Gundog Nation #021: J.R. Gray - Champion Coon Dogs, Breeding, Coon Hunting

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Step into the fascinating world of champion coon hunting dogs with J.R. Gray, owner of what many consider the most successful stud dog in America today. Gray's Rack Em Willie boasts an unprecedented collection of titles – UKC World Night Hunt Champion, PKC Hunt Champion, AKC Supreme Grand Night Champion – all earned before his fourth birthday when Gray made the strategic decision to retire him for breeding.

Willie has since sired approximately 1,800 puppies, with many becoming champions themselves. Gray shares the unconventional wisdom that's made his program so successful: "Picking a pup is like a lottery ticket," he explains, and when it comes to breeding, "You never know what female is going to throw the best dogs." This refreshing honesty reveals why Gray has thrived while others struggle.

The conversation ventures into the practical aspects of maintaining elite hunting dogs – from nutrition (Gray swears by Purina ProPlan) to combating tick diseases that plague coon dogs. "That's probably 50% of the game now with coon dogs," Gray notes. "Fighting ticks, keeping them right, keeping them healthy." His insights on recognizing subtle health changes before they become serious problems demonstrate the deep connection between handler and dog.

We journey through the competitive circuit where events can pay $10,000 or more to winners, explore the regional strongholds of the sport (Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio), and even follow Gray's adventures bear hunting in West Virginia. Throughout, his passion for working dogs shines through: "I could care less about a coon. I just like watching the dog work."

Whether you're an experienced coon hunter or simply fascinated by the bond between humans and working dogs, this episode offers a rare glimpse into a world where heritage, skill, and passion intersect.

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