Message #305200

[jsh]

Not speaking for everyone here, but mine does not hunt.  He'll stay with me until:

- There is a bay.

- He SEES a hog running.

He will run with the strike dogs if I let him, but rarely do to conserve his energy.  I have seen him BAY on a hog that is not moving, but the second it moves he will catch.  I think it's the movement that triggers his instinct.  He will hunt one up for a short period if it makes it to the brush, but the track has to be really hot.

If you're looking for them to strike pigs, I would look to a different breed.  Mine plays a very specific role for me when I hunt. I use him when:

- I see hog(s) in an open field, then his speed comes into play.

- I am on a runner we can't shut down.

- I arrive at a bay and hogs are running scattered.

HE will not "hit" like a catchdog (some others might) unless they are moving, so I use a traditional catch dog at a bay.  For me, the Stag is a little extra insurance to hold/catch if the hog breaks.

Hope this helps.  They are big dogs, require a lot of room, exercise and feed. 

Take care.