How to Track Collar Magnets

Collar magnets are used on hunting dogs to ensure the hunter knows what his dog is doing at all times. The collars consist of a transmitter that fits on the dog and a receiver that is carried with the hunter. The receivers typically have at least a running mode and an at-rest mode. The running mode pulses a signal to show that the dog is tracking something. The at-rest mode sends a slower pulse when the dog has been still for a significant amount of time. Some transmitters also have a "treed" mode that pulses faster when the dog is upright.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar
  • Battery
  • Transmitter
  • Receiver
  • Dog
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Install the battery in the collar magnet transmitter. This may be a special rechargeable battery or it may be normal batteries, depending on the brand of transmitter. Most tracking collars can get up to 500 hours of use per charge. Slip the transmitter onto a collar, if necessary. Some transmitters come attached to collars, while others slip on your dog's own collar.

    • 2

      Set the receiver to match the frequency of the collar. This is typically etched onto the back. If not, it will be included in the paperwork that came with the collar. It may be a good idea to write this frequency on the collar with a permanent marker if you will be using more than one collar or have multiple dogs.

    • 3

      Put the collar on your dog. If you are looking at your dog from behind, the antenna should be on the dog's left. Slip the magnet from between the transmitter and the collar. This is usually encased in a rubber holder. This will activate the transmitter.

    • 4

      Complete your hunt using the pulsing indicators on the receiver to track your dogs. Slide the magnet back under the transmitter to turn off the tracking collar.