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Tracking Collars?

Which do you use - changeable battery collar or the sealed battery collar?I have the change you own battery kind but noticed an ad for one of the sealed collars stating that the batteries would last 6 years of normal hunting before needing to be sent back for battery replacement (8,000 hours).Does the sealed collars actually last this long or do they start losing life before then,no matter how much you use them?

if your using on a full sized coonhound get the 16000 hours. i hunt bear and really like a tree switch. the heavier battery keeps the collar in position - battery down antenna up. ive had a lot of collars last 5-6 years before i changed battery.. may get slightly weaker, gradually after 3-4 years, u wont even notice till u get a new one. the lighter collars real nice for young pups or beagles. i think a 8000 hour is 7 ounces and 16000 hour 12 ounces. even a small beagle will carry 8000 hr with no problem..... the replaceable battery type just a pain for me. they are very small and light . that would be only reason id want them. pete

Which brand do you use?Is their any difference in the tracking range of the sealed verus the changeable battery units?I've been using the Strike collars with the 2 battery setup for extra range,but needless to say they don't last long.

Tracking Collars

I have both types. Like Pete said, some beagles can carry the 8000 hour type but some are a little too big depending on who makes them. Wildlife's 8000 is too big for a beagle. I have a Wildlife replaceable battery type. It is the perfect size for my beagles and Curs. I could use 2-3 more just like it. I do run Johnson 8000 and L&L 8000 on my big beagles with no apparent problems. And, just to throw in the mix, I have a Wildlife rechargable. I have mixed feelings about it, I wish there were some kind of meter to let you know when it needs recharged. I do know I won't turn even a pup loose without a tracking collar on it. I rarely need to track one of my dogs, but when I do, they are worth their weight in gold.
As for distance, I really haven't noticed much difference in the collars but I think Johnson and L&L put out the best signal. Just my opinion, others may see it different.

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My name is Dave Haugh and I approve of this message.

i use johnson standard lights for my beagles and beagle/bluetick crosses.i have a couple that can carry the 16000 hr. ones but they are a little big.the quick-track ones put out a really good signal.

i use the changeable battry collars..I like them because you dont have the downtime waiting for it to come back...The battries are relativily inexpensive and easy to obtain from almost any supplier..I use the Tracker Supra dual antenna collar and have had good service..

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http://coonhuntinheaven.freeservers.com
Dean Lambert

Ring-tail Kennels

It takes as much to feed a good hound as a sorry one!!!!

16,000 hrs. comes out to almost 2 years straight.

I probably shouldn't say anything cause now it will quit on me but I have one that I've used for almost 10 years and it still works fine. It is a Johnson sealed battery collar. I use an MN-10 reciever from F&L Electronics. I've used it bear hunting , coon hunting , and on my beagles rabbit hunting. Don't know how many hours for sure , but it has been alot.
It does not have the treeing switch , but my newer collars do. Like Pete , I wouldn't be without them. Not only are they good for bear hunting , but I've also used them to find my dogs coonhunting too. Dogs were treed , but couldn't hear them cause they dropped off into a hollow.
Like Redtick said , if you ever need them , they're worth their weight in gold.
Had to use them to find a dog that I had shot a few years back too. She couldn't make it all the way back to me.

One thing I would like to add : USE the rubber inner tube to hold the magnets in. If the dog accidently gets turned loose with the magnet in , it will come loose as the dog works through the brush. ( I did it twice before learning )
A friend used to tape them in with electrical tape , and after him doing the same thing and them not working loose and falling out , ( and after seeing mine come loose and start working ) he changed his mind.

Bob

I use the Quick Track collars, they get used at least 300 nights per year and I have had to replace batterys at around 3 years.