Dog Trackers in Midland County, Michigan

Midland County offers a mix of private farmland and sections of the Tittabawassee River State Forest that can make recovering a wounded deer difficult. When a blood trail gives out in the thick brush or swampy bottoms near the Tittabawassee and Chippewa rivers, calling in a leashed tracking dog is often the only way to find your animal.

There is currently one specialized tracking service based out of Midland that covers the surrounding area. Jacob VanHouten operates in the county, providing hunters with a reliable way to recover game that has moved into heavy cover. Having a local contact ready before you head into the woods helps ensure you don't lose a trail during the season.

1 dog tracker in Midland County

Serving Midland.

Jacob VanHouten

Dog Tracker VerifiedClosed

Midland, MI

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Using dog trackers in Midland 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 Midland County

Meat Processors (4)Bow Shops (2)