Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Upland Birds => Topic started by: Spencer on June 26, 2012, 04:01:02 PM

Title: Running dogs on wild birds question
Post by: Spencer on June 26, 2012, 04:01:02 PM: Hey all. Heading to Winthrop in a couple weeks and bringing the dogs. I'd love to get my dogs out and run them while scouting for this fall. I'm pretty sure there are regulations for when you can work dogs on wild birds so as not to disrupt the clutches of new birds. Anyone up on when it is OK to get them back out?
Title: Re: Running dogs on wild birds question
Post by: bobcat on June 26, 2012, 04:15:54 PM: You can take your dogs for a walk on most public land anytime you want.

The exception would the the WDFW Wildlife Areas, which I believe you have to wait until August 1st.
Title: Re: Running dogs on wild birds question
Post by: Spencer on June 26, 2012, 04:24:07 PM: Thanks,
That's kind of what I was thinking. I'll check their website and see if I can find the specifics. Appreciate the reply
Title: Re: Running dogs on wild birds question
Post by: Goldeneye on June 26, 2012, 04:28:31 PM: It does look like Aug 1 is your date unless your on some specific wildlife areas that allow year around training. It also mentions you need a small game license to train on wild birds.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/help/questions/91/When+and+how+can+I+train+my+upland+bird+hunting+dogs (http://wdfw.wa.gov/help/questions/91/When+and+how+can+I+train+my+upland+bird+hunting+dogs)
Title: Re: Running dogs on wild birds question
Post by: Stilly bay on June 26, 2012, 04:29:07 PM: goldeneye beat me to it :tup:
Title: Re: Running dogs on wild birds question
Post by: Goldeneye on June 26, 2012, 04:48:22 PM: Sorry about that Stilly. Didn't mean to steal your thunder... ;)

Speaking of birds. The grouse have chicks on the ground right now. Need to keep fido under control for the time being...
Title: Re: Running dogs on wild birds question
Post by: Spencer on June 26, 2012, 04:52:24 PM: Thanks guys, that about answers all my questions. Will hold off for a bit.
Title: Re: Running dogs on wild birds question
Post by: wildweeds on June 26, 2012, 05:16:01 PM: There's more reasons to consider holding off, Cheat grass being number 1 and rattlesnakes being number 2....... JMO

Quote from: Spencer on June 26, 2012, 04:52:24 PM
Thanks guys, that about answers all my questions. Will hold off for a bit.
Title: Re: Running dogs on wild birds question
Post by: Stilly bay on June 26, 2012, 05:48:30 PM: Quote from: wildweeds on June 26, 2012, 05:16:01 PM
There's more reasons to consider holding off, Cheat grass being number 1 and rattlesnakes being number 2....... JMO

not sure which one is worse.
one cheat grass seed is enough to really fugg sum chib up.
Title: Re: Running dogs on wild birds question
Post by: bobcat on June 26, 2012, 06:02:58 PM: I guess I'm not sure what is considered "training" on wild birds. If you're just out for a walk with your dog, there's no rule against that. If you're questioned, you just don't say you're training your dog on wild birds. :dunno:
Title: Re: Running dogs on wild birds question
Post by: jetjockey on June 27, 2012, 10:02:23 AM: Quote from: bobcat on June 26, 2012, 06:02:58 PM
I guess I'm not sure what is considered "training" on wild birds. If you're just out for a walk with your dog, there's no rule against that. If you're questioned, you just don't say you're training your dog on wild birds. :dunno:

It can be a grey area. If your running a dog in fields known to have wild birds, your probably pushing it. The regs are there so guys don't run their dogs during nesting season and on chicks or young birds. Most state regs are pretty similar from state to state. In SD, guys will start to train handle into dogs in cow pastures that are knocked down and obviously don't hold wild birds before the AUg first. But, a trainer better not get on a horse and run a dog in areas know to hold birds prior to Aug 1st. The DFG officers aren't stupid. They know when your training on wild birds, not training on wild birds, and when your pushing it. Best not to push it.