Baying Dogs (Ställande hund)
Hunting Moose, Wild Boar, Badger and Bear with Baying Dogs
General information
Hunting with baying dogs (Swedish: ställande hund) is a traditional Nordic hunting method where the dog works independently to locate, track and hold the game at bay by barking steadily — without attacking.
The dog must be brave, calm and controlled, able to keep the animal stationary by maintaining constant pressure through barking.
The hunter then stalks quietly towards the barking (the stand) to get within safe shooting range.
This type of hunting requires excellent teamwork between hunter and dog, good wind awareness, silence, and self-control.
The dog must understand when to keep distance and when to close in, while the hunter must approach carefully without alerting the animal.
Moose hunting with baying dogs
Common breeds: Jämthund (Swedish Elkhound), Norwegian Elkhound, Karelian Bear Dog, Laika.
The dog is released to search freely in the forest. Once it finds moose scent, it tracks quietly until it sees or smells the moose up close.
If the moose stops, the dog begins to bark steadily (the stand bark), holding the animal in place.
If the moose runs, the dog follows and attempts to stop it again.
The hunter stalks toward the barking with the wind in his face, trying to spot the moose without being noticed.
A shot is only taken when the moose is standing still, clearly visible, and with a safe backstop.
A successful hunt often involves several hours of quiet cooperation between hunter and dog.
Firearm class: Class 1.
Recommended area: Minimum 500 hectares of well-consolidated forest.
Wild boar hunting with baying dogs
Common breeds: Laika, Wachtelhund, or mixed breeds with courage and stamina.
The dog searches the terrain and follows fresh boar scent until it locates the sounder (group).
When contact is made, the dog barks intensely to hold the animals in place, but it must not go too close — wild boar can be aggressive and dangerous.
The hunter stalks carefully toward the barking, often through dense vegetation, and shoots only when the boar is stationary and clearly visible.
Good knowledge of wind and terrain is essential, as wild boar have an excellent sense of smell.
Firearm class: Class 1 for adults, Class 2 for yearlings.
Recommended area: Minimum 300 hectares of continuous terrain.
Badger hunting with baying dogs
Common breeds: Terriers and spitz-type dogs.
The dog works close to the hunter and locates badgers, usually near setts, dense vegetation, or forest edges.
If the badger goes underground, a terrier (earth dog) may enter the den to locate and bark steadily at the badger’s position, helping the hunter determine where to dig or prepare for the animal to emerge.
The dog must be brave but not overly aggressive, since badgers defend themselves fiercely.
This hunt often takes place at night or early morning in late summer and autumn.
Firearm class: Class 2 or shotgun.
Recommended area: 30–50 hectares of well-arranged land is usually sufficient.
Bear hunting with baying dogs
Bear hunting with baying dogs is one of the most demanding forms of hunting in Scandinavia.
Common breeds: Karelian Bear Dog, Jämthund, Laika.
The dog follows bear tracks, locates the animal, and begins steady, controlled barking once contact is made.
The purpose is to keep the bear stationary without provoking it to attack or flee.
The dog must be strong-nerved, courageous, and experienced to handle such dangerous game.
The hunter stalks carefully toward the stand bark, often through dense forest.
A shot is only taken when the bear is standing still, at short range, with a clear view and safe backstop.
This hunt requires perfect coordination, patience, and high safety standards.
Firearm class: Class 1.
Recommended area: Minimum 1000 hectares of large, continuous forest terrain.