Timothy, you got one thing right......the America we love has way too many evil aspects.

briarpatch

IMO, in Texas, the heavy period is from Dec. 15 through February.

briarpatch

Nolte,

X2 - excellent answer.

briarpatch

Yes! The "too many" point is the FIRST one. Drags are just for your entertainment. When he is old enough and shows that he is ready just put him on the real thing.

briarpatch

Amen all the way, Dewey.

briarpatch

BHP, we have plenty of "hot spots" on dogs here in hot Texas. Many of them are a result of the dog scratching, biting, chewing it's self trying to get rid of the fleas, ticks, MITES, etc. which are dealing it misery. These pests are especially bad this time of year. I have had good luck with a ...

Tom, as a hound man you are certainly right to NOT want them. Do your best to keep them out of your country. As for the average sized hound or cur dog killing a mature grown hog IMO the answer is definitely the dog cannot do it. This will probably get answers from some who disagree.

briarpatch

Peep, you can teach a dog a lot about handling. You can teach him practically NOTHING about trailing....it is genetic. That is not to say that he will not get better with exposure and experience. Of course he will. Just take him hunting with good company.

briarpatch

Your pup is doing o.k. Forget the "dragline" and take him huinting with the old dog. With the drag there is more scent on the trail and especially the "tree". He probably can see it in the tree and is treeing by sight. Give him some time. He will be on his on development schedule, NOT YOURS ...

Sounds like he may be a naturally silent track dog. If so, there is not much you can do. However, some dogs that are silent when young eventually do become open.

briarpatch

Riverbottom, that is excellent advice. I agree completely. Took me awhile to learn too.

briarpatch

What has happened to all of you coyote catchers??? Run out of snow?

briarpatch

merlecore, sent you a PM.

briarpatch

Dewey, I agree with you and C. John. When you KNOW your dogs and have good ears you can tell right away it the dog is after the right game, going the right direction, etc.

If it is a multi-purpose hound you will many times know what game it is.

However, time does have it's effect on ears (and ...

C. John Clay, Hipshooter, dWalton, IMO you guys got it right!! At least in the thick cover, dry, etc. like Texas......do not know anything about hunting in the snow.

Have always appreciated all of your posts and, C. John I hope you can overlook some of the unfortunate past and continue to post ...