| Dogs catching wild boars
Preparation
For each hunt, I choose dogs
that are both well rested and compatible with the type of hunt we
are expecting. Often I will use three or four experienced dogs with
one or two 'trainees'. If we are headed into an area that contains
extremely large 'trophy' boars, I will choose dogs that are up to
the task and double team the catch dogs. We load the dogs at the
kennels and check the supplies in the truck. Supplies include extra
water, tracking gear, cut collars and cut vests. Once we arrive at
the hunting grounds, we suit up the dogs with protective hardware
T he Chase Dogs
The chase dogs need to run for
miles without too much added weight, so they each get a cut collar
that extends from their ears to bottom of the neck. This collar is
made up of thick material that will protect the dogs throat from the
tusks. Additionally; we buckle on a tracking collar so that we can
follow them through the brush. Once the chase dogs are loosed from
the truck, they will head out to find fresh boar scent. Sometimes as
a group, and sometimes in pairs or singular. If one of the chase
dogs finds a fresh scent, he will attempt to follow it, catching up
to the boar. When they catch up to the boar, the boar will either
run or stand and fight. At some point the 'running pursuit' turns
into a 'stand and fight'. You will know when this happens as the
chase dogs will surround the boar and bark. The chase dogs will do
everything they can to hold the boar until we arrive with the catch
dogs
The Catch Dogs
Once the bay has started, we
bring in the catch dogs. These dogs are covered in armor and ready
for battle. As we close in
on the bay, I evaluate the situation and
if it looks like the boar will stay and fight, I will release one or
two catch dogs. The catch dogs charge the boar grabbing him by the
ears or neck; and the fight it on. The chase dogs will also join in
holding the boar by grabbing anything they can. The boar is caught
and not about to get away.
The Kill
Now that the boar is contained,
we will move in for the kill. Normally one of the guides will grab
the boar by the hind legs, lifting the rear off the ground, to stop
him form spinning around and completely immobilizing the boar. Now
is the time for you to step in and apply the stick to the heart and
lungs. Within seconds the boar is dead.
This might sound rather routine
and after hundreds of hunts over the years, it sometimes is.
However, the suspense of the track, running through thick brush
towards a very noisy fight will bring your adrenalin level to the
top. There is some nasty territory out there. full of rocks and
thorns. Need more excitement; try a night hunt
Have we got your attention?
Ready to go hunting? Call Dan at 888-561-8031.
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