Bear Strike?

[sheimer]

I have a question for all you bear hunters.

How far away can your dogs strike a bear? This isn't a "my dog is better than yours" question. I don't know a damn thing about bear hunting with hounds. My dogs on the chain in the back yard blew up a few nights ago and again tonight. I went for a cruise on the 4-wheeler and couldn't spot eyes anywhere within a quarter mile or so, but there is plenty of cover around. I'm just wondering if it's bear they are opening on or what. I can't find anything out of sorts around, and they are serious!! Doesn't sound like a coon strike, which I know what that sounds like. This is way more intense. I was just wanting your .02

Thanks,

Scott

[twist]

Scott, turn them loose its probably just a BIG COON then you will know.

[dwalton]

With the wind and conditions right 1/2 a mile would not surprise me. But dogs being dogs who knows what and how far. Dewey

[Houndman99]

could be a cougar?

[sheimer]

Believe me Andy, the thought crossed my mind

Both times they did it, there was a gentle breeze blowing down the creek. And as Dewey said, it just may be dogs being dogs.

There is the possibility of a lion crusing past. There is just so much grass and brush around, it's nearly impossible to find a decient track in the dirt.

I may just have to resort to seein if it's a "big coon"

Scott

[sourdough]

Collar them up and let them go! It will either tree or be a long runner in ether case it might satisfy your curiosity. You will either have a or a . That’s what makes running these pot licker so fun! I only wish god would have given me more hair instead of so much patience!

sourdough

[cat and bear]

With the wind and conditions right 1/2 a mile would not surprise me. But dogs being dogs who knows what and how far. Dewey

Boy Dewy, that is the difference in country you hunt, in this swamp country a few hundred yards is probably it

[ferjr]

collar them up and turn them loose. probably the only way your going to know for sure.

[sheimer]

Ya know in Montana the Fish Cops frown on ya if your running bear, but what if it's under the ruse of personal protection? I just read a story about a gal in Frenchtown that had to defend herself and the dogs from a bear trying to get into her house by beating it with a zuccini.

http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-a ... 03286.html

Scott

[ferjr]

well if you know its a bear dont turn them loose. but if you are not sure and there is a possibilty that it is a coon or something else you wouldnt be turning out with the intent of chasing a bear. its illeagle to run dogs on deer here, but young dogs will do it. does that mean the possum police is going to arrest you for it.

[sheimer]

Well, I don't know that it's a bear, and Lord knows I've run more than my fair share of deer in the past and probably will continue to run a few in the future. I'm sure Ranger Rick could tell a difference in my facial expressions between trashing on a deer and on a bear.

Scott

[dwalton]

A lot of things effect the how far a dog can smell a track. Flat ground would be one, no wind or to much wind. I have never hunted the swamps but I would think that the fog that holds around water would not be good conditions to start a track. I know here on cats I will start very few until the fog rises. Our ground is not flat, the long strikes that I have are usually on a up draft or down draft when a gentle wind is blowing the scent. Dewey

[BEAR HUNTER]

I don't think anyone can answer that question. It depends on the wind, the country, and the dog. For example I have had dogs rig on the box. I turn them into the canyon. They go deep before they open. I have had cases where the wind blowing down off of a hill top. The dogs can get it on the box but put them down and they cant smell it.

[dwalton]

Bear Hunter I think your right, no one can really answer that. Scent is mysterious. No one can see it. All we can do is guess from what we have experience. Dewey

[sheimer]

Well, I truley believe you guys when you said "we may never know". The other night they blew up again, including my borker collie. Went out and turned the border collie loose, because I know I can call him back if need be. And I did, it was a quill pig in the front yard. Hounds got an ass chewing. This morning they blew again, during the daylight and I could see the bear cruising around the chicken coupe. About 400 yards. Just goes to show, ya just never know!

Scott