Decoy Dogs Lure Coyotes To Hunters

Decoy Dogs Lure Coyotes To Hunters LIVESTOCK DOGS Gary Strader says his coyote-hunting dog Toby had the right balance between aggressive and passive behavior which made him the perfect coyote hunting decoy dog Toby now deceased was a Dorn developed by Vern Dorn from three breeds for specific traits: Australian Shepherd for intelligence and herding instinct Plott hound for its good nose and Airedale Terrier for stamina and grit Strader a lifelong hunter and trapper first hunted with Dorn dogs with a friend in Montana and was impressed with the breed After Vern Dorn died Craig O’Gorman continued to breed Dorns and Strader purchased Toby in 1998 They became best friends and hunted together for 11 years The idea is for the dog to get close to the coyote engage the coyote then tuck his tail and lure the coyote to the hunter “You don’t want a dog that is too aggressive or too docile ” Strader says noting other breeds will work for coyote calling “If a dog is smart enough he will learn ” He suggests using dogs that aren’t too big about 25 to 30 lbs so they don’t intimidate coyotes “When picking a name for a dog try to pick a name with a long vowel in it ” Strader says “They can hear longer vowels at a greater distance ” Toby was the “friendliest dog in the world ” and a natural decoy dog He rode in Strader’s pickup passenger seat and watched for coyotes Strader learned to read Toby’s body language Toby was good at reading the level of coyotes’ aggression and responding accordingly “It’s in a dog’s DNA to chase but we want a coyote calling dog to get coyotes to chase it so this is total role reversal for the dog ” Strader says Strader notes that a dog learns that through experience or from hunting with another dog The dog’s intelligence and training determine if it’s a good coyote decoy Good ones are rare Strader starts training by letting the pup chew on coyote legs and hides as soon as it has teeth As it grows older he lets it interact with a coyote in a trap Strader teaches the basics: sit come lie down and to watch and go where he points When he sees a coyote he growls so the dog learns there will be action which always gets their attention He trains the dog to go to a coyote howl by using a caller with a treat in front of the speaker For more information about decoy dogs and coyote hunting and trapping Strader has written a book Master Wolfer for $25 Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Gary Strader BG Ranch HC 32 Box 532 Quemado New Mexico 87829 ph 505 286-6472; nmwolfer@higherspeed net

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