EXTREME SEASON 2010 BEGINS

TALLY HO!! TO ALL MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE LOYAL ORDER OF THE BIG WOODS HARE HUNTERS OF THE ALLEGHENY.

The "EXTREME Season" has begun with some great days in the big woods already.
The "Extreme" Season is the period after the regular Pennsylvania Hare season, starting January 2nd through our Maine hunt, in which the BWHH of The Allegheny chase Snowshoe Hare just for the fun, enjoyment and challenge of it. Some BWHHs actually prefer this extreme time of the year.
The weather is extreme, cold and brutal. The travel by truck and car, challenging. Mainly, the dog work, the conditions which the hounds must overcome to perform their skill. And skill it is! The ever changing snow conditions, the extreme cold, wind and most of all, the extreme depth of the snow pack make every thing about the "EXTREME Season" extreme.
THE HOUNDS! IT IS ALL ABOUT THE HOUNDS.
Most all beaglers and hounds man claim they own or have owned some pretty good or even great hounds. Until they have chased the magnificent and omnipotent Snowshoe Hare in the dead of winter, through a deep snow pack in brutal conditions for hours with a pack of hounds, all competing for the lead, their hounds have not been tested. SHOW ME!!
ENOUGH OF THE EDITORIAL.
The extreme season started on Saturday, January 2nd, 2010, with Veteran BWHH Jim Hanson and myself in the Big Woods enduring cold temperatures and high winds. With either great scouting or extremely good luck the hounds jumped a hare "right of the tailgate" and the chase was hot for some time. As the chase wore on it broke down but the hounds some how kept trying. After three hours Jim and I had enough and called it a day.
Monday, January 4th.
BWHHs Jim, Wayne, Andy and I were back onto the High Plateau of The Allegheny in search of the elusive Snowshoe Hare of the Allegheny. Again, good scouting proved positive as a chase was on instantly.
The hounds, LTC Gracie and Tia, Wayne's hounds Freck and Wendy, Andy's hounds Nellie and Molly and Jim's hound Lucky chased the hare with style. I, luckily made the first sighting. Wayne, Andy and Jim made several sightings over the course of the day.
Of course there were break downs and mistakes by the hounds but there was also some great hound work. A great day was had by all.
A similar day was enjoyed by BWHH Kaz, Jim and I on Wednesday, January 6th in Elk County, PA with at least two good chases and several sightings.
It is great to be able to get out into the fresh air and onto the High Plateau in search of the elusive and magnificent Snowshoe Hare. If you haven't tried it lately you should. The wind will blow the stink off and your cares away.
THE END.