Track a doe

roperdoc · Aug 22, 2017

The thread on leaving deer overnight before tracking made me start thinking. I know quite a few on here have used dog tracking services for deer.How many folks have used these guys to find a doe/small buck? Or do you only call if it's a big buck?

Trackers, what percentage of your calls are for tracking does and young deer?

Silver Britches · Aug 22, 2017

I would hope everyone would put just as much effort into finding a doe or small buck, as they would a trophy buck.

trhankinson · Aug 22, 2017

I've used a tracker twice in my life. Once was for a doe and the other was a small 6 pointer that would've been my first bow buck.

drahthaar · Aug 22, 2017

Roperdoc, a pretty small percentage of the calls we get are for does. One of the more experienced guys might be able to give you a specific number but I cannot. But regardless, most trackers are happy to come look for does so please give one a call.

NCHillbilly · Aug 22, 2017

To me, a deer is a deer, and I will try just as hard to find it-no matter if it's a 60 lb. doe, a spike, or a big buck. None is more important than the other. If I take something's life, I owe it the respect to use it the best I can.

livinoutdoors · Aug 22, 2017

If you aint willing to put maxium effort into fiding what you shot you shouldnt have have pulled the trigger.

drahthaar · Aug 22, 2017

I don't disagree NCHillbilly, but there is a free market aspect. Whether or not its ethical, big bucks lost tend to command a few more dollars for tracking fees or tips that pay for extra diesel, puppies, time away from the day job, etc. The best thing you can do for us, and the departed, is help spread the word that does and spikes deserve calls to trackers.

roperdoc · Aug 22, 2017

I put no less effort into hunting or finding a doe than I do a buck. I even put equal effort into looking hard for pigs that many would leave laying.
My suspicion was that our bigger-is-better culture meant that many more folks would spend the money on a buck. And that many, if honest, would say they looked harder for a buck before giving up.

Sounds like drathaar sees this reflected in his clients. I'll bet his dogs put in just as much effort either way. Maybe we should be more like them!
TR, I'm glad to hear you put forth the effort. I think we always will, and should, feel the pain of an unrecovered animal. However, knowing we made an honest effort makes it easier to sleep at night.

Thanks all for your replies.

rutnbuk · Aug 23, 2017

In 7 years of Tracking on GON's dial a dog list I can tell you I had many calls for a Doe and smaller bucks. It always made me feel better about the hunter when their main concern was finding a lost animal no matter what it was. Recovery celebrations seemed to be the same regardless of size or Doe as well.

amoore28 · Aug 23, 2017

Never had to call adog before but how much does it usually cost to have a guy bring a dog out there and look for one

Jim Thompson · Aug 23, 2017

I've called for a couple of does over the years and would do it again. The does taste as good as , maybe better than, the bucks, although you'll likely remember the bucks more

Hobie246 · Aug 23, 2017

I used Watermedic for a small buck. Conditions were awful. It was a thunderstorm and we recovered the deer after about an hour. It was cold and wet. Remember that Chuck??

Slowmow24 · Aug 23, 2017

NCHillbilly said:
To me, a deer is a deer, and I will try just as hard to find it-no matter if it's a 60 lb. doe, a spike, or a big buck. None is more important than the other. If I take something's life, I owe it the respect to use it the best I can.

This right here should be the mentality of everyone who hunts. Its said that its not though :huh:

rvick · Aug 24, 2017

United Blood Trackers recently did a survey asking what percentage of tracks were for does. Answers ran from 5 to 25% with one tracker in north Fla. reporting 45%. My average tip is just over $100.00 and I don't charge any differently for size or gender, find, recover or not. I work harder for deer not recovered and just as hard for a doe although a doe may be handled differently because we are out to save the meat only. It burns me up when someone says "it was just a doe." Never assume that a doe has spoiled because half the time the deer we recover are still alive.

rvick · Aug 24, 2017

amoore28 said:
Never had to call adog before but how much does it usually cost to have a guy bring a dog out there and look for one

Anywhere from nothing to $200.00. Have to ask the individual. Usually between $50.00 and $150.00.

wildlands · Aug 24, 2017

Average about 30 calls a year and I would say only 1 maybe 2 calls a year for does. I do charge 80 to show up 20 more if deer is found. Like Randy it burns me up when someone says it was only a doe or I would pay that for a buck but not a doe. I usually cut guys a little break if they call me for a doe because I feel those folks deserve it since they are doing something most wI'll not.

watermedic · Aug 28, 2017

Hobie246 said:
I used Watermedic for a small buck. Conditions were awful. It was a thunderstorm and we recovered the deer after about an hour. It was cold and wet. Remember that Chuck??

Yes I do!

Should have had a bar of soap with me!

watermedic · Aug 28, 2017

I usually track 10-15 does every year. I don't know any trackers who do it for profit. No one would be able to afford it! Between vet bills, food, gas, equipment, time off of work, time spent training, etc. You just have to like working the dogs and meeting good people!

rvick · Aug 31, 2017

watermedic said:
Yes I do!

Should have had a bar of soap with me!

I've tracked in the rain so hard we had to jump in the pond to dry off.

kiltman · Aug 31, 2017

If you shoot it, you should make every affect to find it.

Track a doe

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