The American Beagler Forum

At what temp is it not worth running.

what ever it is today in michigan it is hot and feels very heavy out

I am doing most of my running between midnight and 10 am to make it worthwhile.Happy 4th to everyone!

We went to a trial last weekend and it was beyond hot the humidity was off the charts probably mid 90's

I really want to get my dogs out for a run but if I do it won't be until right at dark if not after and even then I will probably only take them out for no more than 1.5 hours. It's gotta be hard on em when the air gets thick like this. I generally see it as if I'm comfortable then I will run them. That may mean running late but usually if the wife and I can sit on the deck say just before or right at dark and not feel hot then I'll take the dogs out for a bit. If I'm uncomfortable warm while we're sitting there then I leave em in the kennel.

Jamie, I don't think it is ever too hot. Some of my dogs handle the hot weather better than others and I try to hunt just at dusk because it generally is a little cooler. Last night for instance, I took two dogs about 9 PM, it was about 90 degrees and very humid. They found rabbits but I suffered personally. The mosquitoes and deer flies were awful. I like to condition in the heat but a dog should be used to it or it can be harmful. I have a Northway dog that just came up from the south and the heat really doesn't seem to bother him much. Of course, the rest of the pack have to tolerate it also or they will be eating someone else's food.

I find that if you break them in gradually and carry plenty of water, they do all right.

Buck

what about scenting conditions Buck. mY DOGS ARE HUNTING AND STAYING BUSY BUT SCENTING SEEMS TO BE pee POOR

Jamie don't tell my wife, but you are too HOT!!

The scenting is pretty sucky right now IMO too. I sure am glad I've got one of those cold nosed mouthy dogs that can smell in conditions like this.

Jamie, I really didn't see much difference in the scenting conditions. The temperature increases down under the brush and heavy grass. A dog has to simply work harder and stay closer to the bunny. What I have noticed is that it is just as hot on the rabbit as the dogs and me. They get hot and they go where it is cool. Either in the wet swamps or a hole and they do it real soon.

Buck

Buck, How's the fox running been for ya?

ran tonight 86 deg out 2 hours dogs ran good in the marsh but when rabbits crossed from one Marsh to another on high ground the dogs had to really buckle down. I guess i just need to stay in the wet land.

I won't run above 80 degrees 95% of our hunting is 32 degrees and below . Don't see
the need to take a chance with my dogs.

Chris

Wireman, ran one last night. Dogs did well but it was tough on them. I caught them off after a couple hours due to the heat. Didn't seem to bother the fox too much cause about midnight some guys came with the big dogs and ran him another 4 hours. Go figure.

i ran the young guns yesterday and it was good for a while but as it got up to 90 it went to hell fast