There still are significant populations of hunters who utilize hunting dogs in West Virginia. Dogs have been man's best friend for more than 20,000 years. In the beginning of their relationship, dogs originally did not become so popular with humans because of their soft fur and goofy antics.
They were deemed special by our ancient ancestors because of their use as an effective tool for hunters. As time has passed, fewer dogs are used to hunt and more are used as pets in order to keep their owner company.
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Dogs are effective helpers because their sense of smell is far superior to that of any human. Dogs can also run faster and cover a wider distance than men can. When dogs are used during a bird hunt they retrieve the fallen birds.
If not for the dogs, hunters would not be able to find many of the birds that they shot because they blend in the ground too well for human eyes to distinguish.
During hunts with few or no other companions, dogs can stave off loneliness and provide a comforting presence in an unfamiliar place. Here are all regulations for hunting with dogs in West Virginia:
1.
West Virginia's Department of Natural Resources states that it is illegal to use hunting dogs when bow hunting bears.
2. A hunter cannot immediately pursue his dog if it wanders into another landowner's property. The hunter must first seek the landowner's approval before legally being allowed to search for his dog in that property.
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3. It is illegal to remove a hunting dog's tag, collar, or any other identifying equipment. The only exceptions to this rule are if removing the items is necessary for either preventing or treating an injured dog, or if a law enforcement officer removes it as part of a criminal investigation.
4. Hunting dogs can be trained using most small wild animals and birds, excluding deer and turkey.
5.
According to WVSportsmen.com, when a hunter trains dogs in the off season they can't have any hunting weapon on their person. This is so they cannot shoot any animals that their dogs track down.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
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