I realize no realize that no one can make this decision for me, but I would really like some input. I have an opportunity to go dove hunting next weekend, and I would love to be able to take one of my dogs along. The issue is that I have not been in tx long enough to get them into a snake avoidance class. After my one runin with a snake already I know that they will not leave a snake alone if they find one. What are the chances we would run into problems on a dove hunt north of denton? Would you take your dog if you were in my position?

Where you going up there?
Is there going to be any water?
does it look snakey?
Alot of hay bails in the field?

It's by Era, but I have not seen the property yet. Honestly, I wouldn't know what snakey even looked like. Water and haybales are bad though?

I wouldn't bring a dog without the snake clinic training. The dog has a natural curisoity, and to me it just isn't worth it IMO

+1 unless you have an extra $1k laying around for vet bills

Era is a good place...I mean great place for rattlebugs. I say don't take em if you know they like to investigate/play with snakes

If it was me, I'd take the dog and have fun. Keep an eye and her and go. Keep the collar on him/her and IF a snake is found, call the dog off immediately along with a pretty good zap. Dogs can't learn how to hunt in the backyard.

I agree with DoubleB20 100%.

yea just watch where your going with her and be extra caustious around hay bails and wood piles. Like was said can teach everything in the back yard.

I was hoping for a unanimous vote here, this isn't helping me! While I do have a nice g3 collar, I haven't used it in almost a year. My pup isn't old enough to wear one, and my 2 year old performs exceptionally well without one. I suppose I could slap it on her for the day though. I assume I should avoid water areas and haybales if I decide to take her? Anyone know of any snake clinics in the dallas area in the near future?

Just GO! The snake clinics help, but they aren't a 100% guarantee. My Brittany got the training last year the first weekend of August, the first week of September we were dove hunting and she retreived a 5 foot bull snake to hand.

I don't want my dogs bit either, but your logic can be compared to driving.

"I MIGHT get in a wreck so I'm going to stop driving."

Take your dogs and go, it will be OK. I'm thinking maybe you're more scared of the snakes than you want to admit and you're blaming it on the dogs.

I worry about a lot of things more than snakes when I'm hunting... dogs get cuts, can break legs, overheat, get shot, get run over, etc.

Snakes are way down the list of things to worry about. IMO.

Now let's go hunting!

Thanks for the helpful response. My question want necessarily if there was any risk in taking a dog, but more of how high is the risk. I came from iowa and didn't have to worry about snakes at all up there, so I really didn't know the level of risk down here.
As to being scared myself, I am going either way, it's just a matter of whether or not I will have a dog with! I grew up in the country, hunting and trapping nearly every day of the season, so I an quite comfortable off of pavement!

Thanks again for the advice.

Take your dog and hunt. Get the rattlesnake vaccine (saved my dog). I am snaked trained but doesn't mean I can't stumble across one. Hunt with your dog and have fun, you won't regret it.

X2, I could not say it any better myself. Just be as careful as you can. We all take some calculated risks with hunting dogs. I hunted night hounds for several years. Usually three nights a week during summer months. Much more exposure to snakes than my bird dogs ever had. Can the worse happen. Sure it can. I have had two dogs bitten over the years, but I hunt alot. My only alternative would be to not hunt, not hunt with a dog, or limit my hunting to only the coldest months. With anything you do, there are risks. I was in a wreck on the highway on the way back from Dove hunting the other day. Like my two dogs that were bitten, I came out of it just fine. It could have been much worse, but I am not going to stop driving because of that.

X2 I like the way you think...

X3

I'd go. When it's my time to die, I don't think I'll regret any of the things I dared to do and screwed up, but I'll sure as heck relent all those things I passed up outta fear or worry. Live while ya can. I've seen good gun dogs die in some bad ways but I'll say this... I think they preferred to die doin what they loved over living at home doin' nothin. Dogs live for the moment, so give her plenty of great moments!

very well said!

Agreed!

Thanks for the warm welcome, y'all...

well dont get to upidy and it will stay that way!

@ nogeese...

OR... is it ? lol