Wild dogs

Varminting and vertebrate pest control. Small game, hunting feral goats, foxes, dogs, cats, rabbits etc.

Wild dogs

Post by headspace » 27 Sep 2014, 8:33 pm

I live up in Northern NSW and in the middle of a few hundred acres of cattle country. My neighbours are getting increasingly bothered my wild dogs, so I checked with the local Police and got their blessing to do some shooting.

I'll be using my Howa heavy barrel 223 and some 55gn Game King bullets. The plan is to get into a position in the early morning and late arvo and wait. may do some whistling as well, I know that fox whistles work on dogs as well as foxes so I'll give it a go.

There are packs of dogs numbering up to 5-6 in a pack in the area and I believe shooting is a better and more humane way of killing the dogs than poison. It's also more selective. I guess we'll see.

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Re: Wild dogs

Post by Westy » 27 Sep 2014, 8:55 pm

Good-Luck hope that one works out for you!!!!
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by Bennybigbores » 27 Sep 2014, 11:21 pm

We've had dog problems here too close to Canberra. Mostly lost pig dogs so anything from a kelpie to a mastif, can and have cause huge damage, one pack of dogs killed inexcess of 40 lamb in two days, and they were hard to get ontop of the local land holder opened the gates to virtually anyone with a firearm even offering a bounty! Eventually got them under control with 8 of the presumed 10 or so shot under spotlight, but I now hear more stories from the area of more dogs and lost stock. Good luck with the hunt we had little luck with whistles, better luck fresh scent/meat drew the 2 I got, after the tenth attempt that is
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by Patrol66 » 28 Sep 2014, 7:05 am

Good luck with your mission and keep us posted how you go. Female dog urine works well also to lure them in as bait. Wild dogs is a growing problem all over it seems.
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by Timb0 » 28 Sep 2014, 7:13 am

There seems to be more and more wild dogs up here in QLD.

I have found that dogs do respond to calls and the one that I have used a few times is called "raspy coaxer" by Primos. I think its made for North America but seems to work here. You can buy them online.

I have had more luck at dusk than other times and often try to stake out a roo carcass or something similar using the caller.

Try to set yourself up so you are facing the most likely direction they will come from and check behind you every now and then.

I also use a camo mesh veil over my head and shoulders to break up my shape and try to find a log, big rock or something to lean up against or sit behind. An old bloke I worked with once told me to wash my clothes in sunlight soap rather than washing detergent as apparently the dogs can see you easier - something to do with ammonia given off by your clothes. I took his advice but don't know how true it is?

Try a few different spots if you have a big place.
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by tom604 » 28 Sep 2014, 7:19 am

put some traps in as well as baiting(not a fan of baiting but it works) might as well try everything ;)
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by Baronvonrort » 28 Sep 2014, 12:34 pm

Is it Victoria that has the $100 wild dog bounty?
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by Warrigul » 28 Sep 2014, 6:43 pm

Timb0 wrote:There seems to be more and more wild dogs up here in QLD.
I have found that dogs do respond to calls and the one that I have used a few times is called "raspy coaxer" by Primos. I think its made for North America but seems to work here. You can buy them online.
I have had more luck at dusk than other times and often try to stake out a roo carcass or something similar using the caller.
Try to set yourself up so you are facing the most likely direction they will come from and check behind you every now and then.
I also use a camo mesh veil over my head and shoulders to break up my shape and try to find a log, big rock or something to lean up against or sit behind. An old bloke I worked with once told me to wash my clothes in sunlight soap rather than washing detergent as apparently the dogs can see you easier - something to do with ammonia given off by your clothes. I took his advice but don't know how true it is?
Try a few different spots if you have a big place.


Sunlight soap is lye leached from fire ash mixed with animal fat. Modern detergents have all sorts of chlorines, phosphates, scents AND brighteners that react with UV to make colours stand out. Standing out is possibly the last thing you want but you be the judge of which is best.

Unwashed bodies are just as bad, a rinse with soap is far better than human sweat if you happen to be caught up wind.
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by RoginaJack » 28 Sep 2014, 6:50 pm

Briefly, My best suggestion is to take a mate with you and watch ya back!

I'm a dizzy blonde and wear camo net/ face mask and gloves.

Calls - try howling (practice, practice) and the old fox whistle, pup,chicken/bird distress calls etc work too and pay attention to the wind (most important).

If you come across a road kill roo, recycle & use it, check it after a couple of days & then stake it out . I've found that a cooked chicken carcass with the roo works great too.

Good luck, safe hunting and have patience, lots of patience.

Cheers.
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by RoginaJack » 28 Sep 2014, 7:20 pm

Yeah Warrigul, Books could be written on the subject re washing hunting clothes and type of clothes to wear. I make it a rule not to wear my hunting clothes, hat, socks, face mask, gloves or boots when I'm in the ute driving to the property but change there. I carry them in a plain hessian bag with a handful of gum leaves etc.

A shower and wash with plain unscented soap and no perfume or after shave etc. Hunting boots are not worn in the garage (oil, grease etc) or around the house.

A bloke I started trapping with around the Grafton/ Casino area suggested this and I've just stuck with it.

His belief was to feral dogs we just plain stink, so no noise, very slow movements and neutral smells plus heaps of patience!

Cheers,
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by Aussier » 28 Sep 2014, 7:33 pm

headspace wrote:I believe shooting is a better and more humane way of killing the dogs than poison.


No contest.

That baiting is horrible s**t.
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by veep » 28 Sep 2014, 7:34 pm

Baronvonrort wrote:Is it Victoria that has the $100 wild dog bounty?


Yep.

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Re: Wild dogs

Post by VICHunter » 28 Sep 2014, 7:36 pm

They're a growing problem.

Some folks down this way had a pair of llama to protect their stock from wild dogs.

The dogs eventually got the numbers/nerve to just kill the llamas instead of the sheep.
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by Timb0 » 28 Sep 2014, 7:49 pm

Warrigul wrote:Sunlight soap is lye leached from fire ash mixed with animal fat. Modern detergents have all sorts of chlorines, phosphates, scents AND brighteners that react with UV to make colours stand out. Standing out is possibly the last thing you want but you be the judge of which is best.

Unwashed bodies are just as bad, a rinse with soap is far better than human sweat if you happen to be caught up wind.


Bit of truth in that old bloke after all!
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by Warrigul » 28 Sep 2014, 9:38 pm

VICHunter wrote:They're a growing problem.

Some folks down this way had a pair of llama to protect their stock from wild dogs.

The dogs eventually got the numbers/nerve to just kill the llamas instead of the sheep.


Llamas have proven very effective on farms around here that suffer domestic dog attacks, we don't really get the wild dogs as bad as you lot on the mainland.
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by Westy » 29 Sep 2014, 6:52 am

VICHunter wrote:They're a growing problem.

Some folks down this way had a pair of llama to protect their stock from wild dogs.

The dogs eventually got the numbers/nerve to just kill the llamas instead of the sheep.

Same thing happened a Warwick here in Queensland,
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by jennageit » 29 Sep 2014, 11:01 am

A friend of mine had a Maremma to protect their sheep. The dog ended up being killed by the Alpha Male in the pack that were running down her sheep. They bought a couple of Alpaca's, but they were killed off within about four weeks. They ended up sellig off their sheep and goats due to the number losses.

Now they've got beef cattle, but they have to bring the cows up to the machinery shed to calve due to the dogs.

Jenna

PS. They've invited me to come and shoot out there, once I'm proficient.
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by Baronvonrort » 29 Sep 2014, 1:59 pm

jennageit wrote:
PS. They've invited me to come and shoot out there, once I'm proficient.


Don't forget to claim your $100 bounty on wild dogs,it should help you justify the Anshutz.
On http://www.usedguns.com.au there are new Anshutz that have been reduced by around $300.

Headshots if using a 22lr on dogs.
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by jennageit » 29 Sep 2014, 2:19 pm

Hey Baronvonrort,

I'd forgotten about the bounty! Nice little earner if I'm any good.

I've been looking at lots of rifles lately, and I'm thinking I didn't get a big enough safe lol

Jenna

PS. There was someone shooting yesterday (and today) just across the road from our place. I have no idea what he was shooting, but I'm guessing it was a semi auto or similar. I counted 9 shots in rapid succession, and about 30 seconds later, I counted another 10 shots. Not particularly loud, but very damn quick
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by Baronvonrort » 29 Sep 2014, 3:11 pm

A Category C licence allows a semi auto rimfire with a 10 round magazine, you must be classified as a Primary Producer or professional shooter to have one.
This would be my pick for a Category C rimfire, i would upgrade the barrel to a 20 inch Kidd brand-
http://www.ruger.com/products/sr22Rifle/models.html

The longer you are shooting the more your safe appears to shrink,you can always turn it into an ammo safe when you upgrade.

Going by your target shooting i would say you would be capable of hitting foxes and dogs in the head if they stand still, be nice if we had a bounty in NSW.
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by Baronvonrort » 29 Sep 2014, 3:31 pm

Jenna

If you become a Professional shooter and gain a Category D licence you can have one of these,you will not be allowed to do what they are doing unless you can pass it off as sighting in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBMZO5sff1U
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by RoginaJack » 29 Sep 2014, 5:42 pm

I wouldn't recommend using a 22LR or any small caliber rimfire rifle on feral dogs, more like a 22/250 or better still a .243/6mm and upwards.
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by jennageit » 30 Sep 2014, 9:04 am

Baronvonrort wrote:A Category C licence allows a semi auto rimfire with a 10 round magazine, you must be classified as a Primary Producer or professional shooter to have one.

The longer you are shooting the more your safe appears to shrink,you can always turn it into an ammo safe when you upgrade.

Going by your target shooting i would say you would be capable of hitting foxes and dogs in the head if they stand still, be nice if we had a bounty in NSW.


Hey Baronvonrort,

I was talking to hubby yesterday about the Category C license, and there really isn't any reason why I'd need one, especially living here. If we move to a bigger property, maybe then.
Regarding the safe, good idea. I was wondering what to do with it when it becomes too small. It no longer seems to be "if", but "when" lol

Regarding shooting foxes and dogs, I'm a very, very long way off. My shooting may be going well, but it's only bench rest. When I can shoot similar scores (and groupings) whilst standing, then I'll try for foxes. Until I'm 98% certain I can make a kill shot, I'll stick to target and maybe rats lol

Jenna
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by chacka » 30 Sep 2014, 10:13 am

RoginaJack wrote:I wouldn't recommend using a 22LR or any small caliber rimfire rifle on feral dogs


A pissed off feral dog with a 22 in the shoulder annoying it would be a sight charging down on you :?
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by Baronvonrort » 30 Sep 2014, 2:46 pm

If you are using a .22lr you have to do headshots,my father used his .22 for Roo,Dingo,Foxes,rabbits,he liked to skin them.
He used his .243 for pigs and goats with heart shots.

The .22lr is lethal with a good headshot-
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/truck-driver- ... 2zp0j.html

Jenna-
A good Anshutz is far more accurate than a Category C semi auto rimfire, the semi auto are fun yet i would prefer to use a good Anshutz.
You could get a small bipod for your rifle or use trees,rocks, rail on verandah like a benchrest.
Any news on your husband getting a licence?
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by jennageit » 30 Sep 2014, 3:14 pm

He keeps changing his mind, so I'm leaving him to it and concentrating on myself at the moment.

All our plans have gone out the window at the moment, so everything is on hold except for my license.
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by Press » 02 Oct 2014, 3:40 pm

chacka wrote:A pissed off feral dog with a 22 in the shoulder annoying it would be a sight charging down on you :?


I've had one run in where we just had a stand off with a few ferals.

s**ting myself enough just standing there without them charging me :lol:
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by John » 14 Apr 2020, 5:16 pm

In the Upper hunter valley wild dog problems have been a on going problem shooting them baiting them they just seem to keep popping up.
There was a man here who got chased by one on his horse that was in the papers warning people to be mindful of them if working early mornings late Arvos alone on farms in the local area.
National parks I believe done some baiting along with property owners around this time but wild dogs are still a ongoing problem for land owners
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by simmo » 22 Apr 2020, 9:38 pm

Are wild dogs difficult to hunt? Are they an animal you need a lot of skill and experience to find?
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Re: Wild dogs

Post by Ferrisweil » 22 Apr 2020, 9:48 pm

I’m far from an expert but they are pretty cagey. All depends how/where you chase them I reckon. Where I go, they seem pretty easy, but that’s not cos I’m good. The odds are just stacked in my favor.
Having said all that, I reckon regardless of how hard it is, get out there and start making mistakes. Best way to learn really...
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