Hunting With Hounds In North America

A study of the history of hunting with hounds, the development of hunting breeds, and contemporary hunting practices in North America. Hunting with Hounds in North America is a unique study of what can be considered the world’s oldest team sport. History suggests that man has hunted with hounds for at least twenty thousand years. Using evidence from ancient Egyptian drawings to paintings by the great masters, Dr. von Recum traces the evolution of the hound, or free-hunting canid, and its place beside human hunters. While hunting dogs like pointers and retrievers assist the human hunter in locating prey, hounds instinctively know how to find, track, and even capture prey on their own. Dr. von Recum describes the two classes of hounds. Sighthounds, such as greyhounds, whippets, and borzois, are lean, fast dogs designed to chase down, or course, their prey. Scenthounds, including redbones and beagles, will follow a hot or cold trail until their quarry is caught, cornered, or treed. Discussions of different breeds, including hound-and-dog hybrids, are included. Dr. von Recum vividly describes contemporary American hunting practices, from the fast-paced fury of prairie coursing to the formalities of traditional fox hunting. He also addresses important concerns facing houndsmen today, from communicable diseases to game-management practices.