Bear Pup Training

[Baccafarmer]

I am currently in the process of acquiring my first puppies for bear hunting and I am wondering what everyone's thoughts were on starting puppies with bear scent drags. I figured this might be a good way to get them accustomed to the scent while allowing enough time to mature enough to be turned out on the real thing. Kind of new to this so any help would be appreciated. Was wondering also where I could get the best scent for the training. Thanks

[Nolte]

Grawes is best but messing with scents has limited value besides being around and working with the dog. Best bet is let the dog mature and rhen get it on a bunch of bear when it's physically ready. Best way to do that is to run it with an old solid dog or someone whos got dogs like that. If you want to get some experience when it's young let it chase the barn cats or a coon.

[Nolte]

Also as a new hunter I always suggest to get an old dog first then a puppy. Good old dogs ain't cheap and there are plenty of jockys willing to sell junk, but a solid old dog will really cut rhe learning curve for you as a hunter and a future pup. Jmho.

[tj54982]

i have a good jump dog that i work with a drag with scent in the winter. i make a trail with scent, then let it sor about 2 hours and turn the dog loose. as she gets out w ways i turn a few more dogs loose. ihave a big stuffed toy loaded with scent at the tree, hanging just out of reach. they love to tree with it, and i let them bite the hell out of it. not sure if it help[s alot, but it sure doesnt hurt