I Came For Bears, Stayed For Mud Holes, Scope Bite, And Border Patrol

Send us Fan MailThe Maine woods don’t hand out easy wins. We set out with a mixed pack of blue dogs, redbones, plots, and a cur, and found ourselves in a living map of paper mill roads, dry scent, long runs, and split-second decisions. Along the way we lay out a clear case for hound hunting as ethical, selective, and effective bear management—especially when populations push hard on deer and moose—and we push back on the myths that paint trained hounds and disciplined handlers as anything but skilled.Our crew teamed up across three guide services, balanced young dogs with seasoned steadiness, and worked within Maine’s six-dog rule while swapping fresh noses at road crossings. GPS collars, strike dogs, and teamwork turned two days into a masterclass: a long, dusty run ending with a fast road shot and a border patrol cameo, then a textbook tree where patience, leash-back protocols, and a calm trigger led to a clean, one-shot bear. A young family from Ohio tagged out with heart and grit—proof that hounds can teach new hunters timing, restraint, and respect for the animal.Between chases we talk law, ethics, certification, and what happens when petitions target hounds as “low-hanging fruit.” Lose one lawful method and the pressure shifts to the next—calls, decoys, stands—while wildlife and rural communities pay the price. We ground it all in real care: vet checks after a swipe, porcupine quill triage done right, and the 365-day commitment it takes to keep a pack healthy and honest. If you care about conservation, clean kills, and keeping tradition alive, this story will change how you see hounds and the people who run them.Enjoyed the hunt and the hard truths? Follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who loves dogs, wild places, and a good chase.Check us out on Facebook  Hunts On Outfitting, or myself Ken Marr. Reach out and  Tell your hunting buddies about the podcast if you like it, Thanks!