This article states that the dogs were thrown off by cremains that had been scattered, accidentally contaminating the area:
"In a phone call today Lemhi County Sheriff Lynn D. Bowerman confirmed that someone, who was scattering human remains of a family member in the area, did accidentally contaminate the search area. The scent of those remains threw off some of the dogs searching for DeOrr, leading the trackers on a false trail."
http://www.localnews8.com/news/new-details-on-search-for-deorr-kunz-jr/34281340
"In a phone call today Lemhi County Sheriff Lynn D. Bowerman confirmed that someone, who was scattering human remains of a family member in the area, did accidentally contaminate the search area. The scent of those remains threw off some of the dogs searching for DeOrr, leading the trackers on a false trail."
http://www.localnews8.com/news/new-details-on-search-for-deorr-kunz-jr/34281340