GTTD - Coon Hunting In The 70s

In this reflective and nostalgic episode of 'Gone to the Dogs,' host Steve Fielder, a lifelong coon hunter approaching 80, delves into the heart of what makes coon hunting such a lasting passion. He begins by celebrating the community and camaraderie of the sport, highlighting friends like Rob and Frank Giddings, and announcing his upcoming attendance at UKC Walker Days. The core of the episode centers on a recent Facebook poll asking, 'Who is the best coonhound pup trainer alive today?' Fielder shares 107 responses from fellow hunters, spotlighting legendary figures like Randy Smith (Mississippi and Pennsylvania), Ed Mead, Frank Giddings, Roger Gibson, Chuck Dunlap, and Wimp Wright, all praised for their patience, longevity, and uncanny ability to shape young dogs into champions. Fielder reflects on the deeper emotional and spiritual draw of the sport—love for dogs, the thrill of the hunt, the bond with fellow hunters, and the mystical experience of the night hunt under moonlight and peepers. He shares personal memories from his youth in southern West Virginia, recalling a vibrant coon hunting culture in the 1970s with diverse local characters, from miners and preachers to barbers and used car salesmen, all united by their dogs and love for the outdoors. Despite physical limitations now, Fielder affirms that the joy remains, rooted in the dogs and the timeless ritual of the hunt. The episode closes with gratitude to sponsors W Hunting Supply and Mark Zepp, and a heartfelt tribute to his mother on her 104th birthday.