by Nate Treadwell
I’m not sure who was more excited, me as I strapped on my release and loaded my quiver, or the handful of wiry Walker hounds quivering on top of the truck box. Their chains jerked and the incessant barking and bawling got louder and louder. One by one they were released, hot on the trail of a California bruin. They reminded me of giddy young children running out to the playground on the last day of school.
I was bit by the hound hunting bug last year while on …

Having scouted the location only a few weeks prior and knowing it held not only a good number of bucks, but in particular, one large mature blacktail with 4 points per side, we made short work of the 6 mile hike in, loaded down with full packs and food for three days of back country adventure.
Along for this journey was Steve Brown and after promising him countless stalks and opportunities at P&Y black tails, I was quickly disappointed as the summer fires had all but choked the mountain valleys with …