Bow hunting with a dog?

[mrbb]

Ok, I am huge hunter, I hunt many state a yr, and hunt for 3+ mon this in a row, yes I am lucky!

I also hunt with about all weapons, bow, crossbow, hand gun, rifle, shotgun, muzzle loader
I also target shoot a ton
and had a gun store for 10+ yrs! I know a lot on this subject!

here is what I think
first, No new archery person, has the skills to hunt flying game with an arrow(well 99.9% don't)

so to start off hunting game birds, even waterfowl, is just not a wise decision, you will spend a ton on lost arrows, and most places lost arrows become dangerous to others, including farm equipment, think about it, you will be shooting at a moving target, and in waterfowl, on water, how do you plan to recover your arrows, many sink, leaving a sharp object below water surface for un suspecting dogs going to retrieve downed game, I know it pisses me off every time I see someone trying this, they do not think about what happens afterwards that much!
seen several dogs get impaled over the yrs on things like that!, never pretty or good for the dogs!

and then like you said, having a dog retrieve a downed bird with an arrow in it is just dangerous as well

In general a major rule of thumb with bird hunting with a dog, is to never shoot a bird on the ground, they must be up flying and above the risk of getting shot, as many will jump after a bird trying to catch them!

in my hunting camp, not following this rule will get you thrown out of the club!, and know many others with like rules
Just saying you will only shoot sitting birds, well, you will not hunt well doing that, as few times that happens, in a real hunting situation

Next, to deer hunt with a dog
well in most states its against the law
second in most states, if a dog is seen chasing a deer it is LEGAL to shoot the dog!

Most deer dislike dogs, thus can smell them quite away's off, so it would be a disadvantage to have the dog with you!

next to hunt Hogs
well if you don't know what you are doing, and your dog isn't trained right, a hog can kill a dog!, and a poorly shot hog , that a dog try's to get close to can easily damage a dog with an arrow sticking out of it!
I do not recommend these things to new to the sport

YES they can be done, but normally folks that do them, have been hunting for long time, and looking for added challenges to hunting

If you like to shoot archery, great, glad to see another in the sport.
I highly recommend you join a club, shoot a ton of 3d, and outdoor shoots, there fun and will teach you a lot!


A well trained dog can be by your side the whole time you shoot, but he must be that, well trained for his safety!


IF you really want to enjoy bird dog hunting, do it with a shotgun, you will I almost bet enjoy it, nothing in the world like seeing your dog do what he was made to do, HUNT! and with you with them, its priceless!

A bow is more dangerous at longer ranges than a shotgun!

BUTH can KILL if used wrong!

a drawn bow is more likely to be released, than a loaded gun going off by accident!
I have 30+ yrs with both weapons, and have taught a ton of folks both

when done right neither one is more or less dangerous!
they both can kill! just do so in different ways!

Archery deer hunting is fun, and a great experience, I am sure you will enjoy it if you try, and great source for good food, for you and your dog!

just leave your dog home

I found it most enjoyable to do both
I when my Lab was able, would take him out west on a pheasant hunt, and archery deer hunts
we did the pheasants in the mornings, and I deer hunted evenings, he was more than happy to have me gone so he could get extra sleep from the mornings outings, worked great!

like all things, learn the right way, and it will all be fine

I will help answer,and or provide all the Info you could ever ask if you want, and be more than glad to help you get started in this great sport!