How much for a good cat dog?

[Spokerider]

Now you've got me wondering just what kind of faults a $3000 dog has that's prompting you to pass on them in search of a top cat dog?

[Big N' Blue]

Anyone that has done a lot of cat hunting knows that they have to be the best dog in the pack and that takes a lot of experience that really cannot be taught, it has to lived. I have a lot of respect for anyone wanting to get started but they really would save a lot of money and time if they could get with an oldtimer that can and is willing to share his knowledge. Then they can decide if they want to make the kind of sacrifices and heartache it takes to be a cat hunter. It is not about the money, you will never recover what you spend, it is a lifesyle.

Best of luck to all!

[Ike]

I suppose some of us out here in the West has gotten a little behind on dog prices, and well agree that a really good cat dog is worth a lot of money. A few years ago, I saw an ad in Full Cry for two bear dogs that were plott and in their prime....the guy wanted $6500. bucks apiece. I bout choked when I saw that price but wouldn't consider turning over one of my best hounds in their prime for that kinda money. I have two red dogs that scream lion or bobcat like they're looking at bear, and they aren't for sale at any price............................

I guess it's kinda like tom lion hunting, a hunt use to be had for $2500 buck but many western guides are starting to understand they are worth alot more. I guess it's that hypocrisy that bothers me: some of these elk hunters are paying thirty or forty thousand for a big bull but think a cat should be like shooting a coyote. Personally, I place a higher value on trophy tom lions than I ever did on mule deer or elk, so the price has gone up accordingly.

Good luck on buying a real cat hound........

ike

[danny]

I agree with most of you if money is no object go for it and you get what you pay for.I would try to find someone to show you the ropes and start my own hound.

[HoundDawg]

I don't follow the dog market too closely but I doubt the West has been behind on dog prices.

Five years ago a guy offered me $5,400 bucks for my lead dog and I turned him down. And I know a guy here who tried to buy a dog for $6,500 and that guy turned him down.

And I know of one reputable dog guy here in the West that has been selling dogs at premium prices for a long time.

I think it's poor people like me who have been behind. High dollars aside, I have seen some damn nice cat dogs get sold for way below market value, down right cheap... because of guys who were in a financial bind, getting a divorce, etc...

So you can sometimes cash in on someone else's misfortunes and get a pretty nice dog for a good deal. Seen it plenty around here.

[Farmhand]

Yeah, most guys kinda hate to capitalize on someone else's misfortune, but you have to remember that if you don't there are alot of others who will, so go for it if you get the chance 'cause, let's face it, the dog is going anyway. I've so far been a shade too slow a couple of times already.

[Hipshooter]

Finding a good cat dog is just
like finding a good woman.
Dam hard to find.
Just like them second hand women, they tend to trash
once in a while.

[Ike]

Yeah, I had a high school kid call me the other day and asked me about the age of my Ryan dog. So I told him he was ten years old, why?

Well, he explained, "I've been watching your videos and figured maybe you'd want to sell that dog as a pup trainer and I could use one to get my dogs going."

Now you gotta know this kid is in high school and probably doesn't have a job. I told him that ole Ryan had been in my yard since he was a pup, and that he'd ran down bears, lions and bobcats for me every since and was not for sale. I went on to tell him ole Ryan was my bud, and that he wasn't for sale for any price or reason, that that dog had worked his butt off for me and he has some right to some sort of retirement coming.........

"So he's going to die on your chain?" he asked.

I can't even imagine selling off a dog like that to some kid to beat into the grave.......kinda like selling your old lady after she'd given you all her good years.

I sure hope my wife and kids don't throw me out when I get too old to run down a lion or bear.........

And I'll repeat myself that I wouldn't take $10,000. for either of my red dogs...............today or any other day!

ike

[Dan McDonough]

Save the money and spend the money. Do it wisely and hunt that dog like he only cost you $100. You'll have the time of your life.