Dogs chasing deer

[nwhoundhunter]

Well I was going to stay out of this one, but being a dog hunter in every perspective I can't.  And let me tell you one thing, I feel sorry for the guy that even thinks of shooting one of my dogs.  I think it's a stupid law plain and simple, I do however agree that if it's the person's intent to run deer or elk, then yes, something needs to be done, but for anyone to just shoot a dog for it is just plain stupid.  That is the only reason that we can't run dogs during modern firearm season, it's a preventative measure by WDFW.   I've been in this position before down in the Doty Hills, not with one of my dogs, but with a buddies and let me tell you one thing, that guy will think twice from here on out.

Next question, why would you even start up a thread like this anyway, to see how much hate and discontent you can cause?  I know for a fact that I'm not the only dog hunter on this forum and I'd almost guarentee that they might feel the same way, if not, I apoligize right now, but I'd hate to get my dog shot because some derilict seen a deer in the same area as my dogs are running.  Dog hunters break these dogs off of deer and elk and try hard at it too.  So please keep that in mind if you're going to pull down on a hound.

[boneaddict]

Mostly, I think the general feeling ddin't involve hounds.  Why do I say that, because any hound hunter I knew would be the first to fry his hound if it was running a deer.  They tend to be pretty darn responsible for their hounds.  Most of the time I think this involves idiots that think its cute that Fido is exercising and running some deer.

[Ghost Hunter]

Dog's have a place and it's in your yard behind a fence, or on a leash, unless you are hunting, or on your own property and the dog is at heel.[/quote]   
I think it's fairly easy to tell the difference between a dog pusueing legal game, and one or a pack hot on the heels of a deer.  If it was my dog and it didn't learn a quick lesson, I wouldn't be one to pass the problem to someone else, or let it continue.  I don't support introducing wolves into new areas either.  A dog running wild is worse. 

[Palmer]

Well I was going to stay out of this one, but being a dog hunter in every perspective I can't.  And let me tell you one thing, I feel sorry for the guy that even thinks of shooting one of my dogs.  I think it's a stupid law plain and simple, I do however agree that if it's the person's intent to run deer or elk, then yes, something needs to be done, but for anyone to just shoot a dog for it is just plain stupid.  That is the only reason that we can't run dogs during modern firearm season, it's a preventative measure by WDFW.   I've been in this position before down in the Doty Hills, not with one of my dogs, but with a buddies and let me tell you one thing, that guy will think twice from here on out.

Next question, why would you even start up a thread like this anyway, to see how much hate and discontent you can cause?  I know for a fact that I'm not the only dog hunter on this forum and I'd almost guarentee that they might feel the same way, if not, I apoligize right now, but I'd hate to get my dog shot because some derilict seen a deer in the same area as my dogs are running.  Dog hunters break these dogs off of deer and elk and try hard at it too.  So please keep that in mind if you're going to pull down on a hound.

I think its a good law and it doesn't legalize the shooting of any dogs.  I'm glad you shared your opinion so any hunters that do shoot a dog chasing deer will think about it carefully next time.  I'll say one thing if I was in my tree stand and I saw a dog chasing the deer in my area, that dog better have a dog collar on, an owner within sight, or I may think about naming that dog "coyote."  If it had a collar I would look for the owner.  If I couldn't find them I'd call the game warden and see what he had to say.  I think you gotta use your head and not lose your cool.  But if you repeatedly see the same dog or dogs chasing deer and you can't find the owner then they are probably feral dogs and may as well be considered coyotes.  It would be stupid to just shoot a collared dog that happens by your favorite deer hunting spot.

The first hunter to tell me of shooting dogs chasing deer also had hounds and hunted cougars.  

[Palmer]

I learned something new.  Here is the law straight out of Title 77 of the RCW:

RCW 77.12.315
Dogs harassing deer and elk — Declaration of emergency — Taking dogs into custody or destroying — Immunity. 

If the director determines that a severe problem exists in an area of the state because deer and elk are being pursued, harassed, attacked or killed by dogs, the director may declare by emergency rule that an emergency exists and specify the area where it is lawful for fish and wildlife officers to take into custody or destroy the dogs if necessary. Fish and wildlife officers who take into custody or destroy a dog pursuant to this section are immune from civil or criminal liability arising from their actions.

So no shooting dogs chasing deer or elk, talk to the owner or call the WDFW.

[Ray]

The law is the law. If you want to shoot someone's dog that's your issue but we don't need to advertise that sort of stuff here. I use common sense in the woods as much as possible. I will let that and the law guide me in my decisions... not an internet consensus.