Three generations here at Hardwood Kennels. From left to right: Hardwood Rowdy (son), Buckshot Willie (father), Smith's Streak J.R. (grandfather) |
About Us at Wilkinson's Hardwood Kennels I have coon and squirrel hunted all my life. I was brought up with good hounds, curs and feist and they have always been a part of my life. As a twelve-year-old boy, I would coon hunt all night by myself. I have been hunting, training and raising Mountain Curs for the last fifteen years. At first I started and sold a lot of young dogs, all over the country. A lot of people stated that I was a very honest person and had a special gift of starting pups at a very early age. But, I would not accept credit for that! I have always said, "You don't have to be a trainer, just expose these pups to game and they will do the rest." You see, I was blessed early in the game of becoming friends with the late John Grove and Carl Smith. These two men had been breeding this line of Mountain Curs for years, and they were the only two breeders that I found that their pups consistently made squirrel and coon dogs, and would also produce squirrel and coon dogs. For the last ten years I have seriously campaigned and promoted this line of dogs all over the U.S. by competing in squirrel and coon hunts against all breeds of dogs. During these ten years, we have won several World, National and State Championships, including three "Dog of the Year" titles in three different registries. A first ever! Before John Grove's death, he asked me to continue the breeding of his dogs that he was so proud of. After his passing, we purchased his Smith's Streak J.R. and five of his best producing females, combining them with some first class females that we had purchased as pups from Carl Smith. We at Hardwood Kennels believe no matter what stud dog, the females play the most important role of producing top quality squirrel and coon dog pups. We believe that we have put together the finest kennel of Mountain Cur females that can be found, and have dedicated the rest of our lives to continue to carry on John Grove and Carl Smith's goal of producing the best Mountain Cur pups possible. If we can be of any help to anyone, no matter the breed, feel free to contact us. This page is dedicated to the late John Grove, Carl Smith, and all the many friends in the Mountain Cur breed and to all squirrel and coon hunters. |
