Registered: Jul 2004
Location: Mt.Airy, N.C.
Posts: 3152

First of all, I want to say I feel like the most " Blessed" man in the world. God has given me a wonderful wife of 40 yrs. (She's still a knock-out), three beautiful children, and six beautiful grandchildren. This past month I completed 40 yrs. of ministry. Any success I have seen has not been because of me, but in spite of me.

In hounds, and hunting, I have been very fortunate, or I should say, blessed. I am not a breeder, and really don't get to hunt that much because of obligations, yet I have been fortunate enough to keep a good dog, and can go out and tree coons.

Many years ago I was introduced to the Smokey River Lines by an experienced houndsman named, Frank Hall. I was " Hooked" on the Diamond Jim dogs because of what I saw in Frank's hounds.

Frank not only introduced me to the Smokey River hounds, but also influenced Leon Handy, of Stuart, Va. to hunt this same line. Leon is the man who made the cross that produced an all Gr.Ch. litter. (Smokey River Spud X S.R.Be's Blue Jean.) I could not call all of the names of people that have benefited from this cross, which would not have been made if it had not been for Frank Hall's influence.

I got Spud, and Tramp from Leon, sold Tramp to Warren Haslouer, and Warren sold him to Billy Rayborn, and the rest is history.


Frank's knowledge as a houndsman has influenced more people than anyone would ever know. Of course, the man that planted the garden was Warren Haslouer.

No one person can take the credit for the dogs we hunt. It takes team work, and people helping people, to breed a better hound.

I want to thank everyone that has developed the dogs I enjoy to day. Even though they are not my life, they have made my life more enjoyable.

__________________
Phone (336) 648-3210

Home of Mayberry Blueticks
Jhn. 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease."

Last edited by Craig Edwards on 03-04-2008 at 07:02 PM

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