An escape artist can make for a very good hunting dog as they tend to be smart, motivated, and adaptable. They can just be a challenge to contain when left alone.
It really depends on what motivates the dog's desire to escape. The allure of a feed lot manure pit, a female in heat (either yours or one in the neighborhood), the great dislike of being penned up, or any number of other temptations can draw a dog when not under supervision. The most common cause, in my experiences with my dogs and those of others, seems to be a form of separation anxiety. When with the handler the dog obeys well and is manageable but leave it alone and it will do whatever it takes to escape confinement. Then the dog will do what it needs to do the feel less anxious which can range from lounging in the yard to roaming the countryside.
