best time to start a bay dog in woods???

I think the very best thing for a dog is allowing them to run loose for as long as possible; I think the more game they chase and mess with the better. Unfortunately, we don't all live in places where that is allowable by space.

I believe the second best thing is taking pups to the woods often and early. I start hauling mine to the woods about 6 months (as long as they are mature enough). If they are going to chew garmin collars and act stupid, they stay at home. I like taking them to the woods early mostly for familiarization. I know it is not a good idea to always compare pups to other pups but, I do it often. I've seen a lot of good pups running hard at 7-12 months old. That is what I am shooting for. Pups that was to get in a race or bay early. They can be 20 feet back, I don't care.

I also think good training starts early such as, not allowing barking in the box, crossing creeks, ect.

Every pup needs to be managed a little different. I would not turn out a pup on what I know is a rank hog that could really hurt or kill them. I am not raising pups to be pets or house dogs. I am raising what I believe is generation after generation of hunting dogs. I want them in the woods where I believe they are meant to be, not left at home or on chains.