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Tracking dog

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smithhunter1975

Active Member
Anyone know of a tracking dog to find a deer in SE Iowa near Burlington? Also, how long after can a dog track? Wasn’t sure where to post this but figured this would be as good as any. Thanks in advance
 
You could download the trakr app and try requesting a tracker on there. I haven't tried it yet but I have the app at the ready.
 
I looked one up via UBT last year - https://www.unitedbloodtrackers.org/find-a-tracker/trackers-by-zip/?zip=burlington,+ia

I had a relatively good experience in so much as he found the deer in short order, but couldn't make it out until more than 24 hours after the shot (I only called the next morning though). He was upfront about cost.

Not sure on how long a track stays hot, obviously the shorter the better. I think the most important part is not grid searching before you call one.
 
Just a little FYI for you guys.

I’m in Georgia and have a buddy that has tracked for years. While not the shot we want to take, he says the ones he likes best are the gut shots. He said as long as people don’t push them he will find them. Just too much scent for the dog not to be able to track.

So, if you do punch one in the stomach, don’t push it and call a dog. Give it 12 hours and if that dog is worth his feed bill you will be fine.

My friend finds them all the time 24 hours after the shot and after rain. Dogs are amazing animals.

For anyone that wants to follow him he is Outer Banks Deer Tracking on FB.

Op,
Get that dog.
 
I have no idea what's typical, but I paid 250 last year. 200 refunded if the dog didn't find it and I did within 48 hours.
 
HWC said:
So what's the typical rate for a tracking dog?
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Depends on the tracker and area.
Down here in middle Georgia, it’s about $150-$200.
Most of them will help you drag it out.

The drones are $250.00

I’m sure the drones are top notch but a good dog is amazing.
 
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Nightvision said:
Depends on the tracker and area.
Down here in middle Georgia, it’s about $150-$200.
Most of them will help you drag it out.

The drones are $250.00

I’m sure the drones are top notch but a good dog is amazing.
Click to expand...
That seems reasonable
 
I did reach out to a 3-4 of them listed. Most told me they received anywhere from 12-15 calls that particular day and could not get too me. One finally told me he could get to me about noon the following day, but after telling him the situation, his instinct was the deer was still alive and we would not find it.

His rate was $250 to show up, I guess I don’t know if he charged more if it was recovered. We had already decided not to do it by the time cost came into discussion.

He did say to NOT grid search ahead of tracking dog, said that really messes up the dog tracking.

I did not recover the deer unfortunately. I think I hit him too low. He only went 80-100 yards after shot and laid down. I saw him get up twice but each time tried to take a step and went right back down. Walked to where he lid down 4.5 hours after shot and he was gone! Only minimal blood trail for 40 yards free his bed and then nothing. Felt sick about it.
 
smithhunter1975 said:
I did reach out to a 3-4 of them listed. Most told me they received anywhere from 12-15 calls that particular day and could not get too me. One finally told me he could get to me about noon the following day, but after telling him the situation, his instinct was the deer was still alive and we would not find it.

His rate was $250 to show up, I guess I don’t know if he charged more if it was recovered. We had already decided not to do it by the time cost came into discussion.

He did say to NOT grid search ahead of tracking dog, said that really messes up the dog tracking.

I did not recover the deer unfortunately. I think I hit him too low. He only went 80-100 yards after shot and laid down. I saw him get up twice but each time tried to take a step and went right back down. Walked to where he lid down 4.5 hours after shot and he was gone! Only minimal blood trail for 40 yards free his bed and then nothing. Felt sick about it.
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Sorry about that. It’s happened to all of us unfortunately.
Next year, find you someone before the season. Try to find some references. A good dog would have bayed that deer up for you to either finish or decide if he may make it.
 
smithhunter1975 said:
I did reach out to a 3-4 of them listed. Most told me they received anywhere from 12-15 calls that particular day and could not get too me. One finally told me he could get to me about noon the following day, but after telling him the situation, his instinct was the deer was still alive and we would not find it.

His rate was $250 to show up, I guess I don’t know if he charged more if it was recovered. We had already decided not to do it by the time cost came into discussion.

He did say to NOT grid search ahead of tracking dog, said that really messes up the dog tracking.

I did not recover the deer unfortunately. I think I hit him too low. He only went 80-100 yards after shot and laid down. I saw him get up twice but each time tried to take a step and went right back down. Walked to where he lid down 4.5 hours after shot and he was gone! Only minimal blood trail for 40 yards free his bed and then nothing. Felt sick about it.
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Holy smokes, 12-15 calls in a day? It sounds like someone who likes working with dogs and has a flexible schedule could make some decent coin.
 
hillrunner said:
Holy smokes, 12-15 calls in a day? It sounds like someone who likes working with dogs and has a flexible schedule could make some decent coin.
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I used a dog in KS a few years ago for the first time.
My shot was a total pass through at 33yds. Exited the deer a little low. Great blood for first 50yds and then lost it completely. I tried to find blood for about 30 minutes and gave this guy a call. Fortunately, he lived close by and was there in about 2 hours. He brought his son in law with his dog as well. It was amazing to see them work.
The deer did a big horseshoe and went down a steep bank, crossed a creek and back up the other side. I figured, no way we are on the right track. Sure enough, we got to the top of the bank and the deer opened back up a little and stared bleeding again. Not real good but enough to track. We trailed blood another 300yds and found the deer in the creek.
I was blown away. The way this deer horseshoed like that, I don't think I would have ever looked in the direction he went. $300 later including tip for helping me get it out of the creek, I was happy to pay them.
He mentioned that was his 60th track job of the season, and he was running about 70% success rate. Nice little side gig if you have a dog that's good at it. He did say he turns down several people if he doesn't think it will be worth while.
 
hillrunner said:
Holy smokes, 12-15 calls in a day? It sounds like someone who likes working with dogs and has a flexible schedule could make some decent coin.
Click to expand...
My buddy who I spoke of above does make some good money. But he works a day job as well as tracking. He sleeps very little and loses a lot of weight. He’s not a big fellow to begin with.

But he’s ate up with tracking. Doesn’t even hunt anymore. Loves to see people get excited when they find their deer. Especially kids.
 
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