Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Lost my elk

I actually think its great when a dog can go to elk camp.
It's probably the highlight of their lives.
I've read about Montana outfitters that use heelers to warn of bears.
A campfire just seems more enjoyable when the dogs are gnawing a hoof or dragging a piece of hide around.
Three elk seasons ago I brought my 12 year old heeler to elk camp because I was sure that it would be her last year due to her health. She made herself valuable guarding the hanging elk meat from the martins and Canada Jays. She is still with us today.
I've noticed that elk are pretty easy for a dog to trail. I think that's because many elk pee a bit as they move. I noticed my dogs could follow an elk trail long after it had been completely obscured by blowing snow.

I was grateful to have mine along on this hunt. A bear had claimed this gutpile by piling leaves around it. The bear was still close by and the dogs were haired-up and barked at his location as we hauled out meat.