The Humane Society of the United States, an organization that does next to nothing for animal shelters but sues, badgers and lobbies politicians and businesses into adopting its radical animals rights agenda, is getting a taste of its own medicine.
In a little-reported ruling by a judge in the District of Columbia earlier this month, the HSUS is going to court to face charges under RICO statues on racketeering, obstruction of justice, malicious prosecution and other charges for a lawsuit it brought and lost against Ringling Brothers Circus’ parent company Feld Entertainment, Inc.
After winning the case alleging mistreatment of elephants in its circuses brought by Friends of Animals (later merged into HSUS), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), lawyers at Feld filed a countersuit with a litany of charges ranging from bribery to money laundering to racketeering. The attorneys for the animal rights groups asked the judge to dismiss all charges, but most remained because the evidence was overwhelming. So in early August, HSUS will be facing the music in a case that should attract the attention of hunters, ranchers, farmers and anyone impacted by HSUS’ radical animal rights agenda.
District judge Emmet G. Sullivan did dismiss allegations of mail and wire fraud, but he did so only because Feld didn’t have standing to file this charge. His ruling all but set the stage for a class-action
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RICO lawsuit against HSUS for misrepresenting itself in its fundraising campaigns across the nation. This lawsuit easily could bankrupt HSUS, put it out of business and send some of its top executives to prison.
For the first time, a group has fought back against the animal rights and environmental extremists who have been setting policy in this country for the past 20 years or more. Now, instead of getting rich off their lawsuits and fundraising schemes that misrepresent their efforts and accomplishments, they could be driven out of business. These groups have cost the farming and ranching industry jobs and raised the price of products we buy every day. They are behind the efforts to ban sport hunting across the nation. They have forced state wildlife and fishery agencies to waste countless millions of dollars on lawsuits and have spearheaded policies and legislation like the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), which has ruined livelihoods in recreational and commercial fishing without helping marine resources.
These groups operate with surly arrogance and believe they are above the law. Thankfully, that is not the case. Stay tuned.
I was down in Texas this week, just got back and started working again. Looks like the FCC has some information posted that is pretty interesting to all of us
I’ve heard rumors for a while now, (And I”ve watched some field testers that have been selling their GPS and Shocking systems.) which were all strong clues to someone with a critical Eye. But this might be the biggest clue that was presented to me yet.
According to the FCC Public documents, Track and Train.
After Reading the Technical documentation I can tell you that I suspect a few things to happen on this new System.
Track and Train,
It’s divided into 20 sections so that likely mean’s 20 dogs.
Looks like the hand Held will have it’s own update rate also, meaning it really sounds like you will be able to track other handhelds
The photos’ show the battery is a Rechargeable battery Pack that looks like a cell phone Battery.
Normally when the FCC posts data, A press release is following very soon.
TRAX+ maps build on the great foundation of the TRAX maps and add a 24K topo layer to the map. TRAX+ maps are available for Garmin GPS units. The topo layer can be turned on and off based on the needs of the outdoor activity to customize and optimize their map. It combines many of the key Western states including MT, WY, ID, CO, NM, UT, AZ, and NV. In addition, ND and MN are included at this time. Learn More
TraxMaps are electronic maps made with outdoor enthusiasts and hunters in mind. TraxMaps interface with handheld GPS units and provide real-time tracking, waypoint drops, and boundary lines of the various land management agencies within the United States (Bureau of Land Management, State and National Parks etc.) Once installed into the GPS unit, the user has a complete set of datum and maps for the area entered. Currently, TraxMaps are available for a handful of western and Midwestern states, with the company announcing development of other states for upcoming release.
Product Compatibility
Currently, TraxMaps are suitable for use with Lowrance and Garmin GPS units.
Depending on your particular GPS unit there may be slightly different wording for the commands and scrolling methods. As directed by TraxMaps, the basic use for all devices is the same with the exception of the units having different wording for the same commands.Once installed, select your map and wait for the map to appear on the display screen. Wait for the satellites to pinpoint your location and drop a pin into the unit’s precise location on the map. The screen will automatically center the pin (your location) into the center of the screen.
Choose your map use/purpose from the available menu. Examples include lake/water, land, hunting or hiking. TraxMaps pulls up the updated information for any of these options, based on your option choice.
TraxMaps automatically sets the contours for your use. If using the lake/water function, it sets the contours for lake depth to one, three or five feet. Land based contours are based on current and up-to-date USGS topo-map datum for the region.
Choose your waypoint, tracking or general navigation selection from the drop down menu and press select. The unit is now actively tracking and operating for your particular needs.
Coverage
TraxMaps currently have full maps for Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Colorado, Oregon, North Dakota, Washington, New Mexico, Montana and Minnesota. TraxMaps is working on other states as frequent updates for the existing state maps.
Computer Use
PC users that want to upload data collected on the TraxMaps via the handheld GPS unit should look at the TraxMaps PC software package. This package interfaces the GPS with the PC via USB cables so all data collected during the trips can be uploaded into the computer and viewed, used, manipulated or printed out for use at home. This is a great option for anyone who enjoys recording their adventures, or for students and biologists conducting research in the backcountry. The product is available in retail outlets as well as through the TraxMaps website.
User Feedback and Testimonials
The proof is in the use, and users of TraxMaps repeatedly give the products high marks. Users as diverse as hunting club members and officers to state or federal land management workers talk of the efficiency and ease of use of TraxMaps:
From North Dakota comes this report:
“I was thoroughly impressed with the NDTRAX map. I went to a couple of new areas that I have never driven before and the chip guided me to roads I did not even know were there. It was awesome. I ended up getting into a place where I will be hunting when I go out. Very impressed. I felt very confident and will feel confident when I am scouting or hunting the edges of private and public lands. It is a must have if you hunt in the badlands. I have only scratched the surface on the chip and the details of the land it is marking.” Steve Zarr, Chapter Chair – Mule Deer Foundation, Minot
A Montana User gives a positive set of remarks:
“Montana is a great destination for hunting, but their Game, Fish and Parks department doesn’t make finding their public hunting locations easy. Fortunately, MTTRAX fills in all of the gaps allowing for a much more productive trip. There were times when MTTRAX got us to locations we’d have never found otherwise and other times when it verified that we were indeed in the right spot. I have used similar products for other states and regions, but found them greatly inferior to your system. I can’t wait to get out into the field and use it again.” Clay Thompson, Sales Manager – SportDOG
A user in the remote and wild state of Wyoming has this to say:
“At the moment I am about halfway across Wyoming! I have made this trip a few times, all of which have included seeing hundreds and hundreds of game animals! Every time we wonder if we can hunt the land. Now as we travel across Wyoming we are able to see which land is state owned, BLM, or even landowners in programs. It takes years and years out of scouting, and actually ensures your feet are legal! Another thing to consider is land tracts are not always square to the road, in many cases land sections are angled and almost impossible for hunters to tell where they start and end unless you have a map, or Trax maps! On this trip I am alone and WYTRAX actually is a safety feature! I would recommend adding Trax maps to a vehicle mounted GPS. I know for a fact WYTRAX helped in my success!” – Mike Svaleson
Where to get TraxMaps
Double U Hunting Supply, is an online retailer that specializes in hunting and outdoor products. Double U Supply keeps the full range of TraxMaps products in stock and ready to ship. Not only that, but Double U staff is happy to assist in support or helping you find the perfect TraxMaps product for your needs. If you have any questions about TraxMaps, GPS hunting maps, topo-maps or how to use any of the products they are there to help. Give them a call at 503-482-8339 and speak to one of the agents.
Double U Hunting Supply strives to give hunters and outdoor enthusiasts the best customer service, best prices and savings and best selection of goods possible.
If you find there are different or other mapping programs you would rather use, Double U Hunting Supply stocks a variety of apps for your GPS handheld units. This helps should you wish to go on a hunting adventure in a state the TraxMaps has not yet developed. No matter where you are going or what you are going for, Double U Hunting Supply has got your back.
Get the Most of Your Backcountry Time
Most of us get limited time to go into the backcountry and recreate in the wilds. Your hunting time is the time to maximize the peace the wilderness brings. TraxMaps products help guide you into the precise areas for the best hunting. Use TraxMaps or other hunting forums on the Internet to get reports from hunters or fishermen about what is being found and where. There is nothing like information gathered from like-minded people.
This is one of the great benefits of the TraxMaps software. You get the best and updated information for the hunting seasons, closures and openings, hot-spots and a safety connection. Indeed, before you head out, you can print out a detailed trip plan and leave it with a spouse or friend as a great safety precaution. Navigate through the region even if you have never been to it using the mapping software and the GPS unit and feel confident in the navigation and trip. Stay safe to return and hunt another day.
Take advantage of the fantastic customer service offered through the people at Double U Hunting Supply. Once you find your products or TraxMaps location, get it uploaded and enjoy support from both the TraxMaps Company and the folks at Double U Hunting Supply. Consider them a part of your hunting family and know they have your best interest in mind. The fact that the people at Double U Hunting Supply also want to keep your budget in check by offering the best savings and prices and you end up with a winning formula for hunting safety and success.
As always, follow all local and state laws, stay safe and practice the best and most ethical of hunting and gun safety practices. You are stewards of the wilderness and by maintaining a high degree of ethics, put out a signal to other backcountry users that we are all in this together. Now go out there and get the biggest and best trophy possible. Use TraxMaps and stay safe.
After hunting with hounds for the past thirty years I have devised ways to minimize effort and maximize results. But what was about to happen was ridiculous!
Normally I like to leave for a coon hunt a couple hours after dark, as was the case the other night when a friend asked if he could go. Although I enjoy the solitude, company is sure a nice break sometimes on long nights with little action. So I picked up Bill around 8:00 p.m. He came out with a large flashlight and a headlamp shinning to match his smile. Bill has been coon hunting with me before and has learned that “lighting” is a mandatory part of this great sport.
As we headed out we discussed the plan for the night and woke ourselves up with some caffeine. After a half hour of driving we were getting close to where we intended to start our hunt. So I pulled off on the side of the road and let my Blue Tick “Hank” out to stretch before we got started. Before dropping the tailgate I zipped him up in a neoprene vest for warmth and protection. After letting him out, I headed back to the cab to get prepped for the night, clothing, lights, ammunition, etc.
Hank gets into a tough spot
As I loaded my Ruger Mark II .22 caliber clip I was startled by the bawl of my hound. I flashed my light toward where he continued to cry out. I could only see the white tip of his tail as it waved above the grass in the ditch he was in. We both hurried over to him in anticipation and curiosity. As I approached I realized that he had something bayed up in about a 12 inch culvert that ran under the road.
“Go to the other side!” I instructed Bill in effort to help get a visual of what he had chased into the tube. Suddenly I realized that Hank was forcing himself into the culvert head first. Frantically, I grabbed for his tail and was able to hold him momentarily. However pulling him back out wasn’t going to happen as his tail slipped through my hand my heart fell to my stomach. “He will never make it through!” I thought.
By this time Bill had gotten a look from the other end which had been partially filled with dirt over the years from the force of water. “It’s a coon!” he yelled as I headed toward him. “No wait, two, no three, A bunch!” he continued. From the inlet side of the culvert I could hear Hank’s voice echo out. I kneeled down next to Bill and gazed down the dark shaft. As soon as my light shined down the shaft the reflection of eyes filled the darkness.
I ran back to the side Hank had entered to see how far he had pushed himself in. He was now about half way through with his back legs sticking straight out behind him. “He’s stuck!” I yelled in vain. My mind raced, no longer worried about the coon but wondering how I was going to get my hound out of this tomb. About this time the bawls turned to screaming as we could hear the coons fighting with Hank for the limited occupancy.
Hank never quits
“Here they come!” Bill yelled. I ran to the inlet side of the culvert just in time to watch them scamper out one after the other. One, two three, four, five coons! “Keep your light on them, watch which way they go!” I said to Bill as we watched them scatter in all directions.
Sill hearing Hank bawling inside the culvert I dropped back down to the opening. He had somehow wiggled and pushed himself within four or five feet from exiting but was lodged where the dirt had built up. Back to the truck I grabbed a small shovel I keep in the box. Frantically I shoveled the dirt out until I couldn’t get in any further. “Now what” I asked. At that, Bill began calling “Hank, come on boy, get that coon!” After a few calls we stood in the silence and contemplated our options. Then in a shocked voice Bill says “Hank!” To my surprise I turned to see Hank’s head poking out. Again I jumped into the ditch and grabbed his collar. With one slow pull out he came. Without losing a beat he began snorting at the ground and like a shot was off after them.
“Go ahead I’ll catch up!” I exclaimed as I ran to the truck and strapped on my pistol.
“Payback” for Hank
I only had to trot a hundred yards or so to get to the tree. A large oak on the side of the hill we spotted two of the masked bandits and were able to shoot them both out for a good “payback” fight for Hank. This is the best hound I have ever owned. For more information on this breed go to CrazyCascadeBlueticks.com.
Before the Play and Stay containment system was released, PetSafe offered a different wireless containment system called the Instant Fence, which is still available at dusupply.com . The Instant Fence works in a similar fashion to the Play and Stay system, allowing a dog to roam within an area up to ½ an acre while wearing a static jolt collar. Visually, the two systems are quite similar; the Play and Stay has a black, rounded receiver and black transmitter, while the Instant Fence has a less-refined black receiver and gray transmitter. While similar in functionality and price, the Play and Stay system has several improvements over the Instant Fence model that we feel makes it the better choice.
Mostly it comes with a Rechargeable Collar which helps save batteries. We personally use these types of Containment systems for our hounds, it’s nice for them to be able to roam around and play during our off season without fear of them leaving the yard.
For a full list of availaible Containment systems Please visit Double U Hunting Supply or click here:
Double U Hunting Supply is the Premier Sponsor of BigGameHoundsmen. Please visit www.dusupply.com for all your Dog Hunting Needs.
If you are looking for dog hunting supplies that will not let you down in the field, you have come to the right place. Double U Hunting Supply has been serving the hound hunting community from the Pacific Northwest since 2000. Our approach is simple: We only sell products we can stand behind. Double U Hunting Supply is a company run for hunters by hunters.
At Double U Hunting Supply, our top priority is to provide you with the highest caliber customer service. We know the difference between adequate customer service and the kind of service that makes a customer for life. Our staff also know how critical it is for you to have reliable gear before you head out on a hunt. We strive to match every customer with the right dog hunting gear for their dog and their hunting needs at a price that is fair and affordable. That is how we became the premier source of gun dog supplies.
Take a look around our web site for more information about Double U hunting supply and the dog supplies we stock in our hunting store. If you have any questions about any product, or if you would like to speak with someone at Double U, please Call us 855-384-8687. We look forward to hearing from you, and to helping you get out on a hunt with your dog really soon.
I am not to sure about those two, but I have a couple Dogtra Bark collars. They are built well, and work great.
Re: Sportdog 10R or Tritronics Bark Limiter
Posted: 10 Dec 2011 10:47 am
by Tom A
Get the no-bark 6, trust me on this i have tried em all.
Re: Sportdog 10R or Tritronics Bark Limiter
Posted: 10 Dec 2011 12:39 pm
by Steve White
I have 8 of the 10r. Best collars I have ever owned. Not one has failed on me yet. A couple are 3yrs old. The rechargeable batteries are great. The smart tech is also great. Gives them a good bit a juice when needed. If they are going to bark through it. It is going to hurt!! Nice to not having to replace batteries all the time.
Re: Sportdog 10R or Tritronics Bark Limiter
Posted: 10 Dec 2011 03:45 pm
by Ker_man
Tom A, what is the no-bark 6? made by which company?
Re: Sportdog 10R or Tritronics Bark Limiter
Posted: 10 Dec 2011 06:06 pm
by outlaw13
I am almost posative that the 6 is made by sportdog.
Re: Sportdog 10R or Tritronics Bark Limiter
Posted: 11 Dec 2011 05:35 am
by Ker_man
Thanks for the info guys. Is there one of these that is less likley to sore the dog’s neck?Thanks, Terry
Re: Sportdog 10R or Tritronics Bark Limiter
Posted: 01 Jan 2012 04:10 am
by Ker_man
Well thanks for the advice everyone, I got the Sportdog 10R. It seems to work well. I’m not sure whether I should have the window forward or the sound sensor. Guess I’ll call the 1800#.
Well Folks, as I said in a previous post the Famine has turned into Cat Hunting Feasting….at least for a little while. After
having a hard time finding tracks that we could run, starting Wednesday morning
our luck has changed for the better.
I posted some clips of the GREAT Race we had just at daylight
Wednesday…now here is the Tale of the Hunt!
Dad and I had headed South about 7:30 Tuesday night and killed our 4th
Rattlesnake of this trip just as we headed into the Club.
We then started rigging and hunted hard for 4 hours then struck a Cold track
(could have been warmer than we thought as scenting conditions have been the
pits…on this night the ground was steaming as the ground was warmer than
the air, which was not cool just cooler than the ground). Corky was able to
move the track to the South with help from Brandy and Rip. Choc and Cherokee
were also able to help move the track, but barking from any Hound was rare!
Just as the Hounds were about to trail out to a main Rd, they turned and headed
back East trailing through a bad Swamp. The trailing got better so I put out
the rest of the Hounds to get some experience. The track was improving right
along and had moved over three miles. Chic then let loose her SCREAM to tell us
and the world that the Shortail was jumped and
running…only problems was it was running right out of this Club!
We hauled ass around to the border line road of the Club and some Private land
that does not allow Hounds. The Pack was roaring our way in Full Cry! Ole Rip,
Sandy and Corky managed to turn the Cat and for the next twenty minutes the
pack ducked and dodged the Cat in a Cypress Pond just off the Club Rd. Then
QUIET! The Garmin showed all the Hounds in a wad with the Tree Icon showing but
no barking at all.
Well…..was the Cat up….was he in a Hole….was he hiding under
a log in the water? After 10 minutes or so Dad said to blow em
out and we would go find another. As Corky was coming to the truck he found the
Cat slipping out of where it had been hiding. He bellowed out his find and ran
the Cat across the road right behind the truck. As the Pack harked to him, I
sat down on the truck horn and was able to load every Hound in less than 5
minutes. Maybe next time we can hold this ole Tom Cat in our Club and remove
his escaping Genes from the Gene pool.
This was the 1st of eleven Cat that we put down on
over the next 14 hours.
Cat number five was a hard strike right on the boundary line road between these
two Southern clubs, right on a major drainage canal. Corky, Cherokee and Choc
got the track off the road and were making slow progress with the trailing. I
sent ole Rip in to help heat the track up, but he was not able to help a
lot…the track was just too old.
Dad and I both thought that the track was about to play out when Buck and his
sister Brandy screamed out that they had found where the Shorttail
had gone to bed! All the other Hounds were quick to Hark
to them and the Race was on….another ACID Rock tune, this Race sounded
like something Uncle Ted Nugent would have composed and played.
The Pack came right to the road we were on….we just missed seeing the
Cat, but the pack was right behind him. Most of the Hounds were barking twice
every time their feet hit the ground…WOW what a racket the pack was
making….then that sound we HATE! That nothing
sound…just quiet.
For the next thirty minutes the Hounds looked every which way. This Cat had
used the famous “Beam me up Scottie” trick to escape. We theorize
that the Pack was right on its ass as it hit the road, the Cat decided that to
live it had better climb one of the big gum trees right next to the road. These
Gum trees were fully leafed out so finding the Cat
was impossible unless you know the exact tree it was in. I blew the horn and
loaded the Hounds and went to look for another.
About 3:30 am Dad decided that he had had enough, by then we had put down on 8
different Cat. I told Dad that we should hunt home through the Home club as the
Garmin said that 4:30 AM to 6:30 AM was the PRIME movement time for Game for
the Day. He responded that what ever I wanted to do
was fine with him as he was going to put the seat back and take a little nap. I
turned into the Home club, went to the road I wanted to hunt 1st then joined
Dad for a short nap.
After this brief (15 min) break I put the Rig Dogs up and it was back to
hunting. Over the next hour and a half we hit two tracks that the Hounds could
not trail…to old….or poor scenting conditions, we could not tell!
We turned down the Rd that leads home and there was a Logging Crew loading a
truck across the clear-cut. The Rig dogs began buggar
barking at the lights and noise of the Crew working. I kept driving and Dad was
hollering at the Hounds to shut up. All of a sudden the barking changed from buggar barking to “We Smell a Bobcat” barking.
I got out and found a smoking fresh track going right up the road. The work
crew must have scared this Cat out of her bed.
I put the Hounds down and they took the track 1.3 miles up the road then turned
left and went ¾ of a mile up the next road before finding where the Cat
turned into the Plantation. When they left the road the RACE was on. This was
the “Opry” at its best…for the next
hour plus 15 minutes the Dog Feed got cheaper and cheaper. Rip was singing his
Tenor, Rivers and Texas were the Baritones Corky and
Choc sang Bass, the bitches were all singing the chorus in their Sopranos.
We could hear all of this when Cimarron would shut her Screaming Baritone Chop
that literally drowns out the other Hounds mouths. She is fast becoming the
Hound her big sister name sake was before her untimely death!
Race heading for a road crossing!
Up and down the ditches, back and forth across the roads….WOW what a
Race. Dad was not ILL or TIRED anymore. As the video clips showed he was
walking up and down the road, harking the hounds on to
where the Cat would cross then stand there and SOAK up the Music!
Hounds crossing behind Cat, then Cat crossing back across the
road.
We watched the Cat cross the road over 12 times, the
Race was never further than 200 yards away. Our seats were the best in the Opry House as this was a Full Sensory experience. Seeing
the Cat…Hearing the Hounds solve all her tricks….listening to the
young Hounds learn their Craft….man it just does not get any better than
this!
Dad putting Big N Blues Cricket right on the Cat!
Race leading up to the final bay! Finally the pressure became too great and the Cat went
to squatting in the ditch next to the road. I went for the truck to try and
load the Hounds to save her for another day….but while I walked up the
road Texas and Rivers bellowed out that I was too slow…the Race was over.
Brandy and Cimarron bayed for a few minutes, but it was too thick and the water
too deep for a retrieve.
We loaded up and headed home. On the way Dad commented that he sure felt
better….that the Cat Hound therapy was sure working.
We rested all day then loaded up the B-team and headed back south. We rigged
out through the home club but had no luck. Upon arrival at the location where I
put up the Rig Dogs in the Southern Clubs, I was going to hunt up one road, but
Rita had other ideas.
As I put her out to whiz before going on top, she and Brandy headed up the left
hand road. I stepped into the truck to blow the horn when Dad said lets just hunt that way. We followed them about a ½
mile then put Rita, Brandy, Buck and Texas up on top. We turned onto what we
call Mr. Jim’s Rd (this is the Rd where we had the great Race with Mr.
Jim Moore from Texas) and traveled less than a mile when Rita let us know that
a Cat had been here.
Dad said that it the strike sounded mighty weak, to
drive on. I then turned onto the major North – South road in this Club,
drove a short ways and Rita struck harder this time with Brandy helping to tell
us that a Bobcat was in the neighborhood.
I put the Hounds down; Rita went up and down the road trying to find where the
Cat had gone. Buck and Brandy could smell the Cat good right by the truck on
Dad’s side. Rita opened down the Road. Buck and Texas went to her but Brandy
went out into the Swamp right where we were.
Rita was unable to smell the Cat anywhere but where she barked so I called her
to me and sent her into where Brandy was, Buck and
Texas followed. In a minute Rita opened with Brandy not far behind. Now started 40 minutes of the kind of trailing that we have been
missing this trip to Florida, due to poor scenting conditions.
I put Cheyenne, Penny and Sandy out to help and they moved the Cat through the
Swamp out to Mr. Jim’s Rd where Rita had originally struck, then across
into another Swamp. Dad and I followed the action on the Garmin and were able
to stay close on several secondary roads. It looked for a while like the Hounds
were going to trail out too close to Hwy 19, but the Cat turned back South.
Suddenly Cheyenne and Brandy opened with a new intensity, telling us that the
Cat was found and that the Race was on! The other Hounds joined in….Texas
bawled out that the Cat had crossed back across Mr. Jim’s road. All the
Hounds harked to him…this concluded the opening acts for this
Concert….now the Music was playing the BEST.
Folks grab a seat and let me tell you about it! Let me set the stage a
little…the night is perfectly clear….the humidity has gone down
some (this allows sound to travel better as in heavy air hearing is hard) there
is a Full Moon, and the Deep Woods Off is working on the Bugs! The truck has
been moved for the last time, now the only walking to be done is from the
tailgate (great for sitting and listening) to the Hood (great for leaning and
listening)!
For the next Hour and Twenty minutes the “Opry”
played as good as it possibly could! Now these Races in Florida with all the
water that a Cat has to use can sound a bit raggedy, but when the Cat thinks
that they have gained enough “Air” to try to slip out on the Pack,
and the Pack finds them, the sound is just that solid “ROAR” that
no one can describe….you just have to be there to feel it.
That is what this Sow Cat did. She would run down a ditch full of
water….cross the road…..then up the other side in even more water.
Then she would head out into a 5 year old Plantation, which is when the ROAR
would commence….then back to the water, then cross the road, back up the
ditch…then into the Swamp and another ROAR.
1st bayup of Sow Cat after 55
minutes.
Texas and Cheyenne were the Hounds who played the swinging game finding the Cat
when it would cross the road or head off on one of the brief forays away from
the ditches. Rita, Penny and Brandy rooted the Cat out of the Jungle along the
ditches pushing the Cat back into the road where the cycle would start again.
Cimarron, Rose, Buck and Sandy were learning how to handle this much
water…by the time the Race was over they had learned how to run in the
water in the ditches and smell the Cat slipping along the tangle of Briers, Sawgrass and Palmettos.
Numerous times the Cat would stop and squat in this mess between the road and
the ditch, Penny and Texas would bay hard, I would walk up and holler and the
Cat would leave out for another circle.
We could tell the end was near so when Texas bellowed out that the Cat was in
the water and wanted to fight, Dad said to blow the horn and try to load the
Hounds. This was easier said than done, but with much horn blowing and shouting
we had everyone but Buck and Rita. It looked like I was going swimming after
all, but finally Rita came and Buck realized that he could not do much by
himself.
Sow Cat in ditch after 1:40 Race.
I showed Dad the Cat in the water and while she was panting heavily, being in
the water we hoped that she would make it and be there to star in another
performance of the “Cat Hound Opry”!
As we drove off Dad said “Son, a Race like that adds 5
years to my life, after these last two Races, Hell I just might live
forever!”
It was a very successful yet tragic weekend for the pack and me. We are one member short as of Saturday. Mickey, the old dog my buddy Pat gave me to help train pups, died doing what she loved best–mixing it up with Mr. Lion. Although she had seen more lions than most ever will, she made a mistake and it cost her.
The day started just like most of the winter: terrible conditions, hard-crusted snow, and mud wherever it was melted. I decided to go to one of the haunts of a good lion I knew about. This lion was right off the main drag so he was wise to the old hound game, but I had Mickey this year he didn’t have a chance against this old veteran. Well, I decided to walk the dogs up into a series of bluffs where I felt this guy was hiding.
It wasn’t long before the dogs were sniffing about with tails a popping. I knew something had been there recently because this was a south-facing rim, which had several small flurries come through and melt off. Then we came to the first kill, almost all gone but looked fresh. We went on and came across another really fresh kill; the blood on the ground was still red even though it was in the sun.
We started through a saddle when my puppy Lilly fired first, then came Mickey, then Tank. It was slow but they were moving toward a bluff, when I saw Sailor, another dog I have that my buddy Pat owns, out ahead of them moving into an indention in the bluff. And boom, all hell broke loose. They were out of there, and I thought I caught a glimpse of something moving ahead of them. I struggled to keep up, but they had moved into a boulder field with boulders the size of Volkswagens scattered about.
I couldn’t see the dogs, but I could hear them in one spot; and it sounded bad. Then off they were again out of the boulder field and into a deep canyon that had heavy cover; again sounded bad. As the afternoon came, I was becoming aware that they were staying a couple of ridges ahead of me without me being able to see anything, but they were always within hearing distance.
As dark closed in, I was honored with one of the coolest pictures the mind’s eye could imagine. There were a number of snow flurries coming through, and the mountain behind the ridge the dogs had the cat-rocked up on was socked in. The sun was going down, making those clouds red. And silhouetted in the middle was the cat backed out onto a pinnacle with hounds screaming in his face.
My chest was about to burst with pride when I noticed only three dogs. I soon discarded this because it was too far away to see which one wasn’t there, and it was certainly on the side of the rock I couldn’t see. It then became apparent that I could never reach them before dark, and the previous hours had taught me this cat would just move on when I approached.
I called it a draw and headed for the truck. I called for the dogs while working my way through the side canyons and bluffs. Sailor soon met me, but no other hounds were with him. I pulled out the tracking system and got a reading on two dogs where I had last seen them. It was getting darker and I was concerned that it would be dark before they would quit–it was Tank and Lilly.
I then got a reading on Mickey coming from the direction that we had come up. Not thinking anything of it, I thought she was headed for the truck. Just as I came out of the last canyon before coming to the truck, I became aware that the signal was in the boulder pile we had gone through and had not moved. I followed Sailor from there and found him standing over her body lodged in a crevice. I don’t know how long I sat there, but it seemed some time before I took off her collar and made a makeshift grave for her.
On the way back to the truck my sadness soon turned to rage. But after calling the dogs for some time with no success, I drove up closer to them on a road that was too muddy earlier but had set up some with the dropping temperature. Soon Tank came trailing in and was met with lots of petting, but no Lilly. She had moved down the mountain in the direction of some lights from the ranches in the valley, so I assumed she was headed that way. I made my way off the mountain and contacted the rancher of the first ranch I thought she would be at, but she was still moving across the mountain. It got too late for me to try another ranch–there were three before a public access could be taken, so I headed home.
After waking from a somewhat sleepless night, I dragged my tired body out of bed, with Lilly in my every thought. I hadn’t bothered to take Tank and Sailor out of the truck because I was sure they were very comfortable where they were. Around 8:00 a.m., I arrived at the bar that the local ranchers use as a meeting place. I soon got permission to go behind the ranches in search of Lilly. I took the first road that turned up onto the bench of the foothills. Lilly had already gone by as her signal showed to the east.
I then sat back and looked at the lay of the land; I noticed a conspicuous outcropping on the ridge and I headed for it. There in the mud and melted snow was a lion track with a little dog track in it. I don’t know if it was fear, rage, or something else, but everything just became clear with no noise. I looked in the direction the tracks were headed, and just knew where he was headed. I took out of there like a shot.
I soon realized I had passed up Lilly, so I took another road up on the bench. There she was, just as excited as when I take her off her chain to see me. I couldn’t get her to shut up in the back, so I put her in front with me, where she stared out the windshield and whined. She knew something, I am sure of it.
I made it over to the access road where I could get to the canyon where I knew the object of my newfound obsession was lurking. I then became very aware of what was stirring in me: REVENGE. I was going to look this monster in the eye and watch him die—even if he took me with him.
I reached the canyon where I just knew he had crossed…no tracks. I moved on in dismay until I had to get out and open a gate, and right there at the gate were his tracks. He had been walking down the road, so I didn’t see his tracks when he entered the road.
Now I’ve been excited and forgot things before (flashlights and such), but halfway up the mountain I realized I had left my gun at the truck. I would have gone back, but I always carry my takedown bow in my pack so I kept going. Now these were some bad conditions like that hard crusted snow, and after the cat had passed, a light flurry had come through with those tiny little balls of snow, not even enough to be any help.
It was late in the morning, almost noon, when we started up the hillside. About a couple of hundred yards up, I noticed I had a visitor. My 11-year-old lab Teeke had decided she wanted in on the action, and aside from the couple of covies of chukar she scared up, she was an asset. She had those hounds quartering, looking for scent like veterans. (Just a side note: I think she figured out after a while what we were doing and joined in.)
Most of this new snow was gone, except where the cat was walking on top of the crust. It was very slow going. We trailed through two rock outcroppings where I saw this lion’s scrapes–he was no monster but a good one anyhow. But that was of no concern to me. This was dog work that I had never witnessed; every dog was making a number of finds as we worked slowly up the hillside. One would find it, they would move it for some time, and the cat would go up on the rocks and vanish until he had to come down into the crusted snow again.
Just as we reached the top, the dogs were starting to trail up on to the rocks with their noses on the ground so I knew they were heating it up. We reached the rim around 2:00 p.m. I was exhausted and had gone through two liters of water. I was sitting up on a rock staring at the last bluff on the rim when I saw Tank look down at me about 50 yards above. I told him somewhat jokingly to hurry up…I’m about done for. He went back to working, and as I almost made it to where he was, off they went in full cry.
I ran over to the ledge and saw them drop over a small saddle. I looked out ahead of them, knowing I would see the lion running out front, but I watched them running up the track at full speed. The reason they were moving so fast was because the lion had started downhill and was sinking into the snow. Also, I have heard that lions leave more scent when moving downhill (as you dry ground guys know). Nonetheless, they were gone and out of hearing.
As Teeke and I were hurrying along as best we could, Lilly would appear a couple of hundred yards ahead and bellow like I have never heard from her and then disappear again. Soon she would come all the way back to me, bellow, and take off in the direction of the track. Now I’m no brain surgeon, but I think she was telling me to hurry the heck up, we got him.
All along I was looking at the tracks of the lion, and none of them ever looked fresher than the ones we started on. As a matter of fact, they looked older. I could hear Tank and Sailor’s cries, but I thought they were still a long ways off. Just as I reached a pinnacle of rocks, up popped Lilly out of nowhere. I walked over to where she had come from, and there were Tank and Sailor looking up at me. I asked Tank if he had him, and he bellowed a convincing yes into a crack in the rock.
I made it to them and soon heard the low growl of this thing I had set out for. I began screaming at him as though I were a crazy man. Maybe I was crazy for a moment or two. As I looked into the hole he was in, I could see his eyes glowing about 15 feet down this crevice. I soon realized I had no shot with a bow or even a gun (if I had actually remembered one). The crack that he had slithered down in was wide enough to go down head first, but you better not take a deep breath or you would be stuck. I had heard of using flares to smoke them out, but I didn’t have any of them either.
So here I am at a stalemate. And then that calm came over me once again, and I called the dogs and headed for the truck.
This weekend had done something to me that I never expected. Rage, fear, and revenge are very powerful emotions, and they were the reasons for my success this day. Is this why I chase lions? I don’t think so. Could I have found a way to kill that lion? Probably. But in one weekend, that lion put an end to one era and started a new one.
I guarantee you this: when this pack, myself included, gets on the trail, we’ll be there to the finish–whatever finish that may be. Mickey had done her job; she trained a fine pack of hounds and turned a wannabe into a lion hunter.
somehow wiggled and pushed himself within four or five feet from exiting but was lodged where the dirt had built up. Back to the truck I grabbed a small shovel I keep in the box. Frantically I shoveled the dirt out until I couldn’t get in any further. “Now what” I asked. At that, Bill began calling “Hank, come on boy, get that coon!” After a few calls we stood in the silence and contemplated our options. Then in a shocked voice Bill says “Hank!” To my surprise I turned to see Hank’s head poking out. Again I jumped into the ditch and grabbed his collar. With one slow pull out he came. Without losing a beat he began snorting at the ground and like a shot was off after them.
