hunting question

dan brink · Post by **dan brink** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 1:45 am

purely from a hunting stand point what speed of beagle is the best to hunt cottontail with.

Jim Orman · Post by **Jim Orman** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 6:15 am

I believe a Medium Fast Hound with close line control cant be beat. A Hound that can circle a rabbit as long as rabbit will run.

gus · Post by **gus** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 10:46 am

I agree with Jim O. A dog that runs when he can yet stays close on a check can circle them hour after hour until they hole, are caught, or shot. Unfortunately, many beaglers seem to be enthralled with either style or owning the lead dog.

Tim H · Post by **Tim H** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:02 pm

I prefer a pack with a good mix of speed. Some conditions and situations favor a slower dog and some favor a faster dog, take some of each and you will see more rabbits.

Incahoots · Post by **Incahoots** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 5:46 pm

I think speed itself has nothing to do with how well a dog can circle rabbits. I'd say brains play a bigger role.

TOUCHSTONE · Post by **TOUCHSTONE** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 3:03 am

I have had the best rabbit hunting with a dog that adjusts his speed to the running conditions. Fast when conditions are good and medium when conditions are poor. A dog that does this from an early age makes the best rabbit dog when he matures. Search and jump abillity are just as important as speed when it comes to baggin bunnies. Dan M