Can you work dogs before season opens?
- Thread starter IA Hunter
- Start date
I am going to say yes, however that would only be with bumpers. If you plan on using live pigeons, dead birds or other birds, I would double check the DOW website or call. If I remember correctly, there are certain months at which you are not allowed to train your bird dogs on SWA, etc. however I believe those months were usually when birds where nesting/breeding.
If you intend to shoot say pigeons or pen raised birds I would double check the DOW website. I can do som research if you would like. I do know that if you intend on using pen raised birds (such as pheasants, quail, chukar) then you better have a receipt from where you bought them, signed from whomever you bought them from and also the birds have to have some sort of marking to show they are pen raised (like on mallards a toe is clipped) wings are clipped, a tag, etc.
I used to run field trials and hunt tests for many years and the club I was the president and in used to run into this issue all the time. It was because of my mlitary background that I always say get it writing and look up the regulation to make sure and be safe. Sometimes there are to many grey areas.
Good luck training....
Greg
If you intend to shoot say pigeons or pen raised birds I would double check the DOW website. I can do som research if you would like. I do know that if you intend on using pen raised birds (such as pheasants, quail, chukar) then you better have a receipt from where you bought them, signed from whomever you bought them from and also the birds have to have some sort of marking to show they are pen raised (like on mallards a toe is clipped) wings are clipped, a tag, etc.
I used to run field trials and hunt tests for many years and the club I was the president and in used to run into this issue all the time. It was because of my mlitary background that I always say get it writing and look up the regulation to make sure and be safe. Sometimes there are to many grey areas.
Good luck training....
Greg
HeavyC
Member
Correct, most SWA & STL are specific on whether you can work dogs for training or hunting. Many are hunting only, but at times the DOW will approve you to train on certain ones at certain times. Some allow dogs only for training & hunting, like Big Thompson Ponds SWA. I always take a couple of dummies with me when I go fish it in the summer, and take breaks to let the dogs get some work in and get wet. Check with them about some in your area. WIA are a definate no. I am not sure about the Grasslands, which may be another option.