We hunt crown (public land) just south of the east corner of Algonquin Park (about 100 miles west of Ottawa Ont). I like to run the dogs when I can, because it's something that is likely to be banned in the future (it already has been in most of the province). It's an accepted traditional way of hunting in this area, so having a dog shot is really unlikely. I always used to worry about my old golden/lab cross who would bark at hunters in treestands because they looked like bears to him. Fortunately, he was never shot at.

The biggest problem we have with other hunters is that most of them know a good dog when they see one. Several times, the guys hunt with the dog for a couple of days before they call. One guy took 12 days. I think he would have kept her, except his wife made him return her. Lots of guys ask if they can get a pup.

I realise dogs on deer is very much taboo in many areas so I understand where the dog shooting comments come from. It's sure not an issue in our area.