Country World Archives 2001-2008
100 coon-hunting dogs compete at Lamar Count Event
By LORI COPE | Country WorldEast Texas
April 5, 2001 -- It was obvious someone had let the dogs out in Paris.
Blueticks, Black and Tans, English, Plotts, Redbone, and Treeing Walkers bayed like only coonhounds should during the recent Texas State Coonhunters Association competition held March 16-18 at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds.
The annual event is only one of many throughout the nation throughout the year. The events usually feature coonhunts where dogs are scored by how well and how fast they tree a 'coon, as well as bench shows where the coonhounds are judged in competition much like sheep and hogs are at livestock shows.
The recent event in Paris was a United Kennel Club (UKC) sanctioned event where over 100 dogs (and their owners) from 20 states competed for top titles and prize money. A drawing was held to determine the four-dog hunting groups, called casts, which competed against other four-dog hunting groups. Each night's hunt lasted 120 minutes.
Competing coonhounds score points in the hunt by being the first to "strike and tree" a raccoon, but points can be deducted if the hound trees game other than a 'coon; or if he trees a 'coon but leaves.
The Official UKC Coonhound Rulebook is very explicit on rules, systems, handlers, and other pertinent information on bench shows and night hunts.
At the recent event, Dexter Whatley of Bivins (south of Atlanta near the Arkansas/Louisiana border) and his Bluetick male Peg (short for Star Pegasus), placed sixth. Whatley has traveled to many competitions and shows for years. He has coonhunted for about 40 years, has raised and trained coonhounds for 25 years, and also served as a judge in the world show in 1994.
Whatley, owner of Diamond W Farms which grows and retails trees, admitted he has traveled too many miles with his coonhounds and didn't "stop and smell the roses.
"I'm getting back to the basics. It's not how much you do in life but the quality of how you do it," the 50-year-old Whatley said. "I take a lot of boys with me and teach them how to train their dogs. Many have this 'kick butt' mentality, but even I am getting away from competitive hunting and going back to 'why' I started hunting in the first place -- for the fun of it, the solitude, relaxation, and getting closer to my Creator."
Even 11-year-old Luke Harrison of Lufkin said being alone in the woods with his dogs gives him a great feeling. "Just being out in the woods, in nature, and not having to put up with .... well, I like the quiet."
Luke also attributed his love for coonhunting to a family tradition. "It's in my blood," he said. "My grandpa did it and I think his dad did it. ... My dad hunted last night with Rocky (Luke's 4-year-old hound). They didn't do very well. ... We're going home soon."
Luke serves as a junior member of the Texas State Coonhunters Association, as is Brandi Stephens, 14, of Hearne. Brandi noted she has time to hunt 'coons about once a month, but has been involved with coonhounds and hunts pretty much since she was born. "I love being out in the woods. There's nothing to be scared of out there in the dark."
Walter and Cathy Stephens, Brandi's parents, are owners of C & W Bluetick Kennels. Walter Stephens is currently serving as president of the association.
This association's competition not only benefits the coonhunters and their dogs, but also the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This year's raffle will generate thousands of dollars for the foundation and will net some lucky winners a pickup, four-wheeler, and more (depending on the number of raffle ticket sales).
Whatley noted he has a "physical connection" to the fundraising for the foundation. "My daughter Lora has cystic fibrosis. She had a life expectancy of 15, but she's now 23 and married."
Research by the foundation, which is benefited by the fundraised-dollars, can be attributed to success stories such as Lora's.
Whatley, in a philosophical moment, noted training coonhounds and raising children are similar. "You train a dog and a child with six things: love, affection, discipline, fear, and patience. ... Show me a man with a well-mannered hound and that will be a man with well-mannered kids."
Big winners in the event's "Nite Hunts" were:
March 16 -- Grand Champions were Cary and Jeff Story of Fort Towson, Okla., with their Bluetick coonhound. First place went to Rodney Rose of Cawker City, Kan., with his Bluetick hound. Second place was earned by Randy Stephens of Paris with his Treeing Walker hound.
March 17 -- Thunder Johnson of Collinsville and his Treeing Walker coonhound were Grand Champion. First place went to Billy Fields of Ada, Okla., and his Treeing Walker hound. Second place was again Randy Stephens of Paris and his Treeing Walker hound.