I have a very real interest in working toward legalizing the use of tracking dogs in the 21 Texas Counties that don’t allow this.  Because of this interest I contacted Ken with the United Blood Trackers asking advice knowing that this organization has been successful in this type of fight in the past. 

 

Kens response is quoted below:

 

“Brent it is not going to happen without some tough negotiations and work by a local. Due to the issues with people running dogs in that area there is a bad taste in the Texas DNR in this area. It has been looked at in the past but to no avail. It would be nice since the area is very similar to my area here in Ga. We use tracking dogs with great success. I would say that you will have to look at talking with the DNR and propose that the dogs have to remain on leash and that you have to call the local warden before taking a call. UBT will be more than willing to help with expert testimony if need be. Try to get other hunting groups and hunters in the area to support it. If they all start calling the dnr asking for change that is what is going to make an impression. I would say the leash issue would be the most helpful concession that you could make as controlling the dog and not allowing it to run deer or get onto others property is a big concern.”

 

Ken

 

The kinds of caveats that Ken suggest (ie. track on lead, contacting a warden prior to track and possibly others) seem realistic to me at least as a middle ground.

 

If I am able to get this started I will need help from anyone interested in tracking dogs.  Groups that come to mind are TLGDA, TBH, LSBA, TDHA and a couple others.

 

Is there enough interest in this issue to justify the effort it is going to take?

I will back you.  Just tell me what you need.

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TLGDA Board Member
Melanie Tiemann
"If at first you don't succeed, Skydiving is not for you"

You know Don Comedy, right?

 

Ya'll need to chat about this -- he can be a big help.

 Also Scott Thrash from deertexas.com is familiar with the in's and out's....he was the driving force behind getting rid of the five day lag in between bow and general season.

I'm available for letter-writing, moral support, harassing people on the phone, and smartarse responses, if needed. 

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Rod

I have lobbied before and had great results on more than one issue now.  I am also an active member with the UBT and support them and tracking ever chance I have.  John (with UBT) and I even spoke about this a couple years ago, but didn't have many Lacy people or UBT members in that area at that time it hindered.  You do need lots of support when feuling efforts to change.  Feel free to email or call.

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Breeder/Pups for Sale Administrator
TLGDA Board Member
210-681-1301
bluelacydogs@sbcglobal.net

I am here to help.  Any political influence needed from Shelby and San Augustine County, I will be glad to extend for their support.  Also, I a am a member with the Texas Deer Breeders Association and Deer Breeders Co-Op. if their influence could be helpful.

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Brady Scarber
Venado Creek Ranch

Brent; I'll be glad to help if I can. I don't  who to call or write but if you get me names I'll do it.

Brent..... you and I have talked about this several  times......... let me know what I can do.

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"It's better to live an open sinner than die a false saint"

LSBA Life Member

Marlo,

Who do you lobby to get these kind of changes made?  Legislature or TPWD, both, or others? 

 

Brent,

My family lives in Shelby County so I spend a lot of time there.  I'm willing to help however I can.  I'd love to be able to track in that area once I get a dog.

 

PS.  I received the call this morning.  If everything goes well tonight, I should be getting a pup in July.

Ed, I intend to start with the TWPD.  Actually I'm going to start with a Warden friend of mine and see if he can give me some names or contacts to skip some of the BS.  I look forward to hearing Marlo's response to this though.

Rod, I "know" Don Comedy through TBH, hopefully after Saturday I'll actually meet him and be able to say I truly know him!  Same with Scott.  Thanks for the advice.

 

Everyone else, seems like there is enough interest just from this one site.  I didn't pose the question anywhere else yet but I feel sure I can muster support from other areas as well.  There is strength in numbers and that is what this is going to take.

 I will keep you posted of progress if I'm able to make any.

I don't think Don hangs around TBH any more so if you're thinking Bownanza, I wouldn't count on it.  You can catch him on Facebook though.  He's in Marble Falls.  If you need an introduction, several of us are friends with him. 

I sent him a request, we have 20 mutual so surely he'll accept

 

Ed is right, Don won't be there this weekend, but he is a big bowhunter and a good friend of ours.

 In the "Life after People" lacy episode, that was his house where the show was filmed, so he is a fan of lacy's!

I'll mention it to him next time I talk to him -- he's from Haskell and knows a few folks from the area.....

 

Not positive, but I think that Steve and I have also talked about this in the past....

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Rod

Alright, I got the Comedy hook up and based on his job description I'm thinking he can be some help!

Rod,

Thanks,

I watched that video last week and noticed it was his house.  I didn't remember him having a Lacy so wasn't sure if it was his or someone elses.

It was Julie's dog, Sadie.  Steve was in the yard, and Julie was in the woods to get Sadie to run where they wanted her for the footage.

Court and I were there the day they filmed it just to watch.

Three poor film guys from California had no idea what they were in for -- I think it was the sound guy that lost some leg skin that day!

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Rod