Discovering the scenthound
In collaboration with Nathalie Dallaire
From time immemorial, humans and dogs have formed an inseparable pair. In the world of hunting, this complicity is particularly useful. After all, who hasn't lost track of a coveted game animal after a shot? In this situation, you can rely on the scenthound's natural ability to follow the clues that will help you find the wounded animal.
To demystify this world, whose subtleties are not yet fully understood by Québec hunters, we reached out to Nathalie Dallaire, President of the Bavarian and Hanoverian Scenthound Club of Canada (BHSCC). Here's what she had to say on the subject.
(Video in French only)
What is a scenthound?
A scenthound, more often referred to as a bloodhound,* is a dog that specializes in recovering injured animals. Although it has the same tracking instincts as a hunting dog, the scenthound is called upon to work on corridors of cold scent, for example, the scent of stress or blood, to pick up the trail of an animal wounded as a result of shooting.
Although many canine species can develop aptitudes for this type of search, Bavarian and Hanoverian scenthounds, with their innate abilities, are true experts at locating these scent corridors.
* A bloodhound is a large scenthound.
Why call upon a bloodhound handler?
In the context of Québec hunting history, bloodhounding with the help of a canine companion is a relatively new field of expertise. One of the primary reasons for using this type of service is ethical. During the hunting period, a hunter's duty is to do everything in his or her power to find an animal that has been shot. That's why the notion of shot monitoring is so important in the hunting context.
In the event of an ambiguous situation as to whether the target has been hit, it's advisable to call on the services of a bloodhound handler. In just a few minutes, a scenthound will know whether the shot has been fatal or whether the wounded animal's trail needs to be followed.
Is scenthound research rewarding?
Nathalie hasn't been hunting for a few years now. Every season, this passionate hunter is too busy helping others retrieve game from their hunting zone. It's a choice she fully accepts, as the "thank you" at the end of a search is so gratifying. At the end of the day, she knows that the duo formed with her canine companion has made a difference to the hunting stay of a person or a group of hunters. The feeling, she believes, is worth its weight in gold!
Does Sépaq offer this service?
The answer is yes! During the big game hunting period, Sépaq offers the services of a bloodhound handler free of charge, subject to availability. Regardless of the wildlife reserve you hunt in, after a shot is fired, don't forget to take advantage of this service to track down your game.
However, if you'd like to bring your own dog along, it's important to know that outside hunting season, hunting dogs must be kept on a leash, in their cage outside the cabin, or in their master's vehicle.
Where can I find a handler in my area?
Outside the Sépaq network, you can find a bloodhound handler by visiting the Association des conducteurs de chiens de sang du Québec website (in French only). There's also a dedicated SOS chien de sang hotline that offers a bloodhound service 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
About the Bavarian and Hanoverian Scenthound Club of Canada (BHSCC)
In keeping with the values of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the BHSCC strives to promote and stimulate the development of the Hanoverian Scenthound and Bavarian Mountain Scenthound, while ensuring a monitoring role, and defending and promoting the interests of the breed in Canada. The BHSCC is committed to providing a framework conducive to the development potential of the dogs, their owners, and breeders.
Bavarian and Hanoverian Scenthound Club of Canada (BHSCC) website