Meet Scout: Florida's Expert Iguana Hunting Dog

If you've ever been on one of our iguana hunts, there's a good chance you remember Scout.

Not because he's the loudest member of the crew or because he's constantly looking for attention. Usually it's the opposite. Most of the time he's quietly watching, waiting, and looking for his next chance to do what he loves most.

And what Scout loves most is hunting iguanas.

The funny thing is, if you met him at home, you'd never guess it. Around the house he's playful, laid-back, and happy to spend his time chasing toys or finding a sunny spot to nap.

But the second he realizes we're heading to the boat,

everything changes. He knows the routine. The moment gear starts getting loaded, Scout is right there making sure he doesn't get left behind. He'll follow every trip to the truck, watch every cooler get packed, and stare at the boat until it's finally time to go. By the time we're headed to the ramp, he's already more excited than anybody else.

Once we're on the water, he's in his element.

As the boat moves through the canals, Scout sits up front, eyes locked on the shoreline. He watches the banks, the trees, the brush, anything that might be hiding an iguana. Whether he understands exactly what's going on or not, one thing is obvious: he knows we're hunting.

And he wants in.

Anyone who's hunted iguanas knows they can be surprisingly tough to recover. A missed opportunity can turn into an iguana disappearing into thick vegetation, diving into a canal, or making a run for the nearest tree.

Scout doesn't seem to care where they go.

If an iguana hits the water, he's right behind it. If it runs down a canal bank, he's chasing. If it disappears into cover, he'll keep searching long after most people would have given up.

That's probably the thing people notice most about him. He doesn't quit. A lot of dogs enjoy the excitement of the chase. Scout enjoys finishing the job. If you’d like to see Scout in action, visit our gallery to see photos of him from recent hunts. 

Guests are always impressed watching him work. One minute he's relaxing on the boat, and the next he's charging through the water after an iguana that thought it had escaped. We've seen him make some incredible retrieves over the years, and somehow he still attacks every hunt with the same energy he had on his first one.

Of course, once the work is done, he's back to being Scout.

He's happy to meet new people, soak up attention, and remind everyone that he's still a dog. But it never takes long before he's watching the shoreline again, waiting for the next opportunity.

That's just who he is.

Some dogs like tennis balls. Some dogs like treats. Scout likes hunting iguanas.

And if you ask anyone who's spent a day on the boat with him, they'll probably tell you the same thing: the hunt is a lot more fun when Scout is along for the ride. 

Ready for a day on the water with Florida’s best iguana hunting dog? Click here to book your trip!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Scout: Florida's Iguana Hunting Dog

What breed is Scout?

Scout is a black labrador retriever and has spent years accompanying guides on Florida iguana hunts.

Does Scout retrieve every iguana?

Scout helps recover many iguanas, especially those that run into vegetation or water after being hit.

Can guests meet Scout?

Yes. Scout regularly joins our guided Florida iguana hunting trips.

Is Scout trained specifically for iguana hunting?

Scout was trained as a retrieval dog and developed a strong passion for hunting iguanas through years of experience on the water.