Our entire pack disappears for a day or two when someone field dresses a deer. They come back with full bellies (sometimes dragging a leg or two ) and spend a couple days sleeping it off
“Our entire pack disappears for a day or two when someone field dresses a deer. They come back with full bellies (sometimes dragging a leg or two ) “
The instructor of my hunter safety course cited that exact thing as a reason for why proper field dressing refuse should be properly disposed of.
At about age 10, our AkitaX (probably 1/2 Husky) managed to pull an entire deer carcass out of the woods and onto the homestead. He really wanted to bring it into the house, or at least onto the deck and into his pen, but my husband moved it far enough away so he was able to see it from the house and still get to it.
It was amazing to watch him grab the leading edge with his teeth, set his hind legs and pull it toward him. Rinse and repeat. Dragged that thing about an acre, at least. It was winter, so, it stayed there while he snacked on it until all you could see was the bare rib cage. The legs/hooves/antlers ended up all around the yard as chew toys. It was a major prize for him.
I’m pretty sure it was a coyote kill. I’m sure they got some, too.
They are scavengers. Innards are quite nourishing, so it is good they clean them up.
The beagle slept between feedings. I don’t recall that dog ever going more than a few hours between meals.