Nephew's First Deer

[Lineman North Florida]

From a purest hunter's point of view...not only is hunting deer with dogs unsporting...it renders the meat worthless because of the adrenaline in the blood when the deer are run...

Most of us down here have been eating that worthless meat, never knew it was worthless until you an apparent meat expert informed me, as far as it being unsporting maybe you know something that I don't but it's been a tradition down here for a long time, maybe it's a southern thing. Have you ever hunted in the swamps and briar patches in Florida? We have a pretty good relationship with the still hunters and surrounding landowners, most of us respect their rights like anyone else, so I am just curious if you could explain what is so unsporting about it.

 

[/pine]

Have you ever hunted in the swamps and briar patches in Florida?

I'm a fourth generation Floridian...I've hunted all through Steinhatchee as wellas Ocala NF...

As I mentioned the view I cited was from a *purest* point of view...
I realize the "sport" of hunting (actually it's driving) deer with dogs is old and traditional in many parts of the country...but it is in decline much faster than hunting overall...try a Google search with a query for something like "deer hunting with dogs unsporting"

AS for the quality of the meat...ask any abattoir...they always want to keep a steer as calm as possible before dispatching...the reason is adrenaline...once it is in the bloodstream the meat is tainted...the same applies to game animals...

The reason I personally (and many other true hunters) think it is unsporting is the same as those that poach deer at night using lights etc...IMO the true "sport" of hunting is meeting the game in it's own element allowing it to use its senses...NOT using hounds to drive it into ambush scenarios...

Here on our lease and many others if we encounter dogs driving deer on our properties...we shoot the dogs...!

I realize this is a controversial topic because of tradition but that (tradition) does not make the practice any more moral or ethical...of which it is neither in my opinion...

 

[Lineman North Florida]

I'm a fourth generation Floridian...I've hunted all through Steinhatchee as wellas Ocala NF...

As I mentioned the view I cited was from a *purest* point of view...
I realize the "sport" of hunting (actually it's driving) deer with dogs is old and traditional in many parts of the country...but it is in decline much faster than hunting overall...try a Google search with a query for something like "deer hunting with dogs unsporting"

AS for the quality of the meat...ask any abattoir...they always want to keep a steer as calm as possible before dispatching...the reason is adrenaline...once it is in the bloodstream the meat is tainted...the same applies to game animals...

The reason I personally (and many other true hunters) think it is unsporting is the same as those that poach deer at night using lights etc...IMO the true "sport" of hunting is meeting the game in it's own element allowing it to use its senses...NOT using hounds to drive it into ambush scenarios...

Here on our lease and many others if we encounter dogs driving deer on our properties...we shoot the dogs...!

I realize this is a controversial topic because of tradition but that (tradition) does not make the practice any more moral or ethical...of which it is neither in my opinion...

I realize that there are are a few bad apples in dog hunting just like everything else, but keep in mind when they stop my sport, yours will be next, as far as killing hunting dogs goes I understand that if people let their dogs run on your land something has to be done and that is why the state implemented the laws that are currently in place every club has a state issued number and that # is on the dogs collar as well as the owners name and phone# if you call the game warden he can issue a citation and each club is only supposed to be allowed so many citations before they lose their dog running priveledges ie cutting down on some of the bad apples. You seem to be pretty big on morals and ethics but I'm not really sure where killing hunting dogs falls in with all those morals and ethics, obviously you have'nt shot the right mans dog yet.

 

[dave1949]

I think shooting someone's dog is taking the hunting sport way too serious. I don't now anything about hunting leases, clubs, etc., but this seems pretty extreme to me. I thought Florida was loaded with deer.

Dave.

 

[/pine]

The leases/properties I was referring to are not in FL...they are in counties of GA where hunting deer with dogs is not legal...

I really don't see where deer populations are germane to the topic of using dogs to drive deer into ambush situations...

...shooting someone's dog...

these are not pet lap dogs...they are no better than vermin to property owners that spend thousands of dollars to promote the propagation of native game (and or trophy) animals...
...granted, it is not the dog's fault they cannot read no tresspassing signs but telling most of these dog owners to keep their dogs off posted land is fruitless...especially when they are already allowing their dogs to do something that is illegal in the first place...

 

[Lineman North Florida]

I apoligize to the OP for getting something started that was so controversial that was certainly not my intention, it was merely to wish everyone good luck with their upcoming hunts , sorry for hijacking your thread and congratulations to your nephew.

 

[dave1949]

The leases/properties I was referring to are not in FL...they are in counties of GA where hunting deer with dogs is not legal...

I really don't see where deer populations are germane to the topic of using dogs to drive deer into ambush situations...


these are not pet lap dogs...they are no better than vermin to property owners that spend thousands of dollars to promote the propagation of native game (and or trophy) animals...
...granted, it is not the dog's fault they cannot read no tresspassing signs but telling most of these dog owners to keep their dogs off posted land is fruitless...especially when they are already allowing their dogs to do something that is illegal in the first place...

It's certainly not right for people to hunt illegally with or without dogs.

Sight hound breeds go back many centuries, so the feeling that hunting with hounds is less than 'pure' is fairly recent in historical terms. Just about any dog would have a hard time not running after a deer given the chance. It's their instinct to go after a cursive quarry.

In someways, this business of leases and such has turned what should be a simple sport into a business concern. That may be the way it is, it doesn't seem quite right to me. Could be I'm old fashioned. I am guessing the lease holder or land owner doesn't own the deer that happen to be on the lease.

The number of deer available in the deep south would seem to be plentiful enough to support many forms of hunting, that's why I mentioned it.

I just wouldn't feel right personally shooting someone's dog in the circumstances you describe. I would save my anger for the dog's owner who shouldn't put their dogs in those situations to begin with. I am sure it is a frustrating situation.
Dave.

 

[Western]

Nice buck! who was more excited you or your nephew..lol

I remember when I took my nephew for his 1st buck, the whole camp (8 hunters) pitched in till he got his. True sportsmanship on the guys part i think.

Hopefully this will lead to a lifetime of responsible fun and a love for the "game".

 

[keegs]

A guy could hunt a long time before you get another 10.

It wouldn't take too long in Jersey I'd imagine...The deer population here has been out of control here for decades. It's a shame to see so many animals dead along the road. Backyard gardening has become almost impossible. It's about enough to get me into something orange in November.

 

[dave1949]

It wouldn't take too long in Jersey I'd imagine...The deer population here has been out of control here for decades. It's a shame to see so many animals dead along the road. Backyard gardening has become almost impossible. It's about enough to get me into something orange in November.

Good Morning Keegs,

Yes, get out there and thin those deer! You could be the founder of Keeg's Jersey Jerky - .

You are probably having more Lyme disease cases with that many deer around. Some areas along the coast in S. Maine have bow hunters come in several times a year to clear them out. The meat goes to food pantry programs. The bow hunters are specially certified for this and it's about the only safe, foolproof and inexpensive way to do it in a populated area.
Dave.