Blood trailing dogs & what's up with California

[Orso]

As I read in the California rules and regulations, I understand that you can not
use dogs in the pursuit of game during the archery season for deer or
bear.

If I am archery hunting for deer during the archery-only season and I hit a deer, the law says I can't use a dog to blood trail. That sucks. I would guess (no facts here) the recovery rate of archery-wounded deer has to be much much lower than that of bullet-shot deer. I'm not talking about letting a dog run loose, I'm talking about a dog on a 30ft lead, specifically there to blood trail only. Archery season is when you would want as many hunters as possible to use blood trailing dogs so no animal is lost.

Does anyone know if there are any bills coming up that specifically include this subject. I am curious how the process works to get a change in the game laws.... I think Rifleman might have an idea... Anyone have thoughts on this?

Who here in Cali uses dogs for blood trailing? What type of dogs? How have you trianed them? Can you train them to blood trail various types of game?

[RIFLEMAN]

Orso,

That is my understanding as well. As I understand it, CADFG does not make any distinction between a dog used to increase the ability of the hunter to shoot the animal, and a dog used to help located game after it has been stuck with an arrow. As such, using a dog to follow a bloodtrail would be illegal.

Now, as to changing this regulation...

Title 14 gives the authority to manage California's wildlife to the Fish and Game Commission. On a regular basis, the Commission solicits public input concerning wildlife laws. Come up with a good proposal, make a compelling argument addressing how your proposal would benefit wildlife or increase hunter opportunity, and you might have a chance of seeing it approved.

Things would be in your favor if a precedent exists. In other words, is there a pronounced trend across the country where other state wildlife agencies are allowing the use of dogs for the recovery of wounded game? This may prove to be very influential.

On behalf of the organization I represent, I submitted four proposals to the Commission during last year's hearings for Mammal Regulation Amendments. One was shot down immediately, and three are currently being evaluated by biologists or their accounting office. The chances are not great, but there is a chance.

You always have the option of circumventing the process (which I am not a fan of) by speaking with your Assemblymember or Senator and compelling them to author a bill that would authorize the use of a dog to recover wounded game.

[Orso]

Thanks for the feedback. If anything I guess I will check the other states' laws as I believe several allow it. I guess it would be very easy to at least come up with a list of which states DO allow it and then I could email each of those states and ask for some input on how and when their laws came about. If anything this could be a good educational lesson.

ALL HUNTERS - if you know of any states which allow the use of dogs to blood trail you could save me a liitle time by posting up the name of those states. I'll look into the specific states laws after I compile some kind of list.

[DKScott]

Do they make a distinction between a free-ranging dog vs one on a tracking lead? Or between a handler in possession of a hunting weapon vs one without? Just curious.

[Orso]

The rules say no chasing or pursing (at all) so that would include free-ranging and or tracking on a lead, no distinction. Also, I had a DFG guy spell it out for me so I am certain it can not be done during the archery season. With that, the regs do not even need to discuss the handler becuase they shut you down with the dog.

[DKScott]

Not to prevaricate, but how do they know you're not just out for a walk or tracking some non-game vermin? I assume the dog's not with you while hunting.

If I had a deer down and needed my dog to find it, I would think about putting on my best "I'm not a deer hunter" outfit and taking the pooch for a walk in the woods.

Its a stupid law that conflicts with the "wanton waste of game" laws

[RIFLEMAN]

DK,

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>
If I had a deer down and needed my dog to find it, I would think about putting on my best "I&#39;m not a deer hunter" outfit and taking the pooch for a walk in the woods.[/b]

If you have a breed of dog that is recognized to be popular among hunters, you could wear your best Armani suit, and still be cited. Not only are you not allowed to use dogs for bear and deer during the archery seasons, you are not allowed to pursue any game in any area where the archery season is open.

Many wardens have even overstepped their authority by trying to cite guys with their dogs in their trucks for violating this provision. I am not aware of successful convictions when taken to trial, but it hasn&#39;t stopped some from issuing the citations.

[DKScott]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>
you are not allowed to pursue any game in any area where the archery season is open.[/b]

Is there any period or area where archery deer or bear season coincides with bird season? And if so, are you telling me I am forbidden to use my bird dog while bird hunting? I have never heard that before. If you know of any such specific areas where the law is in conflict, please let me know.

[RIFLEMAN]

DK,

I was writing my response solely within the context of the use of hounds and other coursing dogs.

Let me therefore clarify my previous statement...you cannot pursue any mammal with dogs during the archery bear and deer seasons.

You are in the clear, my friend.

[DKScott]

Cool. My DK (GSP) is a decent tracker. Now I kinda want to find an opportunity to beat the system. j/k

[deemteam]

Scott......beat the system? BEAT THE SYSTEM?? And after you made me go get a Game Bird Breeders License......you should be ashamed http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smiley-oops-yellow.gif

[DKScott]

As a general rule, I have no shame http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smiley-cool-shades-down.gif I see our prior exchange as having helped you not get cited for taking birds out of season and pay a big fine and have your hunting priviledges suspended. No, that&#39;s OK. No need to thank me. Just give up a chukar honey hole or two and we&#39;ll call it even. http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smiley-faces-toast-beers.gif

Besides, all you really had to do was get an undated reciept from a licensed breeder and keep it on hand when you had birds out. Oh, there I go trying to beat the system again. Its a gift, I tell ya. http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smiley-sideways-laff-aqua.gif