Full Cry Magazine: June/July 2024 by Full Cry Magazine

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

ANNOUNCEMENTS CORRECTIONS FROM THE LAST ISSUE: Published Bi-Monthly for the Coonhound & Treedog Enthusiast

EDITOR Dani Duby

dani@fullcrymag.com

ADVERTISING Jason Duby

jason@fullcrymag.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Jaren Hobson

publish@fullcrymag.com

PUBLISHED BY Duby Family Enterprises LLC dba Full Cry Magazine PO BOX 128 Merlin, OR 97532

• Since the previous issue, the dates for the Chad Hoover Memorial Youth Hunt advertised on page 79 have changed. This event will now be held June 22. • The guest writer was erroneously omitted from the book corner last month. A special thanks to Bernie Walker for his submission.

Find us on YouTube now: @FullCryMag We are just starting to build it out but follow along as we grow. We are always looking for submissions Have a great story but don't feel comfortable writing it? Let us know and we may be able to pair you with a writer.

USPS Identification Statement: Full Cry, USPS: 20802, ISSN: 00162620, is published bimonthly by Duby Family Enterprises, LLC. 1072 Plumtree Lane Grants Pass, OR 97526. Danielle Duby, Editor. Subscription $36 per year, 2 years $65. Periodicals postage paid at Grants Pass, OR and other post offices. Postmasters: Send address changes to Full Cry, PO Box 128, Merlin OR 97523. Full Cry Magazine is intended solely for informational and entertainment purposes. The opinions expressed by our contributors and within advertisements do not necessarily represent our endorsement. We hold no liability for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Safety should always be paramount, and we strongly urge readers to adhere to all applicable laws and seek guidance as needed. Reproduction of any content in this magazine is strictly prohibited without express permission from the publisher.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER......................... 7/1/24 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER..................... 8/30/24 DECEMBER/JANUARY...................... 11/1/24

For this cover, we knew we wanted to feature a squirrel dog. Originally, our hope was to feature Burley (pg 34) a dog ever so deserving of a cover, but try as we might the dimensions of the photo wouldn't fit. Then came along this story by Larry Case and this great photo of a Mt. Cur at the Squirrel Master Classic. We love that it feels like you are there with them!

CONTENTS

VOL. 86 NO. 3 JUNE / JULY 2024

COVER STORY

08 08

The Squirrel Master Still a Classic

by Larry Case

Will the Hills Become Silent

by Joe Yoder

Joe House

Evidence Based Snakebite Treatment with the Tree Dog Doc By Taylor Young, DVM

by Caleb Poernich

at the World Hunt

Mountain State Leopards

Strike & Stay

Independent Plott Dog Views & News From Across the Country and Around The World

Around the Campfire with Mark Zepp Gary Williams: Rest Easy My Friend by Mark Zepp

Legacy in the Pines

A Grandson's Gift of Adventure by Brent Bunch

Honor to Whom Honor is Due

The Significance of Registration in the World of Plott Hounds by Steve Fielder

Kid's Corner

Book Corner

News & Views

Papers Need Grades Why Papered Hunters Need Grade Hunters

Classifieds/Obits

by Cody Hilliard

The Gift of a Future The Great American Hound Puppy Giveaway

A Gambler's Game

by Bob Plott

by Don Nicely

by Teddy Simpkins

A Tale of Pursuit and Reflection in the Wilderness

Legends of the Past

A Tale of Appalachian Hound Mastery

by Dan Gates

Whispers of the Wild

by Chris Ingram

The Plight of Saving Hunting No Matter if Using Hounds or Pursuing Elk

Dog Dynasty

25 Years of Family and Leopards by Katie Thompson

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

From the Editor’s Desk Dani Duby - Editor, Full Cry Magazine

Hello from Oregon! Spring has sprung out here, our season has closed, and our gears are shifting on the home front from dogs all day to gardens, home projects, and (hopefully) some fishing. As we are coming to a break in our hound pursuits other parts of the country are just gearing up to start theirs. The big news in our kennel as of late is our first set of single registered papers from UKC. Our kennel used to be filled with only purple ribbon registered highly competitive show quality blueticks. Then a change in laws (and thus game pursued) brought a change in the type of dogs which we ran. Our kennel is now full of a more running dog style of treedog; unregistered but consistent to an unwritten standard.

This issue includes an article about grade dogs and an article about the importance of registries. Just another viewpoint on one of the age-old debates in our sport. • Papers vs. No Papers?

• Cold nose vs Hot nose? • Competition hunting vs. Pleasure hunting? • Squirrel dogs vs Coon dogs? • Mountains vs. Swamps? • Dry ground vs. Snow? 6

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

"BUCKSHOT" - OUR SINGLE REGISTERED WALKER DOG.

We love to have these debates within our own circles, sometimes we even say pretty unkind things about each other... But like in any good family if an outsider comes in saying those same things, we become fiercely protective. I can say things about my brother but you better not!

Colorado is currently gearing up for a fight at the ballot box. There is an article in this issue that goes into more detail on that fight. I encourage you to read it and consider how you can help to support your brothers and sisters in that state. I know here in Oregon the Oregon United Sporting Dog Association just voted to earmark funds to help them with their campaign.

If supporting the sport through legislation battle isn’t your cup of tea, there are other great outreach programs out there (check out the Great Hound Pup Giveaway article for one) that also help us to put our best face forward. I challenge you to find a way this month to bring a positive light to the sport. I am going to end this being candid and frank, for some the most positive thing they can do for the sport is to think before they speak (or post on social media). Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? If it is not, then maybe it does not need to be provided as a talking point for those outside of our ‘family’.

LIONHEART A BLOOD ORIGINS ORIGINAL FILM

PARAMOUNT THEATRE

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Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

ON THE COVER

larryocase3@gmail.com www.gunsandcornbread.com

@gunsandcornbread

The Squirrel Master Still a Classic

ey! Those dogs are treed!” Walker Wilson jumps with excitement as the he shouts this, Walker is our 4H shooter on the team and he is nine years old. Our group takes off like a herd of turkeys. We are splashing through shallow water, tripping on vines, and going as fast as we can through this Alabama Creek bottom. We have to get there fast and our squirrel dogs, Sage and Bojangles, are in a barking frenzy telling us to hurry. They know the squirrel they have treed may not stay put. We have to get there and start slinging lead with the Gamo air rifles. Sometimes we get the squirrel, sometimes not.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

PHOTOS & STORY BY LARRY CASE

We are at the Squirrel Master Classic near Montgomery, Alabama hunting squirrels with dogs and Gamo air rifles and we are having a big time. The Squirrel Master Classic is the brainchild of Jackie Bushman, founder of Buckmasters deer hunting association, magazines, and outdoor television programs. In 1986, 29-year-old Jackie Bushman acted on an idea he’d been developing since he was a teenager. The Montgomery, Alabama native had grown up exploring the great outdoors and hunting with his grandfather and he wanted to take the camaraderie of the hunting camp to a national level. He envisioned a deer hunting association that would encourage a feeling of community, sportsmanship and wildlife conservation while promoting a positive image of deer hunters everywhere.

In 2014 Bushman had another brainstorm that led to the inception of the Squirrel Master Classic. The decline in hunter numbers for the past several years is no secret. Jackie Bushman felt, like many of us, that one way to generate more interest in hunting with young hunters is to bring back an emphasis on small game hunting.

Time was when most of us started hunting with squirrels, rabbits, and other small game. As deer and turkey populations increased many young hunters skipped the small game stage and started on deer and turkeys. That may not be a bad thing but learning on small game is where a hunter often learns the basics like gun safety, woodsmanship, tracking and finding food sources for game, as well as dressing and preparing your game for the table. Being taught all of this on

rabbits and squirrels and game birds is a good way to start.

Jackie Bushman’s idea was this, have a squirrel hunt in a fun competition atmosphere. Teams are made up of outdoor television personalities, outdoor writers and editors, a dog handler with a squirrel dog to find the squirrels for you, and most important a young person who is a 4-H shooter.

"4-H shooters in the Montgomery, Alabama area get the extra benefit of participating in the Squirrel Master Classic"

As we have talked about here before 4-H has a very extensive shooting program. Young people can learn and compete in several different shooting sports categories, air rifle and pistol, .22 rifle and pistol, shotgun, recurve and compound archery, muzzle loader and hunting skills. 4-H shooters in the Montgomery, Alabama area get the extra benefit of participating in the Squirrel Master Classic.

Gamo Air Rifles sponsored the event and supplied all the hunters with a Gamo Swarm Magnum Viper G3i pellet rifle. The Swarm Magnum Viper is a ten shot break barrel air rifle and the 10X Quick Shot magazine allows the shooter to load ten pellets in the magazine, insert it into the rifle and fire ten quick shots before you have to reload. Believe me, we needed those

quick second and third shots on this hunt as these squirrels had their running shoes on. Once they started running in the treetops, sometimes with spectacular leaps from tree to tree, you had to be quick or you came up empty handed. The Gamo folks letting us use this new Swarm Magnum Viper G3i were giving us a chance try out this offering before they hit the shelves later this year. I think everyone loved this little air rifle, accurate, plenty of power for taking small game, and it was easy to cock the break barreled action. That made it nice with so many young hunters in the mix.

GAMO’s industry changing Swarm 10X Technology, now in its third generation, is featured in the new-for-2023 Swarm Viper Gen3i high-velocity adult precision air rifle. Swarm 10X Technology brought multi-shot ability to break barrel air rifles with its 10-shot magazine. This revolutionary technology combines with a new handsome automotive grade synthetic stock with rubber grips and checkering positioned at strategic locations. The softer rubber insets create a smoother buttstock for the cheek and secure, comfortable grips for both hands. Available in both .177 and .22 calibers, the new Viper Gen3i produces the high velocities expected from GAMO, and features Whisper Maxxim Noise Dampening Technology and a metal-jacketed steel barrel. An IGT Gas Piston powerplant, 2-stage CAT trigger and a Recoil Reducing Rail round out the package. Every Swarm Viper Gen3i comes with a 3-9 X 40 GAMO scope. www.gamousa.com Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

The Squirrel Master Classic is held at the Southern Sportsman’s Lodge, a hunter’s haven in the famous Black Belt region of Alabama. I’m pretty sure if you look up southern hospitality in Webster’s, you will see a picture of the Southern Sportsman Hunting Lodge.

LARRY CASE AND RONNIE SNEDEGAR WITH RONNIE'S DOGS; ANNIE AND HAMMER.

This lodge has a rich 35year history for hosting deer and turkey hunters and now squirrel chasers. The walls of the lodge are adorned with rows of pictures of hunters, outdoor personalities, writers, sports figures and entertainers who have stayed here. By the way the ladies in the kitchen at Southern Sportsman’s Lodge make the best Bar-B-Que this side of Memphis.

So maybe I have set the scene for you, teams of squirrel chasers run the Alabama hardwoods in two shifts, morning and afternoon. That year I had the pleasure of going with the team led by Ralph and Vickie Cianciarulo with The Choice Hunting Show. Ralph and Vicki have been mainstays on outdoor TV programs for 25 years and along with their son AJ, it was a pleasure to hit the woods with them. These guys are true professionals. Along with AJ’s girlfriend Aubrey Miller and cameraman Eddie Roberts, they are team that was a delight run the squirrel woods with.

Along with our dog handlers Jarrod Hughes with Bojangles, and Jamie McCarson with Sage we were a determined bunch of squirrel chasers. The competition was fierce between team leaders like Bone Collector team Captains Michael Waddell, Nick Mundt, and leaders of other teams like Jackie Bushman for Buckmasters, David Holder with Raised Hunting, and the Buck Commander crew.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

All morning we raced through the woods following Sage and Bojangles’s barking when they would tree a squirrel. If the squirrel was spotted a hail of pellet rifle fire would ensue. Usually the squirrel would light out for parts unknown and a wild chase through the jungle began. Sometimes we collected the squirrel, often he would make it to a den tree and we would start all over. At noon we all met back at the Southern Sportsman for the solemn weigh in ceremony. As the entire crowd watched as Jackie Bushman counted and weighed each team’s bag of squirrels for the day and added any bonus points they may have collected for a fox squirrel.

I am sad to report that your humble outdoor correspondent was not on the winning team, the Raised Hunting team took first place with fifty two squirrels in two half days hunting. They topped the Bone Collector team by one squirrel! The same thing happened last year! Congrats to the Raised Hunting clan!

Though we may have lost the competition, like Bo and Sage and the other squirrel dogs we were tired but happy. A day spent in the woodlands chasing squirrels with friends and feisty hunting dogs, mentoring young hunters in a great tradition and just enjoying the outdoors. Does it get any better than that? Maybe, but I haven’t found it yet.

Lord willing and the creek don’t rise; (and if they will have me) I will be back next year for another crack at the coveted Squirrel Master Trophy. Don’t get too comfortable with the trophy Raised Hunting, the Bone Collector boys, Ralph and Vicki, Buck Commander, and I are gunning for you with a Gamo air rifle. By the way, I understand that Walker Scott told his Dad before they left the Southern Sportsman’s Lodge, “Dad, we are getting us a squirrel dog!” Atta boy Walker, atta boy.

AIRGUN ANGIE SETTING UP FOR A SHOT.

STEPHANIE RAY WITH A YOUTH HUNTER AT THE SQUIRREL MASTER CLASSIC.

A SQUIRREL DOG LOCATES AT THE 2023 SQUIRREL MASTER CLASSIC.

SAGE THE SQUIRREL DOG GETS THE JOB DONE WITH (LEFT TO RIGHT) WILSON SCOTT, JAMIE MCCARSON, AND WALKER SCOTT. Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

Will the Hills Become Silent The Plight of Saving Hunting No Matter if Using Hounds or Pursuing Elk

s one season closes the immediate preparation for upcoming seasons begin whether it is cleaning equipment, scouting new territory, acquiring new access, hanging game cameras, tuning ones bow, sighting in that new rifle, cleaning and dying traps, planting food plots, tending to a new litter of pups and starting the training of one that you decide to keep or getting into shape and lining up your vacation to coincide for the much anticipated hunt that you have been lucky enough to draw a tag for.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

BY DAN GATES

No matter what you look forward to or prepare for maybe one thing a lot of sportsmen and women forget, that might be one of the most important things to remember is to take some time and assist in defending and fighting for the very things that we do all of the planning and preparation for, getting into the field so we can challenge ourselves in pursuing whatever draws us into the wilderness.

While it seems that we should be able to continue to chase our dreams, and enjoy our traditions and heritages, taking for granted, whether it is a right or a privilege that we are part of the conservation ecosystem management or process only fuels the fire for the opposition, the anti-hunter, the animal rights extremists. Chasing our dreams and thinking that all of this will last forever is somewhat naive if not ignorant to think that, if we just don’t pay attention, that we don’t look ourselves in the mirror and if we just ignore it, it will go away. Somebody else will do it for us. Some other group will cover our ass. It will never happen here! That will never pass. There is no way they can get that accomplished. Thinking and acting like this will only expedite the process and make the extremists successful by taking the low hanging fruit, then cutting off the branch, chopping down the tree and then going into the forest.

If one has seen what has happened in California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and a dozen other states one has to realize that the locusts on the corn field will never stop until there are no crops left to eat.

Who would have thought that Texas would have been under the gun as it is this year. Who will cry remember the Alamo this go round. It might not be Santa Ana

in Texas this time but the Animal Right Extremists are planting their flag there as well. In Colorado, the Centennial State, the State with the largest Elk population in the World, the former home of the best Mule Deer Hunting on the planet is now in the cross-hairs once again in attempt to completely dismantle how Wildlife will be managed with an impending Ballot Initiative to Ban the Harvest of Mountain Lions and Bobcats with Ballot Box Biology.

"Proposed Initiative 91 will not only alter the management and harvest of these species but if allowed to pass"

Proposed Initiative 91 will not only alter the management and harvest of these species but if allowed to pass. The precedent that could be set for Colorado and other States could be so mind blowing that the repercussions of such actions could literally change the way that Wildlife is pursued and managed throughout North America.

This change would not be regulatory. It would be statutory and it would define “Trophy Hunting” in a manner that could easily be utilized in any other State for any other species or method of take. This is not just about Mountain Lions and Bobcats. It is about the extremists throwing whatever they can at the wall to see what sticks. On the surface, to the normal Sportsman

or even non-hunter this might seem like a benign issue, but if one reads the measure and looks at the language and the legal interpretation, if one pays attention to the intent and the definitions, you can see that this not only will cripple Science Based Wildlife Management but will also degrade and erode the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Just by defining “Trophy Hunting” as intentionally killing, wounding, stalking, pursuing and entrapping a Mountain Lion or Bobcat one should be able to make the distinction that this is not “Trophy Hunting”. It is hunting. Simply hunting. By utilizing and sensationalizing a catch phrase like “Trophy Hunting” the extremists have opened up an opportunity to muddy the waters on every aspect of hunting, angling, conservation and science based wildlife management.

What is “Trophy Hunting”? Is it a 12 year old’s first 2 point Buck? Maybe it is a Cottontail that your 1 year old Beagle helped to acquire. It is a Ewe Bighorn Sheep that you spent 7 days in the back country eating freeze dried food to get within 15 yards for a shot with your long bow? Is it the last Lion of the season that took you and your pack on an 8 mile trip through some of the roughest country known to man only to decide once you reached the tree that you would not complete the harvest?

According to the new definition “Trophy Hunting” would be any and all of these efforts to the anti’s it doesn’t matter the reason. It does not matter how many. It does not matter if you do Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

it for food or if you do it for the challenge or if want to utilize the by-product of the hide, horns or antlers, it’s the fact that we do it. Their number is zero. No matter what argument they have about all forms of management that includes harvest, their number is zero. They think that if you take a picture and put it on your wall that is a Trophy. They think that if you mount it for what we would call a 3 dimensional memory it’s a Trophy. When you listen to what they say and what they write and what they blog about and what they have podcasts on and what they testify about, their eventual number is zero.

While Colorado is not alone in these attacks it has become the epic center because of the current Gubernatorial administration along with an unfavorable legislature, animal rights leaning Wildlife Commission and an uneducated general public not unlike the States on the West Coast. The challenge in Colorado has been to hold things at bay while building a movement that has already been supported nationally, that see’s the significance of this issue and what it could do if allowed to pass.

www.savethehuntcolorado.com For larger donations please consider writing a check directly to Coloradan’s for Responsible Wildlife Management to avoid credit card fees. CRWM is a 501C4 organization. Donations are not tax deductible as contributions Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management P.O. Box 387 Canon City, CO 81215

PHOTO CREDIT: NATE LOPEZ

This will not only effect houndsmen and women but all sportsmen and not just in the boundaries of the Centennial State.

This is the time to Support the Cause and support the progress that has been made and to make sure that we lock arms and defeat animal extremism in its tracks. Doing so will make sure “that the hills will never become silent.” To support these efforts check out the ways that you can help and go to savethehuntcolorado.com and help us defeat these evils and protect all of our rights.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

PHOTO CREDIT: NATE LOPEZ

DAN GATES, THE AUTHOR OF THIS ARTICLE WITH SOME COYOTES HE TOOK.

DAN GATES is the Executive Director of The Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management and President of the Colorado Trappers & Predator Hunters Association

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

@houndsmen_heritage

Whispers of the Wild A Tale of Pursuit and Reflection in the Wilderness

he powdery snow crunched under my feet as I walked up the canyon. With a partially frozen over creek running down the rugged canyon floor and the huge unforgiving high walls extending up on either side of this narrow canyon, the sun was barely able to penetrate into this enormous ravine, other than a few sun rays that shone through the majestic ponderosa pines growing along the small spring fed creek, giving it a dark, secretive almost super natural feeling!

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

BY JOE YODER

I stopped and examined the tracks that clearly portrayed that our quarry had walked over the trunk of a large ponderosa dead fall. I closed my eyes and could envision its long tan body silently walking over this log, its long dark tipped tail slowly twitching as it swiveled its head, glancing up each side of the canyon looking for a poor elk that might be its next meal! A surreal feeling swept over me; this was it, here I was in the rugged country I spent all my life fantasizing about. I had spent many hours of my youth reading and daydreaming about these mountains!

My mind couldn't help but wonder, had a band of outlaws laid up in this secretive far away canyon hiding a stash from a train robbery? Or maybe Billy the Kid hid in this water-rich canyon to hide from the law. He spent most of his time in these mountains!

Did the war mongering Apaches come here for their water?

"There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, it's melancholy and its charm" - Theodore Roosevelt

My mind was jerked back to reality as I watched our local guide stick his finger into the huge round tracks and called out in a smooth persuasive tone, "HERE JOHNNY. HERE HE IS." to his coldest nosed hound! The big redtick hound came running with his bobbed tail enthusiastically whipping back and forth. The long-eared hound stuck his nose right beside his handler's finger into the same twoday old track he was pointing into. The hound took a couple seconds to let his olfactory senses work

their magic and decipher what the scent could tell him. After a couple moments he raised his head and let out a long melodious bawl that bounced against the highwalls echoing down the canyon, sending my mind spinning into another nostalgic state! A few hounds in this very pack's bloodline could be traced back to renowned lion hunter Ben Lilly's dogs! I could almost picture the bearded Ben Lilly whooping and hollering at his hounds while walking through these mountains with a lever action rifle over his shoulder a 150 years ago, for this is the country that Lilly spent years following only the trail that his quarry would take him, with only his pack of hounds for his companionship the notorious hunter killed hundreds of north America's most dangerous predators, from mountain lions to grizzly bears! Ben Lilly truly was the epitome of what every country kid yearns to be!

THE LION JOE YODER AND HIS BROTHER TREED IN THIS STORY.

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

I had traveled a 24-hour long drive from Ohio to experience exactly this and so far into the hunt, I was not disappointed!! My brother and I had traveled 1,600 miles southwest of our hometown in Ohio to this backcountry of southern New Mexico. My brother had the cougar tag, and I was simply along for the experience. We met our guide at dawn at a small gas station for our first day's hunt in pursuit of the elusive mountain lion. Full of enthusiasm, we introduced ourselves, jumped in his truck, and headed through the mountains, slowly navigating our way along the switchbacks while our guide gave us an overview of his hounds and their bloodlines.

With his well-mannered pack of hounds, it was soon evident that he embraced the true spirit of the houndsman. Although we were hunting in a vastly different landscape, pursuing a much different quarry than what I am used to hunting in the flatlands of the Midwest, we soon struck up a kinship that was rooted in the mutual love we both had for the hounds and the chase.

In the late afternoon of the first day of our hunt, we came across our first lion track that appeared to be at least 12 hours old and the decision was made to try our luck the next morning on this track but as fate would have it we were simply too far behind him, despite a team effort with man and hounds following the track and making some progress the trail still seemed rather cold. The hounds split off onto a bear track trailing into some of the most unforgiving country us eastern pilgrims had ever seen. With highwalls dropping hundreds of feet below, the hounds caught the grouchy beast and bayed it under a rock!

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

Our adrenaline was running high as the dogs were getting swatted around by the bear. It would have only taken a small misstep and we would have been certain to meet our maker. Fortunately, after a couple hectic moments, the situation was under control. Despite a couple sore hounds with minor wounds, we escaped relatively unscathed! The next day, we drove mile after mile along the winding mountain roads, exchanging stories while we strained our eyes looking for any disturbed snow that could reveal any sign of a panther.

"An almost doleful feeling swept over me as I wondered if I might be one of the last generations to experience this..."

Despite all this we found zero indication that any cougar inhabited these mountains. Fortunately, our luck changed the following morning, shortly after dawn we came across a track that walked down the middle of the road. At first glance our blood pressure rose, for there was no question this was a mature tom and the prints were obviously only a few hours old! The pack was released. In short order they had the trail straightened out. The whole mountainside was ringing with America's original country music. The lovely sound of baying hounds!

As the hounds tore straight up the mountainside letting out long melodious bawls that intertwined into one another

like a beautifully tuned choir, that would mesmerize most any red blooded American, I couldn't help but wonder how could someone want to outlaw this incredible tradition? How could someone become so disconnected with the land that they'd want to demonize pursuing an apex predator with zero scientific reasoning.

An almost doleful feeling swept over me as I wondered if I might be one of the last generations to experience this, or will the hunting community stand up and defeat the radical movement in Colorado? As I tried to block out those gloomy thoughts and focus on the moment, the sound of the hound choir slowly faded over the mountain, leaving an eerily quiet mountainside, leaving me to wonder if this sport will also fade away into the past leaving only an empty void in the hearts of so many western houndsmen?

We drove around the mountain into the next canyon, occasionally stopping to listen for the hounds, and after a couple hours and a brutal hike up the mountain it was evident that the main pack had made a major loss and were at a deadend with no game to show us, but one of the hounds, a small bluetick female had slipped away from the pack and the Garmin showed her to be treed about a mile deeper in the rough terrain!

As my brother and I hiked up the steep mountain, pushing ourselves to our limit, at this 8,000 ft elevation, our lungs were soon begging for the oxygen that we were used to in the flatlands of Ohio! We stopped every couple hundred yards catching our breath but kept going with

JOE AND ROY HUNTED WITH STUART BERRY AND HIS HOUNDS (K9 COUNTRY OUTFITTERS)

JOE (LEFT) AND ROY YODER (RIGHT) WITH THE LINE ROY HARVESTED.

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

the adrenaline pumping with curiosity. What did this lone hound have in store for us? Had this 30-pound hound defied the whole pack and treed the cat all by herself? Had she kept it treed for the last three hours? That question pushed us on and soon we were within hearing distance and heard the steady bawls of two hounds. One of the hounds was released when we started our hike to help confirm the solo female was treed.

When we came into sight of the two hounds furiously barking at the base of a Pondarosa pine, I strained my neck looking straight upward, like I had done thousands of times under a treed coonhound in the hardwoods of the Midwest to the Mississippi delta and the mountains of Appalachia! But this time, it was like I'd never done it before; time seemed to stand still. As I laid my eyes on the large feline perched 30 ft above me, an almost humble feeling crept over me. There, right above me, sat North America's most elusive big game animal as we've heard them called, the panther, puma, or cougar the Mountain Lion! One of the world's most misunderstood creatures, a predator with such an array of myths and folklore surrounding them, that even their color is sometimes debated! An animal that is so sly and elusive that most people living in the middle of prime cougar habitat will never get a glimpse of one!

As I locked eyes with the 125-pound Tom, his blazing eyes pierced through me, sending shivers down my spine. I sat down and watched the scene before me, a sublime feeling creeping over me. Right in front of me a small bluetick hound sat on her haunches furiously barking 20

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

every breath while eyeing the huge feline who sat 30ft over her. The cat was staring down with equal hate showing in its glowing eyes!! As I watched the huge cat comfortably perched up there with its long tail dangling down and its fiery yellow eyes switching focus onto me, I could not only see its majesty but also feel it My mind had to go to Job 12:7-9

"But ask now the beast, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee; Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee: Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this?"

In this situation, only a fool could question the existence of a higher power. Moments like that are hard to explain to anyone who isn't fortunate enough to appreciate them. As hunters, we get to experience the land from the unique perspective of a predator, giving us an intimate relationship to the land and its wild inhabitants.

If you get the chance to get out of your backyard to pursue a Mt lion, take it. There are few things that will pull the strings to your soul and connect you with the land like partnering with a pack of hounds and pursuing the mysterious cougar!

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

FANNIE - MOTHER OF HOUSE'S QUEEN

Legends of the Past Joe House

hen thinking back on what dogs and factors have had an impact on the Treeing Walker Breed you can’t help but think of the ACHA World Championship. In it’s day it was the only ‘World Championship’ and was run by people who believed in being ‘partial to none’. If a dog was a World Champion he was the ACHA World Champion. No matter what registry you might hunt in or preferred if there was only one hunt you could win on your wish list, it was the ACHA World Hunt. ACHA is no longer but its impact should never be forgotten.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

BY DON NICELY

Joe House helped ACHA become more relevant in 1963 with his win with a dog called House’s Bawlie.

In 1962, it would be safe to say that the general public didn't have the slightest idea who Joe House, a farmer that coon hunted was, even though in that year the hounds of Joe House would start making noises in the ACHA World Championship.

I think Joe House is a great example of how much impact the ACHA World Championship had on the coon hound world and how doing well in it could change the face of history at times. Anyone that knows anything about the Treeing Walker Breed knows the name of Joe House and the term the House Strain of treeing walkers. They have had a great impact on the Treeing Walker breed and the sport of coon hunting.

The story begins in 1962. A dog called Spot Lite Sport owned by J.C. Ellis placed 2nd that year in the world championship. Sport was a single registered treeing walker out of two grade dogs named Elmer and House's Queen. Sport missed winning the hunt by 25 points. He was also shown in the bench show and placed 2nd in it. Little did anyone expect a littermate to Sport to come back the next year and win not only the World Hunt but also win the World Championship Show, but that is what happened. Joe House and House’s Bawlie would change and the Treeing Walker breed forever.

In 1963, Joe House was new to the competition hunts but what way to debut! To win the most sought-after title of the

day, World Champion and then created even more interest and buzz when House's Bawlie also won the title of World Show Champion. House’s Bawlie not only proved himself in the woods but also on the bench.

"Though Bawlie wouldn't be considered to be the best colored hound by most people, he still had a look that would turn almost anyone's head"

People might have been excited because a new strain of treeing walkers was being introduced to the public, but to see the title in the magazines of Dual World Champion created even more interest and excitement. Though Bawlie wouldn't be considered to be the best colored hound by most people, he still had a look that would turn almost anyone's head. Bawlie was a beautiful hound. With this win Joe House started advertising House's Bawlie at stud and the world was not only introduced to Joe House but the House strain of Treeing Walkers. After Joe had studded him for a while there was more buzz created when Dr. Jimmy Jackson bought Bawlie for $5000.00. That was a huge amount of money back then. Today it would be around $51,000.00.

But Joe House wasn't finished with the ACHA World Hunts. One of the reasons he decided

to sell Bawlie was because of a young dog he had and the greatness he saw in that hound. His name was House's Chief. At a young age he placed 10th in his first ACHA World Hunt then 6th place the next year. In 1966 another hound carrying the House name, House's Hawk placed 5th in the 1966 ACHA World Championship.

Not bad for a man named Joe House and a female called House's Queen who was the foundation of a strain to become known as the House Strain. Queen was out of Fanny as in 1959 ACHA World Championship Fannie who was out of The Incredible Rock the 1951 and 1952 ACHA World Champion. From 1962 to 1966 Queen had a pup place in the top ten of the world hunt every year.

Joe House made many friends in this great sport called coon hunting and he was blessed with having some people who felt so strong about the House Strain of hounds that they put the House name on their hounds. These people are still strong supporters of the House Strain and have helped keep it going through the years. In the 1968 ACHA World Championship 5 of the Top 20 were House Bred hounds. Two pups sired by House's Chief placed 4th and 9th. A litter mate to Chief named Spicer's Rambler Rose was World Champion Female placing 10th. Two pups out of House's Hawk, another litter mate to Chief placed 15th and 19th. And in the Bench Show Bawlene owned by Jim Stratton and sired by House's Bawlie was the ACHA World Show Champion. Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

In the 1971 ACHA World Hunt 4 of the top 20 hounds were related to House's Chief. House's Chiefer a son of Chief placed 5th. Tom Tom (a grandson) placed in the Top 20 and another male and female placed in the Top 20. That was the 10th year in a row that a House Bred hound had placed in the Top 20 of the ACHA World Hunt.

In 1976 another hound carrying the House name was again the ACHA World Champion. House's Tom Tom. From Tom Tom came House's Clint, and from Clint came House's Lipper, and from Lipper came House's Lawyer. In 1979 Clint placed 15th in the ACHA World Championship. That same year he placed 2nd at the UKC World Hunt.

Then in 1985 another world champion was crowned that carried the House name. 1985 ACHA World Champion House's Snipe, a grandson of House's Tom Tom. As impressive as this all is, there is so much more I could write but it really would take up too much space. Hopefully this gives you an idea of how important Joe House and the ACHA World Championship were to the Treeing Walker Breed. For Joe House (and the hounds carrying his name) to place so high and so often in this hunt, in that time, speaks volumes as to the type of hounds he was responsible for.

Reflecting back, the one question comes to mind: What if in the fall of 1963 the farmer from Clinton, Kentucky had decided not to make the trip to West Point, Mississippi? How would the future have been different if Joe House had decided not to hunt in the 1963 ACHA World Championship?

Thankfully to all that love the Treeing Walker he did hunt in it, even though he had a broken arm. Through about a 22 Year period hounds that carried the House name did winning in so many different places that the House Strain should always be remembered as an important strain in the breed.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

HOUSE'S CHIEF

HOUSE'S QUEEN

HOUSE'S CLINT WITH JOE HOUSE

HOUSE'S BAWLIE 1963 ACHA DUAL WORLD CHAMPION

HOUSE'S TOMTOM

JOE HOUSE Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

@treedogdoc

Evidence Based Snakebite Treatment with the Tree Dog Doc

hat if I told you that just about everything many vets do to treat venomous snake bites is wrong, and the stuff you find online is even worse? “My vet has been practicing for 30 years, he says this is the right stuff,” you might say in reply. Unfortunately, medicine has advanced, and there are a lot of practitioners who haven’t caught up. If you want to hear the latest recommendations for treating snake bites, and why that is so, then read on!

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

BY TAYLOR YOUNG, DVM

If you don’t read any further in this article, do just one thing. Go to Facebook and look up the “National Snakebite Support” (NSS) page and give them a like. NSS is a non-profit group of physicians and veterinarians who are experts in snakebite treatment and management. You’ll find that everything I’m saying here is supported there; in fact, they are where I learned the most up to date treatments for snake bites myself. They have a whole group of veterinarians who have made peer-reviewed guidelines you can take to your own vet for help. You can also post questions about your case and get veterinary experts to reply and give advice.

Now, on to treatment. The short version is this: steroids like dexamethasone, NSAIDs like carprofen, and antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) don’t do anything to help an envenomation, and may even make it worse. Antibiotics are rarely necessary, and if they are, it won’t be on the first day of treatment. Instead, the only effective treatments are antivenom, intravenous (IV) fluid therapy, non-NSAID pain control, and oxygen therapy.

To understand why these therapies do or don’t work, it helps to understand what happens with a snake bite. Snake venom is a toxin; it is directly toxic to different parts of the body. Venom contains (depending on the snake) cytotoxins, hemotoxins, and myotoxins. Cytotoxins are toxic to numerous cells in the body; hemotoxins to blood cells and clotting; and myotoxins to muscles. These toxins are peptides (building blocks of proteins and amino acids) that directly attack their various targets. The destruction of cells and muscles, as you can probably imagine, is very

"To understand why these therapies do or don’t work, it helps to understand what happens with a snake bite"

painful, and the release of cellular substances and increased bleeding is responsible for the swelling commonly seen. In severe cases, the toxins also lead to distributive or hypovolemic shock, which is where the body cannot get oxygen to the vital organs via red blood cells. You’ll notice I mention nothing about histamine release because, in envenomations, there is none. This is why antihistamines, like Benadryl, are ineffective; there needs to be histamine release for an antihistamine to work! Insect stings and bites are a different story, and may be appropriate in those cases, but it does nothing for a snake bite.

You’ll also notice that I mention nothing about snake bites causing inflammation. In most other injuries, swelling is caused by inflammation, which is why NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used. Steroids are also antiinflammatory, but have a broader range of potential effects than NSAIDs. Inflammation leads to pain, which is why we think of NSAIDs as pain medication, or why a steroid may be used to help with swelling. However, in snakebites, inflammation is not the cause of the pain, but is instead the result of the toxin’s destruction itself. This is why NSAIDs like carprofen are ineffective.

Look again and you’ll see that the hemotoxins affect clotting factors. An unfortunate side effect of NSAIDs is that they can inhibit clotting (which is why aspirin, an NSAID, is used to prevent heart attacks), compounding an already present problem with the snakebite. Additionally, NSAIDs and steroids cause many other side effects on their own, even without the presence of a snakebite, such as causing stomach ulceration or kidney damage. They do no good and might cause harm; they should be skipped in treatment of snakebites. Lastly, antibiotics. Antibiotics are rarely indicated in a snake bite, and almost never on the initial day. The reason is that venom also tends to be antibacterial, making it very unlikely that it will get infected. If it does, you can then begin using antibiotics. One study found that, of 102 dogs with a snake bite, only 1 got infected. That’s a greater than 99% chance the bite won’t get infected! Google the term “antibiotic resistance” and you’ll quickly find out why it’s important to only use antibiotics when necessary, and here, they aren’t necessary.

So why does everyone recommend Dex, Benadryl, and penicillin on every social media post asking for treatment advice? Veterinarians relied on them for many years because they didn’t know any better, and owners expected them to do something to treat it. We now have further knowledge and many studies to understand how snake envenomation does its damage. Unfortunately, it just isn’t possible for veterinarians to stay up to date on every possible Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

treatment regimen for every possible disease, and many simply haven’t been updated. They then pass that advice along to you, and you to your buddy, and on and on. No veterinarian is intending to harm your dog, but are instead relying on outdated information. Bring an NSS treatment guide with you and gently point them in the right direction, and you can help them know best for the next one they see!

Frankly, whether prescribed by your vet or given at home, you need to understand that the only one being treated when you give your dog those medications is YOU. You feel better because you did something to try and help your dog, but the scientific reality is that it didn’t do a thing! So why do so many dogs recover with those treatments? They recover in spite of you, not because of you. Many envenomations are in a small amount and localized to an extremity like a lower limb; the body is able to win the race to produce its own antibodies and immune response before the venom can cause system-wide effects, eventually repairing the damage on its own.

Unfortunately, this leads to a phenomenon known as confirmation bias, where we tell ourselves “I did A and B happened; therefore, A caused B”. This may be the case in many instances in life! Here, however, giving Benadryl or dexamethasone and having your dog get better is a coincidence, not a cause. In fact, I would argue that, if you’re not going to take your dog to an emergency vet for treatment, it would be better to do absolutely nothing than to give it the common athome treatments.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

"It is wise to plan ahead if you have venomous snakes in your area. Most emergency veterinarians will stock antivenom, but rarely does a general practice veterinarian do so"

Let’s switch gears to what is effective. Antivenom is the first line treatment for all envenomations. It consists of antibodies (harvested from other animals exposed to venom) to these toxins. The antibodies bind directly to the toxin, which then acts as a mediator that allows the host’s immune system to bind and destroy the toxin. It is the only effective direct treatment to counteract a snakebite, as well as mitigate the pain by preventing further tissue destruction. It can be effective hours to days after envenomation, and multiple doses may be necessary in severe cases. The most common objection is cost. Yes, it is expensive. Is it worth your dog’s lessened suffering and potentially their life? That’s a question you’ll have to answer for yourself.

Non-NSIAD pain medications also help. Opioids like morphine or fentanyl work on the opioid receptors in your dog, just like they do for people, which prevents pain signals from reaching the brain. They are very effective, though they do have dose-dependent side effects and

must be used carefully. Thankfully, these side effects don’t doubleup on the already present effects from the venom. Medications like gabapentin work on the neurologic system to reduce pain sensation as well, though they are less effective than opioids. Your vet may use both, one, or neither, depending on the response to antivenom treatment. IV fluids may occasionally be necessary in cases of shock to help improve oxygen delivery to the vital organs. This is less commonly needed than antivenom and pain control, but if recommended, is important to do. Inhaled oxygen via mask or nasal cannula may also be utilized to improve oxygen delivery to the tissues as the fluids take effect and have no risk of side effects.

Though this is centered on treatment, I did want to mention the rattlesnake vaccine. Currently, there are no good quality, peerreviewed studies to prove that it helps. Most of the experts on the NSS do not recommend them, and I don’t, either.

It is wise to plan ahead if you have venomous snakes in your area. Most emergency veterinarians will stock antivenom, but rarely does a general practice veterinarian do so. Call your nearest ER to verify they do so. If you’re really worried about it, see if your regular veterinarian will offer to stock it for you at your cost in case of need. If you’ve got a dog you can’t break off snakes, it may be well worth it. Follow the evidence and treat your dog with the most up to date science. They will be better off for it!

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

WYATT NOE, THE FIRST PLACE WINNER OF THE SECOND GIVEAWAY. HIS THANK YOU NOTE IS PICTURED ON THE NEXT PAGE.

The Gift of a Future The Great American Hound Puppy Giveaway

ot long ago, a gentleman by the name of Carl Boykin was working his hounds chasing a mountain lion. As he stopped briefly, listening to the music of the hounds’ voices singing through the trees he wondered how long this type of hunting would continue. Fewer and fewer young hunters were getting into the sport.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

BY CALEB POERNICH

The idea came to him suddenly and, when he arrived home that night, he made a post on Facebook. The post was simple. He was offering to give a hound puppy to a future hunter who could write him a letter explaining how the pup would be cared for, trained, and loved. Carl believed this would help spread his own love of hunting with hounds and help a child cultivate their own love for the sport. One short year later, this simple Facebook post has given life to something amazing. The Great American Hound Puppy Giveaway has gifted 33 children from all across the country their own hound puppy. Not only have these children been given fantastic puppies from many different donors, but they have also been given tracking collars, regular collars, leashes,

"I know it is worth all the work though as I have personally seen the change that owning a hound puppy can have on a child"

and hunting books. Even the transportation of these puppies from the puppy donors to the arms of a waiting child was provided although that was never guaranteed and may not be in the future.

Carl Boykin has passed the reins of this incredible giveaway

to me. I am both humbled and thrilled that he has faith that I can continue this mission to bring more youth into hound hunting. I am blessed to have a few people that have stepped up to help as coordinating the donations and, eventually, judging the letters is more involved than anyone had truly expected.

I know it is worth all the work though as I have personally seen the change that owning a hound puppy can have on a child, as my own three children have each received a puppy of their own. Through their excitement and newfound passion for the sport, I have had many of their friends and classmates from ages 6 to 11 begging to join us on our hunts. Of course I couldn’t possibly turn them down.

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

CARL BOYKIN DELIVERS PAYDEN HIS PUPPY AS HIS GRANDPA, ARLIN WHIRLWINDHORSE (CENTER) LOOKS ON.

BLAKE BRISCOE RELEASING HIS DOG JAKE IN THE JR. FINALS OF THE IHA FIELD TRIALS. HE TOOK FIRST PLACE.

Even though Carl has stepped down, we hold true to his original rules for the giveaway. We hold one contest a year. Any child ages 6 to 17 can enter. They must write a letter explaining why they want a pup, how they will train it, where it will live, how they will care for it, and what type of game they will pursue. Parents or guardians are also required to send a letter explaining what knowledge or background they have in hound hunting, what type of hound hunting they do, and giving permission for their child to enter the giveaway. 32

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

They must also accept responsibility for transporting the puppy home if transportation cannot be donated or provided. The window for entry is May 1st – August 31st. Letters received are split into three age categories: 6 to 9, 10 to 13, and 14 to 17. Four judges then read all the letters from the children and parents/guardians. Winners are announced on September 15th and all pups and gear need to be picked up/distributed by December 1st. Our deepest desire is that we ignite a new passion across

the country for hound hunting. We are always looking for people to spread the word, offer donations, or just help us introduce more young people to this amazing sport. We know that children are our future. If there is no one to follow in our footsteps, everything we cherish, and love will die. No child will find passion in the outdoors if an adult doesn’t step up and make it a fun and memorable introduction. We invite you to find us on Facebook to learn more.

HOW TO ENTER THE 2024 GREAT AMERICAN HOUND PUP GIVEAWAY: Each child, along with a legal guardian, must write a letter.

4. Where the puppy will live.

YES, 2 LETTERS! • One from the child. • One from the guardian.

5. What type of animals do they plan to hunt with their pup.

If there are not 2 letters you will not be entered. If you have won a puppy in this giveaway before, you are not eligible to win a puppy but are eligible to win gear. If you want to enter and not receive a puppy, note that in your letter. ***Note, not ALL kids will win a puppy. Age groups - 6-9, 10-13 & 14-17. Kids' letter: this will be written to the judges, and they must include the following: 1. Their name and age

The parent letter will include the following. 1. Give your background with hounds and hound hunting. (Owning hounds is not a requirement for a pup) 2. It is ok for your child to win a pup (if you don’t want a pup, but gear is ok, say that, too). 3. The type of hunting you do pertaining to hounds. 4. You acknowledge that a puppy/dog hauler may not be available. If that is the case, it will be your responsibility to get the pup to your home.

2. They need to explain why they wanted to enter the giveaway and why they should win a puppy.

No letters will be accepted after August 31st. No exceptions!

3. How they plan on training their puppy and how they will take care of it.

Contact Caleb Poernich at: Poormanoutfitters@gmail.com for more information.

LANDYN HUCK, 8 YEARS OLD, TALKING UP SOME PUPPIES.

HUNTER ADAMSON, 11, WITH HIS KAMPHOUSE PLOTT, SHIRLEY GIRL. SHE HAS MADE A TOP NOTCH BEAR AND LION DOG IO IDAHO. Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

LEROY, GAMBLE, AND FAMILY AT THE 2024 UKC CUR & FEIST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS.

A Gambler's Game at the World Hunt

n this issue’s cover story, we’re excited to feature the legendary Lee Roy Gamble, of Dexter, Kentucky, and his cur dog, Burley, fresh from their big wins at the 2024 UKC Cur & Fiest World Championship. The event was held on March 23-24, 2024, at the Perry County Coon Club in Tell City, IN. Burley, (WSHOWCH GRSQCHHOF GRCH Gamble's Burley HTXS) is a handsome tricolor, four-year-old Mountain Cur with a big appetite for squirrels.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

STORY BY CHRIS INGRAM PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEE ROY GAMBLE

After an absolute banner year in 2023 for UKC hunts, Burley earned a whopping 32 cast wins—more wins than any other dog in the program. This ranking put him into the Squirrel Dog of the Year Runoff where the top seven dogs with the most cast wins the previous year hunt. Burley’s big year also named him as the first and only cur dog entered into the UKC Hall of Fame, receiving 50 lifetime cast wins. “I feel good,” Gamble proudly declared. “I hunted him pretty hard and had him in some hunts I may not have otherwise, but I got so close, I wanted to get him into the Hall of Fame while he was three years old.”

ended up getting beat to finish in second place right at the end. “I got beat in the last 17 seconds of that hunt,” Gamble mentioned. “The female that beat me, she did exactly what she needed to do. We were about to run out of time and she pulled it off.”

Lee Roy and Burley made a big splash at the World event, starting with the runoff. They took a bye in the first two rounds having been in the top position with the most cast wins in 2023. In the third and final cast, Burley went up against a little female and fought for the title for “Dog of the Year.” “I took a minus right out of the truck on the first tree,” Gamble said. “Then I wound up treeing eight squirrels in a row. Every tree we went to, we had a squirrel. I wound up with a pretty good score and didn’t have any problems after that first tree.” Apparently, it took Burley a minute to get going because he went on to put on an absolute show with a final score of 700+ to take home the title of Outstanding UKC Cur Squirrel Dog of the Year.

weekend. I was

ON TOP OF THE WORLD

Next up was the 2024 UKC Cur World Championship Hunt, with 28 dogs fighting for the title. In this competition, Burley hunted hard for three rounds and won the first two casts to advance to the final round. Things were going good, however, Burley

With all of his experience in the competition ring, Gamble knows well how to take a loss and keep his head up. Not being phased at all, he entered Burley into the bench show to take first place and become the 2024 UKC Cur World Championship Show and overall winner to be named UKC World Show Champion.

“It was good surprised by the amount of people there, and a lot of spectators. It was a great turnout"

Gamble had nothing but good things to say about his first time at the UKC World Event and gave his praises to the Perry County Coon Club for hosting. “It was good weekend. I was surprised by the amount of people there, and a lot of spectators. It was a great turnout. Everything went really good, and the club did a real great job. It was just a good hunt all around, every aspect of it.” This three-day Friday through Sunday weekend is surely one not to miss. There’s a lot of festivities to get through between the cur and feist divisions and each of their World Hunts, bench shows, runoffs, and more. Be sure to follow the United Kennel Club for more info about next year’s event.

IT ALL STARTED WITH A COON HUNT

Growing up in western Kentucky near the 170,000-acre Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL), Gamble has always been deep in tree dog country, but he wouldn’t get started with hounds until later in his life. He was a deer hunter and spent most of his time chasing whitetails during the hunting season. On one hunting outing in the LBL, a buddy of his invited him on a coon hunt one evening. He happily accepted and went on to have a really good hunt that night. This experience made a big impression and started him on a path to follow coon hounds and tree dogs to pleasure hunt as well as competition hunt for decades to come.

It wasn’t long after that first hunt that Gamble got started with his own dogs. He’s had a few different breeds along the way, but settled on the English coonhound, including a great dog named “Hillbilly Mike.” Mike was an English male that got him started in competition hunting in the late 1980s. “I first started Mike when he was eleven months old in PKC hunts,” Gamble said. “I hunted him pretty hard that first year, and the second year, too, and he became the top money winner those first two years. In ’88, he won second, and then placed third in ‘89 in the World Hunts. In that first year, PKC was giving out cruises to the top male, top female, and top puppy. That year, I was the top male and Mike was still a puppy, so I won two Caribbean cruises that year! And then in ’90, I didn’t make it to the final cast, but finished fifth. I had pretty good years with him but I never did pull that win out of the Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

World Hunt. There was a lot of good dogs back in those days in the PKC hunts. I couldn’t win the World, but in 1991 I did win the National Championship, so that helped a little bit,” he concluded with a snicker.

Gamble stayed busy in the competition circuit, keeping Mike in the woods and he did some breeding with him, too. He would also enter several UKC hunts and did pretty well there and went on to make him a Grand Nite Champion. “It was a lot of hunting and a lot of wins, along with a lot of pressure to stay on top,” Gamble added. THE SWITCH TO SQUIRREL DOGS

After losing Mike, still in his prime at eight years old, and feeling like he could never replace such a good dog, Gamble transitioned over to hunting with squirrel dogs. He claims his age and being out during the day instead of the night also had something to do with his decision—does that sound familiar to anyone else? He enjoys how squirrel dogs hunt a little closer and aren’t quite as hard on an old man.

It was a natural and seamless transition, and Gamble would find success early on in this new arena. One thing he noted about the switch though, is how coonhounds and squirrel dogs tree a bit differently. Coonhounds will be tight to a tree, whereas squirrel dogs might hold back off the tree and move around a little bit more. After figuring that out, Gamble went on to have a long list of successes with competition squirrel hunts and bench shows, including winning a PKC World Hunt with his Swift dog, a

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

Stephens Cur. He’d also go on to attend a few OMCBA and NSD hunts. Gamble still does a little bit of hunting with Burley’s father, Rudy, who is now 12 years old. He hunted him quite a bit in NSD hunts and made him a Reserve World Champion in 2018, along with becoming Grand Champion in UKC and NKC, and winning the National Cur and Feist Breeders’ World Bench Show. THE ROAD AHEAD

Now that he’s had some time to unwind from the busy 2023 season and to soak in the success from the World event, I wondered what he has in store for this upcoming year. “I’m going

to slow down a little bit,” Gamble chuckled. “I still get along fairly well, but not near as fast as some of the guys in the competition world. They want to get to the dog while the dogs are treeing, but I just can’t go at the pace they like to go.” Gamble may not hunt as hard or as much this year after achieving his goal to put Burley in the Hall of Fame. He still loves the competition and he’s in no way planning to hang it up yet, in fact, he’ll be turning 80 years old in October. He’s set a goal to keep Burley in the top seven and will look to secure his place to have another run at the next Dog of the Year event. LEROY WITH RUDY.

LEROY AND GAMBLE'S HILLBILLY MIKE

LEROY GAMBLE AND LIFE LONG HUNTING BUDDY, DENNIS REDDEN WITH DENNIS' DOG SPUDNIK. Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

@houndhuntingathlete

THESE MULTI PURPOSE HOUNDS ARE ABLE TO GET IT DONE ON BOBCATS, COONS, AND SQUIRREL.

Mountain State Leopards A Tale of Appalachian Hound Mastery

n the deep dark hills of southern Appalachia, up a winding mountain hollow along the Guyandotte River, lives a rare and interesting hound. A breed old but new, with the looks of a hound, and some attributes of a cur. A game catching dog that is used on coon, squirrel, and bobcat. These oddly beautiful hounds are the Mountain state leopards, owned by Jason Abbott.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

BY TEDDY SIMPKINS

As I look over Jason’s hounds, I see a beautiful mix of black and tans, high tans, saddle backs and merle-colored dogs. These hounds have nice heads and are good sized dogs. A real sight to see for a hound enthusiast.

I notice that in the kennels are numerous females. It’s important to point out that success in keeping and hunting your own line of hounds comes down to your ability to maintain a strong bitch line. Dave Dean, Fred Smith, Berton Oney, and the Plott family are examples of hound breeders that hunted what they bred and bred what they hunted. Through a strong bitch line and looking for characteristics that suited their line of dogs, they were able to consistently produce and maintain top hounds. Jason follows these keys principles. He has a strong line of top females that carry the characteristics to hunt and catch game in the toughest and most inhospitable environments on the east coast.

Jason Abbott's father started hunting leopards in the 1970’s. Jason followed in his dad's footsteps and bought a leopard cur in the 90’s. Jason purchased a male from Richard McDuffie's line of South Carolina dogs. He called this male Mtn. State Rowdy and caught a ton of game with him. He kept this line for years before introducing some mid-west blood.

Jason bought a female named Mtn. State Sadie. She was a daughter of the famous “Wicks Camo Jug.” He bred Sadie to a male owned by L.D. Myers named Bone Hollow Scout. The Scout and Sadie cross proved to be an extremely impactful breeding for the leopard hound, and Sadie proved to be an exceptional influence to the leopard breed. All Mountain State Leopards trace their lineage to this cross.

From this pivotal breeding came a male named Mtn. State Bandit. Jason says Bandit was his favorite to date. Bandit hunted and ranged out like a traditional hound. He was

tight but not silent on track. Bandit was as good on squirrel as he was on coon. He was fast and accurate. When describing his accuracy, Jason said, “If there wasn’t a hole in that tree you would see the game. You could bet on it; you could expect it.” Bandit was no doubt a once in a lifetime combo dog. Jason looks for Bandits influence and characteristics in his dogs today. I can attest that those characteristics are there. His dogs carry that same look. The black and tan or high tan leopard is dominant in the color of his hounds.

The Mountain State Leopard is Jason’s own spin and creation from the Mcduffie, Meeks, and Midwest breed of hounds. This unique blend of dogs has produced a highly effective coon, squirrel, and bobcat hound. A hound that minds and listens well. It has an abundance of track speed and extreme accuracy. These dogs hunt to please with utmost intelligence.

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

The Leopard hound gained attention when John Wick campaigned “Wicks’ Camo Jug.” I remember seeing Jugs’ ads and thinking he may have been the best and most unusual looking hound I’d ever seen. Jug, without a doubt, had influenced the United Kennel Club in their decision to make the leopard cur one of the hound breeds. Jason believes Jug was a positive influence on the success of the leopard hound and it is hard to find a leopard pedigree without Jug in it. Wick was respected by the whole hound community, and the breed profited off John and Jug. Leopards from different parts of the country and from different breeders still bare their own distinct resemblances. Southern leopards may have a shorter ear and resemble a cur, while a Midwest dog or a Meeks’ bred hound may have a more houndy appearance. Jason’s hounds have a hound-type look. They are truly some of the best-looking dogs in Appalachia. The dark black coats on these dogs are as shiny as a

piece of coal, while the merlecolored dogs have an exotic, eye catching appearance.

I asked Jason why he chose the leopard over a more traditional hound breed. He acknowledged that there are good and bad in all breeds. He believes the leopard to have speed necessary to track game in the mountains. He says they listen and handle well on average and aim to please. He believes their accuracy is on a higher level for the most part.

Jason wrote for Full Cry in the past. In fact, that’s how he and I met. We were both former columnists that were from the same general area and met through the pages of this magazine many, many years ago. We have remained friends all this time. I have a ton of respect for Jason and his way of life.

Jason is a coal miner, a husband and a father. He’s a true hound dog man with a rare level of dedication to his breed of dogs. He was a columnist for this magazine in

which he wrote for the American Leopard Organization.

Appalachia, if you know where to look, is full of intriguing woodsmen and hounds-men. That’s one of the reasons I love these mountains and the characters that live here. Abbott is one of these Appalachian treasures, and I feel fortunate to be able to tell his, and many of these other mountain hunters’ stories.

Jason will no doubt go down as one of the top Leopard enthusiasts in the country. He’s still young enough to raise many more generations of the oddly beautiful hounds. With a little luck, he will have time to tweak and improve the breed even more. The coon, squirrel, and bobcat in Monaville, West Virginia, will not be safe so long as the Mountain State Leopard is on the prowl. I’d like to thank Jason Abbott for sharing his story with Full Cry Magazine. I value his friendship, as I realize houndsmen such as Jason are rare finds. MTN STATE RANGER AFTER A SUCCESSFUL HUNT WITH THE BOYS.

MTN STATE SADIE TREED

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

@authorbobplott

BERRY TARLTON (BACK RIGHT) ON A BEAR HUNT WITH FRIENDS AND MENTORS IN CANADA.

Strike & Stay Independent Plott Dog Views & News From Across the Country and Around The World

ello friends, welcome back! Thanks for making time to join us this month. PlottFest 2024 is now history—or will be by the time you read this. I just got home from the festival on April 29 and my article deadline is in two days, so I will wait until our next article to give you a more detailed update as most of this column was written before the festival—stay tuned!

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

BY BOB PLOTT

But thanks so much for our sponsors and for everyone who attended. I can never thank you enough. I thought it was great, and as great as it was this year, we plan on it being even bigger and better next year, as we will have more time to plan it—hope to see you in 2025!

Moving on, I want to wrap things up this month with the second part of our three-part tribute to a true Plott breed legend, the late, great, Berry Tarlton. I had originally planned to do just two parts profiling this iconic lawman and Plott man, who was also honored this year at PlottFest. But there is just so much information on him that I want to include as much as I can, thus 3 parts. Let’s get started.

We will kick part two off with some more information about Berry’s iconic Houston Valley lineage, where and how they originated and what Berry attributed to his half a century of success in the Plott dog world. Last month we talked about how and why Berry obtained his first Plott dogs, as well as his belief in line breeding, along with his willingness to readily refresh his line with outside new blood if the opportunity presented itself, but only if the dogs were worthy of being added. We should probably elaborate on that a bit more.

After obtaining his first dogs and getting a lesson in bear hunting from a Gatlinburg hunter, Berry immersed himself in the sport, learning as fast as he could—sort of trial by fire in the field as he described it:

“We were green and learning as we went, and boy, did we have a lot to learn! We just took the dogs deep into the mountains and

turned them loose and chased after them, hoping for the best. We didn’t know any better. There were few roads, no rig hunting, no four wheelers and no radios or tracking collars. To make matters worse, bears were scarce back then too, hard to find, and still harder to kill, especially for rookies like me.

"I have hunted all over North America and there is no harder hunting than in eastern Tennessee and western N.C."

It took a while, but we figured it out, learned how to find sign, and then turn the dogs loose and run with them—AFTER they had struck a trail and found sign. It was rough—let me tell you! I have hunted all over North America and there is no harder hunting than in eastern Tennessee and western N.C. And I was fortunate to have some tough boys hunting with me too, men that all wanted to learn and get better—guys like Hugh Lamb, Eddie and Rube Cutshaw, Neil Rice, Doug Rambo, Bernie Franklin, Frank Hensley and my nephew Frankie Tarlton and a few others. We all learned the hard way together.”

Berry laughed heartily before continuing: “After that, we kept it simple, cut a track, turned the dogs on it and we stayed with them until you either found your dogs on the bear, or until you found your dogs and brought them home. We never

came back without our dogs, dead or alive. You shot twice to signal a kill. The man who killed the bear kept the hide, and the meat was equally split with the rest of party—just like the real old days.” He then added: “We improved fast and so did our dogs. By then I had gotten a dog to or two from Gene White. His mama was raised not far from me and that’s how I met him, and then through him, Von Plott. Plus, I still had the dogs I started with too, and later got dogs from Benny Moore too. I went for the best I could find to cross with my stock. Our first dogs were just registered as Tarlton’s, that was before we called them Houston Valley Plotts. I guess the true start of our line began with Tarlton’s Roberta registered in 1972.” When asked to elaborate more on the line name and their success, Berry responded:

“Family and friends have been the key to the success of the Houston Valley line—but especially family. My nephews Rocky Lowery and Charles Lowery have really played a huge role in our success. And it was Charles Lowery who came up with the name Houston Valley Plotts. The name just suited us better as group. Like I said, our dogs before that were just registered as Tarltons. My brother Denver was a big help and my grandson Tracy Jones has been a terrific help.

Tracey has hunted hard since he was just a little fellow—9 or 10 years old. His son, my great grandson, Ben Jones, might turn out to be the best of them all. He is only 18 now but can hunt Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

with the best of them—none better. He killed 16 bears before he turned 18. Ben is the fourth generation of our family to be involved. (Berry’s words proved to be prophetic as Ben Jones is now in his 30’s and owns his own guide service hunting all over North America with the latest generation of Houston Valley Plotts.) What about friends and outside influences, I asked? Berry replied:

“Well, although we believed firmly in line-breeding our dogs, as I mentioned, we never hesitated in breeding to other top lines. In addition to the dogs I got from Duggins in Kentucky, as well as dogs from Gene White’s Old Junior and Benny Moore’s Mississippi Hobo, we also bred with Oliver Smith’s Cascade Big Timber dog, Chad Barth’s line in Wisconsin, Charles Gantte from here in Tennessee, Kermit Allison’s Bear Creek Plotts over in N.C., Everette Weems dogs, and Homan and Steve Fielder’s Bear Pen Plotts in West Virginia. There were others too, but you get the picture. The results speak for themselves.” Indeed, they do. After stating that list was like a Plott hound Breeders Hall of Fame, I then asked what are some other tips that Berry could offer us?

“Avoid contrary fussin’ hunters at all costs. They just waste your time and energy. Don’t give up on a dog too soon, and don’t start it on big game too young. It takes sometimes 18 to 24 months to develop a good bear dog. Our standards are high, but I bet we haven’t culled more than the 3 or 4 dogs in over 50 years. We have shipped dogs all over the world and all over

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

the country. But if you are in in for the money you will never be successful. We ain’t in it to make money. I want to add one more important thing too.

"...It takes 25 years just to get a line where it is starting to prove itself. And another ten years or so to get it really dialed in. It don’t happen overnight"

Every year I have to laugh at the latest young hot shot that comes along proclaiming that he going to create his own line of Plott that will turn the Plott world upside down. But the thing they forget is this: it takes 25 years just to get a line where it is starting to prove itself. And another ten years or so to get it really dialed in. It don’t happen overnight. Most folks don’t have the patience or work ethic to do that. And make no mistake about it, it takes a lot of both to make it work, and a lot of help from others too.”

Next, I asked how many bears he had killed and asked him to share some of his better hunting stories:

Berry smiled and answered: “I never cared much for the killing. I enjoyed the races more than anything. We once killed 17 bears in 5 days in Canada, and I was 69 when I killed my last one. He was about as big as a mule, weighed over 550 pounds, it took 11 men to drag it out.

I shot that one with an old .30 caliber M-1 Carbine. I bet the bullets were close to 100 years old. Killed him with one shot to the eye. I joked with the boys that was exactly what I meant to do! But it’s hard to say exactly how many I killed myself, I never was concerned with that. But it was a lot. And I saw hundreds killed under my dogs by others, which I enjoyed more than any I shot myself.” Berry concluded his hunting stories with a few hog hunting tales, but was quick to point out that he seldom liked to use his dogs on hogs because of the high rate of injuries and death.

I told Mr. Berry that he reminded me so much of my own family members, especially Von Plott, and their beliefs regarding breeding, hunting and training dogs were almost identical. It was a true joy and honor to spend time with him. I added that it was men like him and his family that had made the Plott breed world famous and that we are forever in their debt. He seemed pleased by that as our conversation then turned back to his exciting days law enforcement along with some more dog tales, which we will conclude with next month.

Well, we better sign off for now. Thanks for reading. We hope you will stay tuned for the final installment of our threepart tribute to Berry Tarlton in our next issue. Until then, may God richly bless you, your family, friends, and dogs in all that you do. Good hunting, my friends!

continued with a tribute to Ethan Lee Jordan

TL JONES WITH A DOG NAMED BOCEPHUS AND A BEAR AROUND 1985-1996.

TERRY JONES ON A CANADIAN HUNT WITH A DOG NAMED HECTOR.

PLOTT, BLING, TREEING A BEAR.

BEN JONES & TL JONES CARRYING ON THE FAMILY TRADITION.

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

ETHAN LEE JORDAN I am afraid that I have some tragic news to share with you. Ethan Lee Jordan, age 11, was tragically killed in an ATV accident on Friday, March 8, 2024 in Pasquotank County, N.C. Ethan was the beloved grandson of Doug and Linda Temple of Hertford, N.C. Over the years I have often said that the only thing better than a good Plott hound has been the wonderful people who own and hunt them. My friend Doug Temple is one of these fine people. Doug runs a guide service in Hertford, and his Dismal Swamp Kennels house some of the finest bear hounds in the world today. Suffice it to say, if Doug Temple owns the dog, you can rest assured that it is a top-notch bear and big game dog. Doug is about as hard a hunter as you will ever meet. A real legitimate tough guy for sure, but as humble and as nice a guy as you will ever meet as well. Doug is blessed with a fine wife and wonderful family, and he loves them all but the apple of his eye was his grandson, Ethan Lee Jordan, affectionally tagged “Cotton Top” for his bright blonde hair. Ethan was a vibrant boy, full of life and energy, the kind of kid that every parent and grandparent dreams of having. The youngster loved life and lived it to its fullest. He was a superb athlete; an all-star, homerun hitting baseball player, and already a stellar hunter and outdoorsman despite his young age. Cotton Top was clearly the apple of Doug’s eye and understandably so. Young Ethan had already killed several turkey and deer, as well as a boar hog, and a 382-pound bear. The lad was a skillful dog handler, loved his hounds and treated them well. Ethan Jordan was not only all those wonderful things, but more importantly, he was a fine Christian young man. Baptized and proud of his faith and family, and a good student as well. There was nothing more that the boy loved than being in the timber with Grandpa Doug and their hounds or roaming the back woods of his home county on his ATV. There are no words to describe or convey the depth of our sorrow, or to adequately convey our condolences to Doug and his family. God bless you all –you remain in our thoughts and prayers daily. If you would like to make a donation in Ethan’s memory, you can do so by mailing it to this address: THE ETHAN JORDAN FUND C/O Perquimans County School Foundation PO Box 337 Hertford, NC 27944 46

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

ETHAN JORDAN AND HIS GRANDPA DOUG

2024 NATIONAL REDBONE DAYS 76TH ANNUAL EVENT

June 27-29, 2024 • Tell City, Indiana Hosted by Perry County Coon Club, Inc.

Driving: 5 miles north of Tell City, IN on Hwy 37, right turn on Sunflower Rd. 1 mile on left. Driving from North: I64 Exit 79, Hwy 37 South around 14 miles to Sunflower Rd. on the left, 1 mile on the left. GPS: 10624 Sunflower Road, Tell City, IN 47586

THURSDAY, JUNE 27 Redbone Only RQE Bench Show Deadline: 2 p.m. Entry Fee: $20 UKC Licensed Field Trail Deadline: 3 p.m. Entry Fee: $20 UKC Licensed Water Race Deadline: 4:30 p.m. Entry Fee: $20 Redbone Only RQE Nite Hunt Deadline: 7 p.m. Entry Fee: $35 120-minute hunt Non-Licensed All Red Fellowship Hunt Deadline: 7 p.m. Entry Fee: $20 There is the possibility of a senior cast, youth cast, and a pup hunt, depending on the numbers of entries and availability of guides.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28 Board Meeting: 10 a.m. Board Members only NRCA General Meeting: 12 noon members only Non-Licensed Bench Show for Dogs That Hunted Thursday Night Deadline: 1 p.m. Free UKC Licensed Bench Show Deadline: 2 p.m. Entry Fee: $20 UKC Licensed Field Trial Deadline: 3 p.m. Entry Fee: $20 UKC Licensed Water Race Deadline: 4:30 p.m. Entry Fee: $20 UKC Licensed Nite Hunt Deadline: 7 p.m. Entry Fee: $25 120-minute hunt All-Breed Non-Licensed Youth Nite Hunt Deadline: 8p.m. Entry Fee: $20 All-Breed Non-Licensed Fellowship Nite Hunt Deadline: 8p.m. Entry Fee: $20

SATURDAY, JUNE 29 Auction: 12 noon Redbone members are encouraged to bring something for the auction. Non-Licensed Treeing Contest Entries Close: 1 p.m. Entry Fee: $5 UKC Licensed Bench Show Deadline: 2 p.m. Entry Fee: $20 UKC Licensed Field Trial Deadline: 3 p.m. Entry Fee: $20 UKC Licensed Water Race Deadline: 4:30 p.m. Entry Fee: $20 UKC Licensed Nite Hunt Deadline: 7 p.m. Entry Fee: $25 120-minute hunt All-Breed Non-Licensed Youth Nite Hunt Deadline: 8 p.m. Entry Fee: $20 All-Breed Non-Licensed Fellowship Nite Hunt Deadline: 8 p.m. Entry Fee: $20

LOCAL CONTACT Herb Landers, Jr. (812) 449-6679 NRCA Tim Bolin (618) 339-8060

HOTEL INFORMATION Holiday Inn Express (812) 547-0800 Ramada (812) 547-3234 CAMPING $20/night for campers using hookups or $10/night for tents or campers not using hookups.

Prizes will include lights for king/ queen of hunt, chairs for king/queen of show and other prize packages

All owners and handlers must be a paid, up-to-date member of NRCA before the Nite Hunt and Bench Show to qualify for any of the NRCA special Redbone trophies and/or awards. To determine overall nite hunt winners the following will be used: most plus point cast wins first by calculating all scores together. Dog is not required to hunt all three nights. If they do not hunt they will receive 0 points. If a dog is withdrawn or scratched for any reason they will earn 400 minus points. UKC, NRCA and Perry County Coon Club, Inc. are not responsible for loss, accidents or theft. Absolutely no alcoholic beverages, firearms or unprescribed drugs will be allowed on the grounds or while participating in the hunt or in the buildings the day of a UKC licensed event.

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

@Zepps_predator_calls

WITH

MARK ZEPP www.markzepp.com

Gary Williams: Rest Easy My Friend

have been fortunate in life, great parents, mentors and bosses and they’ve all seem to come along at just the right time. Gary Williams was no exception. He interviewed for the job of National Sales Manager at Tri-Tronic’s, I believe around 2007, and management was smart enough to see his talents and hired him immediately. What a guy. 48

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

He worked most of his professional life working in senior management in Marketing at Leupold but chose to spend the end of his career in the foothills of the Arizona desert where the sun shines everyday and the winters are wonderful.

He retired a handful of years ago or so, I don’t remember the exact year, but spent his retirement with his wife Terra in their RV enjoying time in mountains, traveling along the west coast and visiting their son Travis and their Grandgirls in Oregon. He often talked about his young years digging for clams on the beaches along the Oregon coast and it was something he continued to enjoy his entire life.

Shortly after retirement he battled prostate cancer for a few years and that aged him, as it would anyone, as he fought through that fight and it seemed he had it beaten. We texted each other in December, sharing some hunting photos and he mentioned needing to go back to the doctor to talk over some test results. I made a mental note to check back with him after the holidays. In hindsight, I should have picked up the phone and called him that day. Less than a month later I learned leukemia had taken his life and that he had passed a few weeks after that last text, on December 28th, 2023. One of the great things in life is working side by side with somebody you like and deeply respect, making important

business decisions, sharing your personal lives ups and downs and hopefully a hunt or two. When Amber, Wyatt and I moved back to the Midwest it was Gary who OK’d that move with senior management, held a party for us wished us well in our new life. We talked daily for work over the next few years before his retirement. He was quite a guy.

I loved Gary and miss him dearly, he was great human being and leader. He was a friend to the sport of coonhunting and helped out on many of the sponsorship packages TriTronics put together with the various registries. He loved his wife and son and always spoke fondly of them... I can hear his laughter and see the twinkle in his eyes as I right this.

So long old friend, I will see you on top of the mountain!

GARY ON THE LEFT WITH MY COYOTE HUNTING BUDDY PHIL FALKENHEINER IN TUCSON, ARIZONA. THERE WERE ROUGHLY TWENTY FOLKS AT OUR HOUSE FOR A DINNER PARTY THAT NIGHT AND AMBER AND I ANNOUNCED WE’D BE LEAVING THE SOUTHWEST AND MOVING BACK TO THE MIDWEST. IT WAS A WONDERFUL NIGHT BUT WOULD BE ONE OF THE LAST TIMES I WOULD SEE MOST OF THE FOLKS ATTENDING, MANY OF THEM WHO’D PLAYED A BIG PART OF OUR LIVES THE PAST TWELVE YEARS. THE JOURNEY OF LIFE IS LIKE THAT SOMETIMES AND I WILL BE FOREVER INDEBTED TO THOSE FOLKS AS WELL AS GARY WHO PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART OF MY LIFE.

- Big Mark

GARY WILLIAMS, JOHN HOWELLS AND I AT SHOT SHOW IN LAS VEGAS EIGHT OR NINE YEARS AGO. THIS WAS ONE OF THE LAST TIMES I WOULD SEE HIM AND SPEND TIME WITH HIM. JOHN, GARY AND I HAD WORKED “A BUNCH” OF SHOWS TOGETHER OVER THE YEARS AND WANTED TO MAKE SURE I HAD A PHOTO WITH THE THREE OF US TOGETHER. WHERE HAVE YEARS GONE? LET FOLKS KNOW HOW MUCH YOU APPRECIATE THEIR FRIENDSHIP AND EVERYTHING THEY’VE DONE FOR YOU WHILE YOU HAVE THE CHANCE TO DO IT. Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

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Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

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Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

@BigGameSicario

THE 'MIXED BAG OF MUTTS YOU'LL FIND UNDER CODY'S TREES.

Papers Need Grades Why Papered Hunters Need Grade Hunters

was brought up in the world of hound hunting with registered, papered Blue Tick dogs in central North Dakota. My family were coonhunters. My uncle’s line of Blue Ticks, the dogs that got me started in hound hunting, were of the Jet Line. I was brought up to the sound of the hounds, following them on foot, trailing the bark. We sought out dogs with booming voices.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

BY CODY HILLIARD

As I grew up, the thrill of the big game hound hunting world became more and more intriguing to me. In my mid-20s, I met a fellow hound hunter from a western state who would become a good friend. He took time to mentor me in the ways of hunting the lion, the bear, and the bobcat. And hunting with a pack of grade dogs.

As I came up in the world of big game hunting with hounds, I began to look for the qualities that have been bred into a dog and not the breed specifically. Don’t get me wrong, I have had my share of papered dogs since I started in the big game world, but they have been few and far between.

As many of us as houndsmen know, there is and has been for decades an ongoing argument of if a papered dog is better than a grade dog.

The majority of hunting with hounds was built off of a dog that could catch game. As hound hunting advanced and breeds became singled-out, the need for paper and competition grew. With that, the benefits of having pure-bred dogs and papered dogs with competitions became beneficial to the grade dog hunters because a grade dog hunter - not necessarily worried about the competition but more worried about catching game - could see the best of what they wanted out of all the

breeds and mix-and-match to make - in their opinion - a better performing dog.

Now, as time has gone on, a lot of papered, competition hound hunters have looked down their nose at grade dog hunters. When, in actuality, we all need one another. In my experience of hound hunting, I have seen winsome work from both papered and grade dogs.

The papered, competition hound hunting group is large on the eastern side of the United States, seeking to always improve upon their breed lines. But the grade dog hunters of the big game world are also

CODY HILLIARD WITH HIS GRADE DOGS ON A COON HUNT IN NORTH DAKOTA.

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

beneficial in bringing together houndsmen associations across the United States, where not only papered dogs can compete in competition but grade dogs can also compete.

More known on the eastern side of the state, the competition coonhunters are helping the cause of hound hunting for the big game hound hunters of the western United States with the power and numbers of their competition coonhunter clubs. As you come to the central part of the US, you come into the grade dog hunters, who are helpful to the big game hound hunters of the west; bringing together both groups. Ultimately our goal with papered dogs and grade dogs

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

should not be to look down the noses at each other but yet to unify - in a sport that is trying to have new life breathed into it.

With a unified front across the US among papered and grade dogs, from the east coast to the west coast, there are not many adversities that we can’t overcome during the times of our hound hunting careers.

As of lately, I run a pack of Heinz 57 coming from anything from a plott, walker, red bone, blue tick, leopard cur, and a patterdale terrier. I do not look down my nose at competition hunters and/ or papered dog hunters. I applaud them for all the work it took to make their hounds the dogs that they have become.

I have many friends with registered and papered dogs that have competition coonhunted and run bears in the swamps of Georgia, and I applaud their efforts for the jobs they have done. I have many friends that have grade dogs that run lions and bears in the Rocky Mountains and hogs in the timbers of Louisiana, and I applaud the work that they have done with their hounds.

Bringing the grade hunters and the papered hunters together as a unified front should be a priority for all hound hunting groups. What is good for one group is good for all, as long as it continues to progress the sport and the way of the hound life we all love.

• Field Trial - starts at 7 am on Saturday morning. We will start taking entries the night before. We will qualify dogs by speed. 1st dog 1st division, 2nd in 2nd, and 3rd in 3rd. All other dogs can re-enter one time to try to get a spot in the finals. • Tree Contest • Puppy Race - if there is enough interest • Old Dog Race - 8 and up if there is enough interest • Iron Dog Contest • Bear Race - first thing Sunday morning depending on the heat this could happen as early as 5:30 am • Pack Dog Race for the remaining part of Sunday following the bear race. • Raffles

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT TY POWELL: (541) 408-2279 JOSH TUGMON: (541) 280-3794 BRAD MOMBERT: (541) 410-9619 WES YORK: (541) 420-3322

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

THE THOMPSON FAMILY HAS GROWN THROUGH THE YEARS!

Dog Dynasty 25 Years of Family and Leopards

hat animals do you have? Growing up, this was the question most folks asked when I told them I lived on a farm. The answer was the usual: cows, horses, ducks, geese, chickens, goats, oh yeah and dogs. How many dogs? Well, a lot. For those who don’t know me, my name is Katie, and I am the youngest daughter of Brandon and Susan Thompson. Years ago, I wrote a few articles for Full Cry under the title Young Eyes, so I thought I would break out my writing skills one more time to write an article about dad and the great legacy that he has built. It has been a privilege to witness the line of leopard dogs that he has bred over the years. He’s been working on his breed for my entire life.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

BY KATIE THOMPSON

Before he began breeding his leopards, dad got his start in dog hunting with a beagle named Amos who would hunt rabbits, and he would go coon hunting with his dad, uncle, and a three-legged Bluetick as a young boy. Even before he caught the hunting bug, dad said his parents would always find him sitting in the dog house with their German shepherd. He says he always enjoyed hunting with dogs because he could never sit still long enough to hunt deer or anything else that required patience. Dad first hunted with leopards in 1991, and got his first registered leopard, Glade Creek (GC) Newt, in 2000. Newt treed his first coon by himself at 7 months old. He would go on to become UKC Nite Champion in 2003 and 2005 and the patriarch of the Glade Creek kennel line. Dad said he was drawn to leopards because no one had one where he grew up. The merle spotted coat was what caught his eye. When it came to breeding, dad always wanted to breed his own line of dogs. Newt fit the bill for all the things dad looked for in a starting dog. Brains and smarts with enough sense to handle well, game drive, and a dog that will run to catch are a few among many traits he looks for in his breed or any good hunting dog. Some of his favorite or more memorable dogs he has had throughout the years are GC Newt, GC Nubbs, GC T-Bone, GC Buttons, and GC Lady.

Trial and error, reading books, studying pedigrees, and hunting was the name of the game when it came to breeding and learning how to make great crosses. Without batting an eye, dad has been able to name off around 7 generations in his dogs’ pedigree. He also spent a lot of time hunting in order to better

understand his dogs and what to breed for. As my mom would say: if it was dark, he was hunting. Over time, dad learned to see traits that were lacking in his dogs and go seek out dogs that had what he was looking for. He says he has covered most of the east coast buying or breeding dogs that he wanted to add in to the Glade Creek kennel line. The dogs that he hunts today are from an unbroken line that traces all the way back to Newt. This is 23 years of breeding. Dad says his goal is to always be better than the first or current generation. Newt’s pups should be better than Newt. Nubbs’ pups should be better than Nubbs and so on.

"If dad were to describe the Glade Creek line, he would say they are medium nose, good tree dogs, and they run to catch"

If dad were to describe the Glade Creek line, he would say they are medium nose, good tree dogs, and they run to catch. They are tight bodied, high flanked, long legged, and deep chested, along with plenty of prey drive and brains. People from all over the US and Canada have reached out to get a Glade Creek dog. Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Michigan, Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, and Georgia are only a few places dad has sent dogs. I am extremely proud of the work he has done and glad that so many others recognize his skill and his dogs.

His advice to those who want to start their own kennel line would be to find people that will help you along the way. Find people that will support you and stay loyal to your breed and project. Having friends that are on the same page and can help you move forward is important. Breeding is almost impossible to do on your own. Dad has had many folks help him along the way, especially the people that have hunted the dogs that come from his line. He also says it is important to have people that will hunt your dogs and evaluate them like you would. Dad’s advice to someone who wants to get started in dog hunting is do it! Even if you don’t have a dog, find a local hunter and ask if you can go on a hunt with them. Come and see what they do. Hounds-men and women are passionate about their dogs, and they spend a lot of time and money on their dogs. Most people will be happy to have you tag along. This will help you learn more about dog hunting and if you might be interested.

I asked dad to share some fun or wild hunting stories. He started with bears. Bear hunting is a lot of fun and has a lot of action. It’s always an adrenaline rush when you have a bear on the ground, and you can hear it woofing and snapping at the dogs. Once, he had a bear holed up, and he went in to pull his dogs out. The bear ran out of the hole and across his legs. This was definitely a situation that would give you a rush. Another story he shared was a time when he went bobcat hunting. Bobcats are exciting to hunt as they are pretty illusive animals. One night, GC Jewel and GC T-Bone struck a bobcat off the truck. They treed the bobcat on a V-shaped cliff. Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

T-Bone was at the top barking down, and Jewel was barking up from below. Halfway up the cliff was a ledge, and the bobcat was pacing back and forth on it. While dad was trying to get his gun out, T-Bone left the top and started to trek down the cliff to rejoin Jewel. As soon as T-Bone left, the bobcat took a run on the ledge, bounced off one side of the cliff, landed at the top, and escaped! This stuck out to dad because you don’t typically get to see the athleticism of these animals in real life. It was cool to see!

For his final story, dad talked about a situation that he described as a pretty stupid idea, and it serves as a lesson for other hunters. He has had a few instances where he has been alone at night, stuck in rough country, and had to figure out a sticky situation. This time, it was around 14 degrees, pitch black, and his dogs were treed across the Bluestone River. This was before e-collars and Garmin tracking devices, so he had to keep up with the dogs. He crossed the river in waist deep water to go get his dogs, and cross back over to get to the truck. Thankfully, he made it back safely, but after that he resolved to not take risks like that again. After all, he had a family at home.

I hunted with dad several times when I was young, although I quickly learned I am a fair-weather hunter. That usually means the weather is never good enough for me to go. Now my husband hunts with dad as often as he can. I am proud and happy to see my husband taking an interest in the dogs that shaped my childhood. I have very fond memories of many litters of puppies, several were bottle raised by my mom, sister, and myself. We recently got a

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

Want to know more on Glade Creek Leopards? Read a vintage article from the '90's on them at www.fullcrymag.com pup out of dad’s line from his friend in Michigan, and we are raising her and a blue heeler in a 900 square foot apartment (I can hear your cringe from here). I have enjoyed having my own dogs though, and I am thankful to rely on my dad’s knowledge and experience to guide me in raising and training them. I’ll probably have many more pups in future. As my parents have told me, I get it honest.

great to watch. What impressed me the most was the drive and determination that this line of dogs has for the hunt. These dogs love to do what they do, and Brandon has done a great job breeding his line. You can see the passion that Brandon has for breeding his dogs and the work he has put into them. I am excited to learn more from him in the future, especially with our pup.

My name is Jacob. I am Brandon’s son in law, and I am married to Katie. Unlike my in laws, I didn’t grow up hunting with dogs. Despite this, I always had an interest in coon hunting as a kid. I remember the first year I went hunting with Brandon, we didn’t do very well. At least we didn’t when I went. Every time we would go, we would joke that it can’t be worse than the last time. I had started to think that maybe I was bad luck.

My name is Haylie, I am Brandon and Susan’s oldest daughter, and I have been raised around hunting and dogs my whole life. Chances are if you have been to my parents' house to pick up a dog I was there, hanging around listening to the dog talk and stories. I am very proud of my dad for how he has grown his line of leopard dogs, and my hope is to emulate many of his self-taught skills with my own animals. This was life for me growing up: raising dogs, hunting dogs, and showing dogs. I remember when my dad brought home Newt as a puppy, and he stayed in the house with us for a while due to the cold winter weather.

A NOTE FROM MY HUSBAND:

Since then, I have gotten a few seasons under my belt, and I have gotten more experience in hunting different game. I have learned a lot from Brandon about his line of leopards and hunting in general. I have learned it’s okay to make mistakes. The dogs aren’t perfect, and we aren’t either. The ultimate reason we are out there isn’t just to fill our freezer or kill something every time we hunt. It is to have fun and fellowship with fellow hunters and enjoy the dogs. Seeing what these dogs can do and how they work is always

A NOTE FROM MY SISTER AND HER HUSBAND:

Sometimes my mom, sister, and I would go to world hunts with my dad. One time I got to do a bench show and as a little kid I was so disappointed because everyone else in the show got a trophy and their picture taken and I got a pack

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

of M&Ms. I have so many little stories, from almost stepping on skunks, to getting lost but not realizing it until we were back on track. Cracker, my dog, has also given me stories that I can now share. I’ve been able to go coon hunting, bear hunting, and bobcat hunting because of these dogs. You do not realize how blessed you are to have these experiences as a kid because it’s just part of life, and now my kids get to have these same experiences.

My daughter calls these dogs “hush-bucks” because that phrase was often repeated to the pup my husband got from my dad when she was learning to talk. If you ask her about puppies now, she will probably tell you how one pooped on her boot. My son’s head perks up, his eyes get big, and he excitedly started saying “dog!” every time he hears the dogs bark. He’s constantly trying to follow our dogs around the house and play chase. This is truly in their blood. Even my stepdaughter is taking to these dogs, and hopefully she will have her own stories one day. We are getting two more pups this winter that are going to stay in the house for a while, giving my children even more memories. I am proud of the legacy my dad has created and that I got to be a part of as a kid. Now my husband and I get to carry this on with our kids. My name is Michael, I am Haylie’s husband and Brandon’s son-in-law. I have been hunting dogs on and off for as long as I can remember. I have hunted with Walkers, Black and Tans, English, and Blueticks. Every dog line I have hunted in my opinion has their good, bad, and ugly. Since hunting with

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

BRANDON AND SUSAN THOMPSON AND THEIR DAUGHTERS KATIE AND HAYLIE.

and owning my own dogs from Brandon’s line, I can honestly say this line is absolutely amazing, and they fit my style of hunting. Stormy and Buck have been chasing and treeing since they were pups. I have hunted raccoon and bear with them, and it’s always such an amazing experience. I am excited to see what the future holds as my kids get to grow up with some of the same experiences as I had.

Hayden, our oldest daughter, has been showing a lot of interest in hunting dogs. Payslie, our younger daughter, and RJ, our son, love the hounds. They get excited every day when they get to go spend time with them. Brandon has devoted most of his life to this line, and it shows. Since hunting with him, I have learned so much from him. His ability and knowledge are beyond anything I have ever had the privilege of being a part of. He knows these dogs inside and out. I am so blessed to have such a great houndsman and father-in-law to share that knowledge, ability, and experience with.

A NOTE FROM SUSAN:

Brandon and I have been together for 35 years and there’s always been dogs in the picture. When we were dating, he would drop me off at my curfew time and then go hunting. After we were married, he still took every opportunity to hunt. He’s hunted all types of dogs over the years, and I can say he truly likes all dogs. As far as hunting goes, when he found the Leopard breed, that was exactly what he’d been looking for. When he was training Newt, he would always come home and talk about how well it went and how smart the dog was. He became very passionate about pedigrees and learning all he could about what was behind each dog. Any cross he’s made has been studied meticulously and all the pros and cons weighed out. He can remember the names of many generations of dogs (I wish he could remember our anniversary as easily). Brandon is very passionate about hunting with dogs and I’m proud of all the hard work and dedication he’s put into developing the Glade Creek line. It’s amazing to see our kids, their spouses, and now our grandkids be apart of this dog dynasty.

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Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

Legacy in the Pines A Grandson's Gift of Adventure

t was a cool December morning in 2014 in South Eastern Virginia, I was up before light with Ranger, Cindy, Sarge, and a Plott pup I called Dent loaded in the truck. Eager to get a head start at the hunt club looking a bear track I pulled up and unlocked the gate. I was hoping to find a good track for my grandfather who was in his 70s, and had never killed a bear. Going into hunting ground, I straddled the two tire tracks with my coon light hanging out of the window low, angled forward so any indentations could be easily seen. I worked my way in towards the back of the block, towards the best laying ground.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

BY BRENT BUNCH

BRENT BUNCH WITH A BEAR HE HARVESTED.

BRENT BUNCH, HUNTING THE HILLS OF VIRGINIA.

As I eased along, Doug came on the radio and said he made it through the gate and started in the opposite direction. The sun was starting to crack through the trees but you still needed a light to see the road. As I crept along the light hit the soil just right and there it was a smudge. The ground was hard and the track was no more than a slight texture change on the top of the dirt. This was earlier in my bear hunting career, but I was able to track it down the road three or four hundred yards and found where it went off into a thick cutover. A branch was broken off and placed in the path to mark the spot. I called on the radio to let Doug and the rest of the club members who were showing up at the

club house that we had a track that was made that night. My grandfather had arrived along with maybe four or five other members and Wade (Doug’s son). Wade had the dogs in his truck and he pulled up to verify that I had found a track, again early in my bear hunting career. Once verified Wade turned out two trail dogs and clapped them into the woods where the bear had gone off. They hit good and took the track right on, it was pretty hot.

Wade sent the rest of his while I moved to head them. I pulled where I could keep an eye on a reedy bottom that bears often crossed, sure enough there he was in the path. He saw me and took off. I pulled up as soon as

I got out of the truck Doug’s dogs were hitting the path and dumped all of mine. The race was on and they were driving him. They made two loops crossing the liquor still path twice and each time the dogs were getting closer and closer to him. Bam they treed about 80 yards off the path. I was pumped because it was on high ground and with some help I knew I could get my grandfather to the tree. Everyone pulled up and all the members wanted to see my grandfather, the man who took me to kill my first deer, kill his first bear. Wade went in to take a look, and hollered back on the Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

radio saying it was about 200 lbs in a small pine. I grabbed my gun, some leads, and my grandfather’s gun and started in. Luckily it wasn’t to bad of a walk and Wade had chopped a bit of a path when he went in. A couple of the club members came in and helped my grandfather as I led the way. We made it and it was so loud and my grandfather doesn’t hear the best, but we got the game plan laid out.

My grandfather would stand where he had a good shot with the other members while Wade and I tied dogs behind him. Luckily it went smooth and the bear stayed put. The shoot angle was steep but that was the only way we could get a good shot. I stood to the left of my grandfather and told him to shoot when he got ready. He raised his gun up and shot, I kept my eye on the bear but out of the corner

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

of my eye I saw my grandfather falling backward. Luckily the club members that came in were behind him, and guided him to the ground slowly. The bear was dead and didn’t even kick, there it was stuck in the top of a small pine. All we could do is sit there and laugh, my grandfather siting on the ground shocked said now what are we going to do.

After a few moments we gathered ourselves, I took my grandfather’s gun and my dogs out to the truck. Wade grabbed Doug’s dogs and my grandfather was helped out by the other guys. Wade and I went back in to further assess the situation and come up with a game plan. There was one limb there was right under the bear’s front leg and head, we figured if we could shoot the limb he would roll out. It was worth a shot, so I grabbed a semi auto Mossberg 20

gauge with rifled slugs. I moved till I was nearly under the bear shooting straight up, took aim and shot.

The bear rolled out and fell at my feet. Wade and I looked at each other surprised that it actually worked out so easy. We drug out the bear loaded and loaded it up. I was excited and I remember hearing Doug say to the folks standing around that I was more excited than my grandfather. We loaded up and headed home to take pictures, show the family, and clean it. I to this day cherish those pictures and the memory. I think about how cool it was to actually be able to take the man who introduced me to hunting and took me to kill my first deer in front of his dogs in to kill his first bear over my dogs when he was in his late 70s.

BRENT AND HIS GRANDFATHER WITH THE BEAR HE HARVESTED.

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Roy goes hunting alone or in company, as it makes no difference to him. Treed his first alone at 9 months old and has never stopped. He is extremely fast, intelligent, smart, and knows how to tree coon. He bawls and chops on track, locates with a big bawl, then goes into a loud ringing chop. He will stay treed for hours, is naturally straight and has never run trash. He is a coon dog, an excellent water dog, as nothing will stop him to tree his coon. Roy is 4 1/2 years old and is already a proven sire of early starting pups treeing coon. He is also one of the best looking black dogs ever. Roy is a very dominate sire as he throws whole litters of pups that look just like him in type, look, conformation and color. I've owned a whole bunch of great black dogs and I rate Roy right up there with the best. If you have a good female and a little particular to what you breed her to, it would certainly pay you to investigate Roy.

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Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

THE GREATEST BENEFIT OF REGISTERED DOGS IS THE COMMUNITY OF FELLOW HOUNDSMEN THAT NATURALLY FOLLOWS. PUREBRED PLOTT FANCIERS, RALPH HENDRIX, (UNKNOWN), FRANK CARTER, WARREN WILSON, L.V. PICKETT AND DEWITT WILSON GATHERED AT PLOTT DAYS MANY YEARS AGO.

Honor to Whom Honor is Due

The Significance of Registration in the World of Plott Hounds

an and Bess Plott were the names given to the first two registered Plott Hounds recorded by the United Kennel Club registry in 1946, the year of my birth. Fielder’s June, a female Plott was born January 5, 1952, little more than five years after the initial UKCrecognition. She was registered with the United Kennel Club on February 14, 1952. A look at her three-generation pedigree lying on my desk reveals four of the eight dogs in her three-generation pedigree to be devoid of registration numbers signifying they pre-dated official recognition in 1946.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

BY STEVE FIELDER

The year 1954 was notable in that it was the year Elvis Presley cut his first record. It was also the year Brown vs. Board of Education made school segregation unconstitutional and Polio vaccinations were first administered to school kids. The cost of a new home was $10,250 and a gallon of gas cost 21 cents. It was also the year my father traded a Winchester Model 74 .22 caliber rifle to W.O. Bennett of Crow, West Virginia for June after hearing her run and fight a bear on a coon hunt, his first experience with bear hounds. My dad had read articles about the breed in outdoor magazines while awaiting what would be two years of fighting in the South Pacific at the close of World War II.

The experience hearing Plotts in action hooked him on bear hunting and with the acquisition of June, he took the first step in becoming owner, trainer and breeder of UKC-registered Plott Hounds for the remainder of his life. I suppose one would question why a Tennessee farm boy, having hunted all of his boyhood and early adult years with cross-bred cur dogs, dogs that created some of his fondest of memories, would prefer registered dogs, forsaking all others but the purebred Plott Hound, for the remaining years of his life. As I thought about this, I began to ponder that question in my own regard since I followed my dad’s footsteps even to the point of making purebred dogs my life’s work. What is the attraction? Why, in the case of my family and its dogs would nothing but purebred, registered hounds do? Hopefully we shall see.

As a boy of eight years, I recall the first set of UKC registration papers that I held in my hand and I found them fascinating. Upon receiving them from the seller Dad enclosed the fee

and sent them to the kennel club to have ownership of June transferred to his name. The pale blueish-green paper, the size of a standard letterhead, contained the words “United Kennel Club Registering Offices – Kalamazoo, Mich.” across the top. The claim “We have the most complete system in the world” was inscribed on a small banner above that. Centered below those inscriptions were the words “Pedigree Certificate.” I had heard of pedigreed dogs but now I realized that my dad had one and this paper was the proof.

Below the identification inscriptions were the dog’s name, Fielder’s June, and her UKC registration number in parentheses (C 744-061). Following was a roman numeral indicating the volume of the stud book. It all looked incredibly official to me. Other information followed as my eyes scanned downward, sex, color, date of birth and breed. Then came Owner of Sire and Owner of Dam (Breeder). I would learn this meant the father and mother of June. But the most fascinating part of the document was the three-tiered horizontal bracket containing the names of fourteen dogs. First there were two names, June’s sire and dam, then moving to the right, there were four more, June’s grandparents on both sides of the family, then as my eyes continued to move to the right, eight names appeared that signified June’s great grandparents on both sides. It was a family tree! As fascinating as it was at the time, little did I realize how many times throughout my life I would scour documents like this nor did I phantom the significance registration papers would play when making important decisions about my hounds through the coming years.

Throughout my seventy years with Plott Hounds, 1954 to 2024, I have faced many nay sayers as to the importance of keeping accurate, official records on our hounds through registration. “Papers don’t catch game” is the mantra of the unconvinced. On the surface that statement is true. They don’t but they provide a wealth of information and are the tools upon which many successful hunts have been possible. I found it interesting that when I went to the American Kennel Club and the stud files were opened, many breeders that had ignored registration were seeking ways to attain registration for their grade hunting dogs. Unfortunately, some lacked any kind of tangible proof that their dogs were purebred. The heart of this article comes down to asking, why would these breeders seek registrations for dogs they were seemingly satisfied with in terms of being hounds suitable for catching game?

Perhaps the more important value in purebred dogs, as I have entered this senior stage in the journey, is the heritage factor. We can claim our connection to our hounds through inheritance, through tradition or through birthright. Registration documents accompanying our hounds provide tangible means of passing them on to our offspring or chosen beneficiaries through inheritance. They aren’t registration documents per say, but I have the tax receipts where my great grandfather John Haley, my Grandmother Fielder’s dad, recorded his foxhounds in the tax records in Hickman County, Tennessee as early as 1907. He registered a two- year-old black and white female named Kate for the sum of three dollars. Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

Without official records how could I possibly know that? As the only houndsman among three brothers, my dad inherited the records from my grandmother. As the eldest of two brothers, I claimed them as my birthright with no argument from my younger brother. The hound heirlooms I’ve retained over the years will some day be his and vice versa I’m sure. Through registration of our hounds, we have a reliable method of record-keeping that is far more reliable than henscratching in a composition book. A registry’s fundamental business is record-keeping. Without accuracy the product would be worthless. The advent of DNAprofiling in the late eighties and early nineties virtually closed the door to paper-switching.

As a spin-off of record-keeping came a means for hounds to be entered in competitions, to secure titles and to generally increase their worth. Once organized nite hunts came into vogue, the interest in non-registered hounds began a rapid decline. Old timers talk of the days of having more grade dogs than registered at the events. Those days went the way of the kerosene lantern and the carbide light.

Before we leave the record keeping benefit angle, hunters soon realized, through registration, the value in paying a nominal fee to have reliable organizations do their record-keeping. Things are easily misplaced and forgotten. Registries have streamlined their systems through the years making the possess as user friendly as current technology would permit and it behooves them to continue to find ways to do so. Service is product they sell.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

The benefit of registration as a breeder’s tool cannot be denied. Hunters became adept at reading pedigrees and terms like the “top side” or the “bottom side” came in vogue. The “top” being the sire’s information and the “bottom” being the dams. Universally, animals of every type or persuasion are registered to maintain breeding records for fanciers. Coonhound registration propelled the tree hound sport into the twentieth century and beyond. Registries began to offer research services for breeders and prospective hunters to find missing pieces of their individual breeding puzzles where word-of-mouth was the tried-and-true method before. Even hunters choosing to shun registration of their hounds are usually quick to point out the registered line from which the hounds originally came. When I was at the registries, we were called upon many times to identify dogs for various reasons; ownership disputes, insurance claims, liability litigation to name a few. Early on, the practice of ink tattoos in the lip or ear were the go-to methods but were sometimes easy to change or remove. Freezebranding, whereby the hair follicle is frozen and the regrowth appears as white became popular. Registries began to record these identification marks on registration documents. Then came the microchip and DNAprofiling and identification was virtually assured. Pup programs like PKC’s Super Stakes and UKC’s Performance Program require DNA samples and profiling as proof of identification and parentage. By the registry keeping a record of these markings, countless lost or stolen hounds have found their ways back home.

When UKC began printing the PAD pedigree (pups and degrees) and PKC followed with publishing a dog’s monetary earnings and the combined earnings of the offspring of each dog on the pedigree, registration took on a whole new degree of importance to prospective buyers and hound values rose exponentially in the process.

And for the patient among you, I’ve saved the best for last. The most important benefit to owning, breeding and hunting registered dogs is community. When Dad brought old June home to live with us, he began to actively subscribe to and to read Full Cry and American Cooner magazines. When Dad was through, I devoured them as well. He also became interested in the National Plott Hound Association, the group that was founded in 1953. He went to visit the first president, H.L. Brown who lived in Ohio. His interest in NPHA became my interest. I served NPHA as Breed Representative, Director and President. It became my go-to hound association and many of my closest and dearest friends over the years were met through the association with purebred dogs. My work with NPHA led to my employment with UKC and dominoes continued to fall at PKC and AKC. When I was hunting hard and trying to lift my weight breeding purebred Plott dogs, I relied heavily upon registry records to match breeding pairs or find that hound that was genetically compatible with my own. One of the last crosses I made before going to UKC was the breeding of a female I really liked to her uncle, a dog I had heard about and hunted with originally at National Plott Hound Association Days in Illinois.

Coonhound registration has worked in many ways for me, perhaps more than some but I’m betting many readers can quickly list the benefits they have enjoyed in their own hounds. I look at it this way. The “Adopt Don’t Shop” movement in

companion dogs tries to place the purebred breeder in a bad light saying that intentional breeding of purebreds isn’t necessary. I don’t agree with that. The next time I step out into a southern night and listen to the strike, trail and unmistakable bawl of this

Plott dog my buddy and I have, I’ll be glad I stuck to my roots. I’m betting that old frosty-mouthed black female is listening too. “Speak to ‘em, June. It’s been just sixty years since I last heard you open and I’ll never tire of looking at your ‘family’ tree.”

GREAT GRANDPA JOHN HALEY REGISTERED HIS FOXHOUND IN HICKMAN COUNTY, TENN., IN OCTOBER OF 1907.

FIELDER'S JUNE, BORN JANUARY 5, 1952. THE FIRST UKC REGISTERED PLOTT FOR THE FIELDER FAMILY

UKC REGISTRATION AND PEDIGREE FOR FIELDER'S JUNE, SEVENTY YEARS AGO. Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

PR Lone Pine Dewey PR Hayes’ Lone Pine Joe PR Finley River Luck PR Finley River Slick GRNTCH PR Brookshiers Uncle Lee PR Finley River Ozark Lady NTCH PR Finley River Molly PR Lone Pine Sport PR Finley River Dockett PR Lone Pine Bingo PR Finley River Stormy PR Lone Pine Smidge GRNITCH CH PR Thunder’s Wild Clyde PR Lone Pine Babe NTCH PR Bell’s Pigeon Cr. Angel PR Monroe’s Finley River King PR Lone Pine Dewey PR Hayes’ Lone Pine Joe PR Finley River Luck PR Finley River Slick GRNTCH PR Brookshiers Uncle Lee PR Finley River Ozark Lady NTCH PR Finley River Molly PR Snowbranch Misty Morning NTCH PR Loomis Silver Dollar Rocket PR 2/S Coda’s Silver Bullet PR B & K’s Sunset Coda PR Kirk’s Cosmos NTCH PR Jr’s Stylish Joker PR Stylish Beaver Crk Southern Dixy PR Ark Suns Katy

‘PR’ MONROE’S FINLEY RIVER KING

ATTENTION! The dog on the top is ‘PR’ Monroe’s Finley River King. The one on the bottom is ‘PR Stylish’ Molly. Molly is a grand show champion and has five wins towards grand night champion. Put Molly in coon and she will treat them like squirrels. One night we took Molly and King and within two hours we looked at eight sets of eyes and no slick trees! Molly is bred to King and she is due to whelp on May 18th. By the time you read this, she’ll be nursing pups. I plan to cut back on my breeding some; King and Molly will be for sale. If you are interested in a pair of hounds that you can enjoy for several years you might be interested in them. King is 7 and Molly is 5. Their pups should be stemwinders. They will be $500 male or females.

‘PR’ STYLISH MOLLY

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GRNITCH ‘PR’ Rock River Sackett CH GRNITCH ‘PR’ Rock River Sackett Jr. GRNITCH ‘PR’ Skean’s Dolly GRCH GRNTCH ‘PR’ Rat Attack GRNITCH CH ‘PR’ HiCountry’s Nite Heat GRNTCH ‘PR’ Night-heat Dixie GRNTCH ‘PR’ Lone Pine Patches GRCH GRNITCH ‘PR’ Stylish Pack Rat GRNITCH ‘PR’ Hard Knockin Stylish Hayes GRNTCH ‘PR’ Ball’s Stylish Hickory Nut Harry GRNITCH ‘PR’ Schmersal’s Stylish Anna GRNITCH ‘PR’ Harry’s Stylish Fancy HTX GRNTCH ‘PR’ Hard Knockin Stylish Hayes GRNITCH ‘PR’ Simington Wild River Maggie GRNTCH ‘PR’ Hardwood Lot Lizard PR’ Stylish Molly WLDNITECH GRNITCH GRCH ‘PR’ X Jr. GRNITCH ‘PR’ Turpin’s Insane Cain WLDNITECH GRNITCH ‘PR’ Bolden & Turpin’s Insane Jane GRCH GRNITCH ‘PR’ All Grand Insane Nailor GRNTCH PR Brookshiers Uncle Lee GRNITECH CH ‘PR’ Hughes Nocturnal Zipper GRNTCH ‘PR’ Tall Timber Jill GRNITCH GRCH ‘PR’ Blag’s I’m A Monkey 2 GRCH GRNITCH ‘PR’ All Grand Track Man GRNITCH ‘PR’ Cold Sweat GRNITCH ‘PR’ Spears Highland Stylish Famous GRNITCH GRCH ‘PR’ Kelly’s Spunky Monkey GRNITCH ‘PR’ Nocturnal Skipper GRNITCH ‘PR’ Skipper’s Unforgiven Saige CH GRNITCH ‘PR’ Unforgiven’s Paige

Monroe’s Finley River Duke AT STUD • (BY PRIVATE TREATY)

PR’ Lone Pine Dewey PR’ Hayes’ Lone Pine Joe PR’ Finley River Luck PR’ Finley River Slick GRNTCH PR Brookshiers Uncle Lee PR’ Finley River Ozark Lady NTCH ‘PR’ Finley River Molly PR’ Lone Pine Sport PR’ Finley River Dockett PR’ Lone Pine Bingo PR’ Finley River Stormy PR’Lone Pine Smidge GRNTCH CH ‘PR’ Thunders Wild Clyde PR’ Lone Pine Babe NTCH PR Bell’s Pigeon Cr. Angel PR’ Monroe’s Finley River Duke PR’ Lone Pine Dewey PR’ Hayes’ Lone Pine Joe PR’ Finley River Luck PR’ Finley River Slick GRNTCH PR Brookshiers Uncle Lee PR’ Finley River Ozark Lady NTCH ‘PR’ Finley River Molly PR’ Snowbranch Misty M orning NTCH ‘PR’ Loomis’ Silver Dollar Rocket PR’ 2/S Coda’s Silver Bullet PR’ B &K’s Sunset Coda PR’ Kirk’s Cosmos NTCH ‘PR’ Jr’s Stylish Joker PR’ Stylsih Beaver Crk Southern Dixy PR’ Ark Suns Katy

The bloodlines of Lone Pine Dewey are becoming more and more popular as the demand for the type of hounds he produced is growing. A hound must run a track before he puts his feet on a tree with game in it. Duke leaves your light on a dead run; a good strike dog, can move a bad track, and have the right tree in the end. He has generations of his blood and traits showing up in the

FINLEY RIVER DUKE

LONE PINEY DEWEY WITH RANDY SMITH AND JOHN MONROE

hounds being bred up in these hounds of today. Stamina goes a long way. I bought Dewey from Jean Harrison of Woodbine, Maryland for $1500 when he was up in his later years and he produced a lot of outstanding counts before he died.

Randy Smith and I with Dewey when he came out and brought a female to him over 30 years ago you’ll find a lot of old Dewey and Randy’s breeding program today. I will be having several letters this spring and then I plan to slow down with my program.

Just looking at him in this photo you can see he was rugged and stature and Duke maintains a lot of his traits. This photo shows

Come or call anytime.

PS: Dukes pedigree is a great foundation from yesteryear

JOHN J. MONROE

16954 Johnson Drive, Glenwood, Missouri 63541 CELL: 660-216-1121 | HOME: 660-207-1668 Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

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Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

Kids Corner To submit your child's hunt photos, short stories, poems, or artwork for Kids Corner send them to publish@fullcrymag.com One child each issue will be selected to receive a $25 gift card.

CHARLEE: OFFICIAL PUPPY TRAINER

CHARLEE & BO PIRCSUK ARE READY TO COON HUNT.

WYATT RENZELLO, 6, AT A BEAR TREE!

AAYDEN (11) AND CAMDEN (9) OUT FOR A NIGHT OF COONHUNTING.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

DEEGAN DOWNS AND HIS DOG RUBBLE AT A LION TREE.

SHOP BY BREEDS HOODIES, HATS, TEES, & DECALS

GRAPHIC TEES ONE OF A KIND, CUSTOM MADE, & COONHOUND THEMED

DECALS DURABLE, MADE FROM VINYL, & WEATHER-RESISTANT

STONEWALL828.COM Take the Houndsman Lifestyle Wherever You May ROAM! Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

Book Corner

ithin the tree dog world there is a plethora of books recounting the knowledge and experience of those who have spent many years following the cry of their hounds. In this section those books will be highlighted so anyone interested may learn from the dog men of the past. For those who might think they have not the time to read, in a book you can learn in hours what another learned in a lifetime. Black River Bolly highlights the career of an exceptional bear hound as he matures and

learns to bear hunt along with his novice owner. Bolly started hunting on raccoons and was first put on bear when Michigan opened a bear season in 1956. The author soon discovered that he had a phenomenal bear dog in his young pup. This book is filled with wisdom that can only be written after going through the personal growth that comes from training a hound while he trains you. It contains valuable insight regarding the qualities required in a bear dog and is a worthy read to anyone interested in hunting black bear with dogs. My personal favorite

Title: Black River Bolly Author: Clyde Bounds Original Publication Date: 1989 Availability: Moderately Difficult to Find Used Hunting Location: Wisconsin and Michigan Game Pursued: Raccoon and Bear Type of Dogs: Plott Hounds

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

quote from the text is as follows: “A good bear dog must be able to rough it up with a bear. Dogs that fight a bear by calling it naughty names at 30 paces sound good to their owners but contribute little to catching a mean bear.” It is the kind of book that makes you ask more from your hounds. If you know a book on hunting with dogs that deserves recognition, please email boppe.hunting@gmail.com Danny Boppe

GONE to the DOGS Steve Fielder traveled the United States and Canada pursuing a thirty-three year career involving coonhounds and hound hunting. He worked for all three major coonhound registries; UKC, PKC and AKC. His work on behalf of hound hunters has been recognized on many fronts; Kentucky Colonel, Honorary Texan and Michigan Bear Hunter’s Association Sparky Hale Award winner are some of Steve’s numerous awards. Steve’s professional and private life have been deeply devoted to tree dogs. Ater retirement, he wrote the highly acclaimed GONE TO THE DOGS – A COON HUNTER’S JOURNEY from which the popular GONE TO THE DOGS PODCAST was derived.

THE BOOK THE PODCAST 200 pages, 22 chapters that capture Steve’s interesting and entertaining experiences with hounds and hunters Books are available for $25.00 (Free Shipping) at: STEVEFIELDERBOOKS.COM

A weekly program covering all aspects of the tree dog sports with interesting and informative guests discussing a wide range of hound-related topics each week.

You may also order with check or money order in the amount of $25.00 (includes shipping) at: Steve Fielder Books 11235 Rollingwood Drive, Port Richey, FL 34668.

The podcast airs weekly on the Hound Podcast: Double U Hunting Supply network or anywhere you get your podcasts online.

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

News & Views hunters come out in force and truly enjoy the day’s activities with big time bragging rights!

All American Bluetick Association Mark A. Hauck 1231 State Route 321 Sardinia, Ohio 45171 Markhauck58@yahoo.com Facebook: All American Bluetick Association Greetings everyone, hope you and your Blue’s are enjoying the spring weather and either hitting some events or the pleasure of just being in the woods. We have been busy and have several events lined up for all followers of Coonhounds to come and enjoy.

As your reading this we will have been in Mineral Point Wisconsin doing 4 Conformation Shows for the Heartland Classic, a First for this event and we welcomed the opportunity to bring this to their event. It will be fun for me as I’ll be back in Southern Wisconsin a place I hunted and showed for many years when I was living in Northern Illinois. I also will be judging the Friday UKC Youth event for the Heartland and look forward to it.

June will be busy for us as we have the Warnie Emmons Memorial event in Mt. Orab Ohio June 8th with special awards for Blueticks Hunt and Show. We also have our Big Game Extravaganza and Julius Sebastian Bluetick Tribute in Afton Michigan on June 21st and 22nd with Special Awards for the Overall Bear Bay, Water Race, Field Trial and Treeing Contest. This is open to All Breeds and on Saturday we have Special Awards for Blueticks for Hunt and Show and Special awards for All Breeds in the Water Race and Field Trial UKC events. I’m told this is a fun weekend there in Afton as the Bear 80

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

Now, something new is at the UKC Premier on Wednesday June 12th we have been asked to hold a National Coonhound Conformation Show prior to the Top Ten on Thursday for the Premier. Something added will be the specialty class approved by UKC for our show is the Special Exhibition for Dual Champions. This is a class for hunting dogs who have a Nite Hunt or HTX title along with a show title to compete for Special awards. For more information please check pout our ad on our Facebook page and other sites for times and all at the Kalamazoo Fairgrounds the week of the Premier. WE are excited about this event and special prizes will be on hand for the 1st National Conformation Show at the Premier. It should be a great time for all.

As for August we have 2 more events listed on or Facebook page the Virginia Larry Jones Memorial in Lambsburg Virginia August 9th & 10th. The Jim Myers & Wayne Baker Tribute event will be in Lexington, North Carolina on August 23rd & 24th. Both the Stewarts Creek Coon Club and Yadkin River Coon Club will host a $500 added purse for the hunt and $250 for the show open to All Breeds and Special Awards for Blueticks in Hunt and Show. Both of these clubs are good strong clubs and we expect a great turn out and lots of fun visiting with old friends and making new ones while there. September is always a busy month, and here in Ohio the Pickaway County Coonhunters in New Holland Ohio will be hosting on September 7th the AABA Ohio Championship with a $500 added purse for the hunt and $250 added purse for the show. As always we will have Special awards for the Blueticks in Hunt & Show. Check our Facebook page to follow our updated listing of events. WE are already booking hunts for 2025 as clubs are finding out our events support all breeds, and support the club 100%. Well, I’m sure our fine magazines are hoping I’m ending this and want to thank them for allowing us to bring our information and news through them to you the readers. I strongly suggest you pass the word and get friends to sign up to receive this fine magazine. We will send our event results as they happen in hopes they also can be published for you the reader to follow. Be Safe, enjoy your family and your 4 legged friends. Go Team Blue !!

American Treeing Feist Association Nicolas Gipson

Red Hot Hoda Bob Wallace Memorial Rally hunt winner with handler Mark Gouger, Owner Loren Slatton and daughter Alivia Slatton

Kentucky Regional P.M.

JBC’s Scalded Copper 2023-2024 ATFA Dog of the Year. Owner Nicolas Gipson

Since the last issue of our article our season has come to an end. The hunts that closed out the year were the Kentucky Regional hunt which was an evening hunt that was done on March the 8th, and the Bob Wallace Memorial Rally hunt which was done on the 9th of March and was an all-day hunt. A rally hunt takes the scores from the morning hunt and the evening hunt, combines those scores and it is an accumulation of those points that places a dog. Fortunately for us we were blessed with some rather acceptable weather and the squirrels were abundant. For my casts personally, the regional hunt was a personal best for us and then on Saturday evening we broke that record again with a few more points. The placings for the Kentucky Regional hunt are as follows.

Dog Handler Points 1. Crossfire Scooter Loren Slatton 1250+ 2. Coles’ Toby Todd Coles 1125+ 3. JBC’s Scalded Copper Nicolas Gipson 1050+ 350 circle 4. Hub City Rufus Keith Mitchell 1050+ 250 circle 5. Clint’s Jess Clint Atkins 925+ Bob Wallace Memorial Rally

Dog Handler Points 1. Red Hot Hoda Mark Gouger 1500+ 2. Clint’s Jess Clint Atkins 1325 3. JBC’s Scalded Copper Nicolas Gipson 1275 4. Coles’ Fiddle Ryan Coles 1075 5. East Boley Chicory Owen Brayson 975 6. Crossfire Crow Marty Brown 900 7. Hub City Rufus Keith Mitchell 800 700 circle 8. Crossfire Blackout John Carpenter 800 375 circle 9. Landrum’s Susie Chris Phillips 800 175 circle 10. Flat Natural Dance Dale Martin 700 Something to consider from these two hunts is the winners from each. Crossfire Scooter and Red Hot Hoda both championed out with these wins. Hoda is owned by Loren Slatton, but Loren also handled Scooter for Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

much of the year. What an achievement for both of these outstanding dogs, I am truly surprised that neither of them hadn’t championed out before then. You can ask any of the members that have been privileged enough to have a dog to champion out, “What does it take to make a champion?” You will most likely hear, lots of patience and you got to wear out a couple pairs of boots.

There were several Champions and Grand Champions throughout the year, but we will save all of those for a later issue. Now let’s talk about the dog of the year race because it was truly a race that I will never forget. For most of the year Pinebelt Peanut Butter held the lead, but as time went on old Peanut Butter championed out in Georgia. So JBC’s Scalded Copper hopped into the lead with Hub City Rufus nipping closely at his heels along with Crossfire Scooter and Coles’ Toby. As the owner and handler of Copper, I was extremely nervous that I was going to be knocked off the top. To be completely honest I never expected to be anywhere near the top in the first place. Copper had me nervous to the very last hunt, which was the Bob Wallace Memorial hunt. In the morning hunt he only scored 50+ points with 400 circle. Talk about depression, thinking that this was the way I was going to lose, but I couldn’t have guessed what he would have done in the evening hunt. Copper came back with a vengeance scoring 1225+ in the evening hunt with a combined 1275+ for the hunt and securing his spot as the 2023-2024 American Treeing Feist Association Dog of the Year. Here are the Dog of the Year standings: Dog 1. JBC’s Scalded Copper 2. Hub City Rufus 3. Pinebelt Peanut Butter 4. Coles’ Toby 5. Crossfire Scooter 6. Clint’s Jess 7. Coles’ Peggy Sue 8. Jack 9. Grier’s Rio 10. Coles’ Dixie

Handler Nicolas Gipson Keith Mitchell Lee Balliet/Keith Landrum Todd Coles Loren Slatton Clint Atkins Chuck Pool Joey Thomason James Grier Chad West

Congratulations to all dogs and handlers for yet another amazing year. Thanks to all those that work hard each and every year to make these hunts possible, and thanks to the board for continuing the traditions that we all love. If you would like to know more about the ATFA you can find us at www.americantreeingfeist. com, or find us on Facebook. Until next time, “Hunt Hard and Stay Treed!” 82

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American Plott Association, Inc. News and Views John R. Jackson 1103 Tom Jackson Road Boone, NC 28607 Good day Plott folk everywhere! Here's hoping that you, yours, and your Plott dogs are doing well. Perhaps you are planning to attend an event, thinking about breeding that prized female, making a trip up North to run some bears, or making a summer coon hunt-whatever's on your mind, I wish you the best of success. Here in Western North Carolina, we'd have to settle for a late-spring coon hunt. Up high in the mountains where I live, the leaves are not out yet, plus we've had several nights of frigid weather and frost. So, hunting coons would be our best option.

Speaking of cold, frigid weather, we've lost our apple bloom. But, I don't think our oaks have been harmed yet. At least I haven't seen any oak bloom on my driveway. Each year when the whites, reds, and chestnut oaks bloom, my easeway is matted. That's a good sign, especially for wildlife which feed on mast. I hope we can hold on until Old Man Winter is completely gone. Of course, you'll be reading this in warmer times when all danger of cold weather and frost is behind us. In regard to reading the column, please allow me to express my thanks for your doing so. I deeply appreciate your kindness.

I have so much good news to report that I must catch my breath, straighten in my office chair, roll up my sleeves, and get ready to keyboard.

The third weekend in March has marked the 36th consecutive year that APA has hosted its annual Breed Days. I've attended all of them-Sweetwater, Tennessee, Brandenburg, Kentucky, Rock Hill, South Carolina, Licking Creek, Ohio, York, South Carolina and lately Greenville, Tennessee. This has been a genuine treat. My goodness! What wonderful people I have been privileged to meet. I've said this many, many times, the best thing about Plotts is not the dogs, but the folks who own and hunt them. This year's Breed Days event was no exception; I had a fantastic time, and am so proud of our association. The dust has barely begun to settle, but based on early reports, this may well be APA's best Breed Days ever. For all who made the trip, for all who participated, and all who worked so steadfastly in bringing things about, I thank you ever so much!

There's something about a woman's touch that brings rhyme and reason to what might otherwise be total chaos. APA is so fortunate this year to really have a lady's touch in leadership; our officers and board of directors-made up of several ladies-is proof aplenty. Sara Meinert, our president, Lisa Johnson, our secretary, Tracy Woodruff, our treasurer, Katie Woodward, a board member, and Lisa's daughter, Kati Johnson, all put long and dedicated hours into their many tasks. Each deserve a certificate of appreciation and a good, solid handshake.

The George family and I always pal together at Breed Days, and after the day's events, we always take time to share a meal.

I thank President Sara Meinert for all her preliminary activities in preparation for our big event. She did a great deal of groundwork, checking last-minute details, making phone calls, plus doing things like refitting our trailer with new cabinets. She was a very busy lady, and I hope she is finally getting some much needed rest. And the contingent of workers she brings with her-husband, Chris, her daughters, Carl Minske and others simply go to show what an undertaking it is to put one of these events on.

THURSDAY

APA has a group text going all the time, and we have these ladies to thank for it. Not a thing passes their attention, and of course our men directors and officers, Gary Bowen, Mark Dufresne, Justin Gurley, Shelby Silver, and Andy Blankenship likewise deserve our heartfelt thanks as well.

I'll simply say this: I'm fearful of APA's General Store; I try to avoid the place as much as I can! Why? The ladies who work there are busy all the time; they don't get a single second in the way of a break. I'm fearful I might be put to task! Lisa, Kati, and there's another one or two I don't know-I thank you all for your hard work. I have often wondered how Katie and Jason Woodward keep up with all the paperwork necessary to meet bench show requirements. My goodness that has to be a Herculean task! This year's bench show results tell the story of how much APA bench shows have grown and blossomed in the past few years. Katie and Jason, I don't know how you do it, but thanks so very much for your dedication and hard work. Our nite hunts went well despite cold, rainy, and damp weather. Of course, that's when coons really move. Thanks, Justin Gurley and Shelby Silver, for assisting in this department. Seeking all those pickups, headlights burning, filled with coon hunters ready to go "cooning" was quite impressive.

As usual, my steadfast friend from White Sulphur Springs, WV, Sam George, was by my side as we sold raffle tickets. I have known Sam and his family for many years and consider them the closest of friends.

Owing to the various prizes offered at our raffle-guns, Garmin equipment, and an electric bike-Sam and I had all sorts of business, and I thank him so much for his help. Plus, by the way, I always learn something from Sam. He is the teacher, I am the pupil. Owing to space considerations, it might be best not to list everyone who placed in our events. This is not to say their dogs did poorly. They did quite well, especially considering the volume of dogs entered. I will do my best, however, to wisely recognize each winner and the event in which they participated. Remember, Breed Days was a three-day outing with many competitive events offered. Nite Hunt winner, Tina Turner, Black and Tan, Michael Herd and Frank Burk - UKC Overall Winner, Tool Box's Loose Bolt, Walker, Jacob Marshall (Saturday) APA King of Hunt, Saddle Up Cowboy, Bill Shininger (Saturday)

APA Queen of Hunt, R & R's Buckeye Arrow, Hope Franklin (Saturday) BENCH SHOW

GRCH Male, Midnight Ringo Brindled Star, Plott, Jory Bish

GRCH Female, Nightmovez Jolene, Walker, Halee, Katee, Josee Lewis - Champion Male, River Bottom's King Hercules, Walker, Jacob Marshall, et. al. Best Male of Show, Walker Creek Bear Treeing Slim, Plott, Mike Kerns Best Female of Show, Rag Mt. One of a Kind, Plott, Katie and Jason Woodward Male Puppy Class and Breed, Rambling Rowdy, Leopard, Sierra Killian Male Senior Class and Breed, Hoyt's Crazy Cooter, Walker, Hoyt Sprinkle Male Senior Class, Sempter Fi, Plott, John Millage Male Puppy Class, Willie, Plott, Richard Smith

Female Senior Class and Breed, Grace Lynn's Once in a Blue Moon, Leopard, Kylee Wheelbarger. et. al.

Female Senior Class and Breed, Katlyn's Pretty Little Poison, Walker, Katy Baldwin - Female Junior Class, Walker Creek Tiny, Plott, Walker Kerns Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

Youth Bear Bay Participants

BAYING AND TREEING EVENTS Two-Dog Bear Bay, Roscoe and Whiskey, Daniel Shepherd - Two-Dog Hog Bay, Whiskey and Mose, Daniel Shepherd - Roll Cage, Ringo, Jory Bush

UKC Field Trial, Ch. L & T, Bear Pen Fever, Mark Miller and Stephen Fielder - UKC Field Trial, Registered, L & T, Springs Jr., Matthew Bryson Open Field Trial, 1st L & T, Ranger, Taylor Fiezell

Coon Treeing, Dixie, Mark Miller - Bear Treeing, Klutch, Layne Woodzell FRIDAY

Nite Hunt Winner, Shoot to Kill, Walker, Bryan Hudson BENCH SHOW

GRCH Male, The Midnight Gambler, Plott, Hannah Cable

GRCH Female, Buckeye Vly Here's Ur1 Chance Fancy, Walker, Cheyenne Doss, Tiffany Schmesal Champion Male, Rag Mt. Ace in the Hole, Plott, Katy and Jason Woodward Champion Female, Bawlistic Journey by Faith, Bluetick, Katie and Jonathan Millwood Best Male of Show, Rambling Rowdy, Leopard, Sierra Killian

Best Female of Show, Sidearm Coat of Many Colors, Plott, Kristian Halee and Josee Lewis Male Junior Class and Breed, Saddle Up Flash, Plott, Bill Shininger 84

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Male Senior Class and Breed, Lost Heritage Skyline G'r4 Gold, Walker, Beth Jenkins, et. al.

Male Senior Class, River Bluff Brindle Taco, Plott, Scott Rosson Male Puppy Class, Willie, Plott, Richard Smith Male Junior Class, Brushy Mt. Cadillac Cowboy, Walker, Hope Fields

Female Puppy Class and Breed, Little Miss Saturday Night, Walker, Alexis McCain Senior Class, Sidearm Singer of the South, Plott, Hope Fields Female Senior Class, Hillbilly Game Sassy, Walker, Mike McCain BAYING AND TREEING EVENTS

Two-Dog Hog Bay, Gopher and Lizard, Kendall and Bradley Frye Two-Dog Bear Bay, Roscoe and Whiskey, Daniel Shepherd Open Class Water Race, 1st l & T, lily, Kate Ward

Roll Cage, Crook, Danny Blanchett - Dash Race, 1st l, Brad Hyatt

Bear Treeing, Frigg, Rayan Delabruere Coon Treeing, Tyler Cobbler Youth Bear Bay, Maggie, Billy Capps

UKC Water Race, GR l & T, Double Spring Jr., Matthew Bryson; Reg T, Double Spring Jr., Matthew Bryson; Reg l, Polly's Tufffoot Mr. R.C. Smokey, Joseph Polly SATURDAY

Nite Hunt Winner, Money Stretch Em Samba, Walker, Jordan Stewart

BENCH SHOW GRCH Male, The Midnight Gambler, Plott, Hannah Cable

GRCH Female, Buckeye Vly Here's Ur1 Chance Fancy, Walker, Cheyenne Doss and Tiffany Schmersal Champion Male, County Line Truman, Plott, Christina Officer and Chelsea Bailey Champion Female, Chantilly lace on a Pretty Face, leopard, Sierra Killian

Best Male of Show, lost Heritage Skyline G'r4 Gold, Walker, Beth Jenkins, et. al. Best Female of Show, Muddy Creek X in the City, Walker, Shelby Cunningham Male Puppy Class and Breed, Rambling Rowdy, Leopard, Sierra Killian

Male Senior Class and Breed, River Bluff Brindle Taco, Plott, Scott Rosson

Male Junior Class and Breed, Walker Creek Bear Treeing Slim, Plott, Mike Kerns Female Senior Class and Breed, Lief's Sweet Tequila Blues, Bluetick, Jaclyn Smith Female Junior Class and Breed, Ward's White Girl Crazy Harley, English, Katlyn Ward Female Senior Class and Breed, Walker Creek Ash, Plott, Harper Kerns Female Puppy Class, Hoyt's Sweet Talkin' Willie Mae, Walker, Hoyt Sprinkle

APA King of Show, County Line Truman, Plott, Christina Officer, Chelsea Bailey APA Queen of Show, Rag Mt. Sweetin' Their Honey, Plott, Katie and Jason Woodward

Best of Best Bayoff, Maggie and Hawk, Taylor Fiezell Coon Treeing, Greemny, Abby Grindstaff Bear Treeing, Twister, Jacob Hose

Roll Cage, Crook, Danny Blanchett

Jay Waeltz of Ladysmith, Wisconsin was awarded the prestigious Methven Award, quite deservedly, I might add. I'll speak more about Jay and the Methven Award In Full Cry's next issue. Photographs are participants in Breed Days Youth Bear Bay, and Two-Dog Bear Bay Winners, Star and Gunner, Kelsey Morrow and Jacob Wilson.

Scripture comes from Genesis 6:8-"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." Until next issue, good luck, good Plotting, and may God richly bless.

American Redbone Coonhound Association DAVE PELZER 8646 245th ST ST CLOUD MN 56301 pelzpuppypalace@gmail.com or 320-250-5499 If you are one of the lucky ones heading this month to Cole Camp, safe travels and have fun. Be sure to shake the hand of the winner and if by chance you are that winner, congratulations. ARCA Days June 5th-8th, 2024 Cole Camp MO Wednesday June 5th will again be a YOUTH HUNT.

Winners of Saturday Two Dog Bear Bay, Star and Gunner, Jacob Wilson and Kelsey Morrow

BAYING AND TREEING EVENTS Two-Dog Bear Bay, Star and Gunner, Jacob Wilson and Kelsey Morrow Three-Dog Bear Bay, Cracker, lizard, Hatchet, Bradly Frye, Shelby Silver Dash Race, 1st L, Lily, Katlyn Ward; pt T, Ringo, Brad Hyatt

This past month I got a letter from Jimmy Carpenter with the sad news of the passing of his wife, Sarah “Ethel” Carpenter on January 23, 2024 at the age of 85. They were married for 68 years and Jimmy said, “Lord do I miss her!” Jimmy, I saw where you met on a dance floor in 1955, the year I saw my first raccoon treed by some Redbones and in 3 months you were married. Jimmy’s wish is for everyone to know that she fed and cleaned up after many a coon hunter over the years and was hopeful they all appreciated it. As many know, Jimmy was very active with the Purina Hunts and Shows and the Award Banquets at the end of the year. Mrs. Carpenter was very talented by playing piano, guitar, and wrote songs. At one of the banquets, she played and sang her song “Coonhunter’s Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

Widow” which all the wives really enjoyed. Jimmy has hung up the guns 2 years ago and that last turkey season he called in 32 long beards and 2 coyotes of which his hunters took home those 2 coyotes and 12 of the long beards. Sorry for your loss Jimmy. With 68 years together I’m sure your memory book has many chapters. Here is a list of winners from the St Jude’s Benefit Hunt of April 12-13, 2024 Friday Male Junior lass and Breed, Pr Lewis King James-Joe Lewis of TN

Friday Male Senior Class, Pr Sulphur Creek Cujo, Jake Vernon of KY

Friday Female Junior Class and Breed, Pr Warrior Rivers Deep South Devil, Kayla Cooper of AL Friday Nite Hunt Champions 8th NiteCh Pr Coffman’s Worth the Wait, Mike Young of TN 100+

Saturday BMOS Pr Lewis King James, Joe Lewis of TN Saturday Male Senior Class Pr Sulphur Creek Cujo, Jake Vernon of KY

Saturday Female Junior Class and Breed, Pr Warrior Rivers Deep South Devil, Kayla Cooper of AL Saturday Nite Hunt Champions 2nd NiteCh Pr Coffman’s Worth the Wait, Mike Young of TN 550+

4th NiteCh Pr Coffman’s Smokin Oddie, Brandon Coffman of TN 175+

Congratulations and thank you for supporting St Judes.

As I put this together, the last few days of April and lots of schools are having their final tests before the end of the year. It reminds me of a story where a college nursing class was meeting for one of their last times and the professor had a quick pop-up test for the class. All the students were getting all the answers correct without any problems. That was until the last question. “What is the first name of the cleaning lady that cleaned this class room all year long?” They all thought it was a joke and left it blank and handed in their test. When they were all back in their seats one asked if the last question was really going to count; which the professor said, of course it would. They told him that she was tall, wore glasses, and had dark hair. He then pointed out to them how they expected to make it in the world relying on people to do important things for them and not to even know their first name. So think about it, how many 86

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of you know most of the names of your favorite ball team? Some of you even know their stats. But do you know the first name of your sanitation driver who picks up your garbage every week? Oh, by the way, that cleaning lady’s name was Dorothy and they all knew it before graduation night. (smile-smile)

What I have read up here, this summer could be really bad with ticks, so be sure you and Red are protected when out in the woods. I have been lucky so far but my oldest daughter had Lyme’s Disease a few years back and still to this day she has had problems from it. Also, they are talking above normal temps through August so shade and fresh “clean” water is very important. Until next month I’ll leave you with the following: With the start of summer and lots of your kids and grandkids maybe playing a sport of some kind the next few months, here is something for EVERYONE sitting in the stands watching to remember: 1) These are KIDS

2) It’s just a GAME

3) Coaches are VOLUNTEERS 4) Umpires are HUMAN

5) NO college scholarships will be handed out TODAY 2024 Sectionals:

June 1 Central MN Hound Club, Long Prairie MN August 17 Top of MI Houndsmen, Afton MI

September 7 Dry Valley Coonhunters Club, Wentworth MO

November 21-23 St Marks River CHA, Crawfordville FL Please check your memberships and your last book to be sure that your address and phone numbers are correct. Thank you.

Send your dues to Secretary/Treasurer Sheila Lewis, 58 Lewis Road, Gates TN 38037 or if you have questions, her number is 731-413-9484 OR you can pay online by going to American Redbone Coonhound Association on FaceBook or the web site www.archa.us Dues for the American Redbone Coonhound Association are: $20/ 1 year single or family $50/ 3 years

$500/ Lifetime membership. $10 per year credit will be given for previously paid dues.

Redbook Editor: Lindsay Morrow 7030 N Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71107 Phone 919-414-1034 Email ARCA.Redbook@gmail.com Hunt Chairman: Jeff Young 11567 Farmhill Dr, Fenton, MI 48430

If your club wants to put on a hunt for the association, please give Jeff Young a call at 248-207-6430 or e-mail Jeffrey-young@sbcglobal.net

Bluetick Breeders and Coonhunters Association

Ch Brewsters Blue Ruby. Granddam to the 1st UKC Bluetick World Show Champion... Hittson's Blue Buck

A younger Gary Brewster and his NTCH Pepper

Welcome to the Int. BBCHA June/July '2024' column.

Our '2024' BBCHA Spring Round Up, hosted by "Ace Coonhunters Association" in Morgantown, IN., is in the books. Our '2024' BBCHA Spring Round Up had a total of 310 combined entries! The Ace Coonhunters Association is a very nice club! They're a hard-working club with great workers making sure everything was ready to go. BBCHA member Roby Cogburn and I have talked on the phone some and communicated through emails. One conversation in particular that we had was about our shared concerns over the shrinking available lands where we can cut a hound nowadays. We concluded that between urban sprawl and gentleman ranchers/farmers we've lost a considerable amount of historically good areas to hunt. Roby also shared some info and photos of a great friend to many, BBCHA member and Bluetick man... Mr. Gary Brewster. Please see the photos and info that Roby shared. Thanks again Roby for your time and effort! I truly appreciate your support for this column. HAPPY TRAILS

Coat’s Big Money Jake. This is Gary Brewster's Lighting dogs sire.

Brewsters A.J. Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

California Houndsmen for Conservation Michael Ewing (Cougar) GET INVOLVED Hello all, 2nd Vice President Michael Ewing here, I hope everyone is well and getting plenty of time in the woods. As we all know, hunting with hounds is a tough road, especially in California where just training the hounds themselves to catch game consistently is hard enough. But all the laws and regulations make it even harder. First off, they limit the game we can run by taking away the use of hounds on cats and bears in California, when using hounds to pursue big game like these is actually the most ethical and successful way to manage the population by being able to select the proper animal to harvest. Most of you already know all about this, so I won’t go into more details. Another challenge is deer archery season, in which we cannot even have a dog on the ground at all and then once rifle season starts we are still only allowed one dog, per tag/bunting license. Deer season is over in October and we have about a month to hunt anywhere we want with all of our dogs. Gray fox and raccoon season opens in November and on December 15th the Forest Service closes all the gates so we have no access to run our dogs on public land until April 15th. When the gates finally do open, the dog control zones go into effect. (California Houndsmen for Conservation is currently working on getting the dog control zones changed by the way). We are limited to certain areas we can hunt from April 1st to the middle of September, then deer season opens up again and we are back to the one dog per tag/hunting license regulation. So we really only get one month to hunt without limited access and dog restrictions. 88

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I encourage everyone to get involved with your local Houndsmen clubs to try and get these issues turned around. Becoming members is great, but getting involved and helping out is even better. There are only a handful of people in each club that actually put in the work and we need all the help we can get. There are several Houndsmen clubs in California. North central California Houndsmen Association, Mendo-Lake Houndsmen, California Sporting Dog Association, Tule River Houndsman and California Houndsmen For Conservation (CHC). CHC is the statewide club that has a paid lobbyist who is fighting to keep hunting with bounds alive in the state of California. All the clubs need people to get involved and help us with this uphill battle because it's going to take all of us to join together to keep the houndsmen tradition alive in our state. You can get in contact with all of these clubs through social media where they post their events and meetings.

As houndsmen, we need to positively promote the tradition to help keep it alive. We should post videos of hounds rigging, roading, starting a track, trailing, running and treeing. Post about how well we take care of our hounds, show them the dog food we feed, the vitamins and supplements, the deworming, the flea and tick prevention, and all the things that we give and do for our hounds to show how they are part of the family. Post videos of the hounds with kids, and hounds in the house if they come in. Show them how well behaved the hounds are and how we handle them. Post educational videos.

We all know what a dog will do on a dead piece of game or a coon in a cage. No need to share it on social media. Save those videos to show to your hunting buddies. All it does is give them videos to use against us in the fight. I have said this before and people respond that they are not going to hide what they do and I understand that, we don't have to hide, we just have to show people who we are, the right way. There is a lot a houndsman can do to help the tradition instead of hurting it. We need to educate people about the tradition and history of hunting with hounds. Take a kid or anyone who is willing to give hunting with hounds a try, and let them experience the hunt. Tell them what's going on and educate them. Show them how to tell if the hounds are striking a track, trailing, running, locating or treeing just by the sound of their bark. Show them how hunting with hounds is the only form of catch and release hunting. How a Houndsman can select

what animals we want to harvest and let go young, pregnant, or nursing animals. How the harvest is not the fun part of a hunt with hounds, but rather the pursuit of the game and the training of the hound. Show them how different tracking and training collars like GPS or telemetry collars work. Get them involved with the statewide and local houndsmen clubs. Invite them to field trials, dinner's, any fundraising events that the houndsmen community is doing. Every single one of us started somewhere whether it was a family tradition or someone took you hunting with hounds and you fell in love with the lifestyle. The next top houndsmen might be your neighbor's kid that's never been exposed to hunting with hounds until you give them the chance. Introducing them to hunting with hounds might change their lives forever. If every houndsman can get at least one person or kid interested, that's a big step in the right direction. Try to get more people involved in the houndsmen lifestyle. We are a dying breed and we need to turn that around.

The Bear Race was one for the books…. What started out as a 41 dog Bear race turned into a 3 dog Bear race and a 30 + dog Porcupine Hunt! Thank God there was a few of us seasoned folks there that weren’t strangers to pulling quills to assist in getting quills out as fast as possible. I hope all the dogs that had to be taken to the vet have a full recovery. Congratulations to the Todd crew for your big win in the Bear race!

Also I just want to say to the folks that had pups entered, y’all’s pups were on fire! 2024 FIELD TRIAL RESULTS YOUTH FINAL 1st Line & 1st Tree Dog: Tank Handler: Brogan Bottorff 2nd Line Dog: Stella Handler: Gladdy King 2nd Tree Dog: Oakley Handler: Blake Briscoe JUNIOR FINAL

Idaho Houndsmen Association Rachael Kidd: IHA Secretary First things first, a huge thank you to everyone that attended our Field Trial this spring.

You guys are awesome and such a wonderful group of people, truly. Thank you for all your cooperation and flexibility! And thank you to my co-officers for all you do and everyone that pitched in, from food preparation to clean up and everything in between. You guys are great!

I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend with you.

1st Line Dog: Jake 2nd Line Dog: Rip 1st Tree Dog: Rip 2nd Tree Dog: Edgar

SENIOR FINAL

Handler: Blake Briscoe (youth)

Handler- Declan Peterson (youth) Handler: Declan Peterson Handler: Pete Stacy

1st line & 1st Tree Dog: Hank Handler: Katelynn Kidd 2nd Line Dog: Smokey Handler: Tanner Todd 2nd Tree Dog: Rooster Handler: Rikki Mark PUPPY FINAL

1st Line & 1st Tree Dog: Ida Handler: Marcy Marsters 2nd Line & 2nd Tree Dog: Arial Handler: Clayton Smith

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

OLD DOG FINAL 1st Line Dog: Layla 2nd Line Dog: Flo 1st Tree Dog: Flo 2nd Tree Dog: Layla

Handler: Marcy Marsters Handler: Marcy Marsters Handler: Marcy Marsters Handler: Marcy Marsters

PUPPY TREE CONTEST

1st Place (57 Barks) Dog: Koa Handler: Joe McClay 2nd Place (55 Barks) Dog: Tango Handler: Jen Jesse YOUTH TREE CONTEST 1st Place (47 Barks) Dog: Fly Handler: Brogan Bottorff 2nd Place (Two Way Tie 38 Barks) Dog: Lilly Handler: Oaklee Briscoe Dog: Crow Handler: Sam Becker TREE CONTEST

1st Place (65 Barks) Dog: Arial Handler: Clayton Smith 2nd Place (63 Barks) Dog: Skippy Handler: Ray Swenson IRON DOG

1st Place Dog: Oakley 2nd Place Dog: Ed

3 DOG PACK RACE

Handler: Oaklee Briscoe (youth) Handler: Rikki Mark/Todd

1st Place (1.18.19) Dogs: Flo, Layla & Badonkadonk Handlers: Marsters 2nd Place (1.20.19) Dogs: Rooster, Lilly & Ruger Handlers: Todd/ Mark BEAR DOG

1st Place Dog: Ruger 2nd Place Dog: Maverick

Handler: Rikki Mark/ Todd Handler: Trevor Todd

Thanks again everyone and we look forward to seeing you all at the Water Races in August! 90

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Laurel Highlands Coon Hunters Club Connie Diven Greetings from the beautiful mountains of southwestern Pennsylvania.

During the regular monthly meeting of LHCHC on April 12, 2024, Bruce Knopsnider reported that the rabies clinic held earlier in the month produced some revenue even though the price was higher this year.

Bruce Knopsnider informed the club members that the PA State Youth Hunt, originally scheduled for June 29, 2024, has been moved a week earlier to June 22, 2024. This change was necessary because there is another UKC hunt scheduled for June 29, 2024. The Facebook administrator will make the change on the LHCHC page. If anyone knows of anyone planning on attending, please let them know of the date change. Prizes are needed for the youth hunt and members were asked for suggestions and to work on getting donations for prizes. The PA Senate Bill 1087 which would prohibit a hunter from retrieving his dog from private property without consent of the owner had the language stricken from the bill. An unarmed hunter has the right to retrieve their dog from private property without obtaining consent from the owner. However, the penalties weren’t taken away and this concerns many hunters because in a vast amount of wooded property a no signs or markings of no trespassing could be inadvertently hidden, and the hunter wouldn’t realize they have entered private property. Due to the numerous phone calls to the representatives in several districts in Pennsylvania and the various petitions circulated and signed, this bolstered the striking of the language. The bill is now in the PA House, if it passes as written it will go to the governor’s office. If more revisions are made, it goes back to the senate. A question was raised about another bill that would necessitate an insulated dog box when transporting dogs to various hunts. The bill has not been assigned a number to date.

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NATIONAL CUR & FEIST BREEDERS ASSOCIATION KELLY THOMAS PORTTEUS 713 E SYCAMORE ST JASONVILLE, IN 47438 Hello to all you out there in the tree dog world. I hope this finds everyone safe and well.

We held the 2024 NKC NC&BBA World hunt April 6, 2024 @ Elnora Outdoor Club. This was our first year for the World Hunt to be held in the Spring instead of the fall.

Fall has become a challenge for finding dates that do not conflict with deer seasons and land that is not already leased out. We hope the Spring will provide better hunting areas and no conflicts with other seasons. The weather this year was good and hunting areas were more accessible. Below are the results:

2024 NKC NC&FBA WORLD HUNT

Place SqrChmp RsrvSqrCH 3rd Sqr 4th Sqr 5th Sqr 6th Sqr 7th Sqr 8th Sqr 9th Sqr

Dog Light’s Chance Taylor’s Ridge Humminbird Brushy Acres Dew Stylish Viper Harper Creek Hombre King’s Cowboy Taylor’s Ridge Gabby Flaming Little Bears Son Bays Musa

Handler(s) Wayne/Mike Light Darren Allgood Bill Calaway Dan Wagler Bob Cleveland Roger King Clayton Brown Doug Marlow Rob Bay

Squirrel Champion "Light's Chance" handled by Wayne and Mike Light

Reserve Squirrel Champion "Taylor's Ridge Hummingbird" handled by Darren Allgood

Squirrel 3rd Place "Brushy Acres Drew" handled by Bill Calaway Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

2024 NKC NC&FBA WORLD NITE HUNT Place Nite Chmp Rsrv Nt CH 3rd Pl Nite Combo Dog

Dog King’s Cowboy Cahaba River Newt Taylor’s Ridge Jett King’s Cowboy

Handler Roger King Clifton Robinson Darren Allgood Roger King

We want to thank everyone that was able to attend, Elnora Outdoor Club, Guides, Judges,

Kitchen staff, and anyone that took part in helping to put on the 2024 World Hunt. There is a lot of work that goes into putting on a hunt and we appreciate all of you for supporting and helping.

We took Ads during the hunt weekend and are currently still working on getting the Ads in and together so the book can be sent to the publisher. We want to thank everyone for supporting the yearbook. Thank you to Don Bonsett and Sharon Moore. THE ELNORA OUTDOOR CLUB HELD THE 2024 NKC MIDWEST CUR & FEIST HUNT ON APRIL 5, 2024

Place 1st Pl Sqr 2nd Pl Sqr 3rd Pl Sqr 4th Pl Sqr

Dog Pleasant Home Hippie Michael’s Willow Pleasant Home Storm Light’s Chance

Nite Hunt Champion and Combination Dog "King's Cowboy" handled by Roger King

Handler(s) Auda Perkins Griffin Michael Josh Perkins Mike/Wayne Light

Dates for 2025 should be posted in the next Full Cry Article. We are currently trying to work and dates around other events going on. With several different registries out there is hard and we have tried to work out dates and not conflict but as I have heard others say, it is almost impossible to pick a date that some other registry does not have something scheduled also. So, we will get those dates nailed down and get them posted in the next article.

We hope that we will see you all at one of our events. It is so important to keep these hunts going and the hunting traditions alive. As I close, as always, please keep those sick, injured, or in need in your prayers. Until the next, take care. 92

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Nite Hunt Reserve Champion " Cahaba River Newt" handled by Clifton Robinson

cess and the hard work you put in nightly in the woods!

I always enjoy meeting new people. One young lady that sticks out is Ashley South from Tennessee. She has a great love for the breed and is currently raising a beautiful litter of pups. You can tell she takes great pride in them. Their breeding goes back to old school OW Hill and also Copeland. They sure are some big, houndy looking guys. Ashleys oldest litter she raised is doing great in the woods, on the bench and even with search and rescue! Her goal is to better the breed and keep redbones true to their breed standard. Ashley is hoping to start later this year with some UKC bench shows. She also has plans of going to her nephew's 'show and tell' at school and teaching them all about Redbones. Wishing her nothing but the best in her upcoming adventures! Nite Hunt 3rd Place "Taylor's Ridge Jett" handled by Darren Allgood

National Redbone Coonhound Association Trista Crowe Hello fellow Redbone enthusiasts!

Hopefully you are getting plenty of woods time with your hounds. The early hunting nights have left us too soon and now we're back to late nights, ticks & mosquitos. HA! On the upside, summertime does bring on a ton of hunts all over the country to choose from just about every single weekend. I'm anticipating seeing lots of reddogs in the winner's circle at all of the upcoming events!

Speaking of events, National Redbone Days is just around the corner. Pleased to see it held in Tell City, as it is such a great location with pretty good hunting. Their club members sure work hard at accommodating us and making the weekend run smoothly. I look forward to seeing everyone there. Best of luck and safe travels to those of you attending.

Seeing folks have great success with their reddogs always makes me happy. John Johnson has a handful of reddogs getting in plenty of wins already this year. 'GRCH Backwoods Ruby HTX' just lacks one more win to Nite Champion. His goal is to pick up her last win so they can take their shot at next year's Tournament of Champions. 'GRCH Backwoods Bonnie HTX' has got 2 wins towards her GrandNite title. He also has two females, 'Dot and Crowbird', that are pulling in bench show wins to finish their championship titles. Congrats on all of your suc-

The youth of this sport having a great time and being successful is always heartening. Alleigh Durbin has been hauling her hounds to town and is doing quite well! She has got to take home wins from Breed days. She handled Wheeler to a win in the youth hunt. They also achieved High Scoring Redbone at Youth Nationals. Her most recent win came from the St. Jude Benefit hunt where she was awarded Best Male of Show with King. Keep up the good work young lady! There aren't very many better phone calls or texts to get in the middle of the night than getting good pup reports from a cross you've made. Wade Kuhns phone was blowing up with great reports last week. Pups from his place had 10 cast wins over 5 different states. Most of those wins came from dogs that are just a year old, also hunting in multiple kennel clubs. Very impressive! Keep up the great breeding program you have going on and congratulations to all of those owners/handlers. Carrying the RedPower torch for Virginia brings us to Hunter Poff. He has a really nice hound on the end of his lead. 'NiteCh Ch Poffs Blue Ridge Hank'. He is off GrNiteCh Big Walnut River Banks and Quad Grand L's Bella. Hank started treeing his own coon at 6 months old and made NiteCh at a year old. Shannon, Cynthia and Richard have been great mentors to Hunter. They couldn't be prouder of his dedication and sportsmanship. Congrats to Hank on winning King of Hunt at Orange, Virginia's Redbone sectional. Wishing them luck next year at the Tournament of Champions and getting their last 2 wins to GrandNite Champion!

Up in Canada, John Walker has two redbones hitting the hunts. He finished 'Osbornes Red Spider' to GrandNite Champion. And just needs 2 more cast wins to finish 'CH Maple Lure Toussaint CoolBoy' to Nite Champion. CoolBoy is a top-notch Dual hound. It's always nice visiting with him and Paul at the hunts and hoping they can Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

attend some this year as well.

Those that know me, know that I love a good RedIce bred dog. It's a bloodline that has been very consistent and successful for me. But if there's anyone who may love the bloodline a touch more than me, it’s Ralph McGuffie out of Tennessee. He sure has a nice kennel of top bred hounds over there. Some of the things he sees consistently in the Ice bloodline is loud mouths, brains, a great nose and their accuracy. A couple of his favorite and special hounds to hunt are his World Champion Tammy and Quad Grand Champion Doc Holiday, both being RedIce grandpups. Doc is honest, trees them as they come and loves treeing layups. Happy hunting to you Ralph and to everyone else reading this! See you around :)

The winner was Pecan Bottom Creek, owned by Jason Tipton and handled by Wyatt Flanagan. Runner up went to Joon Bug, owner Lane Scogin/handler Tylee Thomas.

The Hughes Co Coon Hunters hosted a UHA Youth hunt on March 30th and gave away a Bright Eyes light to the high scoring handler. Cast winners in the Jr Division were Turpin’s Super Nova – Kayce Turpin, Julian’s Hardtime Fernomatic – Navaeh Julian. Sr division winners were Makin Money Buddy – Makenlyn Westbrook and Hatchett Man handled by Tate Barfield. For more results please visit uhahunts.com

Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to all that attended UHA events.Here at UHA we strive to help the youth. Hopefully you do as well. They truly are the future of our sport.

United Houndsmen Association PO Box 638 Healdton, Ok. 73438 info@uhahunts.com

Hunter Clark

Southern Oklahoma Coonhunters just held their 1st annual March Madness UHA Youth Hunt. This club really worked hard and gave away several thousand dollars in prizes. Too many people and sponsors to list. Thank you all who worked so hard to put on a wonderful event enjoyed by all. Video from this event can be found at treedogmedia.com

The top 3 in the Jr Division were: Backwoods Mighty Hercules – Hunter Clark, Lynch’s Hardwood Babe – Ricky Lynch Jr, Joon Bug, Tylee Thomas.

The Sr Division top 3 was: River Bottoms Baby Dee – Branson Rister, Crow Bottom Blue Bonnet – Dawson Pass, Skuna River Rock – Jeffrey Pembrook. Zanies Hunt Club held a UHA Dogtra Pathfinder Youth hunt on 03/23/24.

Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

Ricky Lynch Jr.

Tylee Thomas

Jeffrey Pembrook

Branson Rister

Dawson Pass

Jun / Jul 2024 | Full Cry

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LEOPARD HOUNDS I have 59 years with this line of leopards. They are open trailing, track driving, and accurate tree dogs. The universal dog. They excel on bear, mountain lion, bobcat, coon, and wild boar. Dogs have to catch your game before they can tree or bay it up. They will work in swamps, mountains, and dry ground. Please call as I don’t get online. “Puppies most of the time”. $300 males or females. Lamar Meeks 912-682-3995

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Full Cry | Jun / Jul 2024

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EARL (BIG EARL) MAXFIELD Earl (Big Earl) Maxfield, active in Texas coonhunting circles for more than 60 years, dies March 5th at this home in Blosson, TX. He was 77. A memorial service was held March 9th at First Baptist Church in Blosson with Rev. Mike Shupp officiating.

Maxfield, the son of Bundy G. Maxfield and Lola Davenport Maxfield, was born on January 25th, 1947 in Tyler, Texas. He was a graduate of John Tyler High School in Tyler where he played football. John Tyler High was also the alma mater of another football player named Earl, Heisman trophy winner and NFL Hall of Famer Earl Campbell.

Earl continued his football career at Baylor University and later with the Washington Redskins. In 1987, he moved to Blossom where he pursued his dream of becoming a cattle rancher. He loved the ranch and fed his cattle just hours before his passing. Maxfield was a member of the First Baptist Church of Blossom and was a longtime supporter of the Lamar CoonHunters Association of Paris TX. His parents and a sister, Bobbye Maxfield Hood (wife of East Texas coonhunting legend Bill Hood, the two supporting the Smith County Coon Hunters Club of Tyler for many years during the golden age of coon hunting clubs) preceded him in death.

Earl was a bench show judge and master of hounds and served for a number of years on the board of the Texas State Coon Hunters Association. He favored the redticks and was also a competitor in the events dating to the 1960’s.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Maxfield, whom he married in 1977; two daughters, Tracey Maxfield Collins (David) and Terry Maxfield; a granddaughter, Jordan Kuzmich; two siblings, Nathaniel Maxfield and Patsy Cunniff and several nieces and nephews, along with coon hunting friends all across the Lone Star State.

Big Earl was a lovable bull in the in the china closet. Another old hound dog man has crossed the river and gone to rest in the shade of the trees, Bright-Holland Funeral home of Paris was in charge of arrangements.

JOHNNY PATRANELLA Johnny Patranella, active in East Ventral Texas coon hunting for many decades died February 21st surrounded by his family at home. Patranella, 79, of Bryan Texas, was buried Feb. 27th at a graveside service with military honors at Restever Memorial Park Cemetary in Bryan. Johnny was an active participant at clubs throughout the region and a regular for many years at the Texas State Hunt. His friendliness and accommodating personality were testaments to his good reputation. Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Centers were in charge of arrangements.

S GR SQ CH Rogers Cisco

GR SQ CH, FTCH, WRCH, TRFCH, Ridge Runnin Ralph

BUSY, LOUD, ACCURATE, INDEPENDENT Squirrel & Coon

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