When to release on wounded lion

[dhostetler]

I always tie the dogs back on the uphill side to keep the dead game from falling on and or rolling over the dogs. A lion or cougar coming out of a tree wounded has only one goal in mind and that is to get away, I have never heard of a wounded one coming out of a tree bent on attacking anyone. If they come out wounded I just turn everything loose as soon as they are out of sight. Rule #1 someone that has a dog in the fight is the one that finishes it off not necasasarily the original shooter.

I don't worry to much about dogs getting hurt on wounded game as I always figure a live uninjured bayed up lion and bear is more dangerous anyway and you risk that anytime you turn lose. I have had a lot more dogs injured on unwounded bayed up wolverines, lions, and bears than I ever had on injured game.

[007pennpal]

I think the wouned animal is more dangerous because of the increase in violent action that takes place on both sides. Its on. And hey, they're your dogs and its your deal, make that call. I say whatever you do don't forget how far a lion can jump. Get behind something if you can. Hold a dog if you are not shooting.

[chilcotin hillbilly]

Tie back each and everytime when the terrain permits, this will aways give you time to check out the blood first if you suspect a poor hit. I used to let my one dog loose al the time but she had this knack for guessing where the lion will land and meet it there everytime. I never had her hurt but it happened enough to make me starting tieing her as well. A broken front leg ussually means it will have problems treeing then it your call, swarm it with lots of dogs or put your chicken sh-- dogs that will only bay it .

[Lil Joes BigGame hounds]

I prefer to let one young dog go first just like Bency said. But also don't forget to tie your dogs back far enough so that the game doesn't land on or to close to a tied dog. I done this one time while bear hunting. When I shot the bear out he landed close enough to the tied dogs they were wooling him over while tied .Sometimes common since is overtaken by excitement. That was a learning experience so now I put a little more thought into where I tie. Up hill and far enough away nothing will land near them. Its also been my experience that once the animal is shot and they do come down alive they usually head down hill and not looking for any kind of fight just retreat.

[Kevin D]

I always tie the dogs back. But if there is a misplaced shot, ill usually let a young hound go to find it....easier to replace an up in comer than an old veteran.

Exactly my procedure......everything is leashed back for the shot, then turned loose according to importance from least to most. If I hear or suspect a fight on the ground, I won't turn my best dogs in.

[ol'guy]

First things first "safety" in my case dog fst. man should look out for self, "sport" should be told what to do,calm down, relax, etc. Hunter should also be told to make good shot, take your time. Treed game isn't going any where,once dogs are tied,usually game is pretty calm
by then.I tell shooter after shot move up game hits ground be ready to finish if they can't I'll
finish it at the bottom of the tree,don't like chasing wounded game,dose it happen, rarely.
For the guy that thinks that turning pups in on wounded game makes them tougher he
should rethink that a little bit,have I done it yep,do I like it nope.
It is a lot easyer to make good shot than to pay vet.