Slade's Whitetail Recovery

09/25/2025

Cora put in a little work tonight. Unfortunately, the deer wasn’t mortally wounded and couldn’t be recovered, but she pushed the track past last blood, finding more along the way.

Property lines and lack of permission eventually called it a night. It’s always tough not getting hands on the animal, but that’s part of this work. The good news is the hunter’s target buck is still on his feet, and he’ll get another chance.

Every track adds miles, lessons, and confidence for Cora, and that’s a win in itself.

09/19/2025

Cora tracked another one lastnight, and this one pushed her harder than most.

The hunter had shot two does about 45 minutes apart. The second doe was recovered quickly, but the first was the reason for our call. Cora had to fight through overlapping scent, disturbances from the hunter’s own search, and even fresh scent carried back through the hit site when the recovered doe was dragged out.

After about an hour of working the puzzle, the hunter was able to locate the arrow from the first shot and determine it wasn’t a lethal or physically limiting hit. At that point, we called it off.

It wasn’t the outcome we all hoped for, but it was packed with lessons for Cora — and that experience is irreplaceable. Every track, no matter the end result, makes her better.

09/18/2025

Cora put in great work last night. She tracked and recovered a doe cleanly, then was well on her way to snagging a buck until we hit the property line and had to stop short.
Sometimes the dog has the drive and the track is hot, but permissions and property boundaries set the limit. Still, I couldn’t be prouder of how she handled herself. At just 7 months old, she’s already showing the grit and focus it takes to be a reliable recovery dog.
Every track is a lesson, and every recovery is a win. If you need a track, let us know; no cost until we can get Cora in her comfort zone.

09/09/2025

Who else feels like the to-do list is winning this week?

Archery season is just 4 days away, and we can’t wait. Between getting dogs ready, gear checked, and life handled, it feels like the clock is moving faster than I am. But that’s part of the preseason grind, a little chaos before the calm of opening day.

What’s left on your list before Saturday?

09/06/2025

Opening day is just one week away, and we’re ready to go.

Dogs are sharp, gear’s ready, and the countdown is officially on. All the preseason work comes down to this — time to put it to use in the woods.

Who else is counting down the days until that first sit?

09/04/2025

9 days until deer season.

Curious to hear from y’all — what’s the one thing you make sure to double-check before opening day?

For us, it’s the dogs and the gear. Being prepared at the start could make or break a track.

09/02/2025

11 days from deer season.
Every track we’ve laid, every setback, and every win is leading up to the real test in the woods.
Cora’s getting closer every day, and I’m just as eager to see her work on live calls as I am to get in the stand myself.

09/01/2025

Labor Day’s always felt like the unofficial countdown to hunting season.

Today we’re resting up, celebrating family, and enjoying the quiet before the woods get busy.

Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday.

08/31/2025

Cora ran yesterday’s 520-yard track this evening after it had aged 22 hours.

She had some setbacks along the way, which is exactly what I’d expect from a 7-month-old pup on a track like this. What matters is that she kept her drive, worked through the challenges, and never quit on the line.

Every run builds confidence, and every mistake is part of the process.

08/30/2025

Laid a 520-yard track this evening, dropping 126 feet from start to finish.

Planning to let it sit for 24 hours before Cora gets on it. The aging, the terrain, and the drop will make this one a true test.

Every setup like this adds another layer of challenge and gives Cora the chance to problem-solve on her own.

Tomorrow will show us a lot.

08/28/2025

It’s the little details that matter. This clip shows Cora executing a 90° turn flawlessly, but what it doesn’t show is that she passed over it once. Dogs, like us, will make mistakes and miss their mark. What makes a tracking dog valuable isn’t perfection; it’s their ability to recognize the miss, correct on their own, and get back on track without heavy intervention. Without me trusting her process, a great lesson in problem-solving could have been missed if I had stepped in too early. That’s the kind of confidence and trust preseason training builds, in both the dog and the handler.

08/27/2025

No training for Cora today, so let’s talk gear.

A slip lead is one of the simplest tools in the bag, but also one of the most useful. Quick on, quick off, and it gives you control without fumbling with clips or collars. The keeper makes sure it stays where you set it, even when things get busy.

I use mine for moving dogs in and out of the truck, starting training sessions, and anytime I need dependable control in a hurry.

Sometimes the simple tools are the ones you lean on the most.

https://sladeswtrecovery.com/product/ultra-trainer-slip-lead-6ft-slip-leash-with-keeper-veteran-made/

Trusted by Trainers – Built to Perform in All Conditions. Designed with control and responsiveness in mind, this 6ft slip lead is ideal for obedience work, field training, and everyday handling. Whether you’re training a new pup or working with a seasoned K9, this leash is built to perform. Key ...