April 14, 2009
Hunting Deer with Hounds
When real hunting takes too much effort
Hound hunting is hunting for the lazy.
The practice of hunting deer with packs of dogs is increasingly losing favor across the country. Only ten states permit this so-called sport, largely due to the conflicts it causes with landowners and because it is increasingly viewed as unsporting and inhumane.
Deer hound hunters use packs of dogs—sometimes forty or more—fitted with high-tech radio telemetry devices to chase deer, and sometimes kill them. Hound hunters typically use dogs like coonhounds, sending them into the woods to chase after deer.
Meanwhile, the hunter will sit in his truck, monitoring the chase from afar, often speeding down roads to "cut off" the chase as the animals cross the road.
Those who hunt with hounds often:
- Treat dogs as disposable hunting tools
- Overburden animal shelters
- Trespass and otherwise annoy landowners
- Don't care for their dogs properly
For these reasons and others, hound hunters are on the defensive in many states.
What You Can Do
Have you encountered abandoned or abused hunting dogs, or had problems with hound hunters? Do you work or volunteer at an animal shelter that receives abandoned or relinquished hunting dogs? We particularly need to hear from Virginia residents. Do you have stories, images or videos you would like to share with The HSUS? If so, please email us.