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Lindsay Ware takes us deep into the remarkable world of professional game recovery with tracking dogs, revealing the intricate relationship between hunter, handler, and canine that ensures ethical hunting outcomes. As one of Maine's busiest wildlife trackers, Lindsay shares why she chose wire-haired dachshunds over larger breeds for their maneuverability in thick terrain and impressive stamina during long tracking days.
The conversation dispels common misconceptions about how tracking dogs work. Far from simply following blood, these extraordinary animals use every available scent marker - interdigital gland secretions, body odor, breath traces, disturbed vegetation, and the distinctive smell of stressed animals. When blood trails fade or rain washes evidence away, these additional scent sources become crucial to successful recovery.
Lindsay provides fascinating insights into wounded animal behavior that few hunters ever witness. The sophisticated "J-hook" maneuver where animals circle back to observe their trail, strategic use of water crossings to slow pursuers, and the surprising terrain challenges animals will navigate despite injuries all demonstrate wildlife's remarkable adaptability. She partially debunks the "wounded animals always head to water" myth while explaining the specific circumstances when water entry actually occurs.
Perhaps most valuable are the practical tips for hunters facing the distressing situation of an uncertain hit. Lindsay explains why calling professional help early before contaminating the scene with multiple searchers dramatically increases recovery chances. Her stories of close calls with wounded moose highlight the dangers trackers sometimes face, while the emotional relief of successful recovery underscores why this work matters so deeply to the hunting community.
For anyone who values ethical hunting practices and wildlife conservation, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the specialized world of tracking that combines ancient canine instincts with modern training techniques to honor our responsibility to the animals we hunt.

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