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

GTTD - Lone Pine Kennels 2025

·1 hr 12 min·5 clips

Randy Smith tests his hounds to fail on purpose to reinforce their independence and coon-hunting drive.

Steve Fielder hosts this episode from Pennsylvania at Lone Pine Kennels with his friend and coon hunting expert Randy Smith. They recount a week of hunting raccoons with hounds, detailing the challenges of weather, moon phases, and scent conditions. The hosts discuss using the Garmin Alpha XL tracking system, which they describe as a game-changer for navigating tough terrain and monitoring dogs over vast distances. Randy’s dogs, Fran and Fair, are highlighted for their drive and independence, with Fran recently winning the 2025 Walker Days competition. They mention specific dogs like Clyde, a Lone Pine-bred dog now competing in high-stakes events, and breeding crosses involving dogs like Bertha, Driveline, and Frogger. The conversation covers the decline of coon hunting in Pennsylvania, linking it to the collapsed fur market and changing rural attitudes. They share stories of encountering wary landowners and even a warning about a rabid fox during their outings. A surprising insight is how modern GPS technology like the Garmin unit allows hunters to follow dogs in real-time, revealing just how much ground a determined hound can cover on a tough night. Randy explains his breeding philosophy focuses on creating "easy to train" dogs for pleasure hunters, as many modern hunters lack the patience for problem animals. The episode also touches on their beagle hunting experiences, noting how beagles are far more sensitive to scent conditions than coonhounds. Memorable moments include recounting Fran's come-from-behind victory at Walker Days, where a risky tree call in the final minutes paid off. They reflect sadly on the abandonment of family farms across the countryside and the loss of a communal understanding of hunting culture. The hosts bond over their shared history in the sport, with Steve recalling how in the past, hunters rarely worried about trespass because people recognized the sound of hounds. The tone is relaxed, conversational, and nostalgic, featuring two experienced friends swapping stories in a casual, behind-the-scenes style. It’s educational for those interested in hound breeding and training, but deeply rooted in personal anecdote and reflection. This episode is perfect for coon hunters, hound enthusiasts, or anyone interested in rural American traditions and dog breeding. Listeners with no interest in hunting, dogs, or outdoor sports might find the niche details less engaging.

As heard by us

A relaxed kennel visit that turns into a plainspoken look at a shrinking hound culture.

At Lone Pine Kennels in Pennsylvania, Steve Fielder and Randy Smith settle into an easy week and let the talk drift from travel delays and kennel life to night hunting and the state of the sport.

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Why you'd press play

If you want a week at Lone Pine Kennels in Pennsylvania with dogs, rain, and a relaxed camp feel.

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