Tracking sytsem Help, and input

[NORMZILLA44]

I run pig dogs, short to mid range. Most of the time do well with hearing them. Every so often lose direction, or sound. The other day they had a big boar for forty minutes, we lost direction, and couldnt hear em. Got them back ok, and no injurie's they did there job we let them down. Does not happen often, but broke down, and bought a tracker classic. Comes with two collars, and tracks two dog's just what I need, and money has been a issue. I got it for 480.00 I have no experience at all in tracking systems, and Got this from west coast telemetry, very helpful, and informative. The advise I was given is that the telemetry is more dependable than GPS, and the tracker system was recommended. One of my good friend's, and fellow pig dog man said his friend had one, and it was to confusing in thick cover with signal bounce, my heart sank. I am just wondering if I made the right choice? Any input is really appreciated. Thanks Norm Green....

[not color blind]

In my opinion, you shoulda got a Garmin....

[LAHOGHUNTER]

For your short range dogs, a Garmin is the ONLY way to go. Not only is it very accurate, I've learned so much about my dogs since I've had my Garmin. I like knowing what dog is in the lead and I can tell which dog found the hog. Also, a great advantage is that you can tell exactly where your dog crossed the road....in case you want to see what they are actually running.

[mofo21]

[NORMZILLA44]

Please keep the info, and replies coming I apreciate it very much, and thank you. So it is true a range issue with the gps? Is there a monthly fee or anything with gps?

[Bplott]

Just keep your gain down as low as u can to still get a beep...I have a garmin and don't use it.......

[not color blind]

I see your from Cali......

Using a Garmin would be illegal, so you made the right choice buying the beep beep box .

[mofo21]

[NORMZILLA44]

Thanks for catching that, and I forgot to ask if it was leagalized. I figured it was since I saw them popping up, but dind't realize it was just a California thing. Figure's! I went on DFG website not sure awhile back, and it was unclear. Im really surprised even in the book's they are really vague on alot of rule's hard to get the right answer from them. I just hope It works for me, and I can learn how to use it the signal bounce thing made me nervous since i hunt heavy timber, but so do bear hunter's right? And alot further range so I hope what I am using it for it will be good. Gary at west coast seemed to think so, and was very helpfull. Just another thing to learn. Norm.....

[DirtAddict]

Using traditional Telemetry trackers takes practice. I have a marshall system. Marshalls are known for their strong signal. In the canyons and brush I do find it somewhat confusing. I can usually get a general direction, but bounce can really throw you a curve ball.

Still, telemetry is a tried and true technology. Hunters, Biologists etc. have been using it for ages to find what they are looking for in big country. I chalk my problems up to not being very good at using it. There's an art and a science to it. Experience helps a lot.

Too bad Garmin is not legal in California. I hope that changes soon. I hear some people have problems with the Garmin, but I think for my short/medium range pig dogs it would be perfect.

[NORMZILLA44]

Thanks Dirt addict for the info. More people around here keep sayin gps. Around my area I mean. I was just on the DFG Regulations page, and it made it sound like it was changed, and legal now? It's confusing. Not clear. If it is for my dog's like then if gps is the best. I will get it. Norm............

[broncobilly]

In my experience brush doesn't cause bounce, rocks do. Brush does shorten range though.

GPS is better, but beepbeep is (usually) adequate.

3 things to remember.

1. Keep gain so low you can barely hear the beep with the speaker right up next to your ear.
2. Elevation will get you more range and can help with bounce by getting you above it.
3. Triangulate, get a reading, move to another high point and get another reading, where the lines cross is where your dog (probably) is.


good luck

Bill

[NORMZILLA44]

Thanks Broncobilly. I havent used it yet, Im just thinking about sendin it back to swap out for the garmin combo.

[DirtAddict]

[NORMZILLA44]

Cool thanks. Was'nt 100 percent sure. The dfg web on the regulations was'nt crystal clear, they probably do that on purpose @#$%^ Figures LOL! I just want my dogs back safe, and locate them by barking about 90 plus percent of the time. So I want to be able to do the best the rest of the time.