Dog Trackers in Manistee County, Michigan

Manistee County hunters know how thick the brush gets around the Manistee National Forest and the wetlands near the Big Sable River. A high-lung shot can still result in a difficult track if the blood trail peters out in the cedar swamps or dense pine stands. When a deer moves into heavy cover and you lose the sign, bringing in a leashed tracking dog is the most reliable way to recover your harvest before the coyotes find it.

We currently have a contact available in Kaleva to assist with recoveries in the northern part of the county. Brian Kendall provides tracking services for hunters who need help locating downed game. Having a local tracker nearby helps ensure a quick response when time and temperature are factors. Make sure to mark your last sign clearly and back out of the area to keep the scent fresh for the dog.

1 dog tracker in Manistee County

Serving Kaleva.

Brian Kendall

Dog Tracker VerifiedClosed

Kaleva, MI

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Using dog trackers in Manistee 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 Manistee County

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