WADDINGTON — A local tracking dog is coming out of retirement to help hunters locate their game this season.

“After a thorough exam at the vet’s office, he gave permission for Luna to resume her tracking career,” said Tom Rausch, tracker.

Hunting season is almost here, with bear season opening Sept. 14 and early archery for deer opening Sept. 27.

Rausch and other local trackers are available to come help if you’re unable to locate your game after the shot.

Rausch offers some important things to do after the shot:

While still in your stand/blind, make a mental note or take a picture of the hit site so you’re able to find it. Look for sign and mark the hit site. This is where the tracking team will start and important information on the hit can be gathered here. This information is necessary to formulate the best recovery plan possible.

Follow the blood trail, walking to the side of it.  Even if it’s easy to follow, throw up a ribbon or toilet paper every so often. You’d be amazed at how many times the hunter is unable to locate blood when they come back, even just a couple hours later.

When you are unable to find any more signs, mark last blood and back out.

He warns hunters to not grid search.

Even though you’ve done your best to walk to the side of the trail, often you’ll inadvertently step in blood or on the animal’s  track without realizing it.

 If a grid search is conducted, false trails will be put down, making the track a lot harder for the dog than it needs to be.

Obtain permission for the tracking team to enter neighboring properties. Be sure and tell the landowner they are welcome to join us, often this will help ease their mind and they’ll allow us to continue.

During daylight, the hunter should carry the weapon of the season in case the animal is still alive when found.

The tracker is armed and allowed to finish the job, but the DEC prefers the hunter do it during daylight. At night, the tracker is allowed to carry a weapon to dispatch wounded game.

Trackers typical wait times: Leg or shoulder hits, start tracking immediately; liver, wait six hours and wait a minimum of 12 hours for a gut-shot.

This is a free service, but donations for gas are appreciated.

Good luck to everyone this season,” Rausch said. “Don’t hesitate to call. We love what we do.”

Local trackers include:

Tom Rausch & Luna - Louisville (315) 854-2044

Pat Lowery & Gooch - Morristown (315) 322-8662

Kyle Reynolds & Denali - Malone (518) 651-6261

Ben Clark & Jasper - Copenhagen (315) 405-5640

Tim Suiter & Piper - Turin  (315) 542-5598

Jordan Bezio & Marshall - Jay (518) 420-8112

Eric Waganaar - Champ & AdiBear - Chaumont (315) 955-4874