The hound hunting community is an extremely diverse community. From the treeing dogs in the Northwest, all the way to rabbit beagles on the East Coast, they appear to be completely different worlds. However, if we break it down to the basics none of us are truly that different. In our similarities there is one struggle that concerns all of us and that is the stereotype of the houndsmen.
Many people outside of the hound hunting community think that we are a large group of ruthless savages attempting to go out and take every single bit of game possible. Meanwhile all of the hound hunting community and those that understand it know the truth. Training and using hounds for the pursuit of game is all about the connection between hunter and hound and not about the kill. The attack on the tradition of hound hunting has come to our local courthouses and state officials many times in the recent years more than ever. If anyone has not listened yet I highly recommend listening to the last fifteen to twenty minutes of the Double U podcast episode 14 with Paul Laney. It will aid in understanding the gravity of this issue and also prove helpful information on how to fight back.
It is a universal truth that the wrongdoings of a few reflect poorly on the majority. When a group of “hound hunters” display poor hunting practice it puts that image on the whole community. This is why it is important for each and every hound hunter to promote proper hunting practices. This includes ensuring we continue doing things the right way and addressing those that do not.
The hound community has to avoid isolation within our own circle. Involving ourselves with others allows outsiders insight as to who we are. Maybe it is taking someone hunting who never had the chance to experience the thrill of the hounds. Maybe it's educating people on the tradition of hound hunting. The majority of those who criticize what we do are not aware of how we actually operate. If we teach others why we do it, they may be more sympathetic to the cause.
Ensuring that we maintain the trust of those around us who do not hunt is imperative to the future of the hound hunting community. For example, maintaining landowner respect and trust. If the hounds tree game a few hundred yards over a property line, talk to the owner. Many times owners will appreciate the respect and it could even turn into a new relationship. In the deer hound world, avoiding parking in front of houses or on the sides of busy roads if not necessary could help our reputation. Small considerations like this will go a long way for the future. People now associate an orange hat on the side of the road as a threat and a nuisance. That is an image that this community does not want or need. Little connections with the outside community is critical now more than ever. Therefore we must make sure we are doing everything we can to maintain a healthy bond.
If you are a hound hunter and have not had to experience the battle to sustain this passion, get ready. Animal rights activists and other groups are always preparing to attack the hound community somewhere. This is why when each one of these battles comes, having the support of the community is so important. Showing people the connection between hunter and hound will show why this life is so very important to us. I strongly encourage if your community or state has a houndsmen association or any organization dedicated to hunting and conservation, get involved. Simply being a hunter is not enough anymore, we must be advocates for the hounds.
