Coppers Deer and Game Tracking Service

09/03/2026

I think this is important to share again. One of the worst experiences of my life have rounds coming towards my own daughter. Always know what is beyond your target. This day could have ended much differently.

💥💥💥IMPORTANT💥💥💥

Today I was contacted by a hunter with a likely gunshot buck. The track was going perfect copper was locked on and digging hard into the track. Copper was around 800 meters into the track when we found ourselves in a ravine and all of a sudden someone on a neighboring property began rapid firing their AR or similar weapon. Next thing we knew we had rounds hitting around us and cracking right over our heads. We saw dirt flying on the other side of the ravine. In between what I suspected reloading I got to the top and yelled as pound as I could. The shooting did cease after that. In total there were 6 of us including 3 teenagers 1 being my daughter. This night could have ended extremely different had we not been protected by the ravine.

It is so important that you know what is behind the targets you are shooting. A 5.56/223 has a maximum ranges of around 3,500 meters or just over 2 MILES!!!

Please share this post EVERYWHERE as a reminder to all shooters to always shoot into a backstop.

Tonight I am thankful that nobody was hurt.

Law enforcement has been notified and is working on the incident.

08/31/2026

💥 PRICING 💥

(Image generated by Ai, I’m not that talented 😂)

08/31/2026

26 hrs 3 down pours and random sprinkles during that time and this guy was on it. I forgot to track the distance but I would guess he’s between 400-450 yds for this one.

The best part is when he got to the end of the line he started to air scent it because I put it in a tree to keep the critters away. Fun fact, Coppers mom and dad are both champion c**n dogs, it was cool to see his genetic instinct come out for a moment.

08/31/2026

Neat video of how these dogs problem solve. Copper came to a fence crossing and checked himself a few times before crossing. That can be a difference maker between finding and not finding the trophy. Good boy Copper!

08/24/2026

Just finished a 28 hr old hoof only track. 700 yards of zig zags, double backs and low and high thermal changes.

Hard to believe we are entering our 3rd year of tracking. So many things coming to my mind as we enter the last month of training before it’s game time.

I never thought my hound would help find so many hunters first deer.

I never thought I’d meet the amount of hunters that I have.

I never imagined I’d meet strangers in parking lots who have said they see copper on Facebook.

I never thought I would have a day time family cuddle pet and a working dog in the same fur.

I never thought finding other people’s deer would bring me as much joy as shooting a dandy of my own.

I simply never thought I’d have my very own Copper.

Thank you to all who have trusted copper and we hope you don’t need us but we look forward to helping you if you do!

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-Nick

08/18/2026

Copper doing his thing on a 26 hr track. Thawed out hoof only. There is nothing quite like sitting back and just watching your dog WORK. Unless you’ve trained a dog for this it’s hard to notice all the little things that get him to the end of the line. The circles, the elimination checks, the air checks more circling, the snorting. Hunters always ask, how do you know the dog is on the right track, these little subtle tells are a dead giveaway and the coolest part is every single dog is unique on there signs. So proud of my boy Copper

07/27/2026

Just love how automatic this hound has become.

He tracked the line for about 400 yards before switching to air scenting for the final 50 yards, leading us straight to the winner’s circle.

It’s incredibly satisfying to watch an 8 week old puppy you started from scratch grow into a machine by 3 years old. Moments like this remind me why I put so much time into training.

That said, I wouldn’t have the dog I have today without my loyal clients who trust us with their recoveries, the mentors who have shared their knowledge throughout the tracking world, and a patient, understanding family who puts up with countless hours in the woods during whitetail season.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. We’re looking forward to another great season and helping more hunters recover the animals they work so hard for.

06/21/2026

We’ve been a little quiet lately, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t been putting in the work.

This track was approximately 30 hours old. We had liver blood at the initial shot site and then only hoof sign after that. The “buck” traveled roughly 450 yards, made three 90 degree turns, and finished with a large double back that left “him” only about 100 yards from the impact site.

Without a doubt, this was a challenging track. Between the turns, double backs, and the distance between individual hoof prints, it required every tool in the dog’s toolbox.

For the last 50 yards, I intentionally stopped placing track markers between us and the trophy. Many of us have stood in the woods for hours wondering if aliens picked up the deer and flew away. Sometimes the answer is much closer than we think.

Some may watch this video and see a confused dog that isn’t sure what he’s doing. Trackers see something completely different. We see a dog using every skill he has working ground scent, checking the surrounding area, and using the wind to his advantage to piece the puzzle together.

The moral of the story: when you call a tracker, be patient and trust the team. We very rarely walk from Point A to Point B. Recovery is often messy, full of twists and turns, and that’s exactly why these dogs are so special.

- Nick & Copper

05/03/2026

Sundays in the field with my boy Copper!

04/18/2026

I’m excited to share that Coppers Deer and Game Tracking Service will be partnering with the Lenawee County Conservation League for the 2026 Hunter Safety Class.

Together, we will be hosting an informative session focused on what to do before and after the shot, helping hunters make ethical, effective decisions in the field. The session will conclude with a live demonstration, giving attendees a hands-on understanding of proper tracking techniques.

This is a great opportunity to learn practical skills that promote responsible hunting and successful recovery.

We are excited to give back to the next generation of hunters!