Sounds like loads of fun. I've hunted rabbits with beagles for years, and was wondering, what kind of hound do you run bear with, and in general, how far and how long will a bear run? What does a bear do when he gets tired of running, as a rabbit will hole up. Doging dear is illegal here in TN, and most beaglers consider deer running to be a serious fault with the hound. Part of the problem is that deer will leave the country and take the dogs with them. Had one dog that struck a deer that I got back a week later 25 miles from where I let him go! No fun when the rabbit hunt turns into a dog hunt!
Interesting hobby, bear hunting with hounds.....I'd love to hear more!
Well, it is a great thing, you as a beagler should know yourself how awesome it is to hear your dogs howling through the woods chasing a game animall...
Here are your question answered:
The main breeds of dogs I use for bear hunting are Treeing Walker Hounds, Blueticks, and Black and Tans...
When bear get tired, they either climb a tree and get shot, or bay up and get shot...If you ever tree a moither and cub I STRONGLY suggest getting the dogs out of their QUICK. If not, there WILL be trouble with the sow. And as a very last resort if your in trouble (such as getting dogs and are within 5 feet of tree and mother starts climbing down, SHOOT THE BEAR!) Some bear do get lucky and escape the dogs, which happens more then a person thinks.
If a hound here chases deer, I try and correct it (not abusively, mind you anti's that come here looking for trouble.) If that doesn't work, I try to switch the dog to hunt something else, such as coyote or coons...If worst comes to worst and he wont lay off deer, I sell them to hunters who CAN use deer for hounding in other states.