enough to fall immediately, or whatever it is. It’s downright heartbreaking.

Therefore, many hunters use dogs to track the animal after doing the frontline work. Dogs have 225-300 million scent receptors depending on the breed (compared to humans who have 5 million!) and with proper training and motivation can even track down a wounded deer the next day. If your dog has shown an interest in tracking, you should be able to teach them to track before next season!

Let’s go through a few ways you can train your dog to spot wounded deer:

All you need to get started is a container of deer blood, a deer hide, and a small piece of deer like a tail or ear (as a treat at the end of the trail), all from the same animal.*

1. Start training as early as possible. They can start as early as 3-6 months of age.

2. Expose the dog to the smell of deer. Have them sniff the blood, sniff the piece of deer, then reward them with a treat (repeat a few times).

3. Start working on site. Go into the woods or wherever you want to hunt and use the blood container to drip a trail about 100-200 meters long that leads to the piece of deer for the dog to understand while you look outside the within sight of the dog found what they were looking for! This trail should start small and can grow at will – depending on your dog’s aptitude.**

4. Also make the trail more and more difficult to follow. Use this patch of skin with just a drop or two on it and sparsely mark trees and blades of grass to give your dog more nose training.

5. Try it out in the field. Be patient, your dog may not make it on the first (or second!) try. Take your pup on a long leash for a trial run on your next hunt.

6. A great way to reinforce your dog’s training is to bring in a more experienced dog to help you train your pup! When available, an older dog makes a great teacher!

Troubleshooting:

*Each animal has its own unique scent, and using one animal’s blood and another’s fur/chunk at the end of the trail may confuse your dog. When your dog is tracking in a real-world situation, you don’t want him chasing the deer you just caught and then start chasing the scent of another deer he picks up!

**After a while, have a friend walk with you and mark the trail the same way so you can be sure the dog is following the deer’s scent and not your own.

Some dogs take a few weeks, others a few months to train for this. Remember to be consistent and reward generously when your dog is doing well! Here too it is important to note that each area has its own laws governing the use of sniffer dogs. You may need a license or have special requirements. Consult the laws in your area for more information.

If you want to learn a little more, there are many resources that can help. Check out this guide by John Jeanneney.

If you’ve been able to find your prize, give us a call today to speak to us about storing your trophy!

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1. How much do your tracking services cost?

I switched to a simpler fee schedule from autumn 2018. My services are set up to be very reasonable for the average hunter, but time and travel play a role in tracking costs.

Trails within 30 miles of Monett, MO — $50 to show, $50 salvage fee if deer found.

Trails between 31 and 60 miles from Monett, MO — $100 to show, $50 salvage fee if deer found.

Trails between 61 and 90 miles from Monett, MO — $150 to show, $50 recovery fee if deer found.

All tracks over 90 miles from my area must be discussed with the hunter prior to the track. For routes outside of my area, I typically charge about a dollar per mile round trip to your destination with a $100 recovery fee. In the rare instances where overnight accommodation is required, reasonable accommodation expenses will be borne by the hunter. These costs will be discussed BEFORE I go to the track.

During peak hunting season (mid-November) I receive a LARGE number of calls. Destination charges may vary slightly based on travel plan and call volume. If the above fees change, those changes will be discussed clearly BEFORE I get to track. Don’t be in for a surprise when it comes to the cost of your track.

2. How much do you charge for the training?

Each training plan is individually tailored to the dog and the dog owner, based on the wishes and progress. Before adopting a dog, an individual training plan is discussed with the dog owner. Call or email me for more information if you are interested in creating a training plan.

3. How far do you travel to track?

Most of my tracks are within 3 hours of my home in Monett, MO as my schedule allows. I occasionally drive longer distances to track, but overnight accommodation is usually required. These tracks are made on a very selective basis.

4. Can your dogs track after a rain?

Absolutely! Light rain actually makes tracks easier for the dogs to follow. In heavier downpours, the quality of the trail can vary, but the dogs often recover after significant amounts of rain.

5. What happens if the track comes to a property line that I’m not allowed to cross?

The track ends right there. Please endeavor to get permission from neighbors before setting off.

6. How long will you run the course before giving up?

That depends on many factors. The average route takes about 2 hours. Many animals are recovered much faster, but hard tracks can take longer. We will use all reasonable efforts to recover your game. However, if the mark does not indicate a mortal wound, the pursuit will be abandoned after a thorough search as determined by the pursuer.

7. What percentage of deer do you actually recover?

Our recovery rates are typically around 30-35% year over year. This is fairly consistent with other SERIOUS, EXPERIENCED TRACKER around the country using leashed tracking dogs. Many of the deer that were not recovered will be seen alive at a later date. Most of the unrecovered deer are alive, whether or not they are seen again by the hunter. It is difficult to convince a hunter that their animal is still alive when there is a fair amount of blood at the start of the track, but I have numerous hunters who send in pictures of their must be dead stags live each season in front of the camera a few weeks later. All the tracks I’ve performed since 2009 have only later recovered a few deer that we couldn’t find, both within 50 yards of where I called the dogs off the track.

8. Can I kill the deer if it’s still alive?

Unfortunately not with your gun or bow. Currently, in the states where we track, firearms or bows cannot be used by the hunter to kill wounded game when using a tracking dog. Knives are legal in most areas and can be used to end the suffering of severely debilitated animals. All game rules are followed during a lane.

9. Does the dog have to be on a leash when tracking?

Yes, sniffer dogs are required to be on a leash in all of the states that we track.

10. Do you use more than one dog at a time?

Hardly ever. I will decide which dog is best for each track and bring that dog to track your animal. Occasionally I will take 2 dogs to a remote route in case one dog gets into trouble. Rarely will one of my dogs rescue a deer that the first dog couldn’t rescue. They are all similarly trained to run at the top level.

11. Can you track on public land?

Yes

12. What happens if you don’t find the deer?

You only owe the destination fee.

13. How long after the track can your dogs smell a track?

We routinely train on 24-48 hour old tracks. Of course, the older the track, the more difficult it is for the dogs, depending on the amount of blood and smell deposited. Typically, tracks that are less than 24 hours old are bread and butter work for the dogs.

14. Do you breed tracking dogs or train tracking dogs for others?

No and no. I can occasionally connect people with quality tracking dog breeders, but to function at its best, a tracking team must learn to track TOGETHER. There are no shortcuts. Tracking is a team effort in which both the dog and the handler must learn to track together. It’s difficult to give someone a trained dog and expect them to be very successful at tracking. I’m doing some consulting work for trackers starting out. I’m happy to answer basic questions about getting started and help you choose a breed that’s right for you. For more detailed advice, including tracking and evaluating your dog’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as working out a training plan, I would be happy to advise you on a case-by-case basis.

15. What if you can’t help me track?

I have a list of other trackers that I will try to point you to. If I still can’t get you in contact with a tracker, I’ll help you evaluate the shot and sign for it over the phone to improve your chances. I’ve helped guide several hunters to successful recoveries this way, and I’m doing it at no cost to the hunter.

16. Do you accept tips?

Absolutely. I track because I love to track and my fees are small for the amount of time and money invested in each animal. Tips are appreciated by satisfied customers.

These are things I’ve come across over the past few years. This isn’t an all inclusive list of bugs as I’m sure I’ll keep seeing new things the more I follow.

The most common mistake is that hunters walk in the middle of the blood trail. Then when they get to where the blood is spilling, they start running all over the place. This will transfer blood from their boots to places where the deer haven’t been. When the dog gets there to track and gets to that point on the trail, it has to spend a lot of time unraveling this false trail of blood that is now laid out. There is no good solution other than trying to be careful and possibly going to the side of the path.

Mistake #2 is the hunter not visually or physically marking where the deer was standing when it fired. This point can be very important for a tracker as much information can be gleaned by looking at the hair color at the hit site along with any bones present.

Mistake 3 is not knowing who their neighbors are or how to contact them in case the deer crosses the property line. In many states, it is illegal to cross property lines without a permit, even to track down a wounded deer. One solution is to make arrangements with your neighbors in advance, just in case. This is useful if you arrive at a property line late at night and want to find out who owns the property. You will be very disappointed when the tracker and his dog stop, so get permission ahead of time.

Mistake 4 is not prepared for the nighttime pursuit. A pen light works well for walking in the woods, but when you need to see the tiniest sign, you need a very good bright light. Bring several good lights in case your batteries die or a bulb burns out.

Mistake 5 of not marking their progress on the track to the point of loss. Marking the trail helps the tracker see that their dog is following the correct blood trail to the point of loss. If the trail of blood is very faint, the handler may not see blood as they observe their dog’s reaction. By marking the last bloodstain, the handler knows there could be many wrong tracks at this point, see Mistake #1.

Mistake 6 shoving the deer. If the deer leaves the place after the shot, give it 30 to 45 minutes. Once you start tracking and see that the animal can travel a great distance or that it’s a bad shot, give it at least 4 hours if the temperature allows and you’re not worried about coyotes. If there are signs of a gut shot, wait 6 to 8 hours before requesting a chase again. Most mortally wounded deer attempt to lie down within 200-300 yards. But when pushed out of bed, it can travel a great distance before it expires.

A few misconceptions about sniffer dogs.

It was raining so a dog won’t be of any use; In fact, a light rain helps keep the scent in. Some dogs are even able to locate after heavy rainfall. It’s always better to call as soon as possible, but if it takes over 12 hours to get a tracking dog then don’t worry. Many people think that a dog is only good if the track is less than a few hours old. In fact, a well-trained dog can follow an scent trail as young as 20 or even 40 hours of age. The meat may not be good when the weather is hot and the yotes may have made it, but if you want to retrieve your trophy, don’t be afraid to call in a quality search dog. Another misconception is that a tracking dog will always find your pet. A tracking dog greatly increases your chances of finding a wounded animal, but is by no means a guarantee. Dogs have bad days just like humans.

Ron Jolly | Originally published in GameKeepers: Farming for Wildlife Magazine. To subscribe click here.

Brian Sheppard’s dogs are descended from the lineage of dogs bred by the Hindes family in Texas. These dogs are a Blue Lace, Black Mouth Cur, and Catahoula Leopard Cur mix.

There is no greater reward for a game warden than knowing that your land is home to a trophy and your investment of time, money and hard work has transformed your land into a habitat that will attract and hold a full grown buck. Decisions on the trigger finger, what should be shot and when, have allowed this buck to mature. For my wife, Tes, and I, there was a two-year wait before we began pursuing the dream of turning our small farm in east Alabama into what it is today.

This wait was a “trying time. By the end of the second year we were discouraged and wondering if we could count on full blown dollars on our relatively small property. Then, in September 2009, a single photo of a buck we dubbed “Stickers” brought some much-needed excitement to our effort. We stayed the course and added other dollars later.

In 2010 I became obsessed with a buck we had christened LittleJoe the year before. He was impressive as a three-year-old in 2009, but we still overtook him several times. On the morning of November 18, 2010, I spotted three bucks walking down the path to my booth. I didn’t need my Nikons to know the third buck was Little Joe.

Chuck Sykes’ dogs (pictured above) found many

Deer, many of which he would never have found without them

Your help. He places one or both dogs on each deer

he shoots.

The bucks were 80 yards away, closing in at the pace of potbellied bucks going to bed. I unhooked my bow, placed my feet on the platform, closed my eyes and mentally prepared to shoot.

When the first buck, a three year old octopus, entered my shooting range, he was 26 yards away. I couldn’t help but think how I would have proudly shot that buck not so long ago, but the real prize was still 45 yards away. Little Joe would be the best buck ever shot on this farm. I estimated he would gross almost 150 inches as a nine-pointer.

The second buck, another three-year-old eight, ran through my lane without spotting me. Now I focused on Little Joe. As he entered the alley my bow came effortlessly full drawn. A low grunt stopped him in the middle of the firing line. One last deep breath as release touched the familiar spot at the corner of my mouth. I focused on the crease behind his right shoulder and centered my 20-yard pin two inches up from dead center.

In no time my arrow flew through the buck and got stuck in the ground. He was now 80 meters away and didn’t know what had happened. I did! Instead of hitting the heart and lungs, my arrow hit a full eight inches to the left. Liver hits at best… guts for sure.

I grabbed my binoculars hoping they would dispel the image that was burned into my brain. They have not. With a twitch of his tail, Little Joe turned and disappeared into the timbers. I sat down and tried to control the shaking.

Two agonizing hours later I climbed down and went to the arrow. The green coating on the shaft reinforced what I already knew. Six hours later I picked up the trail. A hundred yards later I saw him get up and run away. I backed away, hoping he wouldn’t go far and I could find him the next day.

That was one of the worst nights of my life. I just couldn’t understand what had gone wrong. At daybreak a friend and I started where the buck jumped. There was a small amount of blood on the bed, but nothing could be seen from that point on. After a whole day of searching we canceled. The next day I got the call at work. Tes had found what was left of Little Joe – the coyotes had prevailed with the rest.

If a deer is dead or badly wounded, a well-trained dog will find or bark at the deer. Then the hunter slips in to finish the job.

It happens!

We’ve all heard the phrase “that’s hunting, that’s happening” before, and sadly, it does. Responsible hunters do everything they can to avoid this. The question is, “What do you do when you take a bad shot?” With Little Joe, I did what years of experience had taught me. Go away, give him time and don’t pass the buck. Eight agonizing hours proved not enough time to wait for the recovery of this beautiful buck. So how do you know how long you have enough time before heading out?

In the end we were able to recover Little Joe’s remains. That was a small consolation. The guilt I felt for not taking a good shot and then losing the trail of blood made me take a good look at myself and do whatever it took to not let it happen again.

I didn’t know anyone back then who had a bloodthirsty dog. Since then I’ve made a serious effort to learn about dogs being used to find wounded deer and who to call if we ever need help rescuing one.

Chuck Sykes

Chuck Sykes is director of the Alabama Department of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and host of the television series Management Advantage. Sykes also owns dogs that are trained to rescue wounded deer.

“My dogs are miniature Australian Shepherds. They are service dogs and pets. When I use my dogs to track deer, I’m very careful not to hurt them, so I don’t put them on a big buck that I’m afraid is still alive,” Sykes said. “My dogs are show dogs that didn’t make it, but they are like my kids. I spend all my free time with these dogs.”

“When my dog ​​was about three months old, I took her to track down a deer that I had shot with my bow. I was on my hands and knees, moving from one bloodstain to the next. She jumped around, played – was just a puppy. Then I noticed her several meters in front of me with her nose on the ground. I went to her and there was blood on the floor. She moved a few meters and began smelling the ground. I went to her and found more blood. When she found the deer she was scared to death, but with some encouragement she started smelling the deer and biting it,” Sykes said

“Since that day she has found many deer, many of which I would never have found. I put one or both of my dogs on every deer I shoot. Repetition increases a dog’s ability to train hard trails. You have to learn to trust your dog,” Sykes said. “Good tracking dogs can tell if a deer is mortally wounded. They act and work the trail differently when the deer is mortally wounded. They can also distinguish the injured deer from other deer in the area.”

“I do not recommend Miniature Australian Shepherds as a top breed for blood-bearing dogs. All I know is that both of my find tracks and find deer,” Sykes said. “There are other breeds that are better suited to the rigors of rescuing wounded deer.

Meet Otis

Kowalski (background) always enjoyed the tracking part

the hunt. He also enjoys helping other people find theirs

Deer.

Otis is an eight month old Slovensky Kopov. Its owner is my neighbor and friend Harold Kowalsky. Harold bought Otis with full intention of training him as a bloodstaining dog. “I have lost several deer over the years and decided my next dog would be bred for this job. I wanted a smaller dog known for his intelligence and disposition.

Popov fits into this mold. I wanted a hardy breed that would also make a good family dog ​​as I have two five year old boys and the dog needed to be part of our family,” said Kowalsky.

“I bought Otis when he was two months old. I immediately started a bonding program with him. I wanted him to have manners and know basic commands. I started with sit, stay, take care of me and kennel. I’ve reinforced those commands with treat rewards,” Kowalsky said. “As soon as he started obeying, I started laying short blood trail lines, using beef liver for the smell on the floor and the reward at the end of the line.”

“Otis improved with every line he ran. I started making the lines longer and incorporating controls or ninety degree twists into the line. I switched from beef liver drags to deerskin sprayed with deer blood and kept the liver as a reward for successful runs,” said Kowalsky.

“When Otis was six months old, I put him on his first real deer,” Kowalsky said. “This was a staged event where I knew the deer was dead and where it was. Otis followed the blood straight to the stag. I’ve done this several times since then and so far I couldn’t be happier.”

Kowalsky contacted every hunting club, lodge and friend he could find to offer his services to Otis. The idea is to get him on as many trails as possible in his first season. “I believe repetition is a key to developing a good dog with bloodstains,” Kowalsky said. “I’ve always enjoyed the tracking part of the hunt. I also enjoy helping other people find their deer. I intend to do whatever it takes to make Otis the best it can be. I don’t want him to get hurt or have a bad experience, so I’ll try to pick tracks that have a dead stag at the end at the start. Given his age and experience, I believe that given his breeding he will be strong enough to stand his ground and bark at a wounded stag.”

The professionals

Bobby Culbertson-Tara Wildlife

In one year, the A-string dogs at Tara were priced at $48

that ran out of sight. Forty-three of those dollars were

recovered. The dogs are invaluable for bloodstains

Deer when wet.

Bobby Culbertson is the head guide at Tara Wildlife in Mississippi. Tara is a premier arch only operation harvesting over 300 deer each season. Bloodhounds play a large part in the hunting success that has made Tara a prime target for bowhunting.

“We use Labrador retrievers, mostly male dogs,” Culbertson said. “Our dogs are the big labs and very few bitches have the stamina and drive to cut it here. We try to start each season with at least one six to eight month old puppy. Our hunters have special instructions not to pursue a wounded deer. If a deer dies within sight of a hunter, he can look at his deer, but he cannot move that deer. If we have a young dog, we allow him to find the dead deer. It’s about repetition!”

“These dogs are like family. They accompany us everywhere. They work hard and by the end of the season they are pretty skinny. Her chest and face are bare from the thornbushes. These dogs often catch six, seven, eight deer a night! When a young dog is able to find deer that we know are dead, we let him run with an old dog on a more difficult track. It doesn’t take long for the pup to catch on. Usually after one season the pup has become a true blood fanatic,” said Culbertson.

“These dogs are like pets for most of the day. We attach cowbells to their collars before displaying them on a track. The sight and sound of the bell flips a switch in these dogs. From that point on, they’re all business. We also use tracking collars in case we lose contact with the bell.”

“We put a sniffer dog on the trail and keep another dog on a leash. This dog is the catch dog. He is usually a big man who has a lot of grit. When the sniffer dog jumps or a wounded deer barks, we let go of the hound. We can usually tell early if we have a mortally wounded deer,” Culbertson said. “The dog just behaves differently. He’s got his nose on the ground and he’s in business. I believe mortally wounded deer give off a unique smell and the dog recognizes that smell.”

“We owe it to our customers to do whatever it takes to save their deer. These dogs give us a tremendous advantage in this task. Often the dogs will bark at a wounded deer and we’ll rush in and finish off the animal as humanely as possible. We owe it to the deer and the dogs. A cornered buck weighing well over 200 pounds is a powerful beast. He can hurt a dog if we don’t get there quickly and put him to sleep.”

I asked Culbertson to explain how valuable these dogs are to Tara’s success. He summed it up like this: “We’ve shot $76 at Tara so far this season. 28 of them died before the eyes of the hunter. We put the Astring dogs on the $48 running out of sight. We took 43 of those dollars to the skinner’s shed. These dogs can do more on a racetrack in five minutes than we can do with lights in an hour. I have to say these dogs are priceless!”

“It’s a love-hate relationship with these dogs for the first two years,” says Culbertson. “You’re learning and you don’t have the experience to be consistent. From three to five years they are great! From 5 to 8 years old they are bulletproof! You’ve seen and done it all. By the age of nine they start to slow down and lose some of their punch. By the time they are 10, they have earned their place on the porch and by the fireplace, where they spend the rest of their days living the good life!”

Brian Shepherd

Brian Sheppard is a staff tracker living in Pine Mountain, GA. Covering Alabama and Georgia, he uses dogs bred by the Hindes family of Texas to track wounded deer.

“My dogs are descended from the lineage of dogs bred by the notorious Hindes family in Texas,” Sheppard said. “They are a mix of Blue Lace, Black Mouth Cur and Catahoula Leopard Cur. They have tremendous grit and are very good at finding wounded deer. They found literally hundreds of deer that hunters couldn’t find.”

“I start with my dogs by making them my friends first. I keep them with me as much as possible and let them know when they’re doing things I enjoy. When you do this, they instinctively learn what is expected of them. Short, simple blood trails created with a deer leg sprayed with deer blood are how I start them. They start at the age of six months and I keep making the trails more complicated. These dogs are bred to pursue blood, so it only takes a short time and positive affirmation for them to understand that this is their job.”

“When a hunter calls me to help locate a wounded deer, I ask specific questions,” Sheppard said. “Was the shot with a gun or a bow? Where did you meet the deer? How long ago was the shot? Did you try to chase the deer and jump on it? The hunter’s answers to these important questions determine how I approach the animal’s recovery. I’m happy to wait three hours before delivering my dog ​​to a gunshot deer, and four or more hours to a bowshot deer. Shot placement plays a big part, as does an uninterrupted trail.”

A good dog on a pristine path will greatly increase your energy

Chance to find your deer again. This is Bill Keith with a

beautiful buck recovered by Brian Sheppard and his dog.

“These dogs know if a deer is mortally wounded. There are times when I can tell by the way the dog works if the deer we’re tracking isn’t dead or catchable,” Sheppard said. “I think mortally wounded deer give off a different scent. I use a Garmin tracking collar for my dog ​​and use Birdseye software to know where my dog ​​is and what terrain we are dealing with. These dogs can cover great distances on a track. If a deer is dead or badly wounded, they will likely find it or bark.”

“As a hunter, you owe it to every deer you kill to make every effort to find it. Unfortunately, summoning a bloodhound is often the last resort. It should be the first thing you do when you suspect your shot was marginal. A good dog on a pristine trail greatly increases your chance of finding your deer again. Whether the dog finds your deer or not, you know you did everything you could to rescue the animal.”

Final Thoughts

When I was shooting Little Joe in 2010, I didn’t know anyone in our area who owned a bloodhound. If I could have believed it, I would have called for her help. I also think we would have found him before the coyotes.

To this day, that experience is my all-time low as a bow hunter. It was an experience that can happen to anyone, but it happened to me! I took it personally and never want to go through that again. I now have several bloodhound owners on speed dial on my phone. I won’t hesitate to call next time.

If you are looking for a quality archery hunt in the south, you can’t go wrong with Tara Wildlife. They can be reached at 601-279-6506. If you live in Alabama or Georgia and need the services of a professional bloodhound handler, you can reach Brian Shepard at 706-718-1690. Harold Kowalsky will have a reliable bloodhound operational in the Macon County, Alabama area in 2015. He can be reached at 334-421-1811.

These are the guys I met and interviewed for this article. I am sure that with a little effort you too can locate a bloodhound in your area that could save the hunt of a lifetime!

Dogs have been used for hunting since their early domestication. Dogs bred for hunting can be adorable, but their personality, markings, coat, etc. all play an important role. Some of these qualities also make them the perfect companion. Check out our hunting dog breed breakdown and see if one suits your needs and wants.

Labrador Retrievers

Ranked the most popular dog breed by the AKC for two decades, the Labrador is an effective bird dog because of its “soft mouth,” a trait common in retrievers and setters. This means they can be trained to be careful with prey to avoid damaging it.

Labs are known for their intelligence and loyalty. These qualities also make them successful service dogs, search and rescue dogs, drug and bomb detectors, and family companions. They are high energy and need lots of exercise. Luckily, they excel at canine sports like agility, obedience, and tracking, as well as a solid game of retrieval. Their coats require minimal maintenance, making them easy to have on the hunt or around the house with family.

Golden retriever

The Golden shares much in common with Labradors, including excellence in hunting, as service dogs, in search and rescue, as family companions, and in dog sports. They even topped the US charts. They are a very friendly, outgoing, and active breed. A Golden will enjoy a hunt, a hike, and even a workout. Their soft mouth and eager personality make them excellent bird dogs. Golden Retrievers really enjoy a day of swimming and long hours of fetch. Their coat requires proper grooming, with regular brushing, sometimes daily.

beagle

Although small and compact, Beagles are great hunters of small prey or larger prey in larger packs, and they are very pack oriented. The good thing is that they enjoy both human and canine company, making them great family dogs and hunters. They are one of the best scent hounds and are very intelligent although they can be stubborn. Another high energy breed that requires daily exercise.

Irish setter

Specializing in bird hunting, Irish Setters track scents and then signal that they have found the birds. Similar to retrievers, they also have soft mouths. These setters are generally defined as smart, determined, affectionate, and outgoing, making them great hunters and pets. As is the trend, this breed requires a lot of exercise. If you decide to get an Irish Setter, try obedience training, tracking, and agility to work them up. Their coat needs brushing at least twice a week.

bloodhound

Bloodhounds were bred to track big game and are now also used by law enforcement to track both missing persons and fugitives. To date, no technology is as advanced as this breed’s scent tracking abilities. Exercise is important, especially walks that allow them to use their nose. Try not to leave them alone in the garden as they tend to dig and escape. They are intelligent and independent which makes training difficult at times as they can be stubborn.

If you’re interested in Bloodhounds as family companions, they don’t require much grooming but are quite drooling. Affectionate, loving and generally good with children, they are pack oriented and make a great additional member to most families. Due to their stubbornness, train and socialize early on.

Weimaraner

Specializing in hunting big game (wolves, bears and mountain lions), this “Grey Ghost” generally stays with its owners. They are smart and athletic, friendly and obedient. With limited grooming and easy to train, this breed makes a great family pet. They need exercise but benefit from something as simple as a secure fenced area.

German shorthaired pointer

Intelligent and determined, pointers hunt everything from birds to deer. They also point, track day and night, and retrieve land and water. Early socialization and training are vital for this breed.

As family companions, pointers form strong bonds with their humans and only need to be brushed about twice a week on average. They require a little more exercise than the average gun dog and require physical and mental exercise at least twice a day. Brisk walks, runs, and swims with an equally outdoor-loving owner are ideal for them.

Whether you’re looking for a hunting companion or a new family member, any of these dogs would be a great fit. Each breed is slightly different, requires different care, and excels at different hunting activities. Find out which one best suits your needs and even meet some!

Famed for their stubborn personalities and natural guard instinct, German Shepherds are just two points away from being the most popular breed in America. They are capable of many different jobs and activities ranging from working with service dogs to providing obedience at the highest level. They also have strong noses and can track easily, usually leading to search and rescue opportunities. With all of these qualities, German Shepherds appear to make great hunting dogs. Still, it’s particularly rare to see a German Shepherd as a hunting dog.

While there are several dogs bred solely for hunting and are usually the first options, German Shepherds can make good hunting dogs. They may take longer to train in certain subcategories of hunting, they are naturally obedient dogs and have the potential to become a loyal and loyal hunting companion. However, there are some serious things to consider before you go out and get a German Shepherd as your new gun dog.

Can German Shepherds be trained as hunting dogs?

Contrary to their rarity as hunting dogs, German Shepherds are capable despite not being a popular hunting breed. Since there are different types of hunting, there are races that exist only for these tasks. The best German shepherd options for hunting fall primarily in the scent tracking categories, particularly for smaller prey like rabbits (which they all seem to love). They can also learn to fetch poultry, but it’s important to teach them not to shake and damage the poultry.

With the right temperament and an experienced gun dog trainer, they are quite capable of being versatile gun dogs. German shepherds fall into either the companion category or the working category. For a successful shot at a hunting dog, a working bloodline German Shepherd is the best option. Since they are bred specifically for working qualities, training a working GSD should be a bit easier and less likely to cause headaches. They also have fewer temperament and behavioral problems due to the selection process that breeders use.

German Shepherds can also be potential hunting companions and can be trained to protect the hunter if necessary. Even working line GSDs are affectionate and remain loyal to their owners, protecting them with their lives. Some hunters prefer a canine companion, even if they’re not necessarily trained for specific tasks. But it will take a lot of training to keep them around and to keep them from scaring animals, so they should have a job other than just being companion dogs.

Requirements for good hunting dogs

There are various tasks a hunter may ask of their dog, from sight tracking to fowl retrieval. Each type of hound has similar requirements, although each also has task-specific requirements that a hound must meet. A hunting dog needs to know exactly what to do, especially when on the job. For example: when hunting by sight or by scent, a trained hound knows when to hunt and when to kill its prey, and awaits the hunter’s command. A dog trained to retrieve fowl knows how to pick up fowl gently and not tremble when it comes out of the water.

A good hunting dog is obedient to the hunter and reports regularly, which is a sign of obedience and understanding of the task. It’s always waiting for a command or cue, whether it’s a word, a hand signal, or a sound. It should be loyal and respectful to the hunter while also being able to work independently when it comes to hunting. Finally, a good gun dog will have a fairly predictable and balanced temperament, allowing the hunter to experience less stress during a hunting session.

About the German Shepherd Dog

German shepherd size

Bitches: 22 – 24 inches

Height: 22 – 24 inches Weight: 50 – 75 pounds

Male Height: 24 – 26 inches

Height: 24 – 26 inches Weight: 65 – 90 pounds

Temperament of the German Shepherd Dog

German shepherds are strong, highly intelligent dogs that like to have something to do. They’re a working breed, coming from a herding background, so they’re confident dogs with a working dog mentality. They can be a challenge for owners who lack experience or confidence, but they can excel in areas like obedience and dog sports. With a calm leader to follow, German Shepherds are a true symbol of hard work and dedication.

Selected image source: Osetrik, Shutterstock

introduction

Riley is rather tall. I mean that’s to be expected considering he’s a Doberman. However, you get used to it. So you only notice from time to time when you walk past small dogs how big he really is. But despite her somewhat conspicuous size, you want to take Riley to work. In fact, you want to teach it to track. Dobermans have a fantastic sense of smell and you need a new hunting companion. Alternatively, you may want to train yours to be a working dog that needs to track. Training a Doberman to track comes with a number of benefits. First, you can sniff out anything you’re looking for, be it another animal, cash, or drugs. This type of training is also a fantastic way to channel the dog’s energy into something productive and to keep them mentally stimulated. Finally, it’s a great way to strengthen the bond between the two of you and work as a team.

above

define tasks

Training a Doberman to track requires consistent practice and focus on both you and them. The first thing you have to do is introduce them to the item you want them to find. You then have to get them excited about it. After all, you have to motivate them to find it and support them along the way. Obedience training will play a big part.

If your Doberman is a puppy then he should be ready to go and a quick learner. This means you can start seeing results in just a few weeks. However, if your Doberman is older and more interested in lounging around than learning new skills, then it will take you months. If you can train properly, you are well on your way to becoming an efficient working dog. If you decide to take your buddy out hunting, you may find that your scores improve as well.

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Started

Before you can start working, you need to gather a few things. The item you want them to find is crucial. If it’s an animal, use bait and scent spray. Then you need a decent supply of treats or the dog’s favorite food broken into small pieces. A toy, clicker, friend and training leash are also needed. Schedule 15 minutes of exercise every day. You can start practicing at your home and the local park, but then you will need access to the local fields.

Once you have all of the above, just bring enthusiasm and an optimistic attitude, and let the work begin!

German shepherds were originally used to herd sheep and protect against bears and wolves. Because they’re large, strong, and incredibly intelligent dogs with innate guarding and fighting skills, you’re probably wondering if GSDs can hunt ducks or track deer?

German shepherds are very devoted to the owner, very smart, easy to train and perform dangerous tasks. They are very intelligent dogs and they can learn to track deer if you teach them properly.

Training your German Shepherd to track, track, and chase is not something you can do in a few days or a week. It’s a time-consuming process that will take up more than just an hour of your day.

Still, assume you’re patient enough and eager to teach your dog all the necessary skills so he can do you proud on the field. If so, this article will help you on your way.

However, it is worth noting that some are not suited to this activity as some German Shepherds were only bred/trained as show dogs.

Can they track deer?

Dogs are, of course, the most famous of all olfactory animals, as their abilities are hundreds of times better than humans. This applies to all dogs. However, the German Shepherd is more obedient than the average dog.

According to research, a German shepherd’s nose contains about 50 million olfactory cells. That’s not all; The olfactory bulb in their brain is also larger than in most dogs.

They are versatile dogs, making up about half of all detective dogs. Equally good at finding explosives and drugs, they are ideal for apprehending and escorting criminals.

A German Shepherd can track deer if you teach them how to do it.

The fact that they are used in the police force is more than enough to understand that they have a great sense of smell. Also, German shepherds are sometimes better suited to work in difficult weather conditions.

German shepherds are known to be good dogs for tracking. They are athletic and have high energy, work long hours and have strong obedience skills. These traits abound in GSDs, which is one of the reasons they make excellent sniffer dogs.

How can they track deer?

German shepherds are known for tracking deer, but how exactly do they do it? The tracking process occurs without any effort or thought on your part, so it’s easy to assume that dogs have a keen sense of smell.

German Shepherds, like all members of their canine family, actively use their sense of smell. As soon as your German Shepherd catches the first sign of fresh air, their moist and spongy nose will help catch any smell in the air.

The ability to sniff separately from each nostril and smell in stereo helps determine the direction of the source of the odor. The dog learns the type of smell present and also where it is located.

In the first moments of sniffing, the dog begins to know not only what kind of smell is present, but also where they are located.

Landmarks such as bushes and trees are aromatic cues that send messages about a deer’s location.

There are many ways to train them.

Training to detect the deer’s skin odor

Take your German Shepherd to swampy areas where their sense of smell works best. Hide the treats at a smaller distance. Grind the treats under your shoes and pass between the treats to create a trail of scent.

Take your German Shepherd off the leash and let him follow the tracks. If he follows the scent, praise him; otherwise ignore him.

You can also create a path through a deer hide. Leave treats somewhere between the tracks to help your German Shepherd feel motivated to follow the track.

Gradually remove the treats and just let him follow the scent of game. If he can find the deer’s hide, reward him and give him praise.

Teach your dog to speak on command when tracking the deer. After a while he will give you a signal by barking.

Training to follow the blood trails of deer

German shepherds can detect a drop of blood in 5 liters of water. So this is one of the most effective types of training. You can introduce him to deer blood by putting it on a sponge or clothing. When he examines it, give him praise. He will familiarize himself with deer blood.

First, create a blood trail of the deer in a straight line and have it follow it. Put down a treat at the end of the class so he can feel motivated.

Gradually you can create paths that are not continuous, longer and complicated. Tell them the direction when they leave the path.

Once they find the deer’s fur at the other end, praise and reward it with treats.

Training to detect the deer’s skin odor

It turns out that GSD puppies learn better with their older brothers who already know how to hunt. He tries to imitate others in order to be praised and rewarded as well. This motivates him and he learns it quickly.

Let another trained dog take the lead and find the deer hideout. Your new trainee will learn from him and try to track him down himself.

Don’t forget to praise and reward him when he does the right thing.

Are you good with birds?

German Shepherds are rightly considered to be the most versatile dogs out there. From K-9 units to service dogs, the list of uses is pretty impressive. While there are breeds bred specifically as bird hunting dogs, German Shepherds are not one of them.

You can train German shepherds to hunt ducks, but they are not hunting dogs. They cannot act like hounds when hunting. However, you can train them to recover the carcasses of ducks.

What makes them good or bad at hunting?

The German Shepherd is one of those breeds that stands out for their intelligence, making them a versatile dog that can be a guard, shepherd, companion, and much more.

However, the German shepherd does not belong to the hunting dog category. They were mainly shepherd dogs.

German shepherds tend to bark at deer and shoo them away.

You can use them for tracking as they have great sense and are relatively more obedient than other breeds.

GSDs can be great working dogs, but if you need a companion, especially for hunting, they aren’t the best choice you can find.

How to train a German Shepherd to hunt

Before you start training your German Shepherd to hunt, you should also take care of his safety. A dog in the forest behaves very differently than at home. Normally, animals become more active in nature. They walk around, sniffing around at various objects and showing great interest in a new environment.

In such a situation, there is a chance that he will be separated from you. You wouldn’t want that at all. So there are some steps you can take to ensure this never happens.

Take your GSD into the woods for the first time

Before the first trip to the forest, the puppy must undergo initial training at home. He must be able to execute elementary commands and respond to his nickname. Disobedience in the forest can cause a lot of problems for both the owner and the pet. Often this becomes the reason for the disappearance of the dog.

Before entering the forest area, you have to reckon with dangers such as ticks and mites or snakes.

ticks and mites

Ticks are a significant danger when walking in the woods. They are carriers of serious diseases – tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. Therefore, it makes sense to use drops or aerosol against forest parasites 2-3 days before walking or hunting. You can put a special anti-mite collar on your pet.

However, such products do not always protect against bites. Therefore, after each exit from the forest, you need to carefully inspect the wool. If you find a tick, you don’t have to try to remove it yourself. It is better to seek help from a veterinary clinic.

snakes

When the dog encounters a snake, it usually tries to grab it. In this case, pets are often bitten. Therefore, you must have antihistamines with you. This is the first aid to combat snake venom. Then the dog urgently needs to be taken to the veterinary clinic. The specialist injects the animal with a special serum.

In no case should you hit the snake and try to drive it away. Otherwise, she can switch her aggression from a dog to a person. And for humans, snake bites are much more dangerous than for animals. Dogs are more resistant to viper venom.

What to do if you lose your dog

How to find a dog in the forest Often the owners panic and do the wrong thing. They run around looking for and calling for a pet. If a person moves erratically, the dog loses track.

You must stand in the same place and call the dog loudly. In most cases, the animal returns to the owner. Once you have stepped aside, you must step back in your footsteps.

What if the dog does not come back even after calling several times? You can leave your item or a dog toy at the place of loss. The next day you must return to the forest in the same place. Often this search method helps to find a missing pet. The animals returned, led by the smell of a familiar thing.

In order not to lose the dog in the forest, it is necessary to carry out special exercises with the puppy. It is recommended to periodically disappear from the animal’s field of vision during a walk, for example to hide behind a tree. You should always see your pet. This will force the dog to look for you. In the future, the dog will be afraid of losing sight of you and will stay close.

It’s also helpful to engrave your phone number on a metal tag and attach it to his collar. Often dogs that have disappeared in the forest are found in the nearest towns or villages.

Basic commando training

Training outdoors should be preceded by learning dog commands at home. Of course, the puppy is first taught its nickname. Together with them you can start teaching the command “Come to me!”. To do this, you need to affectionately call a nickname and say: “Come to me!” and show with your hands that you are waiting for her. As soon as the pet appears, you need to treat and praise it. All commands are pronounced in a calm tone without rising intonation. Otherwise, the puppy may become afraid and in the future will constantly doubt his actions.

Raising a pet so it knows where it belongs is very important. If the puppy obeys the command, but then suddenly jumps off and tries to run away, you need to show your endurance and stop him with your hand. It is persistence, not pushiness, that is important in parenting. If you exclude treats, praise, and play from the training process, the puppy will lose all interest and stop doing anything.

Team “Fu!” (or “No!”) should also be familiar to the animal from the first few days. Upon completion, a treat should also follow. These examples will give you a clear idea of ​​how to train your dog at home.

At about 3 months of age, the puppy is put on a collar and leash. At first he will try to take the collar off, but over time he will get used to it. While on a leash, try to keep the puppy close to your leg and stop his attempts to escape. From the age of 6 months, the puppy learns to walk strictly alongside, always to the left of the owner. It is important to control your GSD and not let him play with the leash. He must understand that this is not a toy. After the pet learns this command, you can unleash it and train without it.

Whistle Command Training

It is advisable to choose ultrasonic whistles for hunting dogs, which are audible to the animal but inaudible to others, for training.

Each command to the dogs on the hunt can be strengthened with a whistle, then the pet will get used to it faster. It is important not to use the whistle after the animal has been punished. Otherwise, the pet associates the whistle with the threat of punishment.

Dispatch Command Training

This command can also be trained in an apartment.

First you need to give the pet a chance to get used to having something in his mouth. After a while you should call the puppy and ask him to give you the thing. If he doesn’t post the item, you can pick it up yourself. Be sure to treat your four-legged friend to something nice afterwards. If the training of a hunting dog takes place on the street, then from time to time you need to throw an object into the water so that he gets it from there. It is necessary to accustom the animal to water. This is very important for German Shepherds. This command will be much more useful for hunting dogs than others.

ground search training

The main thing here is to teach the pet to move properly and look for games.

It is important that the dog has a strong instinct and can look for an animal against the wind. Otherwise he can only track down the animal, but not find it. Therefore, when moving with the owner, the pet must cross his path from left to right. In this case, the hunter must stop the pet’s movement with a whistle and show the direction for further movement with his hand. When the whistle sounds, the animal turns around and continues to search for the game. The ideal place for training is the wide swamp area.

Dogs have been used for hunting since their early domestication. Dogs bred for hunting can be adorable, but their personality, markings, coat, etc. all play an important role. Some of these qualities also make them the perfect companion. Check out our hunting dog breed breakdown and see if one suits your needs and wants.

Labrador Retrievers

Ranked the most popular dog breed by the AKC for two decades, the Labrador is an effective bird dog because of its “soft mouth,” a trait common in retrievers and setters. This means they can be trained to be careful with prey to avoid damaging it.

Labs are known for their intelligence and loyalty. These qualities also make them successful service dogs, search and rescue dogs, drug and bomb detectors, and family companions. They are high energy and need lots of exercise. Luckily, they excel at canine sports like agility, obedience, and tracking, as well as a solid game of retrieval. Their coats require minimal maintenance, making them easy to have on the hunt or around the house with family.

Golden retriever

The Golden shares much in common with Labradors, including excellence in hunting, as service dogs, in search and rescue, as family companions, and in dog sports. They even topped the US charts. They are a very friendly, outgoing, and active breed. A Golden will enjoy a hunt, a hike, and even a workout. Their soft mouth and eager personality make them excellent bird dogs. Golden Retrievers really enjoy a day of swimming and long hours of fetch. Their coat requires proper grooming, with regular brushing, sometimes daily.

beagle

Although small and compact, Beagles are great hunters of small prey or larger prey in larger packs, and they are very pack oriented. The good thing is that they enjoy both human and canine company, making them great family dogs and hunters. They are one of the best scent hounds and are very intelligent although they can be stubborn. Another high energy breed that requires daily exercise.

Irish setter

Specializing in bird hunting, Irish Setters track scents and then signal that they have found the birds. Similar to retrievers, they also have soft mouths. These setters are generally defined as smart, determined, affectionate, and outgoing, making them great hunters and pets. As is the trend, this breed requires a lot of exercise. If you decide to get an Irish Setter, try obedience training, tracking, and agility to work them up. Their coat needs brushing at least twice a week.

bloodhound

Bloodhounds were bred to track big game and are now also used by law enforcement to track both missing persons and fugitives. To date, no technology is as advanced as this breed’s scent tracking abilities. Exercise is important, especially walks that allow them to use their nose. Try not to leave them alone in the garden as they tend to dig and escape. They are intelligent and independent which makes training difficult at times as they can be stubborn.

If you’re interested in Bloodhounds as family companions, they don’t require much grooming but are quite drooling. Affectionate, loving and generally good with children, they are pack oriented and make a great additional member to most families. Due to their stubbornness, train and socialize early on.

Weimaraner

Specializing in hunting big game (wolves, bears and mountain lions), this “Grey Ghost” generally stays with its owners. They are smart and athletic, friendly and obedient. With limited grooming and easy to train, this breed makes a great family pet. They need exercise but benefit from something as simple as a secure fenced area.

German shorthaired pointer

Intelligent and determined, pointers hunt everything from birds to deer. They also point, track day and night, and retrieve land and water. Early socialization and training are vital for this breed.

As family companions, pointers form strong bonds with their humans and only need to be brushed about twice a week on average. They require a little more exercise than the average gun dog and require physical and mental exercise at least twice a day. Brisk walks, runs, and swims with an equally outdoor-loving owner are ideal for them.

Whether you’re looking for a hunting companion or a new family member, any of these dogs would be a great fit. Each breed is slightly different, requires different care, and excels at different hunting activities. Find out which one best suits your needs and even meet some!

The buck I’ve been chasing for three days – a heavy chocolate 10-pointer – stood 95 yards down Sendero and easily quartered. I rested the crosshairs of the .308 on his shoulder, expecting to snap it and watch the deer drop dead. Instead, the buck pounced on the South Texas scrubland, tail firmly pinched. Charles Coker, my guide, and I sat blindfolded in the box discussing the shot. The buck was hit. Though the reaction seemed more like a gut shot than a shoulder shot, he would surely be dead right in the brush. After an hour we blindly climbed out of the box to have a look. The buck stormed out of his bed right at the edge of Senderos. A puddle of bright red blood was already drying on the sand, dripping into the undergrowth in front of us. We both knew we should have waited longer but in hindsight the situation didn’t change. So I asked Coker, “Do you know anyone with a sniffer dog?”

The author works with his dog, Levee, on a 30-foot leash. In many federal states, sniffer dogs must be kept on a leash. Hollis Bennett

Why some states allow and don’t allow blood detection dogs for wounded deer

A thousand miles away, back home in Kentucky, deer season had been underway for four months and my 11-month-old Catahoula dog, Levee, was showing off as a tracker. I’ve never had the patience to be a great dog trainer, but I hunt a lot of deer. Between finding my own deer and helping friends and family find theirs, I follow about 25 blood trails in one season. Most are easy to sort – but there are exceptions.

Shoot enough deer and you’ll eventually meet one you can’t find. At best, the wound is superficial and the animal survives. But sometimes a trail just isn’t visible to the human eye, and dead animals aren’t recovered. Once you have decided to hunt down a deer, it is your responsibility to do whatever it takes to find it. That’s why my wife and I bought Levee.

Kentucky is not alone when it comes to dog tracking. Most states now allow the use of canines — at least to some extent — in rescuing wounded big game, but enduring stigmas remain. In some states like Iowa and West Virginia, tracking dogs are still illegal. Tracking dogs were legalized in Pennsylvania in March 2020.

Frozen deer blood and legs from the past hunting season – and a few cold beers to celebrate a job well done. Hollis Bennett

If you ask me, the sniffer dog controversy is confusing. No one objects to a retriever in the duck blind or a pointer trained to “chase the dead.” Without them the birds would be lost, wasted. For any hunter who has known the fear of losing a deer but has seen a good tracking dog at work, it is hard to imagine why anyone would be against them. Yet some tracker dogs still mistakenly associate it with hunting healthy deer with packs of dogs, crossing property lines, and disturbing other hunters on watch. It took a while to get over that impression and as a result tracker dogs are required to be on a leash in most states.

Few people have done more to educate the hunting public and advocate for tracking dogs as conservation tools than John and Jolanta Jeanneney of Berne, New York. During his stay in Europe, John saw German Wirehaired Dachshunds for the first time, which were used for blood tracking. He later owned one as a pet, but didn’t consider the dog a hunting tool until he shot a deer with a snail gun and lost.

“I’ve been looking for her all day and couldn’t find her,” he says. “A week later some other hunters told me they found her dead a quarter mile away. I knew from what I had seen in Europe that she would have been easy to find with a dog. But that was in the 1970s, and dogs weren’t legal for deer hunting in New York or most of the country. So I applied to New York State for a research permit to see if the hunting and non-hunting public would accept the use of sniffer dogs. Gradually we expanded the scope of the experiment. The system worked.”

The author prepares a deer leg. Hollis Bennett

New York legalized the use of tracking dogs on a leash in 1986. The Jeanneneys began training more dogs and using them to help hunters find lost deer (they have recovered more than 300 animals to date). John has written a book called Tracking Dogs for Finding Wounded Deer, which is now in its second edition. As awareness of tracker dogs grew and regulations were relaxed, he and Jolanta realized that many hunters who needed the help of a tracker dog didn’t know how to find one. Others who wanted to train their own dogs didn’t know where to start. In 2005, the Jeanneneys, with the help of a few other trackers, formed the United Blood Tracker’s Association (UBT). It’s a resource for hunters and trackers alike, complete with a free contact list of over 450 trackers and updated state summaries of bloodhound regulations.

The author adds blood to the track. Hollis Bennett

Nothing increases your chances of finding a lost deer more than using a tracker dog (and if it’s not legal in your state, beat hell until it is). Thanks to resources like the UBT—as well as other websites and social media groups where trackers collaborate—it’s easier than ever to find a dog when you need one.

Dike joins the deer leg. Hollis Bennett

Of course you can also train your own sniffer dog. While I’m not a “dog person”, I find tracking with Levee extremely rewarding. Before last deer season, I spent summer evenings laying mock blood trails and working him on a 30 foot line. On the evening of the archery kick-off, I shot a deer and an hour later put the first drops of blood on the hit spot. It was an easy walk and Levee found the dead deer in less than a minute. By the end of the season he had followed 11 real tracks and recovered nine deer.

Read Next: 5 Top Blood Trailing Tips From a Master Tracker

Picking up the trail of blood in Texas

As Texans usually do, Coker “knew a guy” and immediately called him. Robbie Hurt and his wife Cynthia arrived within hours with snake boots, reassuring smiles and two mountain hound mix dogs equipped with GPS tracking collars.

In most parts of Texas (although there are exceptions), up to two tracking dogs can be used off-leash at a time to track wounded animals. Robbie released his older dog, Buck, and then asked to be taken to the scene of the shot. We followed Buck from the Sendero to the bed, which now had only a faint brown stain. I didn’t have much faith, but Buck stuck his nose in the sand and melted into the undergrowth. We headed back to the trucks while Robbie watched the dog’s progress on a GPS screen.

Dike shows the price. Hollis Bennett

Buck drifted 100 yards off the bed, then 200, 300… We drove around the section to keep up with him. Coker’s ranch has low fences and we couldn’t risk the dog crossing a property line. The symbol on Hurt’s GPS began to wobble, left and then right. And then, 672 meters from the transmitter, the icon stopped.

Robbie disappeared into the brush and I did my best not to shuffle around like a kid waiting for Santa Claus. Five minutes later, Cynthia’s cell phone rang: “Buck found his buck.”

A woodcutter couldn’t have shredded Mesquite more angrily. The buck was stiff but untouched. My bullet had hit behind the shoulder and exited the stomach. It was a fatal hit – albeit 4 inches from my target – that almost completely bled into the deer’s chest. Without the dog, the deer would have been wasted. And indeed, this story would have had a different ending.

A top view of the author with levee. Hollis Bennett

The top 5 dog breeds for tracking wounded deer

A good nose, an interest in deer and blood, and a willingness to please is all that is required of a tracker, and so any breed can work. But some of the most popular breeds are:

1) Course

The Catahoula Cur is the state dog of Louisiana. “Houlas, like my dog ​​Levee, are large, energetic animals with excellent noses, but they are also responsive to training. Blackmouth Curs – think Old Yeller – are similar in size, ability and temperament and are popular with serious trackers.

2) Dachshund

Their small size, strong nose and even temperament make them ideal for leash work.

3) Bloodhounds

Few breeds have a better nose, but large, powerful Bloodhounds can be difficult to control on a leash.

4) Labrador retrievers

Labs are the most popular breed in the United States and generally have the nose and intelligence to track down a deer.

5) Blue Top Dogs

Texas’ official dog, the Lacy, is popular in the Lone Star State for herding cattle and barking at hogs, but it’s also gained a nationwide following as an excellent tracker dog.

Read Next: The 21 Best Hunting Dog Breeds Of All Time

When Levee has his safety vest on, he knows it’s time to get to work. Hollis Bennett

How to train a blood detector dog

Training a tracker isn’t nearly as difficult as you might think. Here are a few things to keep in mind when getting started.

Take control with a leash and harness

It’s okay to let a puppy follow a few short tracks, but quickly transition to walking the dog on a leash. John Jeanneney recommends using a harness that the dog only wears when tracking.

Make training realistic with real deer blood and legs

Preserve and freeze blood and legs from any deer to use later for off-season work with your dog. Create a trail and let it sit for several hours – just like a real trail of blood – before working on your dog. Don’t be afraid to work at night, because then you’ll be following some real leads.

Learn how your dog moves when tracking

Each track has challenges where a deer stops bleeding, crosses an obstacle, etc., and a tracker dog solves these problems with its nose. Make your mock trails challenging and study your dog’s body language both when he loses the trail and when he finds it again. If you see that on a real track in the field, trust it. —WB