Waterdogs and Salt Marsh Mud

[Sliverslinger]

Looking for some input from those of you who hunt salt marshes. Scouted a ton today out by south bend and willapa and found a spot we want to hunt in the morning. We were able to walk across the marsh mud in our spot until we got right to where we want to hunt. Great set up but retrieves would be in muddy water. We always hunt inland and have never hunted the coast so I’ve never had to worry about deep mud and the dog. Some of the mud was walkable and some was knee deep for me. Any issue with you salt water guys with dogs and the mud flats with 6”-12” of water over them? Seems like she’d probably stay on top of the mud unlike me but I thought I’d ask.

[DrakeKill]

usually it's a lot more of a concern for the 2 legged types and what holes we cant see under a little bit of water; have had buddies walk through what they thought was ankle deep, only to go in over their waders - that ends the hunt pretty quick.

For the pups, two things I've observed to keep in mind:

Just like us, when they get older the joints aren't what they used to be; I've seen an overzealous retriever or two hit the mud hard and stop suddenly with a good yelp - the sticky stuff can wreak havoc on ankles, knees, shoulders, and hips.

Tidal flats collect garbage of all sorts; there's no telling what kinda sharp prickly stuff might be right under the surface.

Keep the dogs at a controllable pace and keep your first aid kit on hand, you'll be fine. (oh and maybe some extra freshwater too, if you don't carry already)

[Sliverslinger]

usually it's a lot more of a concern for the 2 legged types and what holes we cant see under a little bit of water; have had buddies walk through what they thought was ankle deep, only to go in over their waders - that ends the hunt pretty quick.

For the pups, two things I've observed to keep in mind:

Just like us, when they get older the joints aren't what they used to be; I've seen an overzealous retriever or two hit the mud hard and stop suddenly with a good yelp - the sticky stuff can wreak havoc on ankles, knees, shoulders, and hips.

Tidal flats collect garbage of all sorts; there's no telling what kinda sharp prickly stuff might be right under the surface.

Keep the dogs at a controllable pace and keep your first aid kit on hand, you'll be fine. (oh and maybe some extra freshwater too, if you don't carry already)

This is extremely helpful. My girl Zeva was the best retriever I’ve ever seen, but this year she turned 8 and I’ve noticed a dramatic change in how much she can handle. She’s had a shoulder problem that lays her up pretty good for a couple days after a long hike. I’ll make sure to keep her from running full bore through that muck. Also, for a guy who has never hunted salt water, I wouldn’t have even thought of bringing water for the dog. Thanks!

[Stein]

If I can go there the dog can.  The only time they have problems is trying to climb over stuff when swimming.  if they are on ground or mud, no problemo.

[ghosthunter]

You can Stretch out you dogs hunting life by not having them jump in and out of pick ups.
Mad flats never bothered either my gals.

[follow maggie]

One of these spots is what did in the ligaments in Maggie’s back knees. Tore one side & damaged the other when she got stuck in a hole & wouldn’t wait for me to get there. She wasn’t ever the same after that