Hound PodCast: Double U Hunting Supply · Hound Podcast; Double U Hunting Supply

GTTD Legend Series: Jim Meeks

·1 hr 30 min·5 clips

Jim Meeks describes his father's homemade grappling hook and cattle prod used to discipline coonhounds.

This episode of the Hound PodCast features host Steve and legendary coon hunter Jim Meeks, a longtime columnist for Full Cry Magazine known as "Wild Man Meeks." They discuss the evolving challenges and personal joys of coon hunting. A central theme is the widespread loss of hunting land and declining coon populations, which troubles an entire generation of hunters. Jim Meeks describes having only three places to hunt in North Carolina, where coons are so sparse that "if you kill a coon, you've got to wait for another to be born and move in." He contrasts this with his past in Michigan, where he had 30 spots within 15 miles, and with swamp country where dogs had endless room to run. The conversation covers the difficulty of training "big-running" pro-style dogs in today's fragmented landscapes, where roads pose dangers. Meeks shares a detailed story about training two exceptional five-month-old pups using squirrel hunting and a coon hide from a roadkill "Himalayan" coon. One pup, a female, treed her first coon at night just after turning five months old. He explains the pups' pedigree, tracing them to famous dogs like the Cane dog, Willie, Big D, and Bone Collector. The hosts reminisce about the late Randy Smith's mother, Shirley, and the postponed hunting trip to Pennsylvania. Meeks gave a male pup to his friend Chuck Fonville, a former hunter for Buck Monroe, ensuring the dog would have ample opportunity. He recalls starting dogs on squirrels instead of intimidating caged coons, using a bark collar on a vocal pup that was getting hoarse. A significant portion honors iconic hunter Frank Giddings, whom Meeks describes as a universally respected icon who carries himself with humility. They discuss Giddings' dogs like Rock River Ring, Sackett Junior, and Tail, noting that Tail survived the highway accident that killed Junior. Meeks recounts being gifted a great female dog named Hope by his friend Buster Brick, highlighting the deep friendships in the sport. The tone is warm, conversational, and deeply nostalgic, blending personal anecdote with practical wisdom. This episode is ideal for traditional coon hunters, those interested in hound pedigrees and training, and listeners who appreciate stories from the sport's foundational figures. Those seeking high-adrenaline hunting tales or modern competitive hunt analysis might find the pace too reflective.

As heard by us

A North Carolina hound conversation that keeps its footing in practical dog talk and shared memory.

Jim Meeks comes across as a familiar hunting voice, and the North Carolina backdrop gives the talk an easy, lived-in setting. The strongest part is the practical dog talk, where the exchange settles into mouths, trees, and the hunt itself without feeling overly polished.

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Why you'd press play

For anyone who wants straight dog talk, old hunts, and no polish.

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