Bird dogs are provided by the hunter. Upland bird hunt quality is the goal of our bird dog rules. All dogs hunted on Association leases must be owned by the Association member hunting them. Members are limited to two dogs maximum on the ground whenever on MAHA leased land. More dogs may be in the truck and rotated to hunt. Any party of hunters regardless of the number of Association members is limited to a maximum of three dogs on the ground. Guests may not increase the number of dogs as dog limitations/permissions are based on paid members. Dogs as a term means any dog used for hunting, i.e., pointers, flushers, trackers and retrievers on Association leases.
In the case of guests their dogs are inclusive of this rule meaning if one member is hunting with one guest the maximum number of dogs on the ground is two. Guest hunting is highly restricted and before applying for membership consult the full set of Association rules. No field trialing, pre-season training, commercial dog training or any other activity other than the day's hunt during state regulated seasons by members with valid identification cards issued by the Association. Hunting is by foot, no horses or vehicles permitted. Falconry is permitted. The above may seem a bit much, however in the history of the our organization each rule has been included as someone has challenged the spirit of the Association. That spirit is the ability to enjoy a day in the field watching a favored dog work his heart out for the hunter. An example of some of the foolishness we have encountered has been the use of Labrador retrievers and pointers on the same hunt. The member (who is now an ex-member) stated "...the retrievers are not consider quail dogs... " and therefore did not count within the three dog limit while bird hunting meaning this hunting party could have three (pointer) bird dogs on the ground and plus his two retrievers for a total of five dogs. Not All leased land is for upland hunting. Wetlands are strictly for waterfowl hunts and the Association maintains several deer only leases. Total upland properties amount for more than 3/4s of all leased land. Other considerations include public relations. No one in the central mid-west wants to see a convoy of vehicles unload into a gang of hunters and dogs putting on a drive. While this low form of hunting is practiced by a minority typically on opening weekend alone, it does occur in the mid-west and it is adversely commented on from locals to all who are known to them in the hunting industry which includes your MAHA staff. The only folks that welcome these gangs are the local churches offering opening day breakfast meals. For the hunter that wants to enjoy the day in the field with his favorite field partner(s) without mixing with others and have the potential of a day filled with points then he has found the right organization. Any others with other ideas should go elsewhere.
|
|
|
|
If this page is the first introduction to MAHA self guided upland bird hunts we recommend 
