Running Dogs

[the new guy]

Hey guys I just wanted your opinion on my last day in the woods this season.
We had two dogs (not ours) chase what seemed like a billion (maybe a dozen) deer through our area, the first group of about 6 came through and kind of circled around but the only clear shot I had would have put a 4 lane road behind them, but while I was watching that group, I hear my dad shoot over in his stand, and turn around to see another group come through, This time one splits off and I get a shot. I felt it was a clean shot through the vitals. She ran about 30 yards and laid down behind some bushes (I would have shot her again, but the road was behind her). I could see her head and just watched for her to lay down completely, before she did, the dogs came back and she got up and ran. I followed until I couldn't hear the dogs anymore. I saw the wound when she got up, and I can't imagine she got to far, but they had to be a half mile ahead of me when I turned back, and I couldn't fine a blood trail to follow. I guess I have two questions.
1. What would you guys have done.
2. Is there a good way to keep dogs that aren't yours away from the deer? (other than a quick injection of lead)

[timberghost]

That's a sticky situation you are in. Is there any possibility of finding out who the dogs belong to? I'm pretty stubborn about this stuff so I would've blasted them because they were on your property running wild disturbing the wildlife and ruining your hunt. Alot of differing opinions will probably come out of this.

talk to fish and game. see what they say. here if its a problem they will shoot the dogs there is also a $600 fine if your dogs are chasing deer and they get caught. but it is a sticky situation. i'd talk to fish and game.

[retrieverhunter]

When I see any "canine" from a deer stand, I invoke the three S's (shoot, shovel, and shut up). By my definition, any "canine" running on my place is considered a "coyote" and dealt with accordingly.

[buckfever]

Very nice.....

[Hunting Man]

I would use that same rule on any human that shot one of my labs. Raven and Gunnar don't take kindly being shot at.

nice coyotes

[BruceBruce1959]

Boom, Boom! 2 more Yotes down.

[the new guy]

Thought about that, I was afraid the dogs were a neigbhors, or a friend of the neighbors. We only actually own 7 acres, and the rest of the land we hunt is theirs. Neither of them hunt, but one does have another guy that they let hunt on the other side of their property.
Also thought about taking them home for a late christmas present to the kids (don't think my wife would have liked that one though).

[huntr-]

I don't think that he dogs should be killed for doing what comes naturaly to them , but I think the owners should be held accountable for their stupidity. I know its a tough pill to swallow when your in the woods but put yourself in the shoes of the kids that call those dogs their pets and they don't come home at night. Stupid is as stupid does.