Deer Hunting with Dogs: 6 Ways to Ensure a Safe Hunt

August 14, 2023

Deer hunting can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but it can also be difficult to be successful without the help of a good hunting dog. With their keen sense of smell, deer hunting dog breeds can track deer even over long distances, which is especially helpful in areas with dense vegetation In addition to the practical benefits of having a hunting dog, it can also be a lot of fun to watch your dog work and to see its excitement when it finds a deer.

If you're considering hunting deer with dogs, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Read our recommendations for insights on hunting breeds, training tips, and other safety tips and considerations.

6 Things to Consider Before Hunting Deer with Dogs

Deer hunting with dogs requires planning and training that may be easy to overlook. To be successful, you’ll want to learn more about the breeds that are most adept at deer hunting, follow safety guidelines, and be mindful of the local regulations in your area.

Choosing the Right Deer Hunting Dog Breeds

There are a variety of hunting breed types that are born with a high prey drive and have a natural instinct to track, point, and retrieve game. For deer hunting, you’ll want a dog with a great nose and lots of stamina. Coonhounds excel in these areas, including the following breeds:

Bluetick Coonhounds
Treeing Walker Coonhounds
Redbone Coonhounds
Black and Tan Coonhounds
Redtick Coonhounds

In addition to Coons, American Foxhounds and Plott Hounds also make great deer dogs.

There are a few hunting breeds that you may want to shy away from if deer hunting is your priority. For instance, Bloodhounds have great noses and will run hard, but they may lack the stamina to keep up with deers all day long. Dachshunds are also incredible trackers, but their short legs won’t be well suited for longer distances. Last, Beagles are very popular for hunting and highly trainable but they are water-averse, so you may want to avoid this breed if there’s water or wetland in close proximity to where you're hunting.

Training Deer Hunting Dogs

With proper training and care, your hunting dog can be a lifelong friend and hunting companion. It is important to begin training your hunting dog while it is a puppy. This is when dogs are most receptive to learning new things. Proper training and socialization with other dogs and people while young is fundamental to developing an effective hunting companion.

There are a few essential steps for how to train a deer hunting dog:

Obey basic commands, such as sit, stay, quiet, come, drop, and leave it.
Expose your dog to deer scent so they’re familiar with the smell from a young age.
Find your pack and pair up your novice with a more experienced hunting dog so they can learn by example in the field.
Create a reward system and offer praise for good behavior.

Obey basic commands, such as sit, stay, quiet, come, drop, and leave it.
Expose your dog to deer scent so they’re familiar with the smell from a young age.
Find your pack and pair up your novice with a more experienced hunting dog so they can learn by example in the field.
Create a reward system and offer praise for good behavior.

This ensures that the dog is under control at all times, which is essential for safety. It also ensures that the dog will not disturb other hunters or wildlife.

Prepping for Your Deer Hunt

Hunting deer with dogs is legal in several southern states, including Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and Florida (as of Jan. 2023). Check local guidelines, as there will be specific rules and nuances which could differ state-to-state. You’ll want to confirm:

Dates of deer season
Limitations on hunting with dogs
Maximum number of dogs per hunter
Permitted species of game deer
Geographical limitations

In addition, each state may have different bag limits for antlered and antlerless deer that you should be aware of.

Deer Hunting Safety Measures

Deer hunting with dogs is often strenuous, so make sure that your dog is physically prepared. You can increase your dogs’ endurance through workouts or shorter hunting excursions that gradually intensify until they’re ready for a longer day. While hunting, pack plenty of water, collapsible bowls, and snacks to keep your dog hydrated and nourished.

Bring a well stocked first aid kit and some blaze orange gear to ensure your dog is never mistaken for a deer.

Navigating the Hunting Grounds with Dogs

As the overall population has grown and hunting grounds have slimmed down, there can be tension between landowners and hunters. It’s essential to make sure your group stays within the intended boundaries of your hunting ground. Understand the property lines and secure permission from private property owners when applicable and in accordance with local rules and regulations.

If there are nearby areas that do not welcome hunting, take extra steps to secure the boundaries. SpotOn GPS Fence is a great way to keep your dog safe and secure while hunting. SpotOn allows you to set a virtual fence over a large area and contain your dog with alerts and warnings that are issued by the collar, should your dog attempt to breach the boundary.

All fences are created within the SpotOn App, so there’s no hardware to install - just a collar, plus your phone. Its patented True Location™ GPS technology does not require a cellular signal and will have superior performance, even in remote or heavily wooded areas.

After the Hunt

Hunting can be physically and mentally demanding for your dog. Show your appreciation for their hard work with praise and rewards. Not only will it help build trust between you and your dog, it will also help reinforce their good behavior and encourage them to repeat it in the future.

Monitor your dog afterwards, paying close attention to any changes in their demeanor that may indicate an injury or disease. Closely check your dog for cuts, lacerations, thorns, and ticks and follow up with your veterinarian if you suspect your dog may not be well.

Hunt with Confidence: Safe Deer Hunting with Dogs

When you map out your hunting plans carefully and take the proper precautions, you’re sure to have an unforgettable adventure. With SpotOn, you can reduce worry by having a reliable way to contain your dog on your intended hunting grounds while preventing your dog from inadvertently trespassing or wandering away.