I got a tracking dog last season and she and I are still on the
learning/bonding curve. I can only say that I am so glad we had her a few weeks ago.
My brother shot an axis doe at the lease a few weeks ago with a 243. The
shot sounded solid. I thought well I would work my dog on the blood
trail even though the deer was down. One hour after the shot, I made my
way back to camp to get Seaven and her gear. When I arrived to help my
brother retrieve the dead deer, he informed me that the deer was still
alive. He showed me the blood at the sight of impact and showed me
where the deer ran off too. I put Seaven on the trail and she
immediately began to work the trail. We followed the injured animal a
long ways. At one point, I could no longer see the blood so I pulled
her off the trail. I put her back on the last spot of good blood and
had her work the trail again. This time she brought me back to where I
pulled her off. I let her work and then she jumped the wounded deer. I
let the lead go and she followed the wounded axis doe. Now, I know I
really need to get in shape!
I had a hard time keeping up with the dog. Finally I heard her bark get
more intense and I proceed to run to her. She had the wounded doe bayed
in a water sleuth. I jumped in to get the dog out of the water so we
could retrieve the injured axis doe. I know if we did not have a dog,
we would have lost the axis doe. This track lasted about 3hrs and was
exhausting but rewarding because the wounded deer was recovered.
It was amazing to see Seaven work, I know she is still learning but I
was very happy and impressed. Both of us got some good experience from
this track, but most of all we both had fun! I also learned that my New
Year’s Resolution certainly must include getting fit to keep up with her.
Any advise on this track would greatly be appreciated.