Sunday, October 11, 2015

Dogs in the morning, bears in the afternoon

On the way to work this morning, on a dirt road in North Wolfeboro, I had to get past these dogs. I almost always hear barking when I ride by this particular little farm. Occasionally, I have been chased. Today, two dogs I had never seen here before were already out in the road, long before I got there.
I talked to them until I got a clear shot at the downhill to escape.

I didn't remember turning the camera on. I was surprised to see that I had. I noticed it when I got down to College Road.

After a pretty placid day, we knocked off at 4. Back out in North Wolfeboro, nearing the top of Bryant Road, I spotted bear cubs trotting out into the road. I stopped to let them go on through, figuring the mother was somewhere nearby. That's assuming some intrepid gunner didn't blast her over a pile of old doughnuts last month, or chase her down with baying hounds after baiting season ended.
This time of year, one hears the truckloads of howling bear dogs passing on the road, usually very early in the morning. Being intrusive seems like it might be part of the appeal for bear hunters. It does help me get the cats back indoors so I can have them safely contained before I leave for work.

7 comments:

Dan said...

Those dogs seem happy to see you.

cafiend said...

Yeah. Everybody's happy when breakfast is served.

Steve A said...

I've heard "Get off the couch!" works better than "Go home," though I have not conducted rigorous tests. Perhaps you can fill in our knowledge gap here?

cafiend said...

I can never remember what to say. The cellist has had good results by saying, "Good dog!" in an approving tone. The dogs preen a little and modestly withdraw. I haven't been able to sell the bit when I try it.

RANTWICK said...

They allow bear baiting in NH too? I am not anti-responsible-hunter in any way, but baiting, which is allowed in Ontario as well, just seems wrong to me.

cafiend said...

Baiting seems like it would be more sporting if you stuck doughnuts all over your naked body and ran through the woods, and then used a knife to kill a bear that came after you.

Steve A said...

Y'all are just getting silly!