Game Retrieval Tool: Is Washington Ready?

[Snapshot]

My brother back in South Dakota got himself a new game retrieval tool that he is very excited about. He can't take it out while hunting but he can use it to find a big game animal if he should happen to muff the follow up after a hit and push the animal too soon causing him to lose its' trail. Might our state be ready for this?

[carpsniperg2]

Is its name bait? Not here in washington

[longrange7mm]

Cocklebur's in SD or gunna love that thing W.T.H. is it?

[carpsniperg2]

Might our state be ready for this?

Not here in washington

 

[Smokepole]

1/2 dog 1/2 sheep.  probably go over better in Montana.  Does it have a name?

[butcher98951]

looks like a toy poodle??//

[D-Rock425]

I don't think it will be legal here.  I know a Guy that took his bloodhound for a walk where he elk hunts.  It just happened to be the day after he shot an elk and couldn't find it.  They did find that elk when he was walking his dog.

[Bob33]

Hunting big game with a dog is not legal in Washington.  Unfortunately, that means you can't use a dog to track a deer or elk under any conditions.

[Snapshot]

Yes, it is unfortunate that the ultimate game retrieval tool isn't allowed here; but maybe the time will come if enough people don't know how to properly follow up on a shot and/or lack good tracking skills.

That is a russian poodle named Nikolai. Brother says he has a great nose and is eager to learn. In SD they can't hunt with a dog but they can use one to follow a blood trail.

[BIGINNER]

HE'S SOOOOO CUTE!!!!           

[WSU]

I think it is odd that you can't use a dog to track wounded game.  I can see the enforcement problems, but the law could be written so that it is enforceable.  A start would be not having a gun when tracking with a dog, or something similar.

[Bob33]

I think it is odd that you can't use a dog to track wounded game.  I can see the enforcement problems, but the law could be written so that it is enforceable.  A start would be not having a gun when tracking with a dog, or something similar.

I think the trouble is the obvious one: how would enforcement know you're tracking a wounded vs. an unwounded animal.

[CP]

In order to be cited for using a dog to hunt big game, WDFW would first have to prove that is really a dog and not a curly haired rat.  I think that you would have a good case.

But you can’t use it for bear hunting because bait, live or not, is illegal in WA.

[Bob33]

In order to be cited for using a dog to hunt big game, WDFW would first have to prove that is really a dog and not a curly haired rat.  I think that you would have a good case.

But you can’t use it for bear hunting because bait, live or not, is illegal in WA.

How about using a cat?

[Rhinoron247]

Two words.  Jack Russel.