Dogs and deer don't mix
A deer succumbed to its wounds after being chased by dogs. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game reminds pet owners of their responsibility in caring for wildlife, and dogs found chasing deer could be euthanized.
Photo courtesy of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game
After being pursued by dogs, a deer succumbed to exhaustion with multiple bites over its body.
Whether a dog owner failed to maintain control of their pets or was negligent in their care, the responsibility falls to their owner.
Instead of being harvested by a happy archery hunter, the deer was euthanized. The meat could not be salvaged due to the extent of its injuries. Senior Conservation Officer Brian Perkes said, “It is unfortunate that at the height of archery season, this deer was not able to be utilized."
Springtime and early summer bring young wildlife into conflict with furry friends far too often. A young deer does not have the ability or instinct to avoid the playful roughhousing of dogs, and even a mature white-tailed buck often doesn't have the stamina to outrun or hide from multiple hounds.
Dog owners are encouraged to take responsibility to manage their pets and follow local regulations when leashes are required. Any dog found at large can result in the owner receiving an infraction.
A dog chasing big game, other than legal and permitted hound hunters for bear and mountain lions, could also receive an infraction, but the results could be much more severe.
A dog found actively tracking, pursuing, harassing, attacking or killing big game animals can be euthanized by law enforcement personnel. No one wants this to occur to either wildlife or the dog.
Anyone that sees dogs chasing big game is encouraged to contact local law enforcement or the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 800-632-5999, 24-hours a day. Thank you for your cooperation to protect Idaho's wildlife.
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Jennifer Bruns is a regional communications manager with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.