Raccoon and coon hunting are common in every section of the U.S. and Canada, attracting thousands of enthusiasts. This book completely addresses the subject of raccoons and hunting them, covering the raccoon's habits and how to hunt it--right down to training the coon dog properly.

This Comprehensive Owner’s Guide to the Black and Tan Coonhound serves as a complete introduction specialized hunting companion. The Black and Tan Coonhound, named for its signature coat coloration and the quarry for which it was designed, possesses trailing and treeing instincts beyond compare. The history chapter traces the breed’s development in the United States, from ancient European hounds, to pursue raccoon and other quarry. The breed’s characteristics key to its hunting prowess, discussed in chapter two, include the Black and Tan’s legendary nose, long, flowing ears (to capture scent), and characteristic bawl (to hold quarry at bay and communicate with human hunters). New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are brimming with detail and illustrated with handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 photographs in this compact, useful, and reliable volume. The author’s advice on obedience training will help readers better mold and train their dogs into the most socialized, well-mannered good canine citizens. The extensive chapter on healthcare provides accurate information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Further chapters on caring for the aging dog and handling behavior issues (separation anxiety, barking, digging, etc.) conclude the volume. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as vaccines, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and more. Fully indexed.

Southern folklife is the heart of southern culture. Looking at traditional practices still carried on today as well as at aspects of folklife that are dynamic and emergent, contributors to this volume of The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture examine a broad range of folk traditions. Moving beyond the traditional view of folklore that situates it in historical practice and narrowly defined genres, entries in this volume demonstrate how folklife remains a vital part of communities' self-definitions. Fifty thematic entries address subjects such as car culture, funerals, hip-hop, and powwows. In 56 topical entries, contributors focus on more specific elements of folklife, such as roadside memorials, collegiate stepping, quinceanera celebrations, New Orleans marching bands, and hunting dogs. Together, the entries demonstrate that southern folklife is dynamically alive and everywhere around us, giving meaning to the everyday unfolding of community life.

Read the beloved classic that captures the powerful bond between man and man’s best friend. This edition also includes a special note to readers from Newbery Medal winner and Printz Honor winner Clare Vanderpool. Billy has long dreamt of owning not one, but two, dogs. So when he’s finally able to save up enough money for two pups to call his own—Old Dan and Little Ann—he’s ecstatic. It doesn’t matter that times are tough; together they’ll roam the hills of the Ozarks. Soon Billy and his hounds become the finest hunting team in the valley. Stories of their great achievements spread throughout the region, and the combination of Old Dan’s brawn, Little Ann’s brains, and Billy’s sheer will seems unbeatable. But tragedy awaits these determined hunters—now friends—and Billy learns that hope can grow out of despair, and that the seeds of the future can come from the scars of the past.

Following her successful Fairy House Handbook and Fairy Garden Handbook, Liza Gardner Walsh offers another concept book to get children outside and experiencing nature. The Treasure Hunter’s Handbook targets kids and families who love to explore the world around them. This book highlights the appeal of treasure hunting as a fun family activity that encourages kids to get outside. The following topics are covered, allowing for a wide range of activities for different ages and interests: Myths and legends of buried pirate treasure: Share stories such as Captain Kidd’s loot on Jewell Island and Pirate Ned Lowe’s treasure captured from a Spanish galleon and dropped in the middle of the pond on Pond Island. Panning for gold: Panning for gold is making a comeback and is a great activity for kids. Mining for minerals and gemstones: Provides some information about how and where to find Maine's famous tourmaline and other gems. Metal Detecting: Covers the basics of using a metal detector and tells some of the stories of amazing treasure found using this simple device. Map and compass reading: Every child should learn these basic skills and this section will explain the basics of cartography and orienteering. Geocaching and letter boxing: Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting activity using GPS-enabled devices. Letter boxing is a low tech version that combines navigational skills and rubber stamp artistry. Found treasures: Hunting for everyday treasures such as sea glass, sea shells, four-leaf clovers, arrowheads, and fossils.