With Critters They Contend
- Coyotes, et al -
I’m an older guy, you may have noticed? During my years, electronic devices have greatly advanced, as have their use. What was once handy for some, became total dependance for many. I carry a healthy dose of skeptism for directional apps with names like “Siri” that take vehicles down closed roads or non-existent bridges!
“What does any of this have to do with upland bird dog and coyote interaction?” you ask? Patience, I’m building up to it.
Incredible Global Positioning devices (GPS) placed on collars allow hunters to track their dogs at an astonishing distance! Played like a video game, multiple dogs can be tracked for the hunter’s peace of mind as well as increasing the dog’s ability to cover large swaths of the landscape.
“Hound hunters do that all the time!” you say? Yes, but hounds generally hunt in mutual support, as packs. A lot can go wrong in the outdoors and, if something happens, a quarter-mile takes a long time to cover when rushing to the aid of a lone dog in trouble. And here’s where coyotes come in.
The way I prefer to see wild predators when hunting with my dogs - at a distance!
During a spring jaunt for exercise, already hundreds of yards distant, this young dog was lured over a far ridge by an, apparently, lone coyote. Whether it is curiosity or playfulness, each for their own reasons, dogs will often seek dogs; the chase was on! Fun becomes a fight for life as a coyote that had remained hidden attacks from the flank and the chased coyote turns to join its mate! I’ve heard the stories and have seen the scars caused by these attacks on some of the dogs I have worked with. I assure you, they are quite true.
Coyotes let this pup go after a nasty lesson.
Over several decades, coyotes have increased their range, are more tolerant of humans, and have become increasingly bold. Hunting birds in the latter-part of the season, in most northern-tier states, takes you deep into the coyote breeding and denning season. Mating pairs of coyotes, or males not wanting the additional competition, can become aggressively territorial. Springtime outings for exercise can mean running across adult coyotes with adventurous pups.
Before the added confidence that GPS collars offered, handlers kept visually and mentally aware of their dog and its range. Keeping the dog within sight, whistle or shouting distance also tends to keep wary coyotes, and the like, at bay. Certainly, if your dog roams out to the distant horizon, and in thick cover, these gadgets may prevent it getting “lost” but not its “loss”.
Besides, I enjoy the powerful bond created while hunting as a partnership – as a pack! For me, watching the dog(s) figure out the mystery of scent or slam on point from a dead-run is far more exciting than using a bevy of dogs to, possibly, shoot a few more birds.
Thankfully, this mountain lion held nicely for my setter’s (nervous) point until I arrived to “flush” it!
I’ve had dogs run across coyotes, cougars and bobcats; charged by elk - chased by bears and badgers - and was generally close enough to come to their aid! Wild lanscapes hold many dangers such as snares or thin ice. The distance extended by technology increases the odds that someday, by the time you reach your dog-buddy, you may only have an expensive collar to retrieve.
Read More: Gun Dog Mag
Beware of Predators When Upland Bird Hunting With Your Dog
By Jack Hutson
Enjoy Your Dog!
With Critters They Contend - Rattlesnakes: Previous
