Can You Use Dogs for Tracking on High Fence Ranches?

Choosing the Right Breed for High Fence Ranches

When selecting a breed for hunting on high fence ranches, consider breeds that excel at close work and have a strong prey drive. Breeds like the Bloodhound, Coonhound, and Black and Tan can be effective in this setting. For example, a Bloodhound can track a deer at speeds of up to 5 miles per hour and follow a scent trail that’s 24 hours old.

Training and Conditioning for High Fence Ranches

To ensure your dogs perform well on high fence ranches, train them to navigate the controlled environment. Start by teaching them to respond to commands in a small area, then gradually increase the space to simulate the ranch’s landscape. Conditioning your dogs through exercises like agility training and scent work can also help them build endurance and focus. For instance, incorporating 30-minute training sessions, 2-3 times a week, can help your dogs develop the stamina needed to hunt in a high fence setting.

Utilizing Dogs on High Fence Ranches

When using dogs for tracking on high fence ranches, employ a strategic approach to maximize their effectiveness. Consider the terrain, deer movement patterns, and wind direction when deciding where to deploy your dogs. For example, deploying a single dog to track a deer along a fence line can be an effective tactic, especially if the deer is moving quickly.