Rose the Nose: First Buck in the Velvet

The 2026 tailgate officially had its first passenger, and Rose the Nose made sure we started the season with a dandy.

Nathan Hyatt’s shot looked good, but the deer’s angle was a little sharper than it appeared. That carried the hit farther back than expected, and Rosie got the call to help finish the recovery.

She worked this beautiful Kentucky velvet buck for 550 yards through thick brush, briars and 85° heat. Nathan, Jessie Florence, Rosie and I all earned this one. It was hot, the cover was nasty, and the briars seemed determined to grab everybody—but Rosie kept pulling.

That determination put our first recovery of the season on the tailgate. There’s no better way to open a season than seeing a hunter get his deer back after a difficult search.

Congratulations, Nathan, and thank you to Nathan and Jessie for trusting Rose the Nose and sticking with us through the thick stuff.

Need help recovering your deer? Call or text Send in the Hounds at 859-300-9693. We serve Kentucky, Southern Ohio and Southern Indiana.

Don’t let one get away… Send in the Hounds!