Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1889-02-15
A MISSOURI COON HUNT.
MN IN THE WOODS AT NIGHT
WITH THE DARKIES AND DOGS.

"'Possum Up a Gum Stump. Coon in a
HoIler'-Cutting Down Trees to Reach
the Game Lively Tussles with the
Dogs-O1d Rambler "Gits OAR"
The second annual coon and 'possum hunt
of the Kings Lake club took place on the
clubs preserve, in Lincoln county, this state,
Saturday night. Eight o'clock arrived and
everybody was ready for the start. In single
file they marched out of the sitting room to
the space in front of the club house. The
party numbered fully thirty-fve with the
coon hunters and natives who go along for
the purpose of chopping the trees should they
succeed in finding the game. Some of the
party had lanterns and others carried torches,
such as are used for political parades. -Four
or five axes were taken; the dogs were called
together and the party was ready.
There were about seven dogs in the hunt,
and it could be plainly seen by their actions
that they were perfectly aware of what was
going on. They watched their masters close
ly, as though awaiting the order to dash
away The black and tan hound predomi-
mated among the lot They were all well
broken and tried coon dogs. 'If there are
any coons or 'possunls prowling around to-
night in this bottom" said one of the natives,
''them dogs will most certainly find 'em."
Finally Old Sol appeared with fire brand
in his hand, and, with long drawn out
"whoopee, whoopem up" the dogs were
given the word and dashed off for the woods.
Old Sol took the lead and kept up his call of
encouragement to the dogs as the party
started.
OLD SOL WAS RIGHT.
Tho oftooly bo6 boo1p. DT,an war was tn ha
waged, ant heaven save the poor coons and
'possums that were to come in their way.
The course which the party took was south
easterly from the club house. They had gone
but short distance when one Of the dogs
gave the alarm, and the hearts of all began
to jump with joy at the prospects of battle
between the dogs and the coon. Old Sol said
it was Rambler, and it was sure thing he
was on the track of a coon.
Mai. Caruth said it might be a 'possum.
Old Sol was certain that it was coon the
dogs were trailing; he could distinguish the
difference in old Rambler's bark when he had
a coon or postum.
Suddenly the whole pack took up the alarm,
and the long drawn out alarm bark OF the
hounds was welcome music to the ears Of the
whole party.
s'Listen," says Old Sol. "Dat am old Ram
bier and Snider. Got coon, sho', and right
in 'mongst dem big trees in de bottom"
All hands go to them, and sure enough Old
Sol was right; the dogs had freed coon up
one of the biggest oaks in the forest
s'Look at dat tree good" said Old Sol, San
if it am got any limbs on it we'll send up some
one an shake dat coon out"
"No," said one of the natives, 'there are no
limbs on it, Stand back there and gives me
+o AMI xx,o'1l Aircr that
tree in a mighty few minutes.
ssAI hands heah wild axes" cried out Old
SOL
Four big, strong and determined fellows
two on side-take off their coats, throw
down their hats and tackle the three foot
tree. With long, measured, steady strokes
their axes cut into the heart Of this giant of
the forest.
"Spell us" one of the choppers exclaimed,
and four fresh men stepped forward and took
their places.
sLook out; she's cracking" some one was
heard to cry, and the next moment down
came that giant of the forest and mister coon
came down with it. With mad rush the
dogs sprang forward to give the coon warm
reception. Everybody was shouting, and the
dogs were barking, the whole party making a
noise that was almost deafening.
1t was big coon, and splendid fighter.
He soon sent some of the dogs-those that
were not gritty-howling away with pain,
and they took no further part in the fight
Once or twice the coon brske away from the
crowd and tried to escape, and when he did
the circle which was formed around the
scrimmage broke and ran.
When this happened several incidents oc-
CURED that were very amusing. The hunters
would pile over one another in their mad rush
to get back, and at one time number of them
were piled in one heap.
MADE IT LIVELY FOR THE DOGS.
The dog Snider showed his staying qualities
and exhibited the most grit An effort was
made to hold several of the dogs and only
allow one or two to tackle the coon at time
But the excitement became so intense that no
one knew what he was doing half the time. All
were yelling at the top of their voices and the
dogs were barking; the noise was fearful; no
doubt it could have been heard for miles in
that bottom at night. At one time when the
| result was doubtful and one of the favorite
dogs howled with pain, some one shouted out:
sUse the ak on him; don't allow him to
kill Old Rambler"
"No," shouts Old Sol, ''doan do dat, let 'em
fight Ter out. Old Rambler will git dar purity
soon.n
Presently Old Rambler got a throat hold
on the coon and the death rattle could be
plainly heard.
The game was up for the coon; it was only
question of short time until he could
breathe no more. He had made his last ex-
cursion on earth. Rambler pinned him to
the ground and squeezed him to death.
Snider did some great fighting and for a
puppy only year old acquitted himself in a
remarkable manner.
The battle was commented upon by all for
a moment or two and then the dogs were
started off again.
A light snow began to fall about this time,
to which no heed was paid by the party.
They all had seen great fight and were anx-
ious for another.
Presently the bark of Old Rambler again
gave the alarm, and when the party reached
the dogs they had two coons freed. This was
more than any one had bargained for in SC
short time. Coons were plentiful for GER
tainty The choppers were put to work; the
tree this time was not large one and it was
cut down in short order. But the coon was q
little too quick for the dogs, and before they
could catch him he was up another tree
This tree was hewn down, and as it fell, the
coon sprang from it into another tree. Their
there was another tree to cut. This time the
dogs nailed him. He was a young one and
was soon sent to kingdom come by Snlder
As soon as he was finished the other tree was
cut and that coon went the some route as
those before him.
Shortly after this the dogs freed couple
Of 'possums, which were added to the bag in
very quick time Asst was now after O'Clock
in the morning, it was decided to start for the
club house.-St Louis Republic.
A Victimized Man,
"Ethel," said Lionel Bertram Jones, as HI
,Jro,,,a,l b;c clioo of hraad in the nlata with s