The dogs were rounded up and their chains reattached. Roger led the other two hounds and Hardwood Dolly led me, by now completely disoriented, back to the truck. Since that night I have learned that coon hunting is a highly organized sport. Kennel clubs schedule thousands of sanctioned hunts each year, some of them even here in New York State. By an elaborate scoring system winning hounds are identified and eventually national champions are determined.
Several journals provide standings and help owners and handlers to share experiences.
The idea of grown men and women slogging through swamps in the middle of the night chasing flop-eared dogs and pesky raccoons may appear foolish to some, but to me that night proved addictive. I hope to join Paul, Roger and Cody again soon.