The Buck Stops Here...

As I haven't updated this blog in awhile there is a lot to catch ya'll up on. Hunting season is in full swing here in VA, and the dogs have been running non-stop since the week after general firearms season opened. I had an exciting bow-season, and although I didn't harvest any deer, I did see on several occasions two bucks whom I would give my left arm for. In muzzle-loading season I fared much better, harvesting two bucks of trophy quality, a 13pter, and a large typical 8pt. General firearms season has found me out of the treestands and in the cockpit of my truck, maneuvering through logging roads and hunting trails. My dogs have been performing exceptionally well this season, and I already have my two spring litters of pups sold depending on how many she has.
Most of the puppies from the past spring are running already with the older dogs. I've only had to keep one dog at home (Rebel) because of a foot infection that is taking forever to heal properly. (good hound health is essential to owning hounds that can hunt consistantly and perform well) Reb's littermate Jeb (Jebro) is coming along well, and has the physique necessary to traverse the rugged terrain of central VA. I've purposefully begun selectively breeding a taller beagle (17-18") with a nose for colder trails, and with the ability to check it's own track. I started by breeding my top male Lucky (D-08) with a taller blue-ticked beagle female Dixie. She had 11 pups, 10 survived, and I kept 3, Reb, Jeb, and Peanut. This spring I am going to breed my best short female Ladybelle (15") with my tallest/best long distance running male B.G. (17 1/2")
I'm also going to breed Jeb back to my female Cookie or her sister Shithead (pronounced Shi-Theed) but haven't finalized that one yet. I'm also interested in breeding my Warfield Red Beagle male Louie V to a full War. Red bitch in exchange for pick of the litter. As these little red suckers are pretty rare, and a good running one even harder to find, I still haven't had any luck with this. I'll add more info later, and feel free to contact me with info.