BigGameHoundsmen.com

Furthest from CA you can get.

My vote is for Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming! I live in northern Utah and hunt all three, their all really good. Where are there hogs in Idaho? Most of my family lives in Idaho, I just got off the phone with my cusion, and he said he has never heard of a hog in Idaho? That would be cool, always wanted to try my dogs on hogs.
Cameron

I have been told that northern florida/southern Georgia will be the last place to give up their guns. It is a hunting culture. I felt like every third pickup had a hound box and everyone understands hounds. There are a few men who have built up a name for themselves and make a little money on selling deer hounds. There are some wealthy deer hunters there who will pay for a top deer dog. And I know what you are thinking about a dog that chases deer. But a top deer dog is just as hard to find as a top bear dog.
They can't be trashing on bobcats

WAhounder, I'm also a young guy like you, looking to eventually leave my home state for another with more hospitable hound hunting opportunities. The states you said you are attracted to (NV, AZ, NM) are some of the best states in the West in terms of what you're looking for and are on the top of my radar as well. Hound hunting tradition is strong in those states and you can run bear, lion, cats, coon, fox etc. with very generous seasons. If you dream of dry ground hunting with hounds these states offer those conditions abundantly as well as alpine mountains with big timber and plenty of snow in the winter in the certain regions of those states.