I've been comtemplating buying a Redbone Coonhound for some time now. We've found a breeder and have put a deposit down on a pup that will be whelped later in the month. This pup will be more of a family pet than a hunter, but was wondering if anyone out there had some thoughts about hunting the new pup. First, can I have a redbone at home and hunt her as well? Second, is there anyone in SE TX (I'm in Conroe) that would like a partner to hunt with? I've always wanted to get into coon hunting again. As a kid my Grandpa and I used to go out all the time. I'ts been a long time, but always dreamed about getting into running some coons someday. Thoughts? Good or bad, doesn't matter, I've got thick skin.

We have dogs at the house that are good and friendly and still hunt hogs. I don't know why it would be any different for a coon hound. I won't have a dog that I can't trust around kids.

I agree, it's got to be a family dog first.

Would this be a in house dog? can the exercise requirements be met?

I raise and hunt blueticks. I feel that you need to decide if you want a house pet or a hunting dog. If you want a pet, I would not hunt the dog as the more you hunt them, the more they want to go. I hunt my hounds every other day and believe me they know the schedule. I get up between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM and you can hear them barking in the kennel. If it is an off day, they are not making a sound.
Hounds are possibly the "easy goingest" dog and normally do not show any aggression toward people or other dogs. If I wanted a hound as a house dog, I would never hunt it as hunting is like dope to a hound, they just want more and more of it.
They are bred for their voices and can be extremely loud when barking. Your neighbors might not appreciate a hound in an urban setting.
Yes, they will need about the same exercise requirements as a lab.
Adios,
Gary

Thanks for the input Gary. Makes since.