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In this episode of the Holt Outdoors Podcast, we are joined by Missouri native and lifelong coon hunter, Kim Barker of Osage Fork Kennels. With nearly 65 years of experience in the woods, Kim shares incredible stories from his childhood spent in the back of his grandfather's truck to his time serving in the U.S. Army and returning home to the hound hunting community. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in competition coon hunting and the heritage of the Walker hound.

Kim provides a unique perspective on the evolution of coon dogs, comparing the "packing" hounds of the past to the faster, more independent competition dogs of today. He discusses his most famous hounds, including the legendary Smoke, and his experiences hunting alongside the original Stage Coma. Beyond the technical aspects of dog training and Garmin GPS tracking, Kim emphasizes the importance of family, sharing heartwarming stories about his grandsons discovering the sport. Whether you’re looking for advice on accurate coon dogs or just want to hear great hunting stories, Kim Barker’s wisdom on hound performance and consistency is invaluable for every coon hunter.

Inside this episode:

Life at Osage Fork: Growing up on a family cattle farm and the early days of dog trading.

The Modern Coon Dog: Why Kim believes today's breeding has created faster and better dogs than ever before.

Competition Mindset: Winning the Missouri Federation and why fun should always be the priority.

Training for Success: The importance of consistency, vet checking, and the "quality over quantity" approach to hunting.

Passing the Torch: Why taking the next generation hunting is more rewarding than any trophy on the wall.

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