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Other Hunting => Hound Hunting => Topic started by: Machias on June 19, 2016, 04:05:40 AM


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Title: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on June 19, 2016, 04:05:40 AM
Well after 4 years of having a big hole in my soul, I was able to fix it.  :)  With my impending move back to the NW I got the first of my new bear crew yesterday.  I would like to introduce you to my 8 week old American Leopard Cur.  Her name is Machias River Lahar.

(http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx342/Mach3109/20160618_135923941_iOS.jpg) (http://s770.photobucket.com/user/Mach3109/media/20160618_135923941_iOS.jpg.html)

(http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx342/Mach3109/DSC_0005.jpg) (http://s770.photobucket.com/user/Mach3109/media/DSC_0005.jpg.html)

(http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx342/Mach3109/DSC_0018.jpg) (http://s770.photobucket.com/user/Mach3109/media/DSC_0018.jpg.html)

(http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx342/Mach3109/DSC_0022.jpg) (http://s770.photobucket.com/user/Mach3109/media/DSC_0022.jpg.html)

(http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx342/Mach3109/DSC_0024.jpg) (http://s770.photobucket.com/user/Mach3109/media/DSC_0024.jpg.html)

(http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx342/Mach3109/DSC_0040.jpg) (http://s770.photobucket.com/user/Mach3109/media/DSC_0040.jpg.html)

Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Timberstalker on June 19, 2016, 05:32:27 AM
What a gem. Congratulations on the new addition Machias.
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on June 19, 2016, 05:54:11 AM
 :tup:

Thanks, her parents are top bear dogs here in VA.
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Jonathan_S on June 19, 2016, 07:43:09 AM
Beautiful little girl sir!
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: bearpaw on June 19, 2016, 08:33:34 AM
Nice looking pup Fred, I've never owned a cur, are you going to have all curs or a mix with some hounds?
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on June 19, 2016, 09:35:27 AM
All curs, all aboard the short bus!!!  :)  :)
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: WA hunter14 on June 19, 2016, 03:33:49 PM
i have a cur and a half breed, valuable parts of the pack. we should get together sometime when you get back up here.
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on June 19, 2016, 04:03:38 PM
i have a cur and a half breed, valuable parts of the pack. we should get together sometime when you get back up here.

 :tup: :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: seth30 on June 19, 2016, 04:51:55 PM
Great looking pup! 
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: carpsniperg2 on June 19, 2016, 06:40:30 PM
Great looking pup. I love me some plott and cur dogs :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: rasbo on June 19, 2016, 07:14:43 PM
cant wait to see her work,congrats on a fine looking hound
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on June 19, 2016, 08:10:48 PM
Great looking pup!

 :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: T Pearce on June 19, 2016, 08:14:06 PM
Good looking pup!
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: idaho guy on June 19, 2016, 08:49:07 PM
 :tup:
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: JakeLand on June 20, 2016, 05:27:21 AM
 :tup: good looking pup !
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 20, 2016, 05:36:07 AM
Nice looking dog. Good thing he has a para cord collar incase he gets stuck in an emergency!!
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: jasnt on June 20, 2016, 05:37:02 AM
She is beautiful, congrats
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on June 20, 2016, 05:37:22 AM
Nice looking dog. Good thing he has a para cord collar incase he gets stuck in an emergency!!

 :tup:  Always be prepared.  :)  Wife likes to make them, even made me a paracord leash!!
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 20, 2016, 05:37:57 AM
 :tup:
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on June 20, 2016, 05:38:25 AM
cant wait to see her work,congrats on a fine looking hound

NOT a hound, she's a cur!   :tung: :tung: :chuckle:
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: bearpaw on June 20, 2016, 09:27:23 AM
i have a cur and a half breed, valuable parts of the pack. we should get together sometime when you get back up here.

 :tup: :tup: :tup:

Having never owned a cur, I'm really curious, what are some advantages of curs over hounds? I can start a different topic if you prefer Fred?
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on June 20, 2016, 09:58:25 AM
No not at all Dale. 
So this is from my perspective, trust me some guys, yourself included may not agree with me.  :)  I ran blueticks, redbones and plotts for a few years.  Then I went down to Northern Cali for a bear hunt with an older gent.  What I saw that weekend kind of changed my mind on dogs and over the years it has been cemented, for me.  I love the sound of a hound on the trail and at the tree.  I love those big floppy ears, those faces and them big noses.  But for me that is where it ends.  Now what I'm about to say does not include all hounds or houndsmen, just a pretty big chunk of them.  And I know that hounds can be taught to handle and to not be knuckleheads, but IMO it takes more training and does not come to them as naturally because they are bred the way they are.  When they are on the track they are single minded, driven to push that animal up that tree.  They do what they were bred to do!  American Leopard curs are not like any of the other cur breeds.  They are open on track, strong tree dogs, smart, very fast and gritty, but they can handle and behave almost as good as a lab.  They have a strong desire to please and hunt for you.  They have just as cold a nose as my blueticks had.  They will stay treed until you get there.  The tend to need the vet a little less because they can put pressure on a bear or cat and do it without getting themselves tore up (most of the time).  They handle like a dream for me, quiet in the kennel, quiet in the dog box.  They tend to not hunt or range as far, which is good in today's cut up landscape, you can hunt smaller blocks of land and generally they like to check back in with you every 15 minutes or so when you free cast for coons.  There was a split back in 2008, the American Leopard Cur Breeders Association (ALCBA) held a vote, to allow Leopard Curs to be recognized by UKC as the American Leopard Hound.  I voted no for a whole host of reasons, sadly most of the reasons I voted against have now come to pass.  I was on the losing side.  The old style Leopard Cur is slowly dying.  The American Leopard Hound is gaining in popularity, but that discussion is better for another thread.  So what did I see that day in Northern Cali that changed my dogs forever?  First thing was the dogs were being rigged and fired right up.  Mr. Oller dropped a couple of dogs and they hit the trail and full on opened up and started screaming off down through the woods.   That's normal right, but what happened next surprised me.  Mr. Oller found a cub track next to mama bear's track.  Hollered at the dogs and they came back and hopped up on the box   :o  Next we ended up treeing a 450+ pound bear.  Mr. Oller got to the tree and we took some photos and then he said ok, lets go guys, and they all left the tree and headed back to the truck with him, not one of the 8 dogs was on a leash.  They were quiet at his house which was in town, well behaved and very loving dogs.  I was sold.  Now I will say if you like hunting hounds and how hounds hunt you probably won't like a Leopard Cur.  They do not start as fast as most hound pups.  I don't even start hunting mine until they are 10 months to a year old.  They cannot handle harsh treatment.  They cannot be kenneled or put on a chain and not messed with.  They will get very shy in a heartbeat if handled like most hounds.  Generally a mean look and a gruff voice is plenty to correct them and they tend to be way less trashy then my hounds were.  Some guys mix them in with their hounds but they have distinctly different hunting styles and usually guys that mix them in end up not being as happy with them.  For sure some do.  One guy who has some outstanding lion and bobcat dogs is a fella named Nick Riley in Montana, he has some really nice Leopard Hounds.  I think he has turned out some really nice dogs that catch a lot of cats each winter.
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: BULLBLASTER on June 20, 2016, 10:52:39 AM
When you get your pack together can I come along on a cat or bear hunt? Always wanted to tag along and experience it!
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: quadrafire on June 20, 2016, 10:55:16 AM
Nice looking pup Fred.
How's the Heartworm situation back there?
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on June 20, 2016, 10:55:54 AM
When you get your pack together can I come along on a cat or bear hunt? Always wanted to tag along and experience it!

Sure, you just wouldn't be allowed to hunt over them as I will be hunting Idaho and I cannot guide anyone over there.  They have very strict rules, I couldn't even take a soda off of you or gas money.  But you are more than welcome to come and take photos.
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on June 20, 2016, 10:56:12 AM
Nice looking pup Fred.
How's the Heartworm situation back there?

They have to be treated for it here.
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: pianoman9701 on June 20, 2016, 11:02:54 AM
Good looking pup, Fred. It's good to hear you're coming home.  :tup:
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: bearpaw on June 20, 2016, 11:11:56 AM
I have zero experience with leopard curs so I have absolutely no opinion about them. I appreciate you taking time to explain, your comments have sparked an interest. I'm surprised to hear that you think they are as cold nosed, I hadn't heard that before. A very cold nose isn't that important to me these days as I only turn loose on fresh tracks due to the potential of wolves and the big country in some of the areas we hunt now, I simply am not wanting to hike anywhere near as far as I did when I was 20 years younger, but I'm surprised to hear about their noses.

I only keep 4 hounds which right now happen to be a walker, a bluetick cross, and two plotts. My son has lots of hounds (mostly walkers) like I used to keep because he does more bear hunting. One of my hounds is in his last years so I'm keeping my eyes open for a replacement. Unlike most other guys our hounds are quiet, most of my hunters don't even realize we have hounds, it's just a matter of a little training. Most all our hounds will follow us out, but not as easily as you described. We'd have to lead them a couple hundred yards from the tree and then keep a close eye they don't go back. I usually lead mine halfway out so I know I don't have to go back.  :chuckle:

My son has a little terrier that has fit in well, she doesn't do long chases but she works very well to leave loose at the tree when we are shooting something out, especially if somebody makes a bad shot, she's right after whatever hits the ground and will tree it or bay it alone, she also doubles as a blood tracker to find deer and elk that we can't find, which is legal in Idaho. You can sick her on anything and usually call her off anything, if she gets too far out she just quits and comes back. Additionally there are no mice, moles, gophers, or rats that live when she's around!  :chuckle:

I tried an airdale cross once but he was too growly, I got rid of him. We like our walker hounds a lot and have good blood lines that reproduce well, but I'm not narrow minded to what breeds of dogs I keep. People often ask what breed I prefer and even though we do like our walkers I usually say "hounds that catch game" because I've owned good hounds of every breed. I may look into one of these leopards a little more, thanks again for your comments. :tup:
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on June 20, 2016, 11:35:58 AM
 :tup:
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: BULLBLASTER on June 20, 2016, 11:47:53 AM
When you get your pack together can I come along on a cat or bear hunt? Always wanted to tag along and experience it!

Sure, you just wouldn't be allowed to hunt over them as I will be hunting Idaho and I cannot guide anyone over there.  They have very strict rules, I couldn't even take a soda off of you or gas money.  But you are more than welcome to come and take photos.
Heck ya! I understand that someone else would have to hunt or shoot or just let everything go. I just want to experience it all and chase after those dogs!  :chuckle:
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on June 20, 2016, 03:31:28 PM
Careful it's addicting!!!  :)  Looking forward to it.
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: shootem on June 20, 2016, 11:09:59 PM
Great looking pup. Keep us posted on how she progresses. I have never hunted behind hounds but would really love to some day.
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Caretaker on June 20, 2016, 11:14:53 PM
Machias, I assume youhave a deal with the state to allow you to use dogs on bear?
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on June 21, 2016, 03:54:20 AM
Machias, I assume youhave a deal with the state to allow you to use dogs on bear?

Nope, I only hunt Idaho, when I can draw the non-resident houndsmen permit.  But when we move back we are hoping to find a place just across the border and live in Idaho....for just this reason.
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: idaho guy on June 29, 2016, 11:03:18 AM
 Machias, Thanks for posting all the info on the curs. I also never knew much about them.  I had two buddies I used to hunt bear with who both had one cur each(not leopard cur) they ran with their hounds. They seemed to have some good days and some bad days probably would have done better had they not hunted them like hounds. I had an eye opener on hounds this year hunting with a guy who had 8 walkers and a mixed up dog. We struck a bear and I thought it was better than it was I dumped my box and the other guy dumps his. The dogs were not barking much and having a hard time lineing it out. It was just a real cold one I think. He called all his dogs back and him and my son go on up the mountain and strike another one which they tree. It is a small sow that they don't want to shoot so my buddy calls his dogs off the tree and starts walking out(no leashes). Almost immediately the sow jumps when they are maybe 20 yards from the tree. He tells them no dead bear and they want to go but follow him out of the woods.  I got this from my friend and my son told me that's exactly  how it went. I was not there because I was still retrieving one of my dogs who wouldn't give up on the cold one and went forever into some hole. I never thought I even wanted a dog I could call off of good game but this has definitely changed my mind. Anyways I thought I would share that story because it was similar to what you experienced with curs. I am definitely going to re think my training and at least this one guy was able to train his hounds to do it. Sure saves a lot of headaches. I am not trying to contradict what you are saying about curs and with my limited knowledge have heard the same things you said about them just thought it was interesting that I kinda had the same experience this spring.             
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on June 29, 2016, 06:49:40 PM
I apologize for giving the impression that hounds could not be trained that way, that was not my intention.  I too have seen well behaved hounds, most of the time it is the houndsmen.  I also think a lot of guys either don't try because they were like me and thought it was next to impossible, so they never try or they try and give up because "some" hounds can be hard headed and tough to train.
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: idaho guy on June 30, 2016, 06:17:44 AM
 :tup: have fun with your cur! It's a great looking pup. I didn't think you were saying hounds couldn't be trained that way just that curs are easier to train that way and I have been told that same thing from other hounds men that I respect. I think you are right that the cur is more eager to please and probably a lot less hard headed. All I know is what people have told me
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on June 30, 2016, 08:13:55 AM
 :tup:

They are not for everyone.  Lots of guys like everything about a hound.  I like certain things about hounds, but found my training and hunting, since switching to curs, is more enjoyable.  :)
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: HighCountryHunter88 on June 30, 2016, 08:37:56 AM
I was fortunate enough to have the chance to hunt cats over a pack of American Leopard Curs this past winter on a over night snowmobile trip. I was impressed with how they handled vs the hounds we had their as well. they seemed to want to be loved and pet more than the hounds. they are weird lookin critters though :chuckle: and small compared to the blue and red dogs we had their. cool dogs for sure!
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on June 30, 2016, 07:49:55 PM
 :) :tup:
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Jonathan_S on July 01, 2016, 10:47:54 AM
I really hope that somehow you end up with a litter of pups... My wife would not be thrilled but that's okay  :chuckle:
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: klikboom on July 01, 2016, 01:45:38 PM
I've been looking at Mountain Cur's. I would like to get a dog to hunt with. Could a person run coons / cats / bears with a single cur? Are there any Cur breeders around here?
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on July 03, 2016, 04:03:35 AM
You can certainly run a single dog on all those animals but it's not advised on lions and bears.  I like at least 2 dogs on lions and at least 3 to 4 on bear.  There are some cur breeders in WA and OR, not sure about Mountain Curs, but I'm pretty sure you could find a breeder not too far away.
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on July 03, 2016, 04:04:11 AM
I really hope that somehow you end up with a litter of pups... My wife would not be thrilled but that's okay  :chuckle:

Be a couple of years, but when I do have a litter you are more than welcome to have one.  :)
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Jonathan_S on July 03, 2016, 11:43:13 AM
I really hope that somehow you end up with a litter of pups... My wife would not be thrilled but that's okay  :chuckle:

Be a couple of years, but when I do have a litter you are more than welcome to have one.  :)

 :IBCOOL: and in a couple years I will come back and delete this post haha
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on October 13, 2016, 07:30:19 PM
Lahar is really growing and turning into a nice pup.  She is almost 6 months old now.

(http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx342/Mach3109/14232980_10207356243280309_4274120965174393406_n.jpg) (http://s770.photobucket.com/user/Mach3109/media/14232980_10207356243280309_4274120965174393406_n.jpg.html)

(http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx342/Mach3109/14650749_10154019507401448_5680543392445802633_n.jpg) (http://s770.photobucket.com/user/Mach3109/media/14650749_10154019507401448_5680543392445802633_n.jpg.html)

(http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx342/Mach3109/14317446_10207364171518510_7107935548684452149_n.jpg) (http://s770.photobucket.com/user/Mach3109/media/14317446_10207364171518510_7107935548684452149_n.jpg.html)

(http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx342/Mach3109/14666287_10154019508656448_1993091488266110364_n.jpg) (http://s770.photobucket.com/user/Mach3109/media/14666287_10154019508656448_1993091488266110364_n.jpg.html)
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: WA hunter14 on October 13, 2016, 07:49:10 PM
good looking dog, if you ever want to get together with another cur dog and hunt when you get back up here let me know!
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: quadrafire on October 13, 2016, 10:44:58 PM
Nice Looking pup. Thanks For sharing!!
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on October 14, 2016, 04:13:39 AM
good looking dog, if you ever want to get together with another cur dog and hunt when you get back up here let me know!

Will do, I already have another Leopard Cur pup in WY that I am picking up on my way back to Idaho.
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on October 14, 2016, 04:14:01 AM
Nice Looking pup. Thanks For sharing!!

Thanks!  Can't wait to see how she does on some cats and bears.
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Henrydog on October 14, 2016, 07:39:23 AM
very nice looking dog.  She looks like she has the drive. 
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on December 11, 2016, 05:44:42 PM
Driving across the US starting Christmas morning, stopping by Wyoming on my way through and picking up this guy.  This is Ragnar, American Leopard Cur pup, 7 months old.

(http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx342/Mach3109/15109550_102639456891450_8633960710708216413_n.jpg) (http://s770.photobucket.com/user/Mach3109/media/15109550_102639456891450_8633960710708216413_n.jpg.html)

(http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx342/Mach3109/15178317_102613240227405_6048567871457348424_n.jpg) (http://s770.photobucket.com/user/Mach3109/media/15178317_102613240227405_6048567871457348424_n.jpg.html)

Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: jasnt on December 11, 2016, 07:40:55 PM
Man I'm jealous. I want a few ker. If only we could run cats here
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: HighCountryHunter88 on December 12, 2016, 11:14:20 AM
looks good! i dig the name!
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: dbor on December 12, 2016, 06:31:36 PM
Sure a good looking little guy. Good luck with him.
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: ArcherTL on December 30, 2016, 11:56:44 AM
Two good looking cur pups Machias.
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on December 30, 2016, 08:17:19 PM
Thanks, I picked Ragnar up yesterday, really liking him!!  I'll post some pictures in a couple of days.
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: big wood on January 01, 2017, 06:21:28 PM
He can apply for a non resident permit and handle, and hunt with you. Go for the statewide non reside tag
Title: Re: New bear dog
Post by: Machias on January 01, 2017, 08:29:43 PM
He can apply for a non resident permit and handle, and hunt with you. Go for the statewide non reside tag

You have to have your application in by 1 Dec for the following year.  Hopefully by the end of the year next year I will be a resident of Idaho.
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