Bear hunting with dogs: tradition and controversy

Bear hunting with dogs is part of the heritage of Northern Wisconsin. While it is not without critics and contention, the fact remains that it is a legal means of hunting. It should be noted that there are laws against harassing a sportsman, and those interfering with a hunter’s legal pursuit of game can be charged. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Disturbing the personal property of a person engaged in lawful hunting and trapping.

• Disturbing a lawfully placed hunting blind or stand.

• Disturbing lawfully placed bait or any other material used to feed or attract wild animals.

Starting Sept. 11, the season to hunt bear with the aid of dogs will open. Every other year, houndsmen are given the first opportunity, but this year their season opens the second week of the season. 

With that said, those hiking or otherwise enjoying the woods may see bear dogs in their travels. These dogs are usually radio collared, so hunters may not be directly at their sides at all times. This does not, however, mean the animal has run away. Person’s seeing hunting dogs of any sort can be rest assured a hunter likely knows exactly where that dog is.

If a person should come across an injured dog, if it is safe for the person to approach the dog, they should check the dog’s collar for the hunter’s phone number, according to bear hunting guide Kris Hanes. He assured that the hunter would likely know exactly where the dog was because of the GPS collar, but if a dog is injured, a person can get the phone number from their collar, then call the hunter and let him or her know what is going on with their dog.

“Other than that, just leave the dogs alone,” Hanes said, adding that it is illegal to touch someone else’s hunting dogs without their permission. “Even if they don’t have a collar, it’s best to just leave them alone. Sometimes a younger dog is sent out with older dogs, thinking they will stay with them. But sometimes they don’t. But the hunter will find them again. People don’t have to worry about that.”

While there is no added danger to hikers or others who are in the woods during bear hunting season, Hanes said it is best to try to stay clear of any bait sites and to stay clear of hunting dogs. 

Bear hunters spend a great deal of time and money training their dogs, and the dogs enjoy the pursuit, as they are doing the job for which they have been trained. Others should be rest assured that these animals are very well cared for. The sound of hounds that have treed a bear is music to the ears of bear hunters, but it can be a difficult chorus for some to take. For some, it may be better to find other areas to hike, bird watch or partake in any other activity, rather than be near hunters.

Beckie Gaskill may be reached via email at [email protected].