roa@davinci.acc.virginia.edu (Robert O. Anderson Jr) (03/22/91)
From: "Robert O. Anderson Jr" <roa@davinci.acc.virginia.edu>
Deer Hunting with Dogs ??
I've deer hunted with dogs here in Virginia for over 35 years.
Although, I'd rather hunt with one friend(stand hunting), I do
take my son "to the club". There are alot of misconceptions
about deer hunting with dogs and there's an exception to every rule.
Sure, they're called deer drives, but all in the world the dogs
(beagle,walker,bluetick,or whatever) know is where the deer has BEEN.
The bucks run(and that's questionable)just far enough to find a doe
or two, then he'll just listen to the chase like the rest of us.
Of course, the big boys never outrun their nose.
A good chase is talked about more than the kill. It's truly
exciting to here the dogs open up and there's always that
underlying belief that they'll "come my way".
We've been keeping records in our club for the last 12 to 15
years. Our deer season lasts approx. six weeks and our club
hunts the first and last week, Mondays,Wednesdays,Saturdays and
all holidays(members can hunt anytime, but these are the days
the dogs may be used). Here's our seasonal average:
# of members: 45 (dues paying, not counting children under 16)
# of deer taken: 30 (bucks and does)
# of bucks killed in front of dogs: 3 (dogs actually running)
# of deer killed on drive: 8 (dogs not running)
balance: still(stand) hunting
Most of our members enjoy the brotherhood, the warm campfire,
lies about monster bucks and planning the next drive. Some
even enjoy slamming the doors to their trucks and rarely
leaving sight of same. And some enjoy picking the woods
apart....finding where each family group hangs out...their
movements...feeding and bedding areas...etc.
Do I like to hunt??? Not really....But it's that dull "thunk",
the sound a broadhead makes when it hits home...that's what
I enjoy...and it takes alot of work to listen to that on
regular basis...
Bobby
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