Thread: Hunting with dogs...

Every now and then you run into people who think that their hunting is the only way. They just can't admit that. Some might say that hunting out of a stand would be unethical. Or that using a gun is unethical. ( I bow hunt only). But the simple fact is you will have people break the law no matter what - with any kind of hunting.) By the way dog deer drives are harder than still or stand hunting.

ADD THIS: People do drives themselves pushing deer to fellow hunters. If I am out there squirrel hunting and someone walks by doing a drive, do I have the right to shoot them?????

A friend of mine told me about an invite he had on a dog hunt in S. Ga. a few years back. He expected a bunch of rednecks running everywhere and shooting at everything. He wasnt there for the meat, rather just to experience the activity and make up his mind on what he thought was right or wrong. Anyways, he was totally surprised at how well managed this hunt became. Posters were placed along the road in strategic locations with instructions to stay until picked back up (private roads, not rural or state roads). The drivers walked behind the dogs from another road (also planned out earlier before the hunt was ever organized) thru the woodlot towards the posters. Then if and when a deer was killed, it was split between ALL the hunters (posters AND drivers). Point I'm getting at...my friend was pleasantly surprised at how safe all involved were and how well organized the hunts he went on were. Granted, it wasnt his style of hunting since he's always been from the northern part of the state where there is no dog hunting, but he honestly said he enjoyed himself just being a part of something so well thought out and planned with a bunch of safe hunters. I dont know the problems still hunters have with dog hunters within the same counties. I can only foresee that as the ONLY problem anyone would have with opposing styles of hunting and the only reasons anyone would be complaining.

As far as shooting someone elses hunting dogs...I wouldnt want to be that person and the owners find out it was me. I wouldnt even want to be associated with the club that did that. In most situations, a man's hunting dog is very close to being their most important thing...right behind their wife and kids.

when i was a child i use to argue & give my opinion also. now with age i leave it to the younger folk while i sit back & enjoy. besides i like fishin more, but it is gettin like that also:D

Amen pwbuilding. I do feel sorry for younger people like my nephews and grandsons. Back in the 70's hunting was the common mans pursuit. We got permission to hunt farms all over the midwest. Made sure we took care of the farmers property and left him some venison and both party's were happy. Try to find a property to hunt in Illinois, Iowa or Missouri these days. Average lease is 15-25$/acre. Outfitters need the farms to make a living. Hunting is no longer a sport or a way to relax, now its big business, big money. I guess thats the American way but i still smile when my hunting buddies and I think of the good old days.