Over
the years, Jim has written articles and had several columns in magazines such
as "Bayed Solid" and "Full Cry".
Jim has also shared his wit, wisdom, and decades of hunting experience here
at Baydog Online.
150 Questions & Answers
Brandon: Mr.Crainer, I have a seven month old leopard cat. that I've been trying to train to bay in my pen with a 60lb bar hog. My puppie is very good in the pen but is catching. I have heard that this is an immediate DQ at a bay, and is something that I wouldn't want him to do in the woods with a much more dangerous boar. I'm new to the sport and would appreciate any advice. (answer)
Lee of Australia (Columnist for Australian Sporting Shooter Magazine): Mr. Crainer, I would like to know from a hunter who has used or hunted plott hounds, what does the breed bring to the party when pig hunting? ie: from your experience closed/open mouth on scent, bailer or hanger, cold or hot nosed, dog friendly? (answer)
Zack from Polk County, FL: Mr. Crainer, I have enjoyed reading your questions and answers and find many of your opinions to my liking. So I figured I'd bring one of my problems to ya. I have a young natural bob-tail florida cur gyp and she has a good head on her shoulders she'll trail a pig hide or ear pretty good but she wont show any agression to a pig in a pen I've let her watch my older bay dogs and she'll yap a little but i havent put her in the pen because of her not showing any interest. What would you do? (answer)
Nathan from TN: Mr. Crainer I have two year and half Catahoula curs and one brindle plott, will these two breeds of dogs hunt good together? (answer)
Cody from Cumby, TX: Hey Jim,I was wondering what would be the best way to start my pups out and at what age? Thank you for your time. (answer)
Joe: Hello Jim, I am new to hunting with dogs, I own American Bulldogs and Pits I haven't hunted with them but I often take the woods and during one of those outings my oldest AB bitch caught a small pig that was rooting around a trash pile. Having been a hunter all my life I thought that I would like to hunt hogs because I love working with my dogs and hogs sure taste good. I have read alot of your advice and I already have an Idea about what kind of bay dogs I would like so, I won't ask the which dog is best question but I have heard people on different hog hunting pages mention bay dogs and striker dogs and I would like to know the difference if there is one. (answer)
Bubba from Blessing, TX: First off I have really enjoyed looking at this web page. But my question is can you give me any tips for raising and starting hog dogs. Me and a buddy of mine have been hunting with other people for two years and we decided to get a couple of puppies. All the pups are around a month old. I would really happy if you could give me some pointers to hopefully turn out some above average HOG DOGS. (answer)
Jerred from West Columbia, TX: I'm trying to get started in hog hunting agian and having a hard time doing so.i am willing to buy a dog around the first of the year.just wondering about some dogs i may be able to get reasonable priced. (answer)
Louis from TX: I have a 6 month old pit and trying to train it to cath is it to young to train? Also can you give me some techniques on training a good catch dog. (answer)
Shelia from Maydelle, TX: Hi Jim, I have a unique question. How do I get my husband to hog hunt with me? Being a woman I have problems finding guys to hog hunt with, usually due to girlfriends, wives, the fact I'm female, etc. I lost my hog huntin buddy this past spring when his girlfriend told him in no uncertain terms he could no longer hog hunt with me. I'm 40 years old and the guys I do occasionally hunt with are half my age but due to our work schedules I don't get to hunt with them much. Finding another woman to hunt with is just about impossible because most of them are afraid of the hogs. My husband loves to deer hunt, squirrel hunt, ect., but getting him to run the dogs with me is next to impossible. He always helps me with hogs I've trapped. Any sugggestions? One other thing, I know you preach Catch and Release and I do on the trap caught pigs ( I castrate the boar pigs before I turn them loose)but the wild hogs here where I live do considerable damage to crops, pastures and hay meadows, not to mention compete with deer for food. We butcher just about everything we catch but the meat doesn't go to waste. I know several folks that don't have it as good as we do so I share the wealth with them by putting meat in their freezers as well as my own. Meat is expensive in the grocery stores and it really helps these families out, I would hope that other hunters would do the same. Shelia (answer)
Wayne from TX: Hello Jim I was wondering if you could tell me if there is any way to get a black and tan coonhound to hunt silently? My niebhor runs hog dogs he has a blackmouth cur and two catahoula curs and a pitbull blackmouth cross. He told me that if the dog starts barking that it will ruin the hunt because all the pigs in the area will leave is that true? If it is than are black and tans useless for pig hunting I would really like to use black and tans if I can I like the breed a lot. (answer)
Kyle from FL: Hey i was just wanderin the best way to train a new pup if u have no older dog to run with him. Thanks, Kyle (answer)
Eddie: Hey Jim, I was wonderin how to train my catahula. She's about 7 months old. I wanna know what I need to do to get her ready for hog huntin? She comes back when I call her. She doesn't leave my side in the woods. Please e-mail me w/some information. (answer)
Mike Schraeder Jr.: Mr. Crainer, How are you doing. Just had a couple of questions for you. I have a male catahoula who is a hell of a dog he just aims to please. He shows a lot of interest in chasing anything that runs, cows,cats, coons, other dogs anything. What is the best way to get him started? He is about 6 months old. (answer)
John Z: Hi Jim! My question is very specific and would greatly appreciate your expert advice. Concerning catch dogs (ie. Pit-Bulls, etc), what kind of bite is better suitable for catch dogs? In other words, do catch dogs perform better with an underbite or Scissors bite. I know that Am. Bulldogs have underbites. But others, such as Pit-bulls and Dogo Argentino's, being Great catch dogs usually have a scissors bite.Is there any evidence if an underbite usually gets a stronger grip? I also look at health factors into consideration! THANKS! (answer)
Kyle: Have you had any experience with hunting, using the American pitbull, could you give me any details about using pitbulls as hunting dogs, thanks.(answer)
Lauren Wittmeyer: My husband just recently got interested in Hog hunting. (We own several pit bulls) I purchased a video for him, Bob Steven's hog hunting video. But, now it's kinda' like where do we go from here? Should we purchase a domestic hog and school the dogs with it??? Then, where do we go hog hunting? Sorry, I have no clue! Thank you!!! (answer)
David: Jim, I have a good started dog(15 months),a super find dog and willing to keep on hunting.He's a cur from a line I've had for 17 yrs.Problem is he barks once he jumps a hog.Which ain't alwalys all bad,but tends to get boring with no hog at the end of a lot of chasin'. Any suggestions short of lead poisoning to get this dog to keep quite until the hog stops? (answer)
Dale: Hey Jim, I'm trying to get started, but in my quest for a good hogdog I know i need a good nose. so what is your OPINION on a good breed of dog, or is a good find dog a trainable trait for any breed? (answer)
Johnny Briggs: Mr. Jim, I would like to know the best way to break a 2 1/2 yr old Plott Hound from running deer. I have tried shocking collars and disipline.She runs hogs but if a deer runs in front of her she will run it. (answer)
Step: I have a friend who hunts hog a lot. He asked me to get on line and find information about Bay Pen Field Trials? I don't know a lot about this so I'm not real sure if I'm asking the right questions. He would like to know what kind of rules and regulations are involved. How do they score the dogs? Things like that. If you could help in any way please let me know. Thank You (answer)
Billy: Hey, Jim. Long time listner,first time caller, my dog Skip, does this weird thing,okay. he likes to hunt but lately hes been trying to mount the hogs,I was just wundering if this was normal or not,please write back soon, billy. (answer)
Trip: How , and at what age would you school a pit bull pup on hogs? And what would be good signs and bad signs to look for? thanks, trip (answer)
Andy Stutts: I wont ask you the same old which dogs are best for hog hunting question. However, I will explain my situation and how I would prefer to hunt. I live in military housing and limited to three dogs max. I already have a female pitbull that gets along fine with other dogs. Futhermore, she seems to have a lot of prey drive and a good nose for a bulldog. However, I would expect to use her strictly in a catch dog capacity. My hunts will be limited to land I get permission to hunt. Is it possible to put together a team of dogs that will be hot nosed, quite dog, that will not range to far, and one that will help the bulldog catch. I will only be hunting once a week at most. Can this be done with just three? I know good dogs are were you find them but what breeds would I have the best chance with filling these requirements, or at least most of them? Thanks, Andy (answer)
Wes Rabon: I have a 8 month old amercian bulldog (BUD) and a 9 month old red nose (MIC) . Both which are great catch dogs. I have taken bud to catch trail in coffeville the past two months. I first time he did ok but this last time he did great. But my question is Bud will not catch unless the hog is bayed up or in a pen. He will not just go out in the woods and run after one. Is this bad? (answer)
David: Jim, I hunt Hogs in Australia with scent finding dogs only. As we drive along our dogs air scent the hog then jump off an go catch it, they are trained not to hunt anything else. The hogs are getting extremely hard to find so I need a dog that can find hogs that has exceptional scenting ability, fast, stamina and to bail only, so we can find them, as with our dogs when they catch you sometimes cannot hear them as we hunt in thick bush and steep gully's and hills. Is the Catahoula all this. (answer)
Erica: I am thinking of starting to hunt.. I have 2 pit bulls that would probably do well but, need your advice.. I have a 48# male who is smart, very agile and quick and loves to catch (although he's never actually been out, he has gone at much larger animals).. the other is a 30# female who is also VERY intelligent and fast on her feet (although she's not as agile, she is a tough little girl).. they are 18 mths and 13 mths respectively.. now, is it too late to start them hunting?? Would they be too small? I want to ideally hunt hogs but, up here in Canada, it's a little difficult so, I am also trying to figure out what I can hunt up here!!! (answer)
David Sameniego: Do you hunt with pitbulls? Do you have any pups you are giving away or selling? (answer)
Mad Pig Hunter: Dear Jim, here in Australia there are very few videos made of dogs catching wild pigs in the bush,are there any professionaly made video's over there of they way you catch them in the wild. As I have read many stories off the internet and your word phrases are different to ours,I would like to see first hand how you's hunt hogs in the bush in America and also maybe a bay dog competion on video. Thanks. (answer)
T.J. Berlin: Jim, I have an eight month old Bulldog ,and Blackmouth, he has been on many hogs. He can trail a hog if he sees it or if it has just been there, his mother was a very cold nosed dog and his dad had a nose for a bullog. Is there a better way to get him to find hogs other than run him with other dogs? (answer)
L.T. Pack: Jim, I have been trying to locate a source for hog scents. Hog in heat, urine attractants and so forth. Any info, contacts or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks. (answer)
Travis Koon: What age should I start training my dog to catch? Should I put him on a wild hog the first time or start him with a demestic pig first. thank you for your time. (answer)
SSTrapper: I have only one question. I have a blue lacy, and have been hunting with him for about 6 months now. He still has alot of improving to do but for the most part seems to be an o.k. dog. The question I have is what exactly is a blue lacy. What is the history of the breed etc. any information you could throw my way would be helpful. (answer)
Marietta: Mr. Crainer we have a pit bull/red healer gyp and a black mouth cur gyp who when you put them in the yard together it is like putting the Rock and the Big Show in the ring together. The cur postures to the pit, raises her hackles and the pit will pusture back, among other things. The cur is one of the best hood dogs we have and the pit is just a pet. The pit is fine with our other dogs, but the cur is a little more dominate wannabe. we don't want to get rid of either of them, for they are both good dogs. We didn't have the privilege of raising either dog. In your opinion is there any way to get them to be less aggressive or do we permanently have to check them into the smackdown hotel? What do you think. Thanks for all your time. (answer)
Joe: Hi Jim, we really enjoy you responses online, and we really appreciate you expanding your wisdom with us dummies. My question is how to use a break stick, to get a Bulldog off a pig? and what makes a good break stick? I am afraid of hurting the dogs mouths, because of not knowing how to use a break stick or what to use for a break stick. (answer)
Matt: Do you know Billy Don Blevins the best hog hunter in the world? (answer)
Jimmy Sanders: Jim, I have a young dog (9 months old) that I have just started hunting. He does real well in the pen and has started baying at some hogs in the field. The problem is that the last couple of times we've been hunting after the dogs are baying the hogs and we get to them he quits barking and wants to come to me and just leaves the hog. I was just wondering if you have any suggestions. Thanks. (answer)
Chris Vaello: Hey Jim, I recently started hog hunting with dogs, I have 2 pit bulls and 5 black mouth curs. My friend has a bull dog and a mix bull dog/pitbull and 3 catahoulas. I dont like to take the catch dogs alot only if we are going to catch the hog alive but my friend insists that we do. Do you think 5 blackmouth and 3 catahoulas are enough to drop a hog. When I take the catch dogs the meat is all mangled when the pit and the bull dog gets a hold of the hog and does not let go. What do u think? (answer)
Martin: I got these two bloodhounds last month. I want to take them out with me, but I don't think they like to be around me. Every time I see them, they just walk away. I don't know if they smell me or what, but whatever it is, it just makes me sad. What in the world should I do to get them to trust me? (answer)
Jerry Koon: Sir, I just got into hog hunting this past year.Well my question is that i'm getting some bulldog pups and I wanted to know what age should I start training them to catch and what would be the best way to train them? I already have one bulldog thats nearly 3 years old. It catches good with another catch dog but by its self it don't want to catch the hog by the ear. Should I use him to help train the puppies. Thank you for your time. (answer)
Willie Hicks: When is the best time to catch a wild boar? (answer)
Richard Coltharp: A friend of mine thinks his dogs catch when they are biting, then backing off barking. This is what I consider baying. When they catch they don't let go and bark. What do you think about it? (answer)
Fred: I have a male catahoula from a good bloodline that is 11 months old. i have had him in a bay pen with a small to med size pig (60lbs). he bays very well in the pen, but when i take him out with my friends dogs and they bay he will hardly pay any attention to the hog regardless of the size hog. Some say not to put him in the pen anymore since he already bays, others say the hunts just not in him, others say give him more time. i just want him to get out and show me some interest when we have a hog bayed. any suggestions? (answer)
Troy Crittle: Dear Jim, Ive been doing some surfing for about a year and have noticed that Black Mouth Curs, Mountain Curs. Gyp? are referred to often. What exactly are they how were they derived? Also do you have standards to what you call curs. Almost all dogs used to hunt pigs in Australia are curs. A huge variety of breeds are used. I have been hunting for ten years now and have had best success with Great Dane Bullmastiff crosses and Irish Wolfound Bullmastiff Boxer crosses. Hunting methods vary but most hunters use dogs that will both find and hold (catch). Large dogs are generally used in more open areas and in crops. Smaller dogs are used in more heavily timbered areas. Hounds are not commonly used although some hunters cross them with harder dogs. I would appreciate any information you could give. (answer)
Shane: I have a strike dog that hunts so far out I am having trouble with the rest of my dogs (catch, strike\bay) not going to him. If he is close to the rest of them like say 300 yds or less they are there in no time, but if he is past that they will listen but not go until they are either closer or we walk them in to him. Could this be because I don't hunt him as much since he is so long range and I mainly have little places to hunt so I use my short range dogs more, or what do you think might be causing it? I got him hurt the other night because of this so any ideas will be helpful. (answer)
Sam Groves: What breed of dog are the best to hunt hogs with? (answer)
Justin Matocha: Hi, my name is Justin Matocha. My dad is Pat Matocha, he used to rodeo with you. I am starting to hunt hogs. Me and my dad are getting a few dogs and hunting a little bit but do you think finding free dogs or cheap dogs will do us as good as a high dollar dog cause we cant spend that much money on dogs. I also ride bulls so that takes a lot of money too. If you have any comments please share them with us. (answer)
Kyle Kincannon: I'm just getting started and I can't find any strike dogs. Can you help me? (answer)
Red Man: What is the best breed for a catch dog? (answer)
Randy: My 9 month old Dogo growls every time I put him in the dog box with strange dogs. I tell him to hush and he stops. He is fine when outside with the dogs. I still watch him close. I've only done this 4 times. What do you think? Shoot him? (answer)
Gus: Mr. Crainer. what is the best way to start a puppy to bay a hog, what is the best age to start, how long should it be done and what should be done next to get the pup to hunt? (answer)
Scott: What is the best hog bait? I heard they are attracted to molded bread. Can you buy any hog bait products. Where? (answer)
H. Nesselrodt: I enjoy Bay Dog Online and your column. I am puzzled by several things.
1) I understand any breed that will hunt a hog can make a fine hog dog, but I would think a catchdog is another story. Some breeds must must excel at it ( Am. Bulldog, Pit Bull and Dogos to name a few). Are they the favored breeds, if so why.
2)Catchdog weight- How can a 45# pit hold a 200-300# wild boar still by himself
and how does a 120# bulldog keep from being killed? It would only stand to reason
that as weight goes up, the dog loses agility. Is there an optimal weight?
3) Holding location- Most dogs seem to grab an ear, but photographs that I have
seen of Presa Canarios they are holding by the jowl. Does one hold control the
hog more than the other?
4) Every one has their favorite breed for certain tasks. I have noticed that
hunters in Australia use Mastiff X or Wolfhound X to hunt with. Are these dogs
more capable of tracking, running down and then catching the hog than any one
breed that is used here. Americans tend to use specialized breeds for a certain
task and then use another for something else. Or do the hogs found there tend
to be smaller than the ones found in the U.S. (answer)
Chace: I have been hog hunting with lots of folks and hunted with all sorts of dogs. I am ready to get started with my own dogs. My main concern is money, I don't have a lot of it and I don't want to spend alot. My question is which dogs do I need to get first and where should I get them. I have access to many acres and the dogs will be hunted alot, I will also hunt with other peoples dogs on occasion.(answer)
Crickett: Hi Jim! I have finally found something as fun as team roping. It all started when one of my cowdogs bayed a big ol' ugly sow. I live in Bell County, TX. Hogs have really been on the rise around here and really getting thick. I would like to start running dogs but don't know the best way to get into it. I have 4 Catahoula pups out of my cowdogs and a litter of Blackmouth Curs due in a couple of days. I can trap all the hogs I need to start in a pen when they get old enough to start. So to make a long ? short - How old should the pups be when I start them? How should I start them and how should I build a bay pen? (Would a 40 foot round pen work with some modifications?) (answer)
Matthew: When you are hunting for hawgs with your dogs what kind of dogs do you use? How many bay dogs do you send out at a time? How many catch dogs do you send out? (answer)
Shawn & Dylan Becnel: We have a 7 month Cat/Cur (From cattle stock). We are new to this, how do you train him for hogs?We have access to young tame hogs but no training pens. Please help if you can. (answer)
George May: I read your article about how you treated your dogs for internal parasites and enjoyed it very much. My question is how ivomec is administered? I use it on cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, chickens and pigeons. I give it sub-Q to the large animals and orally to the birds. How do you recommend giving it to dogs? (answer)
Richard Pitts: Mr. Crainer, I have about a three year old blackmouth cur that will find and bay a hog by himself. The problem I have is that unless the hog is a 150lbs. or larger the dog will catch before I get to the hog. What can I do to keep him from catching smaller hogs or hogs that are not rough enough to make him stand back and bay? (answer)
Gamehog: Hi Jim. How are you today? I hope your doing well. I have a question about too rough a catchdog. Ive hunted with pits,abs,dogos. All the pits and abs Ive owned they all go in and grab the hog and get the crap beat out of them still hold on and not care (lot of staples). Anyways I really like the pain tolerance and gameness of those two breeds but I can't stand staple them up ALL the time. If I use a cur or some kind of hound for catching. Will they be able to take the punishment and hold on like the two breeds I mentioned? Thanks so much for your help. (answer)
Kim Piddington: Hi Mate, I was reading an earlier question that was put to you about using Red & Blue Heelers on pigs, over here heelers are used all the time but what I was interested in was that you were saying that you had a heeler + plott, how is that dog working? I am looking at importing some dogs in the next year or so, I have already booked a pup out of the Starr Mtn. plott blood lines & I am looking at importing another 4 dogs over the next two years. Thank you for your help. (answer)
Tom Short: Dear Jim, A year ago I acquired a mangy looking mut my friends call a cur dog. I've since fell in love with and all my friends want to take him from me. He goes about 65 lbs, brindle coat, eyes are half clear and half blue. The Vet tells me that vertical clear eyes is very rare. He is definitely cur. I was wondering how I could fine what type of cur and more about him. This is the first dog I've owned and really know very little about cur dogs. Thanks, Tom. (answer)
TJ Berlin: Jim, I have an eight month old Bulldog ,and Blackmouth, he has been on many hogs. He can trail a hog if he sees it or if it has just been there, his mother was a very cold nosed dog and his dad had a nose for a bullog. Is there a better way to get him to find hogs other than run him with other dogs? (answer)
Rowdey Jones: What's the most amount of dogs that's gotten killed by the same boar? (answer)
Rusty: Hey I was wondering if a plott is better than a blackmouth in coon hunting, and in baying a hog. I would also like the dog to be able to whop some ass on a hog if needed to. What would u prefer. Any help would appreciated. (answer)
Kyle Vaughn: Hi, how are you? I would like to know where are some places near or around Georgia I could go hog hunting for a reasonable price. I want to put one on the wall. I hunt quite often in South Georgia, but I only own one catch dog at the time. This makes hunting hard at the moment. My friends let me tag along with them, but they aren't big on killing the hogs very often. They catch the hogs and take them to hog trials here and there. I would appreciate your return of this message. Thank you so very much. Sincerely, Kyle Vaughn. (answer)
Paul: Hey Jim, I have just bought a piece of property in western North Carolina that borders a large tract of the Nantahala national forest, that has a decent bear and hog population. I plan on getting into bear and hog hunting just as soon as I can, I have a few questions. First I have been researching breeds and really like the Argentino Dogos. I know the are well known for their hog hunting, but have you heard of any one using them on bear? I also have seen bear training scents in magazines, but have never found any for boar, does any one sell boar training scent? Lastly I noticed alot of people using radio tracking collars on there hounds due to the rugged mountain terrain, are there any that you feel are more reliable, rugged, have a longer range than others? any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again, Paul. (answer)
Andy Blankenship: I have a pit that is about 10 months old and I have a problem with her catching. She will catch until I get there then she lets go. Do you have any pointers that could help? (answer)
J.R. Deckert: Mr. Crainer, first I would like to say I enjoy reading your articles in Bayed Solid. The question I would like to ask is this. I have been huntin' and training some dogs for a couple of years, and I have had some young dogs when I take them in the woods just start huntin' with my older dogs. But here recently I have got a couple of young dogs that are jam up in the pen, but when I take them in the woods they stay under my feet, even when I take them with older dogs that hunt. My question is what can I do to make them start leaving me and going on their own? I have never had this problem before. Thank you for your time. (answer)
Roy Murray: Hello Jim; My question is "How do you train a dog to be a good strike dog or rig dog. He is 1/2 Rhodesian,1/4 Lab, and 1/4 Pit. He does have a decent nose on him but he tends to stay real close to me. I try and get him to go with other dogs that do go out and hunt, no luck. do you have any comments or suggestions? thanks for any help you can give. (answer)
Jerry Koon: Dear Jim, what type of material do you prefer on a cut vest and collar? (answer)
G Davis : I use Ivomec to control heartworms and was told to mix 1cc of Ivomec to 9cc of water and give 1cc of this mixture to 10lbs of body weight(oraly). I have never had a problems with heartworms until recently when I was given a dog and started her on this and after about 10 to 12 days she died. The question is am I giving Ivomec the right way and did it have anything to do with the death of the gyp? Thanks (answer)
Lori Bell: Hi, my name is Lori and I wanted to know if you're ever in a situation where you crossed between a hog and a hard spot how is the best way to get out. (answer)
Brandon Cross: Would a treeing walker work for a hog dog? he and my Dalmatian have bayed some hogs that came over from my neighbor's land but they were domestic. to top that off they were with a blackmouth cur gyp of mine but she has since died from having pups from the walker. so to sum it up would a Dalmatian and a treeing walker work for baydogs? (answer)
Damon: Hello Jim, Hope you and the family are fine. Wanted to drop you a note: The dog you gave me "Toothpaste" has made a fine dog. He has found alot of hogs and will stay in a long race. Can you tell me who his sire and dam are and something about them? I enjoy your web site. I sent a note to it was not sure you got it.....Damon. (answer)
Dahke: I have 8 dogs of my own, 13 acres of wooded and marshy land, and I do a lot of hog catching, so I was thinking about starting my own private hog catching preserve. do you have any tips on where to start? or know anyone who has had luck in trying the same thing? any info would be highly appreciated. love your website! keep up the good work. (answer)
Eric: Mr Crainer, I'm 15 and have been into hound hunting for the last 5 years or so. i just wanted to thank you for the column, here and in Bayed Solid and Full Cry. I have learned more from you than probably any other person. Sure has saved me from making alot of mistakes and having to learn the hard way. Again Thank you. (answer)
Shane: I have a curr/plott cross that I use for a strikedog. The problem I have with him though is that when he finds a hog he starts to bay when he sees the hog no matter if it is running and he will not try and stop it but chases it until the hog stops to fight. When the hog stops he will fight it but by that time he is to far for the catch dogs to catch up to him before the hog breaks again. With this info, what my question is should I use him only as a bay dog or get faster catch dogs? (answer)
Brit Kneespearce: When I go hunting with my friend, he likes to drink a lot. Sometimes he can get a little violent, and he can just say some pretty nasty things that I'm sure he don't mean. I think he may have a problem, although he tries so hard to deny it to the outside world. Should I stop hunting' with him? (answer)
Greg "Pecos" Suits: I have two male Plott puppies out of Clyde and Annie, and I was wondering how would be the best way to get them started in the woods? I put them in the baypen with a little pig but they showed no interest. I think they might have been too young. But I would like to know what you thought about it. I came down with Chris when he picked up Annie and you seemed to be quite intelligent about these Plott hounds so I thought I would ask you about it. I would appreciate your reply a great deal. Thanks, Pecos. (answer)
Tabitha Tosh: What are the best kinds of hog dogs? (answer)
Richard Coltharp: Is it possible to break a 10 year old dog from running deer? I bear and hog hunt with him. Treed many bear bayed alot of hogs runs deer every now and then. He is a Redtick. (answer)
Richard: I need a catch dog, but my mom won't let me have a bulldog. (answer)
Lysa Rector: Hi Jim, I see Jack Russells advertised as bay dogs and I was wondering if their size would be detrimental. What is the smallest sized dog(s) that would be reasonable to use as bay dogs? (answer)
Derrick Tappin: Dear Jim I have been reading some of your responses and I was wondering if you could help me I have a 5 month old Leopard Catahoula I want to use him on hogs up hear ,Yes there is wild hogs in canada, there are about 5000 running at large since ranchers cant be bothered to catch them anymore, this # was from the fish and game department. I have a couple of sows we are raising for slaughter could I use them to train him or will he just get used to them because they are always around him. He walks by the pen and does not show much interest , should I keep him away from these hogs until it is time for his training, also and furthermore what number of dogs do I need to run hogs. I have one Catahoula and am purchasing a pit will this be enough to accomplish my goals as a hog hunter. Thanks for all of your input. (answer)
Amy C: I recently read your response to someone about your worming routine. I have managed to wind up with 4 dogs and one cat. Doesn't sound like much to you I guess, but the vet bills just for wormers and flea control are killing me. I figured I could spend over $500 per year just for flea control if all of them are on Frontline. The stuff really works, but WOW, I can't afford that. I'm in N. Florida, so fleas can be very bad. What do you use for flea control at your place? Also wondering about the Safeguard paste wormer. I, too, hate tape worms. I can get that at the local feed store. What dosage do you recommend? Thanks so much for answering our questions! (answer)
Shawn Stewart: Hello Jim, I was wondering about your thoughts on the german jadgterrier for hogs. (answer)
Andrew Tacquard: Dear Jim, I am a possible future hog hunter. I own several hounds and really like hounds in general. Do you think several hounds can do all the work (strike, bay , and catch)? I have blueticks and Black and Tans. As you probably know they are very cold nosed, and could probably find a needle in a hay stack, but I ain't sure baying and catching is their game. I don't mind the extra work I'd have to do, but I really don't want to loose my dogs the first time out. (answer)
Pat: Jim , I've read your article in Bayed Solid January issue. And you mention about worming your dogs once a month. With Ivomec for heartworm and Valbazen for round,hook,and tape worms. Do you give them both wormers at the same time or do you give them at different times. Ivomec at the beginning of the month and Valbazen in the middle of the month. Thank You. (answer)
Doug Crawford: Dear Mr. Crainer, Discovered your column (website) this weekend, along with several other great sites devoted to dogs and hog hunting. I've always thought a hog hunt would be great; I'm certain now, and will likely make plans to come south this year and take a crack at it. Anyway, they say the only dumb question is the one you don't ask, so here's mine: Although others have written with questions about firearms to use, I'd like to know, what type of knife would be a good hog dispatching blade? I own a Buck Special and a Ka-Bar fighter, both have about 6.5" blades; would either work, or should I be looking for something a little longer? Also, could you describe the proper method for a knife kill? Thank you. (answer)
Nate Rayburn: Dear Jim, I'm very familiar w/ huntin' hogs, but have a small problem. I've got one big bulldog that is really dog agressive. He's been a one good HAWG but didn't act like I would have liked. Do you have any sugestions for curbing dog catching, and turning it towards hogcatching? (answer)
Wayne Geistman: Jim, How's it going? I was just writing to see if you could give me alittle info. I have lost some good dogs and am desperately seeking a good FIND DOG that will get out and work but check back in. I have younger dogs I am starting but I need a good dog to teach my young ones. It is tuff when you loose your good old buddies. You dont know how good you have it till you lose them. So if you would keep your ear out for me. Breed does not matter just need good find strike dog!!!!Thank you. (answer)
Al: I have a half leopard and half plott that is 11 months old. He comes from two good blood lines. My problem is one day in a pen he will really get after it then the next he won't act interested. Will he ever get consistant? Do dogs treat hogs different according to the size of the hog. Great articles. (answer)
Brent Welsh: Jim, first of all thanks for your Q&A page, it's been very helpful from time to time. I have a 14 month old catahoula leopard that I want to use to hunt hogs. Where I hunt there can be lot of cattle around, I don't want him to chase or want to chase them. What is best way to break him of his intrest in cows. thanks, Brent. (answer).
Mike Walker: I have 2 Rat Terriers & a pit bull i would like to hunt on boar how do i go about getting equipment to protect my pitbull from getting torn up when i go hunting.Also do you think a small dog can keep a big hog bayed? (answer)
Hog Hunter: What type of dogs do you prefer? how many dogs should a hog hunter take to the woods? How big of a bulldog do you need for catch ? I've been told you need 90 lbs. plus bulldogs to catch. also i was told if a bulldog has a bob tail that the dog wouldn't be any good because it wouldn't have any balance. Is that true? I also wanted to know what you thought a good price for a hog dog is? I can't see paying over $500.00 for a dog that might last a short period of time. especially since i really haven't ever seen a good dog that i would pay that kind of money for and i know some people with some of the best in the area. I've been told that you had some of the top dogs in your area? what kind of prices do you have on some of your dogs, that is if you have any for sale? I'm looking for a dog to train some puppies with. I used to have a decent dog and was catching alot of hogs until he was killed. now I'm back to the drawing board. please reply. (answer)
Josh: If a friend invites me on a hunt do I bring my dogs ..and if so how many ..there has been a lot of tension about this subject down here in Jonesboro. Do I bring my catch dog? (answer)
Trey: What is the best catch dog you have ever owned? What is the best bay dog you have owned? Whats a good age to start traing a puppy? (answer)
Eric: Jim, I am just getting into hound hunting, and have heard you use the term cold nosed quite a bit, and am wondering what this refers to. Is it considered a draw back to have a hound type dog with and extremly good nose? Or is it a plus? Thanks for the time, Eric Graham. (answer)
Travis: I have a plott out of your Chelsea dog. I bought the puppy from a friend of yours by the name of Jim Miller (I believe) last November. I really like the dog . How long do you usualy wait until you start taking your plotts to the woods?(answer)
Jim: I have a two year old leopard hound. When I take her to the woods she likes to stay by my side until the other dogs get a hog bayed up. Is there a way to get her to go out with the other trail dogs? (answer)
Shane: I am just starting to hunt hogs. I have 4 good dogs that will fight and catch any hog they find. I also have 2 young pups that I am just starting and they are coming along very well. My problem is what is the best way to get the pups to start striking and do you know of any place to work young dogs at? (answer)
Yusef Davis: Hello Mr. Crainer, My question is rather unusual. I would like to know about catch dog training. The only problem is that the pupil is a deaf dogo puppy. I have heard about training dogs with hand signals and dogos are bred to catch. With it being in the dogs genes to catch would being deaf be a problem. Both of the dogs parents are good catch dogs so tell me what you think. Yusef. (answer)
Adam: Mr. Crainer I have a year old pit/cur gyp who I would like to trail hogs. Her brother is a jam up, stay till the end catch dog. She has a little grit and will bay at anything under 100 lbs. I have only worked her in the woods once and all she did was heel the whole time. I also have a black and tan coonhound who is three months old and would like them to trail. My question to you is what is the best way to get hog dogs to trail or introduce them to the ways of trailing? (answer)
Monty: Jim, I have several dogs, meaning males and females. the females i would like to get bred in the future so i dont want to fix them. Will it do anything to the hunting ability of a male dog if it is fixed.(click here for answer)
Kelvin: I recently bought a 1 yr old mountain cur/treeing leopard cross that is really gun shy. Is there any hope in breaking her of that or should I just try training a new dog altogether. (answer)
Gary Campbell: Jim, We are having trouble with our dog's pads getting holes in them or coming off after they have run for several hours, especially in hot weather. I have tried Kopertox and Kneekote. This has helped somewhat but we need to find a solution. The healing process takes two to three weeks and keeps our best dogs out of commision regularly. Any help would be appreciated. (answer)
Larry Addeo: Where can I get info on public areas for hog hunting in the Lake Nacimiento area? Is ther any land for lease or a Club to join? (answer)
Brian: Hey Jim I would like to order some gear from you. I need the measurement instructions for a running jacket and vest. Also how would you like your payment? If you could email me with your phone number I would appreciate it. (answer)
Kris: First off let me tell you that I am new to hog hunting all together, but I do have dog savvy as I have raised hounds all of my life. My question is how do I work my bulldog where he catches by the ear or at least the front end. I have a 1 year old pit that is dog broke and HAWG WILD. Th e only problem is the first piece of pork he sees it is caught! Be it ham, belly, nose or any thing else. I can't complain with his bite, handling, or anything else but when he happens to catch to far back it is hard for him to handle the hog on top of getting pretty worked over if it is where the pig can get to him because he won't let go. Any tips will help. (answer)
Pearidge Hoghunter: Mr. Crainer, A man asked me to hunt a dog for him on hogs because he doent have any hogs where he lives.However the dog,a 7 mo. old mt.cur female,is so shy that I cant even let her off the chain. She is only afraid of men. She will let a woman come up to her with no problem.Any suggestions on how to cure her ? (answer)
Gene Moss: Do you have suggestions on where to purchase hog-hunting videos and which ones are the best? (answer)
Brian Gaskin: Hello Jim my name is Brian Gaskin, a buddy and i just started hog hunting on our own. But the both of us have been hunting for a long time. We have a 2 Plott Hounds that are excellent dogs. The female is very tight mouth and will not bark until she is staring down the nose of a hog, but the male is very cold nosed and barks on trail. This dog can smell a 3-4 day old trail no problem. He is a very good dog our best as a matter of fact. Is there any way that we can break this dog from barking on trail so much and not break him from hunting? Thank you for your time. (answer)
Gary: I have been considering using my ACD's (Blue Heelers) for hog hunting. I realize that their sense of smell isn't nearly as keen as a hound but they'll hunt on sight. What is your opinion on using this breed of dog for hunting pigs? (answer)
Matt Murphy: Hey Jim, Out here in California, we catch and kill our hogs when we hunt with dogs. I've been noticing here on the internet that some of you guys in Texas just catch them--like with ropes. So, my question is why? What would you want with a big old boar in a rope? (answer)
Ken Stanley: Jim i need help!! I live in east tx and hunt on government land and private land..For the last year we have been stocking hog, the problem we have is this . Other hog hunter's catch & trap to sell hog's i know if they are on gov. land there's nothing we can do . But we are talking to young hunter's about catch and release. Is there a club we can join or a program that will help us get the point over to other hunters. there's not a lot of hog's in our county but we have stocked about 100 hog's. Any info you can help us with will be appreciated.. thank's for your time!! (answer)
Montie Parson: At what age do you start your young dogs in the baypen? (answer)
Roland: In your opinion what is the best combination of dogs for a hog hunting pack....ie: 6 dogs consisting of 2 find dogs 2 bay dogs and 2 catch dogs etc....I understand that its a matter of opinion and the terrain you hunt in....I am just curious to hear your opinion as to the make up of the ultimate hunting pack....I hunt in very rugged rainforest terrain that is very dense with vegetation....What do you think would work well here? I personally use Catahoulas as hounds tend to range a bit too far for such dense cover and terrain... Aloha, Roland (answer)
Ben: I have a chose on getting a puppy to be a catch dog. One is a Pitbull and the other is a Blackmouth Cur. Which breed have you seen that has done a better job at catching hogs? (answer)
Ricardo Torres, Jr.: I am planning a Florida boar hunt with a Ruger Super Redhawk 44 mag. What factory ammo would you suggest? I would also appreciate comments regarding shot placement. (answer)
Grant Brannen: Can you tell me a little about the "Dogos" I've been hearing about. I've only heard of them on this web-site. Please tell me a little about their origin, how they came about, and certain other traits. (answer)
Joe Griffith: Jim, What would you say the oldest age I could get a catahoula and still train it to hunt hogs? Age of the dog not me. (click here for answer)
Brian: MR. CRAINER I HUNT IN SOME OF THE LARGEST RUNNNING OAK MOTTS YOU HAVE EVER SEEN. MY STRIKE DOGS ARE COMPLETELY CLOSED MOUTH AND CAN GO IN AND BAY SOLID BUT WHEN THE HOGS HERE THE CATCH DOGS COMING THROUGH THE BRUSH THE HOG PUTS HIS HEAD DOWN AND HEADS SOUTH. THIS RUNNING OAK IS 10 FEET TALL AND SO THICK I'VE SEEN DEER GET HUNG UP IN IT. THE BRUSH MOTTS ARE ATLEAST 500 TO 700 YARDS WIDE. BETWEEN MY HUNTING PARTNER AND I WE HAVE CAUGHT OVER 100 HOGS THIS YEAR, BUT HAVE ONLY CAUGHT A SMOG (SMALL HOG) IN THESE MOTTS OF RUNNING OAK, EVEN THOUGH WE BAY EVERY TIME WE GO THERE. WHAT CAN I DO TO CATCH THESE BULLDOZER HOGS. (answer)
R. Luga: In regards to kennel arrangements....Do you recommend seperate kennels for each dog? Or is it preferable that dogs that hunt together live together to establish or keep pack order and reduce fighting while hunting? (answer)
Gary Ashton: Mr. Crainer, Recently I bought a Blackmouth cur gyp that I have been running a few hogs with. You may remember her from the training pen. She is really starting to get out and go huntin and so far I am real pleased with her, but I took her to pen some cows the other day and she also did a good job working them. I was wondering if I could make a decent hog dog out of her and also work cattle from time to time with her. What do you think? (answer)
Mike Chambers: I would like to know how to get started hog hunting. I have read all the stories and have wanted to experience it for a long time. I am in a position to do so now, what should I do? Thank you for your time. (answer)
Gerry Reyes: Hi Mr. Crainer, I have a 7 month old male Catahoula. He's my pride and joy and I hope to learn how to hunt with him. My long term plan is to get a couple more. But meanwhile I've met a local guide who has some finished dogs that we hope can show my dog the ropes. My question is, what in your opinion is the weapon of choice for huntin hogs. I've talked to a bunch of different folks and everybody has their own personal favorite: .308, .270, .22, 20ga. or 12ga. with slugs, knives, etc..., but in general could you give me a clue as to what is the most versatile. I currently only own a S&W model 41. Most of my huntin will be along the Sierra Nevada foothills and the central California coastal range. Thank you Sir and Take Care, Gerry. (answer)
Shane: Could you please send/show me some info on all the ways you can tie up a hog? p.s. If you know anyone in GA that's looking for a couple of guys to go boar hunting with, please let me know. (answer)
Ken: I am thinking about buying a Blackmouth Cur crossed with a Pitbull for a catch dog. My friend's Pitbull doesn't let go of hogs. We have to break his jaw off of them. Will I have this problem with my new puppy? (answer)
Tim: Jim, I really enjoy your columns in Bayed Solid and I know you have a lot of knowledge about hogs, dogs, coaching, etc. In particular I know you like your Plott hounds and may be able to help me with my problem. I have got a couple of young dogs (16-18 months old) that I am working with some real experienced closed mouth hog dogs that my friends have. These young are half Plott and half Black Mouth Cur (not that it matters I am just trying to give you an idea of what these dogs might be like). I really like the dogs because they show a true desire to hunt pigs, and they really try to please me. The problem I am having with one of them is he gets so excited when he is winding or on a fresh track that he starts to whine and give off a few loud chirping barks before he even sees the pigs which are about 75-100 yards away. When the pigs hear that chirp/bark they take off down a steep canyon or over a steep ridge and never look back getting way too much of a head start in nasty, brushy steep country which means they are gone for good. In the mean time the older experienced dogs which are totally closed mouthed dogs are running around following this little rookie because they think he is baying something. Needless to say this little episode did not please me or the guys I was hunting with and the little rookie remained restricted to the leash for the rest of the night (he hates that). With the full moon lately I witnessed the situation described above twice last week. Do you have any advice for keeping that dog quiet until he is face to face with the pigs? - Thanks for your time! (answer)
James: Dear Mr. Crainer, I enjoy hog hunting in Houston County right out of Crockett, TX. This county has recently experienced an outbreak of "pseudorabies" in the northern end of Houston County and the southern end of Anderson County. Very little is known about this form of rabies other than it will kill a dog and will not kill a hog. Have you received any information on this problem? It has already killed at least ten (10) hog dogs in Houston and Anderson County. I would appreciate any information that you might have. Thank you. (answer)
Ted: I was wondering if Plotts can bay up cows like Catahoulas do? (answer)
Eric: Sir, I've heard you say that any dog that will hunt, will do. But I want a dog that will bay a hog, and not strike unless it absolutely has to hold the hog where it is. I would also like to be able to only hunt two or three dogs at a time. Is there any specific breed that you would recommend? (answer)
Chandlar: How do I get a subscription to Bayed Solid? (answer)
Paul: I have a young Plott (about 14 months). He is my first hound. I can tell a big difference between he and my two curs. He is doing everything I want him to - strike and bay independantly...catch with help when I get there. Sometimes he'll get on a track and just get "stuck" in a circle. He doesn't seem to know which way to take it. Is there anything, other than time and experience, that will help him out? Thank you. (answer)
Bennie: What are hog dog trials? (answer)
Tony: I would like to know why a dog 1-1/2 years old would just stop hunting? It hunted good from nine months to 1-1/2 and just stopped all of a sudden. It's never been cut bad and still loves a hog, but it waits for the other dogs to find them. Once they're bayed he'll go to the other dogs. Any suggestions would be appreciated. (answer)
Gus: Mr. Crainer, I would like to know what a cut collar and a running vest are and what are they made of? What is the best way to start a catch dog? I have an American Bulldog puppy now. (answer)
Lee: Would a leopard dog be good to hunt hogs by itself, bay and hold. If not what type of dog would be good baying and holding hogs by itself? (answer)
Pat: Jim, I've got another question on tracking collars. Do you use them separately with the cut collars or make a cut collar with a built in transmitter and antenna? If so let me know because I am very new at this especially when using tracking collars and cut collars. Thanks, Pat. (answer)
John Shaw: Dear Jim, I have seen you mention that you line breed your dogs. Exactly how "tight" do you breed your dogs? Also, I have seen you advertise that some of your dogs are line-bred top to bottom. What does this mean? (answer)
Pat: Hi Jim, I'm the guy that just ordered the two cut collars and running jackets from you a couple of weeks ago. As we talked on the phone you mentioned that all of your dogs are using tracking collars. Can you tell me where can I get these tracking collars and how much do they cost. What brand, etc. And I was wondering if you know of anyone who breeds and sells Catahoula Leopard pups that had all of its rabies shots because here in Hawaii we have very strict quarantine laws. Thanks, Pat. (answer)
Jenn: Jim, I've got a cur dog that just turned a year old. My problem is she's kinda catchy and slices 'em open under the front legs. I can't have this since I let 'em go alot. She's been on 4 good hogs and thats it. Is there anything I can do to teach her different since it's still early? (answer)
Bob: My friend has taken me hog hunting with dogs a couple of times. I want to get my own dogs. Do you have any suggestions on which breed would be able to find and catch a hog for me? (answer)
Terrence: I've heard so much about Catahoulas here lately I wanted to know if they have what it takes to be considered a good hog dog? (answer)
Karl: I have a leopard hound that is a good trail dog, but now I want her to catch the hogs as well. Could you give me some suggestions on how I can do this? (answer)
Susan: Do you have extra dogs in your kennel? I love your stories in Bayed Solid. How do you find topics to write about? Keep up the good job!!! (answer)
Question: When hunting season comes around, I start using my dogs real heavily. They draw down as they are getting into shape. It seems the feed I have always fed them just won't keep them going like I feel they should. What recommendations do you have? (answer)
Question:(from a coon hunter) I hunt with a 4 year old Bluetick. She's a good hunting dog with lots of hunt in her. The problem is, half the time she will tree, the rest of the time she runs deer. Any suggestions on breaking this part time coon hunter from having his dog run deer? signed, Frustrated (answer)