Oregon Coast Old Timers

[rrhineha]

Hi all, 

I’m just starting my journey into trying to become a Houndsman. I live in the Portland Metro area and I am aiming to target the coastal range for bobcats. 

I was lucky enough to get a started pup off of someone on Facebook that’s been kind enough to take us out a few times and teach me what he knows. Recently he’s decided to take a break a from hounds though so I do know how consistently we'll be able to keep getting out. He'll still have access to his dogs so I’m hoping we’ll keep hunting together but I’m not sure how often it’ll be. 

I’ve been roading the pup hard on my own trying to keep her in shape, get a handle on her, and learn as much as I possibly can on the way. I think she’s been doing really great, but my opinion doesn’t count for much being so new to all this myself and out of season. She’s my first hound but I know a lot of work went into making her and she’s been in a few races and trees last season. The one thing I know for sure is she has got a ton of energy and no quit. 

I’m looking for some more experienced Houndsman I can keep learning from and get some mentorship from. Particularly any old timers that could use an extra hand helping out with their hounds on hunts. I know the knowledge that comes with experience is precious and I don’t want to seem like I’m just trying to leech that off people or just steal their spots or something like that. I would love to repay the favor of any mentorship I can get in any way I can whether it’s helping on a hunt or cleaning some kennels or something else entirely. I don’t know if it even needs to be said but I’ll never take anyone else to an area I’ve been shown and won’t even go myself without contacting the person that’s shown it to me out of respect. Like I said I’m not really looking for spots I’m just looking to learn. 

I’ve got this pup that’s a just under a year and a half old but, if people don’t want me running her with their dogs I’d be more than happy to just bring myself and help out for the oppurtunity to learn. I’ve got to drive at least an hour to get to any huntable public land from where I am so I’m not afraid of doing some driving for an opportunity. I do shift work so I’ve got some weird availability I’m always off Sunday-Tuesdays might work for someone who’s retired but probably not great for people still working full time.