Hunting season is just around the corner and several local trackers will offer their services to North Country outdoorsmen.

Bear season opens Sept. 18, and bow season for whitetail deer opens Sept. 27.

Tracking dogs are a valuable resource for hunters and their numbers are growing in the North Country.

Things to do when calling in a tracking team:

• Identify and mark where the animal was standing when you shot it.

• Clearly mark the bloodtrail to the point of loss, using flagging tape, toilet paper, etc.

• Obtain permission from adjoining property owners for the tracking party to enter. Advise property owners that the dog will be leashed, the team is licensed by the DEC, and invite them to join us if they desire.

• Put trackers phone numbers in your contacts so you don’t have to search for a number after the shot.

Things not to do when calling in a tracking team:

• Do not grid search when the blood stops. Back out and call to increase your odds for a successful recovery.

• Do not walk on the trail the deer used.

• Do not take your dog or your buddies dog out there first before we come.

• Do not push the deer. If you bump it or find an empty wound bed, back out immediately and call.

Those who need a tracking dog after the shot, New York state licensed handlers contact information is as follows:

• Tom Rausch/Luna & Kunox   Waddington   (315) 854-2044

• Kyle Reynolds/Denali  Malone, 518-651-6261

• Matt Miller/Greta, Lisbon, 585-409-9834

• Pat Lowery/Gooch   Morristown, 315-322-8662

• Ben Clark/Jasper, Copenhagen, 315-405-5640

• Jordan Bezio/Marshall, Jay, 518-420-8112