VA Bear hunters

[hntr4life]

Was wondering if any of you Virginians know a bear hunter name Tom Linkenhoker? He will be running big Treeing Walkers...I'm sure of it. He's an old friend and hunt/fishing buddy of mine that moved back home to Virginia about 5-6yrs back. Called him Uncle Tom! Would really like to get intouch again. Thanks,Dan

He might even go by Shoestring!

[Plott Proud]

hntr4life ~ Don't tell me you're from Virginnie too!! Whereabouts?

[hntr4life]

No...not me! I'm a CA native. This guy came to CA in the Airforce, got married,had a couple kids, divorced, and moved back home. Not sure exactly where home is but I remember him talking about the Blue Ridge Mtns. and coon hunting. Last time we spoke I believe he said he was working at the Ford plant? He told me he had a pack of big Walker dogs and wouldn't have anything else! Time in the field huntin' and fishin' with him and the stories he told about his experiences growing up running hounds on coon is what first peaked my interest in hounds. He said since he's been back he's focused on bear.

[hntr4life]

I'm always telling my hunting buddies now about a mangy black lab he picked up at the pound. He was proud as hell of that dog! The first time we hunted dove with that dog he wouldn't stop talking about how good a retriever he was. We shot a bird and he turned that dog loose and he bolted! I told him "he's been gone an awful long time, I didn't think that bird fell that far off!" He told me "don't worry, he's huntin it up!" "Musta been wounded!" About 15min later that dog shows up with a rubber squeaky monkey! I asked him "What the hell has he got in his mouth?" Uncle Tom didn't say a word, just grabbed the dog by the collar and walked back to the truck. My Granddad was sitting in his chair quietly laughing to himself. We turned to him and asked what that was all about and with tears in his eyes he said " That's the damn monkey he trained him to retreive with!" I about fell out of my chair. Needless to say Uncle Tom didn't want to talk about that lab anymore!!

[Plott Proud]

I'm gonna holler at a couple of guys I know back there and see if we can find him.

Talk atcha' later.

Irv

[hntr4life]

thanks,Irv. I would appreciate that. Still interested in those pups if they're not already spoken for. Please keep me in mind. Thanks again

[Jordan Run Walkers]

I saw Tom a couple of years ago after he came back from out your way. He was living near Clifton Forge, Va. at the time. I haven't talk to him since but I'll ask around and see if I can get a phone #.

[Plott Proud]

thanks,Irv. I would appreciate that. Still interested in those pups if they're not already spoken for. Please keep me in mind. Thanks again

Gamegetter here on the site said he didn't know him.

I'll try to get a hold of you tomorrow Dan.

Take it easy!
Irv

[hntr4life]

Thanks everybody, This means alot! I just got ahold of his daughter on myspace. They're in Covington and doing well. Gonna call him tomorrow and listen to him raz me about getting a Plott. Last time I talked to him I asked him about Plotts and told him that was what I wanted and he said to save time and money and just go right to Walker dogs cause I will eventually anyway!LOL Thanks again guys I've been amazed at how willing everyone is to help. Hope someday I can return the favor.Dan