93:

Great post as usual!

I'm not sure if you can answer this, but I have a question;

Do you have any way of knowing what percentage of game animals shot in your area require followup with your dog {or other tracking dogs}?

I am NOT referring to those animals that might run, for example, 150 meters and are somewhat difficult to find but are found by the hunters alone. I am referring to wounded game that requires the dog.

Here's where I am going. I have been discussing with the Big Game Biologist for the State the use of dogs for followup of wounded game here in Idaho. Right now it is a sort of gray area, legally. I can explain if you like. One of the main criticisms levelled at blood tracking dog use so far has been this: Those against it say that if the State clearly allowed the use of dogs for followup, shooters would take marginal shots and hope that the dog would be able to find the badly hit animal. {I personally believe this is a poor argument here in this State and can explain why, but it is a legitimate argument logically, so I'm curious about your opinions and observations as to what goes on there. Thanks.}