Dog Trackers in Ionia County, Michigan

If you lose the blood trail in the thick brush along the Grand River or near the farmlands of Portland and Lyons, calling in a tracking dog is the best way to recover your deer. Ionia County offers plenty of heavy cover where a wounded buck can disappear, especially in the swampy bottoms. These local handlers use trained dogs to pick up scents that are impossible for a person to follow after the blood runs dry.

There are currently two trackers available in this area, including Austin Avery out of Portland. Whether you are hunting private woodlots or state land, these teams are ready to help when the trail goes cold. Getting a dog on the ground early increases your chances of a successful recovery before the coyotes find your deer.

2 dog trackers in Ionia County

Serving Lyons, Portland.

Austin Avery

Dog Tracker VerifiedClosed

Portland, MI

Call Directions View profile

John Stewart

Dog Tracker VerifiedClosed

Lyons, MI

Call Directions View profile

Using dog trackers in Ionia County

A blood tracking dog handler works a leashed dog on the wound line to recover a deer that did not go down in sight. Most handlers are volunteers or charge a modest call fee, and most cover a set radius of counties.

What to ask before you commit

How far will you travel, and what is your call-out fee?
How long after the shot can you still work the track?
What should I do — and not do — while I wait for you?
Do you need the landowner's permission arranged in advance?
What lighting or help should I have ready?

What it usually costs

Many handlers work for gas money or a modest flat fee; some charge more for long drives or overnight calls. Recovery is never guaranteed, and fees are usually owed either way.

Timing matters

Call early and stop walking the line. The most common reason a track fails is a hunter and friends grid-searching the area first and contaminating the scent.

Other services in Ionia County

Meat Processors (6)