Explain trap line dogs to me
#7024136
10/22/20 01:26 PM
10/22/20 01:26 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,241 The Hill Country of Texas
Leftlane
OP
"HOSS"
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OP
"HOSS"
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,241
The Hill Country of Texas
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Every time I read a post about a trap line dog I probably read it a 2nd time trying to figure out the benefit of having one. To me, it would seem to be a great way for him (or her) to be making scent posts while I was pounding in a hole and giving a coyote and excuse to work something besides my set.
What am I missing? What advantages would a dog on the line give you?
“What’s good for me may not be good for the weak minded.” Captain Gus McCrae- Texas Rangers
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Re: Explain trap line dogs to me
[Re: Leftlane]
#7024142
10/22/20 01:29 PM
10/22/20 01:29 PM
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,926 Aliceville, Kansas 43
Yukon John
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,926
Aliceville, Kansas 43
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I agree that they could be a big advantage, but (like everything else) some seem to think it is a waste. Idk, but I'm interested in other thoughts as well.
Act like a blank, get treated like a blank. Insert your own blank!
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Re: Explain trap line dogs to me
[Re: Leftlane]
#7024152
10/22/20 01:42 PM
10/22/20 01:42 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,691 Nevadafornia
Lazarus
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,691
Nevadafornia
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Leftlane:
I have a dog and I'd consider myself at a disadvantage without him. On most days. But I suspect that's because of where and how I trap.
As to your concern that he'd be off making his own scent posts, I guess it happens. But I notice when my dog gets out of the truck he's looking for the scent station he suspects is already there. He looks and sniffs and usually will lock in on a spot, give it a good long whiff, and then lift his leg. That's where one of the traps typically goes.
I use a lot of drags in my country so he's pretty valuable for finding animals on drags, especially cats (which as you know can hide real well). On coyotes, I trap some pretty open country and in some situations (for lots of different reasons) need to use a drag. Generally I can track a coyote fairly easily, but my four legged friend can track it on a dead run, saving me time and often energy because he will locate the coyote so I can take a direct route, as opposed to what is often the circular route the coyote takes.
Finally, I check most of my traps in the dark, before or after work. The dog knows where the traps are so often I can just open the door of the truck (he insists on riding shotgun), let him out, and listen. If he barks, I've obviously caught something. If there is no catch, he'll come back to the truck pretty quick and we move on down the line.
I'm not trying to convince you to get a dog. If you've trapped this long without one, then it may not do you much good.
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Re: Explain trap line dogs to me
[Re: Leftlane]
#7024179
10/22/20 02:05 PM
10/22/20 02:05 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 19,930 SEPA
Lugnut
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 19,930
SEPA
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My "trapline" dogs are with me for companionship and nothing else. They earn their food in the grouse woods, pheasant fields and duck blinds.
I've often heard the old saw about a dog showing you where to make scent posts. Well, I run all male dogs and if i made a set everywhere they marked I'd be out of traps before i left the first farm. LOL
I already know where to make the productive scent posts from scouting and following tracks in the snow. I don't need my dogs showing me a few dozen other possible locations.
I can see where they'd be useful in locating critters that ran off with your drags. But i don't run drags.
So, to me, a good trapline dog is just an obedient companion to keep me company on the line.
Eh...wot?
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Re: Explain trap line dogs to me
[Re: Leftlane]
#7024216
10/22/20 02:49 PM
10/22/20 02:49 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,241 The Hill Country of Texas
Leftlane
OP
"HOSS"
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OP
"HOSS"
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,241
The Hill Country of Texas
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I wondered Lugnut. Laz- I imagine you are right once a guy got used to having a dog w/ him he would learn to use it to his advantage. I have used dogs and even saddled horses when I couldn't find an cat on a drag. Both times I looked all over and found them very close to where they started. I might over look them but the dog didn't LOL. Made me feel silly
“What’s good for me may not be good for the weak minded.” Captain Gus McCrae- Texas Rangers
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Re: Explain trap line dogs to me
[Re: Leftlane]
#7024293
10/22/20 04:42 PM
10/22/20 04:42 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 5,473 West Central MN
20scout
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 5,473
West Central MN
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Someone has to taste test my baits to see if their any good or not, I most certainly aren't going to try them! Companionship is a biggie for me. He may be running around while I'm making a set but I figure that'll just peak the interest on any canine that comes around. Maybe it'll work the area a bit harder, I don't know but he's nice to have around. As far as marking spots he hasn't seemed to figure that one out as he'll only mark it if he feels dominant. Apparently he doesn't feel that way around coyotes as he waits till we get home to do that. Hates woodchucks and raccoons but is afraid of house cats. He's young but coming around.
Last edited by 20scout; 10/22/20 05:10 PM.
Common sense is a not a vegetable that does well in everyone's garden.
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Re: Explain trap line dogs to me
[Re: Leftlane]
#7024567
10/22/20 09:18 PM
10/22/20 09:18 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,560 Va
bandy
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,560
Va
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It's not just having a dog It's having the right dog and you have to be a dog person not all people are dog people.
No matter where you go there you are.
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Re: Explain trap line dogs to me
[Re: lee steinmeyer]
#7024664
10/22/20 10:23 PM
10/22/20 10:23 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 5,473 West Central MN
20scout
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 5,473
West Central MN
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I've always said the more I deal with people, the more I like my dog! Wouldn't go without my dog, for the reasons above. Better company than people too!
Common sense is a not a vegetable that does well in everyone's garden.
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