Some people hunt out of season (when it is not allowed by law to hunt specific animals for varied reasons such as raising young), from open car windows, or even trespass upon property clearly labeled "No Hunting". There is simply no way to predict what the desperate law breaker will be doing. Thus it is important to do everything to ensure the safety of yourself and your animal.
Many types of dogs are used for hunting. Some point out the game, others retrieve, some hunt in packs, others with just their owners. All dogs taken into the woods or sheltered areas at any time of the year can be the unlucky one when an overeager hunter shoots them. It is important to be prepared every time you enter a forest, field, or water area for that one time someone aims incorrectly.
Arm yourself with some common sense tools. An orange or brilliant yellow/green vest on yourself as well as your dog is one good measure to use. Another is a reflective collar. They are made in orange, green, red and yellow and can be interchanged. Most are a wide band of reflective material (waterproof) that goes around the dogs neck and have a stretchy piece of elastic which fits over the head. They are not meant to carry tags on them and the various colors are best used in times of low light, night or foggy conditions. Farm stores, WalMarts and online pet supply warehouses are some of the places to obtain these products.
Another tool is a flashing light that can be attached to you and/or your dogs vest/collar. If finding one of these is challenging, try looking in the local store where bikes are sold. They offer a reflective strobe that is placed on a bike but can easily be fitted to yourself or your dog. They come in both red and white varieties and flash at various speeds that the owner can set. A cow bell, placed on your pets collar is another handy way to let people know you are in the area as well as the ability to locate your dog from hearing versus sight.
Snares and various traps left in isolated areas or water ways are another means a person utilizes to hunt. There is little to nothing you can do to prevent your companion from being caught in one. All that is left to do is to locate them, free them if possible, and provide basic first aid until a vet can be found. Often a loose dog will fall prey to a snare or trap and has little chance of survival without human intervention.
For the person who is walking their dog for exercise it is wise to use these tools all the time, even in city settings to alert drivers to your presence. For the hunting dog within a group, it is less vital, as the dogs tend to function within a pack formation leaving it hard to not recognize them as dogs versus game. Dogs hunted singularly, such as for retrieval of downed game, would still benefit from the above mentioned items.
Some hunters are of the opinion that the game will see the dog who wears a reflective vest and flee. Hence, they only put camouflage on themselves and their dogs. It is my belief that not many canines can sneak up on a large game animals (deer, moose, elk) and the legality of hunting big game with dogs is very limited.
No matter the time of year always assume some hunting may be taking place. Certain animals, such as the coyote, is allowed to be shot year round in some states. Complacency is never an option when life is at stake. It is foolish thinking that a hunter will not shoot, kill, or wound you or your dog.
Remember people do not always follow the laws and even when they do accidents happen. While your pet is not the size of a deer a small dog may be about the size of a rabbit and an overeager hunter may shoot first, look later, and then it is nearly always too late.
As you walk in any undeveloped area, always keep in mind you and your pet can be targets. The use of some common sense, low cost materials may keep you safe and happy as you hike, bike, or walk in our nations vast wilderness.
© PawEarFull Legacys
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Hello fellow animal lovers. I welcome comments and questions. Thank you in advance.