I give all dogs a chance. A Lab I released actually listened to me as I talked to him and told him to sit as I put the release cable around his neck, then lay down as I applied pressure, then stay after I released his paw. I backed up afterwards and he wagged his tail and came up and rubbed my leg in thanks and left back towards where I’m assuming he came from...about 3/4 a mile away through the bottom. He was the ONLY one I’ve ever caught that looked like it had a current owner. Most I catch make me ANGRY at people and not the dog. I caught one once that I couldn’t even determine the breed. Ticks covered the dog, even inside his lips had ticks. This place has a road that borders it where people seem to think they can dump their dogs and they’ll survive just fine living off the land...dogs don’t unless they form a pack. Cats on the other hand will add weight and grow longer fur!
I refer to them all as incidentals and discuss with landowners what happens to them in the event of a catch. I have yet to have one offer them a second chance unless it’s collared.

No bad dogs, just bad owners. Owners should be fined every time.

You boys In the north haven't a clue what our southern trappers have to put up with when It comes to free roaming dogs. And talking to the owners Isn't a option.

When you have free roaming dogs tear up your $100.00 live market fox the free roaming dog problem comes to a screeching halt.
I had 3 feral doge chase me Into my truck only 2 lived to run another day.

Beav is right per usual. Down here in South Arkansas it’s a big big problem. I have a full time job so I can only trap here and there. I may have out a max of 30 land traps at any given time and usually far fewer and I don’t trap much until rifle deer season is over (mid December ish). That said I’ve caught durn near every dog in the community. Thankfully people usually understand and aren’t belligerent but I know it’s coming. I just wish they would keep their dogs at home but around here that’s like asking them to not have dogs. They think it’s cruel to keep a dog penned, chained or trained to stay home.

Generally the 3S rule applies down here. Most are feral anyways.

Cruel maybe, but that's what keeps them alive!

I've been tempted but find it easier said than done.

My moral compass isn’t my strong suit. I look at it as part of my job that the owners want taken care of. Y’all have totally different scenarios up there that would probably detour my reasoning.

The problem for me is I scratch the dogs ears one day and catch them the next. I know the dogs. It's the owners that aggravate me.

Well If your into releasing the dog and you probably should In most cases. Jjust carry some skunk essence with you. spray that dog down and send It home. I'm betting the owner Is going to want that dog kept at home after a few encounters with Mr. skunk.

That’s a real good idea beav! I’m gonna have to try that

Yeah that would be difficult. These “incidentals” will take a choke stick out of your hands and lung at you growling the entire time. Generally an easy decision if they’re trying to get at me before I even set foot out of the truck. I’m not going to fight an incidental to release it then have to worry about being attacked once I free it. And generally these areas I trap don’t have houses within a half a mile. One place had two different packs of dogs. A pack of 5 and one of 6. When I left there was a pack of 1. If you know what your facing heading into an area, gang setting an area can rid an entire pack. Any skunk smelling bait will catch them. 5 traps in a 20 yard area will have all 5 traps filled.

I will say this, remove the incidentals and the coyotes show up.

I like that idea Beav.

I caught 2 labs once. 1 mile from any residents, had cousin help me releasethem. All went well until both were free is when they decided to jump inside my truck. I guess should have closed my door

I caught this little lap dog once I released It and re made the set abut the time I got back to the truck It had been caught In the same set again. I released It again and kicked it and drove It away. I re made the set and drove away I looked in the mirror and the dog was following me down the two track. Guess what It got caught In the next set.

I would've probably just taken it home! I LOVE dogs, but nuisances have to be dealt with!