Basset Hound

My son got a basset hound for his two little guys this Christmas - I was wondering when this dog grows up will it naturally trail a deer - if so would it follow the trail of a wounded deer without any training - sure would be a help if it did - since I'm a archery hunter - after hitting a deer it is almost always a challenge finding it - thanks

I certainly wouldn't think it would do it without any training. It is probably not from hunting lines, and even dogs bred from hunting parents still need to be trained to some degree - regardless of breed. Luckily trailing deer is relatively easy to start with a young pup. See if you can get your hands on a deer hock (leg) or get him some early exposure around a fresh kill. You're in PA right? I believe your season is still on?

They certainly require training. I have a pair of Bassets and while I know at least one of them came from prime hunting lines, she's terrified of guns and prefers the truck over the woods. :p

Like said above some training will be needed, look for road kill or anywhere else you can find some deer parts, let the dog play with them and you can drag them around while he chases them, then maybe hide some around the yard and let the dog find them, it will turn out to be a game the dog will like to play...

A friend of mine had 2 basset hounds. They were happy to trail deer and their sound was great but those short legs made them almost helpless in the bush. After getting tired of carrying them out of the woods (they grow up to be big dogs) he got rid of them.

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Originally Posted by GoldenLakePete

A friend of mine had 2 basset hounds. They were happy to trail deer and their sound was great but those short legs made them almost helpless in the bush. After getting tired of carrying them out of the woods (they grow up to be big dogs) he got rid of them.

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It certainly depends on the type of bush, but I know a few guys who really liked them as they won't run a deer to the next county, but just keep them moving. Not a lot different than a 12" Beagle.

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Originally Posted by Tactical870

It certainly depends on the type of bush, but I know a few guys who really liked them as they won't run a deer to the next county, but just keep them moving. Not a lot different than a 12" Beagle.

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It would be fun to watch them tracking with Benny Hill music playing in the background. LOL

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Originally Posted by JoePa

My son got a basset hound for his two little guys this Christmas - I was wondering when this dog grows up will it naturally trail a deer - if so would it follow the trail of a wounded deer without any training - sure would be a help if it did - since I'm a archery hunter - after hitting a deer it is almost always a challenge finding it - thanks

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I bet those kids are thrilled! :)

Brought up the subject of trailing wounded deer but the DIL didn't take to the idea - the kids always wanted a dog so they got a pup for Christmas - real cute little thing with those sad eyes - the kids are thrilled but I'm kinda getting the idea that the DIL is treating it more like her baby -

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Originally Posted by Cass

I certainly wouldn't think it would do it without any training. It is probably not from hunting lines, and even dogs bred from hunting parents still need to be trained to some degree - regardless of breed. Luckily trailing deer is relatively easy to start with a young pup. See if you can get your hands on a deer hock (leg) or get him some early exposure around a fresh kill. You're in PA right? I believe your season is still on?

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I got some deer legs laying around from the buck I got and yes the season is still on now - archery and flint lock season until Jan 11 - but as stated I don't think this dog is going hunting any time soon - if ever