Dogs chasing deer

[Palmer]

I've heard of hunters shooting any dogs they see chasing the deer around.  Now I know that in Idaho there is a sentance or two on this topic but I think you're supposed to call the authorities.  Now you know they'll just laugh and tell you to deal with it.

What is the law in Washington?  I couldn't find anything in the regs.

[billythekidrock]

Not supposed to do it..

[boneaddict]

SSS
(honestly I believe its against the law, but most wardens appreciate the help.
Bad thing in the winter is if you do this and that cross country skier is right behind the dog.  Damn thing shouldn't be chasing deer though.

[Palmer]

My family cross-country skiied in the early 80's and our German wired hair would take off after the deer.  We'd call her back but she'd keep going for 15 minutes before she returned.  Back then I didn't realize that when the deer become exhausted they're very susceptible to the weather and may die.  I was told they'll sweat get cold and then die.  We shouldn't have brought the dog.

[Ray]

I would not shoot anyone's dog because is chased a deer. Dogs are often close to a person and if you shoot one don't be surprised if someone else wants to retaliate or even shoot you. Furthermore it can create an even worse reputation for gun owners in general. All they have to do is hear that some gun toting redneck shot a "harmless animal" (pretty little fido) and then everyone's up in arms about a trigger happy gun owner.

The truth is there are more problems with dogs doing different and more egregious things than chasing a deer. There are bigger fish to fry and get your knickers in a twist about. I'd rather not start some lifetime fued over something like Jimmy's dog chasing after a deer in the back 40. It's not worth it. For me ... I would rather focus more attention on PETA or someone who wants to attack gun rights.

This topic is asking for a flame war by the way. Expecting that it will be locked within 48 hrs.

[boneaddict]

We could talk about feral cats instead. 

[Ray]

I think they should be exterminated.

[boneaddict]

Yep this topic can get pretty heated.  I posted a picture I thought was sort of cute, obvious somebodies fat pet with a pair of deer ears in his mouth.  Sort of looked like the easter bunny, and I was making fun of the dog getting the easterbunny.  It might have been pre this site...over on MM, but anyhow, I remember it fired some folks up.  Typical of most pet issues, its the owner that should be beat with a big stick, not the dog.  Thats like turning one of us loose in the pool area at the playboy bunny mansion and say don't look or try to touch.   
I will however tend to be one that discourages that sort of behavior in an animal.

[Opportunist]

I know in Cowlitz county you can shoot if harassing livestock but I don't believe you can legally on wild game. We had a neighbor's doberman that wouldn't leave our horses alone, I spoke to the neighbor and he wouldn't do anything about it. The county sheriff said I had the right to shoot the dog if harassing the horses. Never followed through with it. I think one of our horses got a hold of the dog and he learned it wasn't that fun anymore.

[jackelope]

We shouldn't have brought the dog.

yes you should have brought the dog...you either should have better control of  the dog or keep the dog on a leash. it's in a dog's nature to chase...the prey drive i think they call it. my dog goes everywhere he can go with me. i have real long leashes, e-collar, and generally good control of my dog. i keep him on a leash when need be...
flame on.

[boneaddict]

I grew up with dog eating horse.  She'd bai t the dog and gradually get far enough out in the pasture(I think you could see her doing the math) so that she could get the dog before he could get out, and then put the hammer down.  

[Ray]

When we inject the example of private property and someone's dog crossing the boundaries and harassing domesticated animals it's a completely different situation from my point of view.

[HuntingFanatic]

I was amazed this year while hunting. I watched 5 hunters on horseback come up the valley. They had an australian sheepdog running alongside them.

[Palmer]

If the dog doesn't have a collar it could change your perception, but I see your point. I've never been faced with this issue and I was shocked the first time I heard another hunter tell me about shooting dogs chasing deer. After thinking about it, it made sense. Why does anyone's dog have a right to harass the wildlife to the point of killing it unless they're bird hunting.

I just wish pet owners were a little more educated about the consequences when they let their dogs run free. Dogs can run a deer to death.

[boneaddict]

Yeah, I was packing my deer out in the dark, and was slipping by someeones camp which was by the trail and this Rott or pit...kind of hard to distinguish in the dark, exploded.  I about *censored* my pants.

I think there might be a WAC code aobut hunting with your dog during the deer or elk seasons as well as not being real bright I would think.  I probably just insulted someeone on here and the flames will be going. YIKES