Opinions on resolving deer-chasing dogs...

[SEHunter]

Lots of great points of view here, imo, and for both sides of the debate. I wish i had posted this earlier before the thread got too old but my father still hunts and told me a disturbing story that happened about three weeks ago or so on his private hunting property that is about 15 miles away in the same county.

He was going to the stand to bow hunt one morning and came up on three dogs that he had heard going crazy as soon as he walked out to go to his stand. He got within 40 or 50 yards from them and shined his light on them and could not see much more than glowing eyes since it was about 25 or 30 minutes before day break. Only because he had seen coyotes pass under his stand earlier that week, he just so happened to have carried his 9mm with him. He had not carried it before. (good luck and The Good Lord)

He said it looked like they had somthing pinned up, as they were tight and barking hard at the same spot. As he shined them and yelled to spook them, they all 3 turned and charged him. He dropped his bow and reached for his pistol and unloaded it at their direction because he was scared to a panic when this happened. They turned and scattered at that point. He didnt find evidence of hitting one.

Breed?....not a clue.
Hunting dogs?....doubt it.
Tamed?....Not so sure, but possibly.
Wild....possibly.

I hate to think i shot someones trained hunting dog but with stories such as that...and being a loved one...How can you know?....You cant. I will likely terminate these dogs and hopefully they are not someones prized hunter. Im a stortsman and there arent many more beautiful sights in the hunting world than a pure breed bird hunting dog lock down on point but im a passionate deer hunter and it simply ruins my favorite past time and history will testify that these dogs dont stop un less stopped. Catch-22 imho. Thats just the side i stand on. Thanks guys for each of your comments on my thread. Good hunting...

 

[shortwave]

Got a neighbor here that was fined just shy of $2000 for shooting another neighbors dog and taking dog to owners house throwing carcass in front yard. Long-standing fued over these dogs running loose.

The person owning the shot dog has about 8-10 dogs. All run loose, get in every ones trash. When sheriff went to house of shot dog, the owner said he didn't own the rest of the dogs. Only about a dozen dog house's all over the yard. The shot dog had no tags but this guy said it belonged to him. No citation issued for having untagged dog but shooter didn't make out so well.
Needless to say the guy with all the dogs keeps having them dissappear and more dogs keep showing up.

Judge asked shooter if the dog was attacking any of his animals or people on his property. Shooter answered "no". Got a hefty fine.


IMO, the fine was probably so high cause dog was thrown in owners front yard.

Morale of the story, if you have to shoot dog on your property and have to visit 'the judge' ,the dog better be showing aggression towards you, a member of your family or one of your animals.

Since deer/wildlife here is considered 'owned by the state', dogs chasing deer here are paid for.
This very rural area is a dumping ground for unwanted dogs and a huge coyote population. They are going to eat. I've shot many chasing deer/cattle.
I've got dogs. Don't want Parvo,rabies etc. Strays don't last long.

Shot a yote this morning standing broadside under the apple tree in the backyard. They've been keeping the shepherd up all night long. Shepherd's a house dog so guess who else has been having sleepless nights.
Got even this morning.

 

[Deerhunter]

No hunting deer with dogs in PA. I haven't seen it yet where I hunt but I know a guy who has. Packs of wild dogs running around near his house near Hope Well in PA. He carries when he goes on hikes up there.

If your on your property and dogs are chasing deer, I say shoot them. Do not drop them off on someone's yard. Shoot the dog, dig hole, put dog in hole, and cover. Nobody ever has to know.

 

[Daryl]

I personally dont see another option besides shooting them. Some may not agree its ethical but well, dont know what else to say about it.

In reality, it doesn't matter what everyone else thinks. Many states have outlawed dogs harrassing big game, and for a good reason.

Check your state laws, just to be sure of where you stand.

As hard as it is, and as evil as it may sound to some, something needs to be done. In the absense of a solution from the dogs' owner, do what you have to do.

The three S's apply.

Daryl

 

[Art Eatman]

This thread looks like it's been beat on enough. It's not the first rodeo on this subject, and I'm quite sure it will show up again.