2014 Grand American and Youth Coon Hunt dates

Southern Belle celebrates at the 2014 Grand American 

The 49th annual Grand American took place over the weekend at the Orangeburg County fairgrounds. Rain on Thursday gave way to cold conditions for the night hunts on Friday and Saturday. The United Kennel Club and American Cooner magazine team up with local coon hunting clubs to run this competition. Besting over 340 dogs entered, the 2014 Grand American Champion is ‘Southern Belle’ owned by Adam Mattson of Aiken.

 Mattson is glad to share that he has a partner named Chalmers Carr for their dog, Nite Champion Fogles Southern Belle. “Winning the Grand American is something I have always wanted to do,” said Mattson. “We are very proud of Southern Belle. She is a five-year old Red Tick coon hound.” Southern Belle was the only coon hound that committed no mistakes during the Saturday night ‘playoff’ hunt.

To view past blog entries for the Grand American click on 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Youth Coon Hunt Schedule:

A youth coon hunt will be held on Saturday January 11 in Bowman. The hunt is sponsored by the Orangeburg County Coon Hunters Association. For more info on this AKC youth hunt contact Allen Shuler at 843-533-1370.

A youth coon hunt will be held in Ridgeville on Saturday February 1. The hunt is sponsored by the Summerville Coon Hunters Association. For more info on this hunt with limited entries contact Ed Kimmons at 843-619-5265.

A youth coon hunt will be held in Barnwell on Saturday February 8. The hunt is sponsored by the Salkehatchie Coon Hunters Association. For more info on this hunt with limited entries contact Dallas Zorn at 843-671-2359.

To view this article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.