Blood trailing with a leashed dog & a firearm

[Woody Williams]

A bloodhound owner that offers a blood trailing service in southern Indiana says he personally is not allowed to carry a gun while trailing. Is that correct? The dog is on a leash at all times..

Thanks ..

[morrison]

The statute or rule states that a dog on a leash may be used to track or trail wounded deer. A dog may not be used to aid you in hunting deer. I did not see any restriction on having a firearm with you while tracking or trailing a wounded deer.

(v) An individual must not hunt deer with the use or aid of:
(1) bait, which includes:
(A) a food that is transported and placed for consumption, including, but not limited to, piles of corn and apples placed in the field;
(B) a prepared solid or liquid that is manufactured and intended for consumption by livestock or wild deer, including, but not limited to, commercial baits and food supplements;
(C) salt; or
(D) mineral supplements;
(2) snares;
(3) dogs; or
(4) other domesticated animals.
The use of manufactured scents and lures or similar chemical or natural attractants is not prohibited.
(w) An area is considered baited for ten (10) days after the removal of the bait and the baited soil. Hunting an area, such asan orchard, which may be attractive to deer as the result of normal agricultural activity, is not prohibited.
(x) Notwithstanding subsection (v), an individual may use dogs only while on a leash to track or trail wounded deer.