09/10/2024
Arkansas’ season has kicked off & seeing their tracking posts has got me fired up & thinking of ways that we as handlers can help hunters be prepared if the shot doesn’t go as planned.
1. Find a reputable handler/team before hunting season. Call them, talk to them, ask them questions. You’ll learn more than u think about who they are, what they know, & how they handle certain situations.
2. Grid searching should NEVER BE the 1st option. Yes, look for ur deer. Yes bring a buddy or 2. But a 100 yards of no sign is plenty far enough to call the dog! Don’t risk bumping the animal. Trust me, you’ll never know ya did it!
3. Trust our wait times when u confirmed to us that it’s a gut shot. We don’t want ur meat to ruin either. However, the guy that can there the soonest, probably isn’t the guy/dog u want for that track.
4. U thought u missed? Didn’t find any sign of a hit? Call us anyway! Ur never wasting our time, I promise!
5. Payment. Some of us charge, some of us don’t. Tips are awesome. We definitely have costs in this game. Fuel, vet bills, feed, wear & tear on vehicles. To my best understanding, the average tip in our area is $100. I know most (myself included) don’t carry that on us every weekend. I suggest either being prepared with cash or, most of us accept cash app, Venmo, etc.
I’ve said it a million times, “I hope u never need a dog. But if ya do, I have a couple that can help ya out!” & if we can’t, I know somebody that can!
We wish u all a very safe & successful season!
See ya at the skinning’ pole!!
