moments with each handler and their parent discussing the triumphs made in this past year. It was unanimous among all three that this program is wonderful and offers a future to the sport. “The program that PKC has to offer has given me an opportunity to own, train and hunt a line of dogs I might not have gotten a chance to own” noted James Hughes owner and handler of Black and Tan sired by Tennessee Hardrock.

Final cast hunter Jonathan Sain, hunting a Treeing Walker sired by Nocturnal Cain donated by Alferd Hough; noted that the program “has gotten kids involved with hounds and hunting. It has taught us to be responsible and taught me to take care of the dog”. With this being the first hunt under the Breeders’ Challenge program Drake Robinson noted that his pup a Treeing Walker male sired by Fletchers Stylish Jake “took right off and treed” for him the first time he went to the woods. “He’s been doing it every since” Drake added that he has been in 5 hunts and had cast wins in 3. “I’m going to keep on hunting him no matter if we win or lose tonight, I just like this pup”.

Best of Luck to both hunters and hounds. Final cast members for the $2000 Breeders’ Challenge hunt are:

Judge: Kyle Ballhagen
Guide: Pud Morgan
(pictured left to right)

Coshema
(Sired by: Flethers Stylish Jake)
Drake Robinson – O/H

Gold
(Sired by: Tennessee Hard Rock)
James Tyler Hughes – O/H

Candy
(Sired by: Nocturnal Cain)
Jonathan Sain – O/H

The pay-out will be first $1000; second $600, and third $400. Thank you Nestle Purina for this investment in the youth and the future sport of coonhunting. Please find a photo of the final cast on the bulletin board Breeders’ Challenge page.

– Tricia Snedegar