One starts early teaching bird dogs (pointers) the command WHOA. Most people I know with this type of dog do not let them run freely, they are either under control or in a kennel. Are normally territorial farm dogs who stray onto a neighbor's property the problem or more urban guard dog breeds and mutts that have (or had) irresponsible owners?
Feral dogs can represent a danger and should be dealt with, but it seems to me it is better to do it in an organized way rather than relying on a hunter to make a spur of the moment decision on a particular animal.