hunting with dogs question

[jpohlic]

Taking the brit pup out for the first time tomorrow and hoping to find some grouse.

My question is... what if we see some big game - I still have deer and elk tags to fill. Can I leash the dog and hand her over to my wife or kids (who are not hunting) and then go after them, or is this considered hunting with a dog? What if they head back to the truck with the dog?

I've read the regs but it doesn't say anything about non hunters along for a walk, leashed vs. non-leashed dogs, etc

Should I even bother bringing my rifle along? I'm not sure how many more chances I'll get to fill these tags...