Holly
The tradition of hunting with hounds go back many generations. It’s so worldwide that people from every country use hounds of all breeds for every kind of game. To name a few there’s squirrels, rabbits, coons, hogs, bears, mountain lions, deer, and so much more. Not just men but girls huntin’ with hounds too.
The tradition of coon hunting is mostly what Cora does. However she also goes on some deer, bear, and rabbit hunts with hounds as well. She says the best part of bear hunting for her is the thrill of the danger. It’s such a crazy adrenaline rush. Her dream hunt is to get a mountain lion with hounds.
Girls Huntin’ With Hounds
Due to those traditions, she started designing shirts with a friend to represent what they love doing. They made an Instagram page to share photos of them and others hound hunting. Some ladies even began asking for shirts, but at that time they didn’t own the brand name yet.
It really took off after her and another friend decided to make a facebook page. More ladies began wanting to buy merchandise so she made the brand legit. She then got all the equipment she needed to take orders. She gets messages often from fathers, mothers, and grandparents saying how much the brand means to their children. She also has “Hunt With Hounds” to feature the guys.
Inspired
When asked what inspired her, this was her response… “What inspired me the most was all the messages I’d get of people’s kids that have seen my posts and wanted to try hound hunting themselves. Even a young 5 year old wanted to run hounds with her dad after receiving one of my shirts. That’s what it’s all about and fuels me to continue growing this brand.”
Her goal for Girls With Hounds (Hunt With Hounds) is to teach more youth about running hounds and these traditions that have been around for so long. “I want them to know that it’s okay to pursue what you love even if others say you shouldn’t.“
She hopes to one day start donating some of the profits made to Wounded Warriors, St. Jude, and others along with organizations that support hound hunting. She does donate merchandise to quite a few benefit hunts throughout the year. “I just want to help others and put profit made back into this sport in anyway I can.“
Meet the Founder
Meet the Founder, Cora. She’s a huntin’ momma herself, raising her own son to love this lifestyle and he’s even learning to train his own dog as well.
“Hey, I’m Cora. I started hunting when I was in my teens with my dad but got into hound hunting when I met my husband in 2009. I’ve been addicted ever since!
A Mom with Hounds
Our black and tan/bluetick cross breed named Rugar was born a week before our son Levi and hey have grown up together. I’ve watched Rugar grow, train, hunt, and be very protective over Levi. He’s the first hound I got the pleasure of watching from the start with my husband doing the training and the first hound I truly fell in love with. He’s like my second child. I’m now training a young black and tan pup named Bonnie Lou myself. It means the world to me to watch her learn and progress on coons.
We hunt together as a family and have already taught Levi to skin his own game at age 8. He’s already harvested his first buck and turkey and we’re so proud! It’s so important for us that he grows up knowing how to hunt and provide for his future family. I’m definantly a blessed wife, mom, and hound momma.”
Girls Huntin’ With Hounds Benefits
Girls With Hounds brings a fresh face to this industry. Sure there’s other brands out there but GWH is different. They share stories and photos from other hunters along with their own merchandise as well. She also takes other women on some hunts that’s never been before. It unites hound hunters which is another big value for this growing industry.
Dogs have been used for tracking game for a very long time which is why it’s so important to not let this tradition die. It’s a very addictive passion of hers to continue and share with others. As the brand grows, she gets to see so many from all over hunting with their hounds and how they do it. Just coming together, sharing the same traditions and even help others through their own experiences.
To learn more or even check out their merchandise line, go to www.girlswithhounds.com . Also be sure to follow them on all social medias, including Hunt With Hounds.
