Use of Training Devices During Hunt; Other Coonhound News

Coonhound Advisor

April 9, 2018

Source: Allen Gingerich

As published in the March issue of Coonhound Bloodlines

Strange Encounter

Q: In a Registered cast, we had all four dogs declared struck. They all struck in the same area, but never went anywhere. We kept running the eight minutes on them, but every now and then wed get a bark to break the eight. The weird thing about this was that after 30 minutes into the hunt, they still had not moved from where they were declared struck, so the cast decided to move in towards them to see what was going. Keep in mind, no dog has been declared treed.

Lo and behold, we found our dogs barking and nibbling on a dead deer carcass. The deer had obviously been dead for a day or two. Turns out one or more of them would bark a few times every now and then, enough for us to call them struck and to keep the eight-minute clock open for all this time. How should we have handled this situation in terms of scoring them?

A: THE most important advice, first. Not a good idea to post this question on Facebook. It will go viral and youll get a million responses with no answers! You boys have chosen the confidential approach, the Advisor Column, where identities are not exposed. For the record, even I dont personally know those involved. Any bantering is only what the anonymous have probably already heard plenty of.

Truth is, most of us have had our own majestic encounters at some time or another, as well. This was simply a question that came from an official who called to make sure his ruling was on target.

Attempted comedy aside, we can eliminate the most probable common suggestions that do not apply, off game, molesting livestock, calling time out and delete points. We eliminate off game because its a dead animal. The same goes for molesting livestock, as its not livestock and wouldnt fit that category anyhow. And we have no criteria under the time out rule that allows for a time out to be called, in terms of considering any danger to dogs or otherwise. This being a Registered or Champion cast would be scored the same, given it involves deceased game.

The only two options are to: 1) leave them be and hope they get out of there on their own and the eight-minute clock doesnt get them, or; 2) go on in, handle them, and take your minus per Rule 4 (e) {calling dogs off trail}. Id lean towards the latter. Otherwise, give them all an F for the frustration and take them down the road and see what they do behind Uncle Joes turkey barn.

Use of Training Devices During Hunt

Q: The discussion of using controlling devices during the hunt came up at our club the other night. We know that they cant be used unless the dog is scratched. Beyond that; what are the parameters regarding these specific questions? A) When, if ever, may tone or stimulation be utilized; B) is it permissible to have a spectator at the truck with access to the transmitter; and, if not, C) does anyone riding to the woods have to leave the vehicle and become a spectator?

A: Although the rule regarding training collars does not go into very much detail on the scorecard, the penalty for abusing it is severe enough that it pays to know whats going on before a handler inadvertently finds himself on the time out list. Rule 17 states that, {Any device capable of controlling a dog (stimulating or toning) must be left in the vehicle and may not be used by handler or spectators until dog is scratched and all other dogs are recovered for recasting.}

The Master of Hounds Checklistthat is required to be read out loud before calling out casts at all eventsincludes more specific details that are included with current telemetry and controlling device rules. That noted, the Master of Hounds is not required to verbally read the telemetry and controlling device rules. However, it is clearly stated on that checklist that the Master of Hounds is to advise the hunters where, in the clubhouse, these rules are posted for their review.

At the very end of those details specifics it states in bold text Controlling device rule violations may result in suspension. I always suggest to hunters who have smart phones that they should take a photo of those telemetry and controlling device rules to have readily available for reference when needed. Any excuses of violators not having been aware will usually not go very far.

Now lets discuss the most common misconception. Most, or should I say many, handlers are under the impression that should young Spot take a deer across country, they can simply tell the Judge to scratch the dog, then proceed to light him up. Not. I dont think they are reading far enough into the second part of Rule 17, which defines when the device may be used. Scratching the dog in question is only half the requirement. The other half of the requirement is that all other dogs in the cast must be recovered for recasting.

I believe the original reasoning behind this requirement was that by shocking my dog on a deer, I might also persuade your dog to quit the off-game chase. At any rate, it needs to be clearly understood that you cannot shock, or even tone a dog until all other dogs are under the control of their handler. This is where some well-intentioned handlers have found themselves in a jam in the past.

In answer to the second part of your question, yes, it is permissible for a spectator to remain at the truck with a transmitter. Again, the penalty for using the device is so severe that its hardly worth the risk. And you remember who is responsible for rule violations of their spectator right? You better make sure you have a spectator you can trust sitting at the truck with your live transmitter.

That should also answer the last part of your question. It is acceptable for your spectator to stay at the truck. Yes, this has caused trouble in the past. Thats why for several years we did not permit spectators to stay at the truck at the Zones of the World Championships. And its also why we put a monitor on the back up handlers remaining at the truck at the World Championship Finals.

The truth is, there are a lot of older or disabled hunters who enjoy listening to the cast but cant make it step-for-step. A lot of young boys and girls whose eyelids will never see the 120th minute, and wives who prefer to sit in the cab reading a good book with the heater running and wait for the summary version of what happened on the last drop. We are far better served by accommodating these deserving individuals than we are making ultra-restrictive rules to keep a tighter rein on the small percentage of less scrupulous sorts.

As for the first part of your question, Rule 6(l) says that a dog will be scratched if any device is used to control dog prior to the cast completing their hunting time. Thats nothing when compared to the far greater consequences that may be associated along with it. Theres a good number of handlers who have chosen to disregard these very strict controlling device rules. Several of whom are currently on the bench still. Finally, remember that hunt time is not over until the last tree is scored, even if actual hunting time has already expired. However, after hunting time is officially over and all trees have been scored, controlling device restrictions are no longer in effect. In other words, they may in fact be used.