WAILUA — Throughout the island, hunters are out with their dogs, and there’s a chance hikers will encounter them on the trails.
“If you encounter a pack of hunting dogs on the trail, you should stand still and/or move out of the way, be calm, avoid eye contact, and make no move to engage the dogs in any way,” said Jessica Venneman, animal control officer for KHS. “A responsible hunter is likely close by and in control of his or her pack.”
County and state laws permit hunters to use dogs and allows them to be off the leash, but those dogs have to be under the control of an owner or handler at all times.
Fines for dogs found running loose or hunting dogs that have no owner present obviously controlling them range from $50 to $200.
Depending on the season, hikers are likely to encounter hunting dogs along the trails in Kokee and in other areas around the island, like the Loop Road, Moalepe and Arboretum trails; as well as in places like Moloaa and Halelea.
Hunting dogs are not permitted on Nounou Mountain during the ongoing trial archery season. And no lost hunting dogs from that area have been surrendered to Kauai Humane Society since the hunt started in March.
Dogs aren’t permitted on the Kalalau Trail, though archery hunting is, according to state hunting rules, and the state doesn’t regulate the number of dogs a hunter can have at one time.
Hunting hours are during the day from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, unless otherwise allowed.
In Kokee, the number of dogs is higher because they are allowed in more areas. KHS has a safe spot for wayward animals at the hunter check-in station for hunting dogs that get separated from their pack.
The number of unclaimed dogs found weekly is consistent year-round, according to KHS — usually between two and six dogs a week. Found dogs stay in the kennels at KHS until their owners reclaim them or they are adopted.
Occasionally, some of those hunting dogs go off track during a hunt and find themselves lost or on the road, mingling with traffic and causing a hazard.
“If you see one of these dogs, you should first note if there is a hunter nearby looking to collect his or her dog,” Venneman said. “If the dog appears genuinely lost with no owner around or if the dog appears seriously injured or ill, you should report the dog.”
On Kauai, the most popular hunting breeds are mixes of hound, Airedale, whippet, Staffordshire and American Pitbull Terrier, according to Diann Hartman, head of the KHS board of directors.
Those breeds are “popular as pets and some bred particularly for pig hunting — more than goat,” she said. “I’d say hound/Airedale are most commonly used in crafting the hunting dog mixes.”
Report lost or injured dogs to KHS is by calling 632-0610 and choosing option 5.
•••
Jessica Else, environment writer, can be reached at 245-0452 or by email at jelse@thegardenisland.com.
Thanks for giving out good advice!