The use of Dogs

The Use of Dogs

By Keith Denoncourt

Shyloh is the Black Lab and Jingles is the Chocolate lab. The difference between them being a family pet and a gun dog was evident when they had their working harnesses put on. At that point, Shyloh was incredibly well trained for the recovery of migratory waterfowl and followed his command almost flawlessly. With the abundance of energy that Jingles provided, it made the retrieval of the birds substantially more effective.

I do not think that there will ever be a time in my life when I will not have dogs. Not just one, but at least two dogs at any given time will be part of my family. I am Blessed with owning a larger acreage and I have a incredibly large yard fenced in area for their protection. It is not uncommon that we have coyotes, and even the occasional bear pass through our yard. My current dogs are not meant for Livestock Guardian Principles. They are mostly family pets, and alarms, for the house. I mean no disrespect to the dogs that I have now, but nothing is better than when a household pet has some serious recovery or working skills. I can even go back as far as to when I had a pure bred Blue Heller. She was a one family dog. She would always gently herd my children back to the campsite when they started to stray too far, or warn us if a Bear was around. She stuck to us like glue. It came naturally. It was always an added bonus that at any sign of my children in distress she would go into full protective mode. It was great that she enjoyed being well trained for household purposes. My Labs however I used only for Migratory Game Bird Recovery. They were incredibly well trained for that purpose. Even once my daughter and I saddled up our horses and took all of our dogs looking for downed birds. It was after our morning migratory bird hunt and we were doing a thorough search. The view from the horses was amazing in the field, but watching the dogs search naturally was incredible to watch. On that recovery expedition we found two Canada Geese, and one Blue Winged Teal. They has glided and died far off in the adjacent farmers field. It was only with the help of our dogs that they were found and recovered.

Boris Basso and Ruger enjoying some birds.

My only concern when using dogs in the outdoors is when they are no controls put in place. Many years ago , I personally witnessed my neighbors dog in the act of killing deer on two separate occasions. Fish and Wildlife were notified. At that time they enforced no control over the dog wanderings or activities. This is where the problems got generated. In some cases, it is only with the controlled use of dogs can some Predatory Control take place. I do know that there will never be a time where I will be able to shoot a cougar without it being treed first. How could I ever help a Farmer or Rancher without the help of dogs? As a livestock owner, I could never imagine having to endure Predatory attacks on your livestock without having some form of controlled recourse. I love the concept of using specially trained personnel with their dogs for the hunting, or hazing, the Bears or Cougars out of an area. Without it I would fear more Predators may end up getting shot because there was no other alternative. Even some farmers may feel that there only alternative is to “shoot, shovel, and shut up”. I do not want not encourage that culture. I would rather be able to activate a team of specialty trained people, with specialty trained dogs, who could professionally assist me in the problem. Whether it is Bear, Cougar, or even with the recovery of wounded wildlife. Having a trained alternative would not increase the recovery rate. It might prevent the spoiling of the meat, or prevent the unnecessary death of a protected predatory animal. Farmers, Hunters, or Ranchers are more willing to help out when there are viable professional choices available..

When I was in South Africa, Basso Safaris never used his dogs to flush, herd, or contain any big game animal. They were there solely for controlled tracking if necessary. Ruger and Tikka only got involved when a fatal shot was determined. We would never risk wounding a dog by sending them in too quicky, plus having them in camp made even far off adventures seem a little closer to home.

Thank you for respecting wildlife ! Always sponsor a Non-Profit Conservation Group.

-Keith

Both Migratory and Upland Bird Game Hunting is on my list on to do items for when I visit Basso Safaris in South Africa.

In South Africa Basso Safaris has exceptionally well trained German Short Haired Pointers. Ruger or Tikka did not play any role in the containment, herding, or flushing, of any of my big game species. They were solely there for back up tracking purposes. It was only on a whistled command were they ever activated.

Michael helped out with some camera work, while Ruger waited patiently back at the truck.

Boris has his dogs under strict control for their safety. An injured Gemsbock is deadly and will attack when approached. The dogs are held back until their safety can be ensured.

Keith, Boris, Tikka and Michael after a very short tracking adventure. Special shout to Tikka for helping ensure that we found my Gemsbock quickly !

The sucess of Bird Game Hunting is an excellent way to introduce younger people to hunting.

Ruger and Tikka are incredibly well trained German Short Haired Pointers that Basso Safaris mostly uses for Bird Game Hunting. They were an incredible asset to have available , if necessary, for my big game adventures. My wife and I also valued having them around the campfire.