ARGYLE - This program is one way of giving back to the community," said Ken Risley, President of the Pecatonica River Coon Hunters Club, as the last of approximately 265 dogs received a free rabies vaccination at the Argyle Rod & Gun Club Saturday.
The unique vaccination program began nine years ago as the club searched for ways to show their appreciation to landowners who allowed coon hunters onto their land. The program attracted about 60 dogs the first year, according to Risley. "It didn't take long before we were up over 200 dogs," he said.
"While the emphasis remains on landowners, now anyone can bring in one or more dogs," Risley said. "The entire process takes less than four hours. We're out of here by noon."
Joey Pfuhl and his mother, Cheryl Massey, brought in several rat terriers for the shots.
"If it weren't for the coon hunters, we would have a hard time vaccinating all of our dogs," Cheryl said.
Veterinarians Larry Strelow and Blaine Ellison administer the vaccine, donated by Ft. Dodge Animal Health of Ft. Dodge, Iowa. The two vets donate their time as well.
The club targets animals that might not otherwise receive their vaccinations or ones that are the most at risk, according to Dr. Strelow of Animal Health Management in Monroe. Hunting dogs in particular are vulnerable to wild animals that may be sick, he said.
Strelow is enthusiastic about the program, recalling a time when farm and hunting dogs often did not receive vaccinations.
"We know they are the first ones to come in contact with rabid animals, and we want to help prevent the spread of the disease," he said.
The Monroe vet expressed great respect for rural people saying that is what led him to a large animal practice in a rural area.
"These people are the salt of the earth," Strelow said. "I knew that's what I wanted to do when I went to vet school."
In some cases, the vets administer the shots right in the parking lot.
"Some of these dogs are outside dogs," Risley said. "They don't always do well in a vet's office."
Club Secretary Miles Narveson has joined Risley and other club members in making sure the program succeeds since its creation in 1999. An avid coon hunter, he shares in the responsibility to maintain a positive relationship with landowners.
Most landowners are eager to have hunters and/or trappers come on their property in order to keep the little "bandits" under control. Raccoons invade barns and other outbuildings, ransacking feed and other supplies and leaving behind their droppings.
Narveson goes out of his way to leave a soft footprint on the land while enjoying the hunt. He and his hunting companions harvested a raccoon on my property recently - a welcome activity considering the frequent explosion of raccoon numbers that threaten the environment.
Conservationists recognize the need to keep the raccoon population in check. Raccoons are one of several species that seek out the eggs of songbirds, waterfowl and upland game birds.
Marvin Peterson has brought several dogs to the event, held each year on the first Saturday in December. His animals include Australian shepherds that serve as working farm dogs and treeing walkers used to hunt.
He speaks highly of Ken Risley and his crew for offering the service to area landowners.
"They do quite a service down there," he said. "The program has stood the test of time."
- Lee Fahrney is the Times outdoors writer. He can be reached at (608) 967-2208 or fiveoaks@mhtc.net.
The unique vaccination program began nine years ago as the club searched for ways to show their appreciation to landowners who allowed coon hunters onto their land. The program attracted about 60 dogs the first year, according to Risley. "It didn't take long before we were up over 200 dogs," he said.
"While the emphasis remains on landowners, now anyone can bring in one or more dogs," Risley said. "The entire process takes less than four hours. We're out of here by noon."
Joey Pfuhl and his mother, Cheryl Massey, brought in several rat terriers for the shots.
"If it weren't for the coon hunters, we would have a hard time vaccinating all of our dogs," Cheryl said.
Veterinarians Larry Strelow and Blaine Ellison administer the vaccine, donated by Ft. Dodge Animal Health of Ft. Dodge, Iowa. The two vets donate their time as well.
The club targets animals that might not otherwise receive their vaccinations or ones that are the most at risk, according to Dr. Strelow of Animal Health Management in Monroe. Hunting dogs in particular are vulnerable to wild animals that may be sick, he said.
Strelow is enthusiastic about the program, recalling a time when farm and hunting dogs often did not receive vaccinations.
"We know they are the first ones to come in contact with rabid animals, and we want to help prevent the spread of the disease," he said.
The Monroe vet expressed great respect for rural people saying that is what led him to a large animal practice in a rural area.
"These people are the salt of the earth," Strelow said. "I knew that's what I wanted to do when I went to vet school."
In some cases, the vets administer the shots right in the parking lot.
"Some of these dogs are outside dogs," Risley said. "They don't always do well in a vet's office."
Club Secretary Miles Narveson has joined Risley and other club members in making sure the program succeeds since its creation in 1999. An avid coon hunter, he shares in the responsibility to maintain a positive relationship with landowners.
Most landowners are eager to have hunters and/or trappers come on their property in order to keep the little "bandits" under control. Raccoons invade barns and other outbuildings, ransacking feed and other supplies and leaving behind their droppings.
Narveson goes out of his way to leave a soft footprint on the land while enjoying the hunt. He and his hunting companions harvested a raccoon on my property recently - a welcome activity considering the frequent explosion of raccoon numbers that threaten the environment.
Conservationists recognize the need to keep the raccoon population in check. Raccoons are one of several species that seek out the eggs of songbirds, waterfowl and upland game birds.
Marvin Peterson has brought several dogs to the event, held each year on the first Saturday in December. His animals include Australian shepherds that serve as working farm dogs and treeing walkers used to hunt.
He speaks highly of Ken Risley and his crew for offering the service to area landowners.
"They do quite a service down there," he said. "The program has stood the test of time."
- Lee Fahrney is the Times outdoors writer. He can be reached at (608) 967-2208 or fiveoaks@mhtc.net.
