Coon Hunting - They’re more than just beautiful dogs!
Whenever I hear anyone mention coon hunting, I can’t help but think of the wonderful novel written by Wilson Rawls called “Where the Red Fern Grows”. As a child I read this book and to this day, it can still bring tears to my eyes. Although the story is based on a boy, his love for his dogs and their love for each other, coon hunting is definitely a big part of the story and what helps tie it all together.
The story is about Billy, a young boy of ten who is the son of a poor farmer in the Ozark Mountains. He constantly dreams of having good hounds for coon hunting. Determined not to be stopped, the young man works his fingers to the bone and saves every penny until he can finally afford two Redbone Hound dogs. These beautiful dogs are known for their reddish coats and natural coon hunting ability. Billy calls the one dog Old Dan and other dog Little Ann. He trains the two of them and their reputation as the best dogs in the area spreads. At one point, Billy is forced to take a bet by the two meanest boys in the area. They ridicule him and torment him and tell him his dogs could never tree the trickiest raccoon in the valley. After Billy’s dogs tree the animal there is a terrible accident which causes Billy to give up coon hunting. After a time passes, Billy’s grandfather talks him into entering a contest. Billy, Old Dan and Little Ann don’t officially win the contest, but there is a unanimous agreement among all of the hunters attending that they are, with out a doubt, the best dogs entered. I need to stop here and tell you that if you have any interest in coon hunting, you need to read this book! I just couldn’t spoil the ending!
Although my coon hunting experiences are very limited, I’ve met several gentlemen of the sport. They are generally more than willing to offer to take you along and tell stories of their dogs and past hunts. Their love of the sport of coon hunting is only surpassed by their love and fondness for their dogs. I have been introduced to some beautiful coonhound breeds of these wonderful animals such as the Redbone, Bluetick, Black and Tan and the English to name a few.
Hopefully, sometime in the near future, I’ll be able to go out coon hunting and experience yet another way to be outdoors. The sounds of the hounds bellowing in the night air, the thrill of the hunt and the comradery that accompany such an activity are sure to be enjoyable and memorable in every way.