If you have just started using a dog tracking system, or are considering buying one of these convenient devices to help you track your dogs while hunting, you have probably done some research and are trying to figure out how to use these systems and which one is right for you.
Some of the tracking system terms that you might run into when shopping around include the following:
Effective Range - This is the area where you will be able to track your dog. Most tracking systems can accurately track your dog for a few miles. The effective range refers to the area that you dog can be tracked. It varies depending on where your dog travels and your location. You will get better effective range in wide open fields than in a dense wooded area.
Transmitter - This is the part of the system that attaches to your dog’s collar. The transmitter sends a radio or satellite signal to receiver.
Receiver - The receiver is the hand held device that you use to track your dog. You may use a receiver with an LCD screen or a radio receiver that has tuning features as well as beeping lights.
GPS System - Just like you might use a GPS system for your car, you might also use one for dog tracking. The GPS system gets the signal from satellite instead of through radio frequency. It also has a navigation screen so you can see the location of your dog.
Tracking - This is the actual act of discovering where you dog is located. When you are tracking your dog using a traditional receiver, you will want to put the antenna up and tune in to a high pitch frequency to get the best results.
Polarized Tracking - A polarized tracking system is balanced to the center point of gravity and is able to give you an accurate display of distance between the receiver and the transmitter.
Beeper collars - Beeper collars make a beeping noise to help you locate your dog. Not too many hunters want to use this type of collar because the noise can be distracting to your dog as well as to the birds.
On point - If you are hunting with a pointer, you will want to know if your dog is on point. If you listen to the beeps or watch the GPS screen, you can see if the dog is moving or if he has found the prey and is on point.
Silent running - This term refers to using the GPS tracking system. Because the system has an LCD screen instead of the traditional beeping from a radio frequency, you can track your dog without the beeps that may end up distracting your dog and birds.
Line of sight - This is the term that is used to determine the range your dog can go and still be tracked. The line of sight can be altered by your dog’s movements.
Find out as much as you can about tracking systems before you make your purchase. There are a lot of options available to you when looking for a new dog tracking system.