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RandyTravis' Blog

by RandyTravis from Fox5 I-Team

Last Post 247 days, 2 hours Ago


With all the talk of illegal dog fighting, there’s another controversial sport that’s getting some renewed attention in Georgia and across the country these days:  the sport of fenced fox hunting.

 

It’s a form of fox hunting without the galloping horses and red jackets. Instead, the fox is placed in a fenced-in area out in the countryside. Dozens of dogs, usually walker hounds, are also placed inside the fence with numbers painted on their sides. Just before sunrise, the chase begins. In this case, though, the fox can’t sprint to safety. There’s an electric fence around the perimeter.

 

Supporters claim this is the best way to train their dogs to follow a prey’s scent. Critics argue this is state-sanctioned animal abuse.

 

Coming up Monday at 6 and 10, I’ll introduce you to one former fox pen worker who describes a horrific world where foxes and coyotes are sent to their death, dogs injected with drugs to make them run faster, and a big-money operation that dealt in cash and secrecy.

 

Cameras have always been banned inside these pens. For the first time, we’ll show you videotape of what really happens outside of the public’s eye. Plus, you’ll see why game wardens in eight states and the federal government spent the last two years going undercover to expose a thriving smuggling operation that supplies fresh meat for this sport.

 

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Centauri65 read my blog
Nov 23, 2007 | 7:51 PM

Hopefully your report will help put a stop to this practice.

howel042
Nov 26, 2007 | 3:26 AM

I'd hate to ruin this report with facts because they can really get in the way of what is being sold here but in case anyone wants to know the truth...
Most fox pens are several hundred acres in size with some close to 2,000 acres. A fox or a coyote has lots of room to get away from the hounds and they do sprint to safety in artifical structures that are placed in the pens to protect them. Foxhunters in these pens have no desire to kill the game animals. We love to hear the hounds chase the fox until he decides to run for cover. When one fox runs to safety, the hounds look for another one to chase. Not only is the practice fair and ethical, it is more progressive than most other types of hunting as there is no intent to harm.
There are no secrets to hide among honest foxhunters. Anyone is welcome to join in the chase if they think they might like it. I must warn you though, if you are looking for a bloody dog fight, you won't find it with us. The most offensive thing you will come across is the strong brewed coffee being sipped by the fire.

kdr123
Nov 26, 2007 | 6:18 AM

Mr. Travis,

I hope you tell the whole true, becuase your information is wrong. We all know how the media can make stories sound the way they want them too.

Your blog says the fox have no way to escape. Which is wrong. The pens have housing placed in the pens to give the fox shelter. It is usually the same housing the food is placed for the fox, so the dogs dont eat their food. The houses are placed all over the pen.

Howe, in the above post is right. The pens are hundreds if not thousands of acres.
The wire around the pen is to keep the fox and dogs from getting hit by cars and becoming a nuisance to local residence.

If you really want to know what fox chasing is all about, go to Foxdawgs.com and read the lower coverpage portion. That is just one example of fox chasing.

borofoxhunter
Nov 26, 2007 | 9:14 AM

Mr Travis,
You have no idea what foxhunting about, its heritage of our for-fathers enjoyed, its about fellowship we say a prayer before each hunt(something you probably never do), we give thousands of dollars to groups such as American Cancer Society, The Shriners, Boys and Girls Club of America, Joseph Home for Boys, Jerrys Kids and numerous local charities. What you have is a digruntled former employee and she is trying to make something personal that has a bigger following than she can imagine.

Foxhunter76
Nov 26, 2007 | 10:08 AM

Mr. Travis

As stated above you have no idea what foxhunters do for the community and people in need. We are always first to donate out hard earned money and time to help families in hard times, children or anyone who needs it. We always put GOD first something you probally no nothing about.Fox hunting is a family sport that we are not afraid to take our children to, as we know that anyone there would help them if they ask. The fox in these pens live a better life than they would on the outside, with food at all times and housing they would never have in the wild. Please get all your facts together before tring to destroy something we as fox hunters love.

creeksidelc
Nov 26, 2007 | 10:11 AM

I agree, The media almost always puts a spin on things, and this is just another case of that. There are actually many foxes in the pens, and the pens are huge as above mentioned. The fox is not harmed, and in many cases the fox will play tricks on the dogs and they lose the trail! There is nothing unethical about fox pens, and I would appreciate you pulling this article or at least making it less misleading.
Thanks

foxhunter4life
Nov 26, 2007 | 10:42 AM

There is not one thing true about this post and the media should not put out false information on stuff they do not know about, you guys need to get your facts right before you put it out in front of the public and everyone believes what your telling them, all your doing is making us foxhunters look bad and its actually a great sport!

ALB1
Nov 26, 2007 | 10:55 AM

What a biased slant of your words prior to even airing your report. All for the sake of a STORY! Why don't you take the time to reserach all the good things that also happen as a result of foxhunters coming together to help others in need? Guess that would not make "good airtime"! Ask a young lady in Virginia that was paralyzed as a result of an accident what she and her family think of us "foxhunters"! They were & still are appreciative of the thousands of dollars raised to help her and the family with untold medical expenses! Ask the family in Florida that lost their "children in an auto accident"; about the foxhunters that came together to aid them in a dire time of need!
Ask the many folks in Alabama that receive financial suport from an annual field trial that is held to benefit others! Ask the man in North Carolina that lost his job, medical benefits; and then had a stroke; about those "foxhunters" that came to his aid in such a time of need! These are just some examples of the GOOD" that results from us "foxhunters"...you don't seem to care about that!
Ask those that receive the economic benefit of the millions of dollars we pour into the economy about us "foxhunters"!
The primary goal is to have the hound "chase" the fox not "catch" it! There are casualties in any sport; football, basketball, boxing, wrestling, etc. All of these require stamina, skill, cunning, and endurance. And even though we don't like for it to happen; the weaker species sometimes does not survive. The same as with mother natures "checks & balances" in the wild!
Spend your valuble time help

sbfox11
Nov 26, 2007 | 1:42 PM

Mr. Travis,

I take it that you must not have much background in the outdoors or hunting in general. As it has already been stated in the above post, foxhunting is a heritage that our for-fathers enjoyed. People use to foxhunt primarily on the outside but due to urban development and growth, pens were structured to keep from agrivating the common folk who wanted to complain about dogs going across their land, etc... Although in some places, outside hunting is still practiced, pens are a place to foxhunt to keep up with your hounds and to keep them off of lands and places that they are not suppose to be. The hounds hunt, trail, and jump the game, and then chase the game, using their keen sense of smell and brains to run the game. At a field trial, they are scored as they cross in front of a judge, speed and drive, or they can be scored for hunting, trailing, etc... The purpose is to do these above things and to chase the game. The game, in most cases stays so far ahead of the hounds, that it is funny, alot of times losing the dogs to the point of making the hounds go elsewhere to hunt for another. It is done for pleasure on weekends, to watch and hear your hounds and it is also done at trials, to compete and see which hounds look and can run the best. There are also bench shows at hunts, to show hounds and judge them on their looks, features, confirmation, etc...

Foxhunting involves some of all kinds. Older folks, middle age folks, young folks, and kids. It provides an oppurtunity for fun, fellowship, and just simply having a good time.

Hunts are held

kdr123
Nov 26, 2007 | 2:22 PM

"cash and secrecy"

cash-unfortunately nothing in life is free. There are entryfees involved. Which pays for judges gas, trophies, etc.

secrecy-not sure where your going with this Mr. Travis. Its hard to hide a dogbox on the back of a pickup. Foxchases are open to anyone.

julydogg
Nov 26, 2007 | 2:31 PM

as usual, some reporter out there trying to get his face out there and get noticed has once again reported on something he has no idea about. the fact is, he has never been fox hunting or probably any kind of hunting. foxhunting has been going on since way before any of us were even born and will continue after we are all gone in one form or another. this reporter should get his facts in order first. i could say he is bank robber or worse, but i would do my homework first before accusing him of something illegal.

MCT07
Nov 26, 2007 | 2:33 PM

Mr Travis
I dont know if you have kids but think of it like this. I have fox hunted for years, same as all of my family. I was introduced to this sport by my grandfather, in the same way that i introduced to my kids. It has been in my family for generations. I hunt know in the pens to keep people from fussing about my dogs running across there land ect. Now yall are trying to take that away from us. I would rather have my kids growing up around fox pens with good hunters in a good family oriented sport than on the streets doing drugs and drinking!! The game in the pens are being taken care of better there than in the wild anyway. In there they do not have to hunt for food, they have a buffet supplied for them anyway. They do have plenty of places to hide to get away from the dogs, if they chose to do so. When they are in the wild they are problems to cattle farmers, crop farmers, they get shot and killed, run over by cars, they kill house hold pets ect. the list goes on and on. By airing this THE WAY YOU PUT IT you will be trying to kill a good family sport that has been around for generations and generations. I really hope that you would reconsider.

jeastman28
Nov 26, 2007 | 2:36 PM

Mr. Travis,

I am so sorry to hear that a man with your education could assume such a thing about the last pure sport in AMERICA. I am a 28 year old man and have been raised in foxhunting all of my life and I am raising my my family in the last pure sport alive today! I can very well tell you if I didn't have the option of hunting every Friday night what else I could have been doing. For your and the public information, we do not hunt in a small, but very large areas such as 200 to 300 ACRE enclosures that the game have been naturally acustomed to. We also take very good care of the game such as feeding them then highest quality feed available, because the object is not to catch or kill the game, but watch and LISTEN to the chase. THe fun of this sport acctually is to see how many times a piece of game can out fool us and the dogs in pursuit. I hope with a little more KNOWLEDGE with the sport now YOU and the media have a different opion of what we do!!

ncfieldtrialer
Nov 26, 2007 | 2:48 PM

Mr. Travis,
Please feel free to come with me to a field trial any time you like. I am positive you will not see these horrible things you are describing. Instead you will see fun and fellowship. You may like it enought that you buy your own pack of foxhounds.

Blessed07
Nov 26, 2007 | 3:02 PM

I imagine all fox pen owners will not take it lightly by stating untruths, such as the fox pens not having a way for fox and coyotes to get to safety. I believe that with telling such untruths about fox pen owners, that one could preceive that Mr. Travis is trying to cause defamation to pen owners' character which I believe is grounds for a law suit. Report the facts...not a spin!!!! God bless

MuchLoveInEssence read my blog
Nov 26, 2007 | 3:02 PM

Thanks Randy Travis for bringing this report to the light. From all the response you got so far it is amazing how so many people can think that dog fighting is wrong but to hell with the other animals. When it comes to America double standards and ignorance run freely. How can you condone one form of abuse just because your forefathers did it but yet condone a black man for killing petey the pit-bull... The response to Michael Vick was over the edge but by looking at the response to your blog-ignorance still has a place here in America…


Education or not common sense and sensitivity towards all life should be the standard. But I guess people will justify their wrong with some meaningless family ritual…. My goodness how vague and immature

Blessed07
Nov 26, 2007 | 3:09 PM

ok...so I guess some people believe, by what they are stating on here, that ranching and farming cattle is also wrong because the cows are in the pen...farmers go and pick a cow...slaughter it...and then you eat it. My my my...what spins people put on issues.

RandyTravis read my blog view my photos
Nov 26, 2007 | 3:15 PM

Thanks for all the comments so far. Our series begins tonight at 6 and 10. We have a second part Tuesday at 6 and 10.

As many of you know, law enforcement authorities in eight states plus the federal government recently wrapped up their two-year investigation into fox pens and illegal smuggling of game for those pens. We plan to discuss that in Tuesday's installment.

Our story tonight deals with a couple of big size pens: a 400-acre pen in Alabama and an 1800-acre pen in Georgia.

Since we're a Georgia TV station, we tried to get the owner of the Georgia pen to talk to us on camera and let us videotape inside his pen. He said no to both.

If any of you are from Georgia, I make the same request.

julydogg
Nov 26, 2007 | 3:24 PM

why would any pen owner want to talk to you now???? no matter what he or she says, anyone who doesnt know anything about this sport has already made up their mind. you have already done alot of damage to a sport ive enjoyed for 30 years.

MuchLoveInEssence read my blog
Nov 26, 2007 | 3:33 PM

Randy
My grandmother always told me the TRUTH HURTS!
When you expose evils dirt, you can best believe you will be hated for your action. But don't worry about the non-thinkers do what you do best -expose the dirt that they try to hide and condone. Your report is not damaging its truth and the truth hurts the ones that live in the dark...

No matter how many response you get you will have the haters constantly trying to condone their behavior... But one thing that I have learned in life-when you judge a man for his wrong you better make sure you glass house is shattered free...

Thanks again Randy...

MuchLoveInEssence read my blog
Nov 26, 2007 | 3:34 PM

Randy
My grandmother always told me the TRUTH HURTS!
When you expose evils dirt, you can best believe you will be hated for your action. But don't worry about the non-thinkers do what you do best -expose the dirt that they try to hide and condone. Your report is not damaging its truth and the truth hurts the ones that live in the dark...

No matter how many response you get you will have the haters constantly trying to condone their behavior... But one thing that I have learned in life-when you judge a man for his wrong you better make sure your glass house is shattered free...

Thanks again Randy...

borofoxhunter
Nov 26, 2007 | 3:35 PM

I'm not condoning what a select few pens done was not right in that investigation but don't put us all under one group. Just because Micheal Vick a dog fighter doesn't make all black men dog fighters. I will be glad to talk to you anytime just e-mail me. Like I said earlier you got your info from the pen owners estranged wife which is trying to get back at him so she will say anything that will cause harm to him. Foxhunters as a whole are some of the most care-giving people around if some is in need they go out of their way to raise money for their cause. Mr Travis please give both sides of your story...

outdoorsman read my blog
Nov 26, 2007 | 3:51 PM

When you look at the user names of people that have posted complaints about the story before they see it, it appears that they are all fox hunters. Wonder why they are so vocal? Maybe, they already know what the facts are and are crying because they are going to be exposed.

borofoxhunter
Nov 26, 2007 | 3:56 PM

Maybe your not such of a OUTDOORSMAN. You probably sit in your tree stand over bait and shoot your trophy deer. Its just a matter of time before all of outdoor sports such as quail hunting, rabbit hunting, fishing will be one their outlaw list...

julydogg
Nov 26, 2007 | 3:58 PM

outdoorsman???? yeah right. do you hunt??? probably gonna try to tell everyone that sitting in a shooting house over a green patch is ok.. the only a deer goes into a green patch to eat is because there is nothing else to eat in the woods and there is a hunter sitting in a shooting house ready to blow his head off. but you wont hear about that on any news report because the doctors and lawyers and the rest of the big wheels like to do that. i think hunting is a right not a privelege. of course, this used to be a free country.

GameCOCK
Nov 26, 2007 | 4:07 PM

I personally have attended numerous hunts over the years. I have personally saved game that I thought was about to be caught, usually the game is smarter than the hounds and when the game tires it goes in holes, up trees, into colverts, or pipes placed in these pens so the fox and coyotes can escape the hounds. The Game is well kept and feed good food and also vaccinated to remove parasites. Most pen owners follow the laws for there states closely and are 100% legal. Most established associations make annual donations to there state wildlife department of natural resorces. Most hunters give numeros times a year to all kinds of needy folks from childrens homes to churchs, all the time, I would like this reported.

JLBrutus
Nov 26, 2007 | 5:25 PM

Obviously, what we have here in this blog is a pre-emptive, orchestrated response by the bloodsport community of canned fox chasing facility operators – who are not the red-coats on horseback breed of fox hunters or the ole time fox hunters whose foxhounds chased unhindered, free-range foxes across unrestrained acres. This group, who pen up foxes and allow their hounds to chase them down and shred them to pieces, are NOT fox hunters in any sense.

A few things about some of the statements made by captive fox hunting proponents:

Argument that the pens are “large and several thousand acres” – One or two large pens do not change the fact that the foxes and coyotes are still PENNED UP and not free-ranging. Furthermore, most areas are not large acreages. In fact, according to the data I have from the State licensing agency the average fox pen size is just under 200 acres (less than ½ square mile) with the smallest being 10 acres and the largest about 1800 acres. On average the home range of a wild, free-ranging fox is 2-3 square miles, which is 1,729 acres. Thus, most of your fox pens are incapable of providing the home range required for a single fox. Yet, these fox pen operators cram several foxes into a 200-acre pen. This is neither not biologically appropriate, justifiable, or reasonable. Nor is it fair chase. Under such conditions, the foxes & coyotes are socially stressed, which is not a better life than would have outside the confinement of a fence.

Artificial structures – Certainly, fox pens must provide adequate escape shelter as required by Law in most

JLBrutus
Nov 26, 2007 | 5:26 PM

Continued...

Artificial structures – Certainly, fox pens must provide adequate escape shelter as required by Law in most States that allow such disgraceful pursuits. In the interest of the facts, Gentlemen, please be sure to share with the readers how fox pen operators will close off or restrict access to these escape shelters so that the foxes and coyotes can not escape; remembering that they are also fenced in to prevent escape, thereby extending the chase. Or, what about how fox operators lop off the tails so the dogs can’t catch the coyotes by the tail, thereby extending the chase. After being run to exhaustion, the foxes and coyotes are caught by the pack of dogs and killed by being torn to pieces.

Purpose of the fence – The purpose has nothing to do with keeping foxes and dogs from being hit by cars. These operations aren’t located adjacent to major interstates and highways. They are located, like chicken fighting rings, down dirt roads in isolated rural areas. C’mon boys, stop lying to yourselves and trying to pull the wool over the public’s eyes! The public is smarter than you think. The purpose of the fence is solely to restrict the movement and escape of foxes and coyotes (especially after escape cover has been blocked off) to prolong the chase, resulting in exhaustion and the inhumane death of the fox or coyote as the pack of dogs rip them to pieces.

JLBrutus
Nov 26, 2007 | 5:27 PM

Continued...

“What you have is a disgruntled former employee and she…” – Well, Mr. Insider fox pen operator you type too much. Mr. Travis did not mention the gender of this person, but you have. This should give more credence to her statements. By the way, there are public court records to her testimony. Public records and access to them are wonderful thing! You boys gonna follow through on the threats to her life. You know, that is terroristic activity! Of course, the information provided by this insider employee will only be part of the story. Let’s not forget the excellent video footage of what Fox Pen Operations REALLY do. With video testimony, we don’t need your side through your words.

Fox pen operators & customers are only interested in the chase – If this were true then there would be no market across the Southeast for trapping live foxes and coyotes from the wild and selling them to fox pen operators to be placed in a death pen. See, if the chase were the truth and what you really enjoyed, then there would seldom be any fox and coyote deaths and the fox and coyote populations would be sustainable in the pens. But, in reality, this is not the case. So, it logically follows that these foxes and coyotes are being killed for enjoyment, gambling, and entertainment in these fox pens and the trapping, importation, and selling of live foxes to these operators is necessary to sustain their bloodsport operations.

JLBrutus
Nov 26, 2007 | 5:27 PM

Continued...

And the money – Sure, all the good you do. Heck even if the Satan saves a life, it doesn’t change the fact that he is still Satan and inherently evil. Is that good only paid for through the reported income or does it include the unreported cash as well! Reports indicate that some operators are raking in over $200,000 in unreported cash. DO you guys report the income from the gambling that occurs at these “chases”? Of course, how can report income from an illegal activity? Wonder if there are some RICO charges for the feds to look into with these fox pen operators. Maybe Mr. Travis’ investigation and reporting will alert the IRS to you good ole boys and your redneck games.

“Honest foxhunters” – Well, here it is – a Freudian indicator of subconsciously acknowledging there is a problem with fox pens. In this case, it must be the 99% of fox pen operators and customers that are giving the 1% a bad name. So, we can all agree that there are some serious problems that need to be addressed because even the fox pen operators admit that there are DISHONEST fox pen operators. So, why haven’t the honest fox pen operators (if they actually exist) stepped in to clean up their sport until now? Let’s guess, maybe it is because they all operate inhumanely and often illegally and promote a bloodsport, but now that the truth will be exposed a few, like these on this blog, have seen fit to capitalize on this opportunity and create a fictitious division between good and evil fox pen operators so they can distance themselves, as honest, and survive the will of the el

JLBrutus
Nov 26, 2007 | 5:28 PM

Continued...

God – So you boys claim that God condones this type of treatment of His Creation? The Christianity and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ that I have been taught teach otherwise. They teach respect and reverence for life and that His Father, Our God created this Earth and this wildlife for us to enjoy and use, but we are instructed to do so under the Wisdom offered by God to be the utmost stewards of His Creation and His gift to us. I implore you to look deep, think hard and ask what would Jesus do? When the Lord Thy God questions you on this behavior, what will ye answer to Him.

Fox hunting heritage – the tradition of our fore-fathers was hunting on horseback behind a pack of foxhounds pursuing a free-ranging fox on the foxes terms. In some cases the hunters were not on horseback and not wearing red sportscoats, but the fact remains that the heritage DID NOT involve captive facilities, high fences, and trapping foxes and coyotes from the wild to put in a pen for foxhounds to chase. It is what the society calls Fair Chase and ethical hunting. What you proponents of fox pens condone is called something else.

THE END (of fox pens we hope)!

neal6309
Nov 26, 2007 | 6:21 PM

I have seen 300+ hounds cast at one time and even seen them break other hounds legs and knock them out of the race from the start of the cast. That is wanting to be the first to kill and you all know it.RIGHT?

cssutto
Nov 26, 2007 | 6:24 PM

The first statement by Howe was as good as I can make, but I would like to add to it.

First, in the states with which I am familiar, by law the game warden inspects the pen and approves of the number of dens and how they are constructed. These dens must be dig proof so that a hound can not dig the fox out. The game warden tells the pen owner how many dens he must have and sets a limit on the number of hounds allowed at one time based on the size of the pen.

One of the posters who obviously is an AR says that the pen owner blocks the den entrances to keep the fox from going in. That person obviously has no idea what they are talking about.

Another criticized the 200 acre pen as being too small, that it is not as large as the fox's normal habitat. If the 200 acres is thick underbrush, as most of them are, 200 acres is more than enough. Experienced hunters can tell you many stories of foxes that ran all day in 100 acres, usually in a corn field in the fall or in dense brush and briers, yet that fox had the whole world to run in if he so desired.

In closing I would like to say that you can find one or two pens that do not follow the rules. To condemn all pens is the same as condemning all reporters because a few fabricate stories, are drunks or whatever.

By far the majority of pens are run by decent church going people who follow the law, will not allow drinking on the premises, feed and vaccinate their foxes as carefully as they do their house dog.

"Free range" is an AR bussword. When you hear that, you know you are listening to an AR. But what that A

cssutto
Nov 26, 2007 | 6:26 PM

But what that AR will not admit to is that the free range fox lives an extremely hard life with most fox dying before they are 18 months old. A lot of pen foxes learn to dive in the hole in 15 minutes or less, and live to a ripe old age eating dog food. That beats eating grasshoppers in the summer and road kill and garbage in the winter.

It is unfortunate that you have chosen to ruin a very important pastime for so many good people and without learning enough about it to present an honest picture.

howel042
Nov 26, 2007 | 6:36 PM

JL, I hardly know where to start. First of all, let me tell you that GOD is a foxhunter. It sounds silly but so does the fact that he gave his son to wash away our sin. Once you accept it, the light comes on and you will see the creation thru the loving eyes of a faithful master.
The foxhunting heritage you speak of has been torn to pieces by what is sometimes refered to as progress. Now there is the real crime that the public has not been shown. Given the situation we have 2 choices. Cry about what we have lost until we are called home or pick ourselves up and find a solution. We have found the solution to the problem of hunting in the wild. The solution is the fox pens. They keep our hounds safe from you and your cars and guns. That is the chief purpose of a pen, protection for hound and master.
Freud??? Are you serious, man?
There are dishonest people the whole world over. The fact that you think I've given away a secret by suggesting it shows us something about your worldview. JL, we are not living in Eden. There is evil in this world and there always will be. Accept the imperfection of this world, help us continue doing what GOD has intended for us to do, and prepare for your reward. That is the best any of GOD's children can do.
Let me ask you, is it the citizens duty to ask the government for laws to limit his activity? Not in this country! The citizens duty is to live as freely as possible unless he is restricted by government. Do some states need regulation? Yes, indeed, and the hunters of those states will follow them once they are created.
Finally, please r

howel042
Nov 26, 2007 | 6:38 PM

-Continued-

Finally, please rethink your logic regarding the stocking of the pens. What is the average life span of a fox or coyote? I'd say about 4 years would make a ripe old critter in the wild. Think about the age of the animals when they are placed in the pens. I'd say between 1 and 4 years old at the time of entry. Now, use your logic to figure out how long the average fox or coyote has left in his natural born life. A large percentage of the game that goes in a pen will be dead after one year because the term of its natural life will have passed. JL, things die in this world. I don't like it, but I understand it. GOD has intended it and you can not stop his will.

Revolutionary
Nov 26, 2007 | 6:42 PM

ow, what a suprise that hunters are upset and are bashing Miss Mamie. The so called "sport" is nothing other than a violent and ruthless animal massacre, where innocent foxes and coyotes have no chance to spring to safety and when these exausted little creatures have no place left to turn they must face the jaws of the dogs and be brutaly and without mercy be torn apart.

I worked at a fox pen as a young teenager and i know the true horrors that occuried in these so called "fox pens" or as they should be called fox slaughter houses.

Miss Mamie should be apllaued because human history of man is littered with brave souls who dared to speak out against tyranny, brutality, and intolerant oppression and Miss Mamie is one of thoose people.

Fear not Mamie Henderson, if people bash and critisize you, it is to be expected because history shows that those who do not fight evil condem those who do.

mimi0918
Nov 26, 2007 | 6:52 PM

So all of ya'll people care about a little fox, but could CARE LESS about all the babies that are being ABORDED every year, THAT'S MILLIONS of babies.

I think we should all be more worried about the babies being killed than 10 foxes a year.

Revolutionary
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:03 PM

Mimi, yes Abortion is also another evil that occurs in the world today.

But when i went to join the fight againist evil i want to fight all evil not just narrow it to one cause.

Lets try to stay focus on the topic at hand, which is the mauling of foxes.

if you are a child of God you will know all innocent life is precious and each creature was created for a reason.

Please don't assume i care nothing about babies for i am also a strict Pro Life conservative but will also not stand for what is happening to thse foxes.

Another_foxhunter
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:05 PM

First off, i would like to say we own a fox pen and you are totally wrong if you think that the fox/coyotes have it bad. Our pen is over 500 acres. We limit our hounds to 40 per nite. We have one coyote we know of, because she has distinctive features that enables us to tell her apart from the rest, that has been in our pen for over 5 years now. She is still alive. She is still running. She knows how to take the hounds on a trip that none of you would believe. She can leave them in a heartbeat if she wants, or she can run them for an hour... but then she can "lose them." She will run them by the hunters as she is putting on her show. She can stop in middle of a pack, turn around and the pack keeps running and she walks away. As far as just "turning them loose" then turning the hounds on them, when we turn our fox/coyotes loose, we let them get use to the area for two weeks before we let any hounds in. They know the area, they know the hiding places. We don't just turn loose the fox then turn loose the dozens of hounds, as you made the statement. As far as making loads of money, no we don't. There is far too much involved in upkeep of the fence, the feed which we feed over 250 lbs a week for the coyotes/fox, and medications/injections, road care, barrels everything else to tend to the pen. There is no money made. The field trials that have been held at our pen have mostly been benefit field trials. We have paid bills for many people due to leukemia, cancer, loss of loved ones. We have paid funeral home bills for people that have died unexpectedly. This all

jimprofit
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:10 PM

I will never understand human beings.

What is less brutal about this then clubbing baby-seals? There are just some things you shouldn't do. And unnescary pain and death against any living thing is dispicable. It says alot about your character when you have to bully small animals to make yourself feel better.


If hunting is a sport, then why aren't we allowed to hunt serial killers for fun? They've ruined lives. But we have these laws about cruel and unusual punishment. Which apparently only apply to people. Because humans are such elitist sonsabitches they think just cause they have thumbs that gives them the lee-way to treat every other living thing like crap.


My answer would be more strict fines. Every dead fox is a thousand dollars down the drain. I want to see how the hunters like being hunted. They can make more money, the foxes can't comeback to life nor lower the amount of pain they go through in death. Killing animals is not your right, ceartainly not in such a babraric fashion.

If you want to prove you're a human being, then it's about time you started acting humanely.

stopthemaddness
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:11 PM

Revolutionry your wrong. There is nothing violent and ruthless about Honest fox hunting. I'm sure there are some that procede with illegal fox hunting, but that's with anything in this world like illegally deer, rabbit, duck hunting and etc. The fox and coyotes do have artificial structures that are available in several areas of the pen. Get it right!!

My family is honest and we are good people. My father introuced me to this sport when I was a very young teen and it is nothing but a honest, clean, and fair sport.

mimi0918
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:20 PM

I agree with you stopthemaddness

Another_foxhunter
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:24 PM

I would like to ask everyone that is "knocking" our sport. Do you eat beef? Do you eat pork? Do you eat chicken? Do you eat fish? Do you eat lamb? Do you eat deer? Do you eat eggs? Do you drink milk? If you do... how can you say harming innocent animals is wrong then? If this person, who taped this video was an honest foxhunter... he/she wouldn't have been standing their videotaping. He/she would have been stopping the baying. That's what we do. We stop them IF it happens. The one doing the videotaping is the WRONG one. The judges/pen owners/hunters stop the baying before anything can happen if at all possible.

mimi0918
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:28 PM

For those of you that don't know what baying is. It is the act of dogs wanting to attack an animal. However hurting animals never does happen because of the hunters wanting to keep the fox from being hurt.

bones43564
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:30 PM

jl brutus

bones43564
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:32 PM

jl brutus if you dont like it dont go!!!i will not be at your gay party!!!!!!10-4

ALB1
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:36 PM

Ahh...Now the REAL TRUTH is beginning to come to the surface!! There was a BITTER DIVORCE between a foxpen owner and his wife in the state of Georgia! A lot of "he said", "she said", and in the end...between the two of them...it was all about the MONEY!! Who's gonna get the better of whom! So it appears in her hatred for him she is doing all she can to ruin him and try to ruin and take away from all of us that choose to enjoy foxhnunting! It now appears that Mr Travis has become her mouthpiece and is doing all the dirty work for her!! Hey...congratulations "fox news"...you once again succeed in unbalanced reporting of the REAL TRUTH!! Maybe next you should investigate "Desperate Housewives"!!

MuchLoveInEssence read my blog
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:40 PM

Another_foxhunter: If we were to consider your comments my question to you is this: Why is Vick sitting in jail now? Tell me the difference in your sport and his? Is it limited violence? I'm confused on the doubled standard here in America along with the ignorant and brain deal people that surface the earth with rules that makes no sense...Please enlighten me... Is there a chemistry between the two sports? One sport is right as long as the sport is a family ritual but if not condemn you to hell and especially if you are in the limelight.. Talk about doubled standards-behind the scene is not against the law is that correct?

MuchLoveInEssence read my blog
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:42 PM

Another_foxhunter: If we were to consider your comments my question to you is this: Why is Vick sitting in jail now? Tell me the difference in your sport and his? Is it limited violence? I'm confused on the doubled standard here in America along with the ignorant and brain dead people that surface the earth with rules that makes no sense...Please enlighten me... Is there a chemistry between the two sports? One sport is right as long as the sport is a family ritual- but if not condemn you to hell and especially if you are in the limelight.. Talk about doubled standards-behind the scene is not against the law is that correct?

MuchLoveInEssence read my blog
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:44 PM

Chasing down the fox to slaughter is legal? Please help me to understand this ignorant thing you call a sport... I'll wait on Capital Hill in the oval office for your response. Right alone with you lying President...

kdr123
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:50 PM

FACT - FACT - FACT

Mrs. Henderson is going through a divorse

Mrs. Henderson is/was the wife of the co-owner

Mrs. Henderson said she was ordered to put obstructions in the way of the foxdens. Which stops there escape.

Mrs. Henderson admitted she did it, she is not an employee. She is the wife of the co-owner, which makes her the co-owner.

Why did she do it? she is in the wrong, if her husband did it, he is too. But she admitted she did it.

Guilty with a confession if you ask me.

bones43564
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:52 PM

yes it is go back to what ever rock you came out of and get a life!!!!if you dont like it dont watch it!!!!!10-4!!!!

Another_foxhunter
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:54 PM

MuchHatredinEssence. I changed your name because apparently you have alot of hatred... for alot of people including the president. I hope the secret service is watching this also.. so they can investigage you. There is a lot of difference in the sport of foxhunting, listening to the music the hounds make. God put those FOXHOUNDS on earth for a reason. To chase fox. To make the music that they make. Look it up in the encyclopedia!!! Look up the definition of American Foxhound. See what it tells you. Dog fighting is pitting a dog against a dog. A dog is NOT a nusiance animal. A coyote and fox is. Look that up in your state trapping laws. It states NUISANCE ANIMALS. Do your research before you start condeming!!!

howel042
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:58 PM

What Vick was doing is nothing like foxhunting. Vick was killing domestic animals for fun. Foxhunters chase wild foxes and coyotes for fun and sometimes they die as an unintended consequence. There is no lust for blood.

Also, Vick is a black man who can be painted by the media as a "thug". Just look how Randy Travis seperated modern foxhunters from the "noble" men in England. They are trying to paint foxhunters as poor rednecks so the rich white folks of Atlanta can look down on them, just like they took a successful black athelete and made him look like a street criminal.

bones43564
Nov 26, 2007 | 7:58 PM

10-4 foxhunter she just wishes she had something to do but set at home and play with her self

MuchLoveInEssence read my blog
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:03 PM

Under your rules and your rules only. When truth surface to expose you dirty secrets-everyone becomes the enemy. Well I'm glad to see that not only will Vick serve time but for you and the rest of your klan that find pleasures in your ignorant sports-I hope justice serves it's purpose...

I'm so glad that truth rules over evil. Maybe there is hope in this Nation called America- home of doubled standard. Another_foxhunter -instead of the foxes being chased down its your turn...lol

redraider1972
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:03 PM

What we have here is a group of educated liberals that want to put a stop to an American heritage passed down from our forefathers.It makes me want to puke at how todays media will take such a story as this and twist it around to make hunting seem vicious and illegal.I have never fox hunted in my life.I am an avid coon hunter(racoon for you city folk).Just as the fox hunter I enjoy listening to the race that a pack of hounds can make as they pursue the game.I could not imagine not being able to take part in a sport that I dearly love.95% of coon, rabbit, fox,and deer hunters I know practice fair chase methods of hunting,and yes their are 5% that give our sport a black eye.But please do your homework and also show both sides of an issue instead of just one just to get a story.Case in point... Budweiser beer always shows the beautiful girls,the good times and the great times to be had with using their product.Why dont they show the other side of the coin and show the alcoholic that has lost everything,the parents burying a child because of a drunk driver etc.etc. They should. Mr. Travis you should do the same and report about the ethical hunters as well.I guess that wouldn't make you a GOOD STORY as it seems todays society would rather feed off of the bad news and not the good things that still go on in this world.

kdr123
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:12 PM

It wouldnt surprize me if Mrs. Henderson was holding the video camera also. She already admitted she blocked the foxdens so they couldnt escape. She is a real class act.

Good luck in your divorse Mrs. Henderson.

RandyTravis read my blog view my photos
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:12 PM

To the bloggers who feel like we didn't show the good side of fox hunting: we asked repeatedly for an interview from the co-owner of our state's largest pen. He repeatedly turned us down. He also declined to let us videotape what happens during a field trial.

We honestly wanted to witness for ourselves, although we realized that our presence might impact what we would actually see.

Again, I continue to make the offer to any other Georgia pen owners. We truly want to see what you have and interview you about the heritage you talk so much about.

So far the silence is deafening.

As for Mamie Henderson's motivation, our job is to investigate whether a whistleblower's allegations are substantiated by other testimony or evidence... then to make sure we disclose the motivation if we do a story.

In her case, both of those were done.

RandyTravis read my blog view my photos
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:15 PM

One more thing, Ms. Henderson did not shoot the videotape at the Alabama pen.

She wants nothing to do with fox pens ever again.

Another_foxhunter
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:16 PM

MuchHatredinEssence... What we are doing is NOT illegal. In our state it is perfectly legal, so we will NOT be going to jail. YOU on the other hand.... with your comments about the president, MIGHT BE. Are you sure you are even from this country? Like I said... do some research before you start comdeming. Mr. Travis needs to do some research also. Siding on the side of a bitter wife, looking for extra bucks is definitely NOT the way to go.

Another_foxhunter
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:19 PM

Mr. Travis. Mrs. Moody, has already posted on the foxhunting board that she is NOT an exwife.. she is the WIFE of the OWNER of the Swainsboro Fox Pen, so she is still involved in it!!!!

Another_foxhunter
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:20 PM

AND when SHE posted, she did NOT post under the name Henderson. She posted under the name of MOODY.

RandyTravis read my blog view my photos
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:23 PM

She's right. She's not an ex-wife. They're still going through a divorce.

MuchLoveInEssence read my blog
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:26 PM

Once again TRUTH HURTS! Epecially when one has something to hide. Again I make no apologies for my statement and I back down from no one.. When truth prevails-it makes me happy to see justice come full circle to expose all the wrong that goes on in this world...As far as my freedom of speech- the President is a liar... Shall I retract my words/the truth-I should say NOT! And if I were face to face with him the words would not stumble from my lips...Are my comments truth about the President...I shall say that they are more balance than the average scale.....Again truth hurts the one who lives in the dark...

redraider1972
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:28 PM

Mr. Travis you mean to tell me that out of all the liscened fox pens in Georgia that you can not find one that will take you hunting?I find that very hard to believe.Why not post the names of the ones you have contacted,then we as a people can see and double check and see for ourselves who is actually telling the truth.You see Mr. Travis what you fail to report on this blog is the fact that most fox pens in Georgia operate in the southern part of the state and probably have no idea about your ill advised,one sided story.

Another_foxhunter
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:32 PM

Yes Mr. Travis... give us the list of all the licensed fox pens in Georgia that you contacted that would not let you in. Please.

Another_foxhunter
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:34 PM

MuchhatredinEssence. You talk about freedom of speech. What about our freedom? Have you seen what they do to slaughter cows for you to eat? Pigs? Have you seen that? Have you seen the destruction coyotes do to small animals? To watermelon fields? To crops? Have you? You talk about freedom. You are a hypocrite.

jwood
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:40 PM

your a retard

MuchLoveInEssence read my blog
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:40 PM

You're funny when you get angry... It's time for soul searching and truth. If the sounds of coyotes and Foxes turn you on-something is not quite right about that picture. Shall we put you in the place of these animals and see what kind of sounds that you make. Would that be right? Of course not-so why treat animals of any kind with such brutal treatment for money and pleasure...

Excuses are not accepted when wrong is painted so clearly... Be real with yourself... Excuses only lead to complacent behavior..

jwood
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:41 PM

all this for a dollar

firefighterfree
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:50 PM

Hey Randy of Fox5 I hate it when you guys and gals get on T.V. "twist and tell the public only what you want them to hear". Why don't you tell the damage foxes and coyotes do to livestock and poultry farmers??????????????? Oh sorry that is too much like right!!!!!!!!!! Where is the footage from Georgia all this was taped in Alabama correct? So how can you report on something that did not happen on GEORGIA RED CLAY. Secondly the lady you were interviewing is on a revenge so how can you get in the middle of something like this she is bitter. GET ALL YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE YOU AIR SOMETHING LIKE THIS. For the record Im not a fox nor coyote hunter but an avid outdoorsman.

firefighterfree
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:52 PM

Hey Randy of Fox5 I hate it when you guys and gals get on T.V. "twist and tell the public only what you want them to hear". Why don't you tell the damage foxes and coyotes do to livestock and poultry farmers??????????????? Oh sorry that is too much like right!!!!!!!!!! Where is the footage from Georgia all this was taped in Alabama correct? So how can you report on something that did not happen on GEORGIA RED CLAY. Secondly the lady you were interviewing is on a revenge so how can you get in the middle of something like this she is bitter. GET ALL YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE YOU AIR SOMETHING LIKE THIS. For the record Im not a fox nor coyote hunter but an avid outdoorsman.

RandyTravis read my blog view my photos
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:53 PM

You misunderstood my earlier entry. We were denied entry into the United Fox Pen, the pen we profiled in our investigation. It's the largest in the state. We did not contact other Georgia pen owners because we had no specific information about their pen.

Since many of you feel we have not provided a full picture of your sport, we're open to visiting other Georgia pens. The problem is most of them are much smaller than United Fox Pen. Many are under 100 acres. Several seem to be open only for the pen owner. Some don't seem to be available for field trials. That seems to be where the controversy lies.

I made this request earlier today and have not heard from any other Georgia pen operators.

nocaffeine
Nov 26, 2007 | 8:55 PM

Of course this pen owner would not let them go in because it is evidence in a divorce. I don't beleive that Mr. Travis let any of the other pen owners (if he contacted any others at all) know that he was doing a report on the abuse of the sport, because if he did I feel positive that they would have welcomed him in so he could report how well organized, maintained, and no abuse,to dogs or foxes. Those fox hunters love their dogs and would never harm them. The pen owners are even attached to their foxes. They feed them, vaccinate them and tend to them just as pets. No one would have harm come to either animal.

nocaffeine
Nov 26, 2007 | 9:02 PM

I don't think that the other pen owners are sitting around reading your blog. It is your JOB to contact them not them try to get in contact with you.

nocaffeine
Nov 26, 2007 | 9:05 PM

You say you continually make the offer to other pen owners, how? Do you think they are reading this crap? Do your job and contact them personally.

Another_foxhunter
Nov 26, 2007 | 9:09 PM

MuchHatredinEssence. Why won't YOU answer my questions??? Afraid huh? I understand your name now. Have to hide behind it. If you don't understand stuff... and research before you condemn, you shouldn't condemn. Thank you.

Outdoorsmen
Nov 26, 2007 | 9:10 PM

Heritage what are you talking about. Hound hunting is a heritage in an outdoor enviroment. In an area surrounded by an electric fence, just no the case??? I am an avid lifetime hunter its hard to stand with you guys on this one!!!

jeastman28
Nov 26, 2007 | 9:16 PM

Mr. Travis,

It sounds to me you are airing a diary of bitter divorce, because if the sport was soo awful why did it take her 18 years to confess these aledged accusations? I have traveled from Louisiana to the United Fox Pen in Swainsboro, GA, I would have to say that these accusation Mrs. Henderson has made are mocury of the truth that goes on there and at all pens. If any of the people that has negative reports have done any "HOMEWORK" at all you would know that the game in the pen has a better chance of staying alive and being disease free than being in the wild. I have a question for you Mr. Travis, do you hunt or have you ever hunted? If no, how can you condem something you have never done? Do encourage sports such as football or baseball or even golf, if you do does it mean all children that play will be on steroids? Maybe that will make for a better spin for bias one-sided people such as yourself

RandyTravis read my blog view my photos
Nov 26, 2007 | 9:17 PM

nocaffeine:

Please go back and carefully read what I just wrote earlier. The offer is out there because some of you believe there's another side of the story.

We feel like we told tonight's story completely, at least as completely as we could with the owner of the fox pen refusing to talk on camera or allow us access.

If some feel otherwise, and they've got a Georgia pen, give me a call.

RandyTravis read my blog view my photos
Nov 26, 2007 | 9:20 PM

jeastman28:

Mamie Henderson was part of the fox pen for about two years, not 18.

Perhaps you misheard when we said she worked at an 18-hundred acre fox pen.

gafoxhunter
Nov 26, 2007 | 9:24 PM

Mr. Travis,
I have the opportunity to be a part of a fox pen in our great state, and can tell you that the last thing any of us want to do is to harm any of the fox or cayotes in our pens. We take great care of both our fox, and our hounds that we enjoy running and hunting with. We are blessed to still have the opportunity to enjoy foxhuting and it is a shame that those who have never had a part in it can just judge it in a report that makes it seem evil.
I don't know what your video will show, but please consider that the video could very well be set up by those who want to paint a grim picture of foxhunting. There are careful steps you take to prepare both the fox and the hounds for hunting to insure their safety during the chase, and there are many places of refuge for the fox and cayotes to go into in case there is a need for them to.
The fox and cayotes are well fed and also dewormed and receive medicine when needed through their food.
Our pens are not to endanger the fox and cayotes, but to insure the safety of both the fox and the hounds due to highway danger and other safety reasons.
The foxpens are inspected by the stste regularly to make sure they are in good shape and the fox and cayotes are being taken proper care of. If they were cruel or unfair in any way you can believe the proper people would take appropriate measures to make sure the pens were safe for the animals both being chased and giving chase.
Foxhunting is under enough attack by those that have not had the opportunity to grow up around the thing that some of us love so much, so pleas

ALB1
Nov 26, 2007 | 9:26 PM

Mr Travis.....Your sentence about disclosing the "motivation" is true! Her motivation to discredit the husband, and get MONEY from him!
I know for a fact that she had posted on a website that she was going to get him and get was was due her! I saw it with my own eyes! So...tell me now what the motivation was!
and if the person that shot the video was so concerned...why did they not put down the camera and chase the hounds away! This is what happens when judges come upon game being cornered...and what we hunters do when we come upon the the same. We get the hounds away from the game so it CAN ESCAPE!! Now I ask you...does that sound like someone that is interested in a "bloodsport"!
Why would a pen owner want to close off the escape enclosures so the game would be killed; knowing that it is going to cost up to $100 each to replace it? Not very good economics 101, if you ask me!
You have been duped into this investigation by someone that has ulterior motives, and wants to cause harm and damage to many others!!

gafoxhunter
Nov 26, 2007 | 9:28 PM

Mr. Travis,
I have the opportunity to be a part of a fox pen in our great state, and can tell you that the last thing any of us want to do is to harm any of the fox or cayotes in our pens. We take great care of both our fox, and our hounds that we enjoy running and hunting with. We are blessed to still have the opportunity to enjoy foxhuting and it is a shame that those who have never had a part in it can just judge it in a report that makes it seem evil.
I don't know what your video will show, but please consider that the video could very well be set up by those who want to paint a grim picture of foxhunting. There are careful steps you take to prepare both the fox and the hounds for hunting to insure their safety during the chase, and there are many places of refuge for the fox and cayotes to go into in case there is a need for them to.
The fox and cayotes are well fed and also dewormed and receive medicine when needed through their food.
Our pens are not to endanger the fox and cayotes, but to insure the safety of both the fox and the hounds due to highway danger and other safety reasons.
The foxpens are inspected by the stste regularly to make sure they are in good shape and the fox and cayotes are being taken proper care of. If they were cruel or unfair in any way you can believe the proper people would take appropriate measures to make sure the pens were safe for the animals both being chased and giving chase.
Foxhunting is under enough attack by those that have not had the opportunity to grow up around the thing that some of us love so much, so pleas

jwood
Nov 26, 2007 | 9:30 PM

my little girl has been reading this with me all night and she hit the nail on the head that guy (randy travis)no relation to the country sing needs to get a (job)she ment a real job i agree a local pen owner should let you in to talk but you should have waited until then before you posted this story i think you owed us foxhunters that much

nocaffeine
Nov 26, 2007 | 9:37 PM

Again, my point is you say my offer is out there!. Unless they are reading this they don't know about your offer! I didn't hear you make the offer on your report, and even then they would have had to be watching your report! It looks to me that it is your job to have contacted them, (before you reported).

jeastman28
Nov 26, 2007 | 9:37 PM

Mr. Travis,

I didn't hear you argue the fact that you aired a diary of a bitter divorce? As for your offer I don't live in GA, but I do live in Louisiana and every Friday night you are welcome to come join me if you would like I'll even cook for you and let meet the family, my 18 month old daughter that giggles and loves her foxhounds, on Friday night.

HILLTOPKENNELS
Nov 26, 2007 | 9:38 PM

Hunting with dogs is the best thing has ever happen to this world. I hope who ever dont like hunting with dog runs over a deer or fox everyday. I got something yall reporters need to report on one of my hunting dogs got shot and killed this weekend by a person who dont like dog hunting. But thats ok because if i find the person that did it im going to put him in the ground. Thats a PROMISE!!

jwood
Nov 26, 2007 | 9:40 PM

ive noticed several comments on here where it was said why didnt the person video tapeing help the yote out notice mr travis has not made one comment about that wonder if he anjoyed like the cameraman was oh p.s. that #500 dog kinda looked liked mine and i know i didnt give permission for him to be on t.v. please explain

ALB1
Nov 26, 2007 | 9:56 PM

Mr Travis...another question. you were investigating a fox pen in Georgia...then why did you show a video from a fox pen in alabama? not a true picture of the georgia foxpen! Another "biased" slant on reporting!!
And if you TRULY wanted the "other side of the story" why not get off your duff...get out of the office and find a fox pen owner that will let you inside his pen? But since you aired this "gibberish"...it gives no reason for them to believe that you'd ever publish the "other side" of this sport!!
Yes I have hounds 14 of them....and they get better care taken of them than most peoples house pets. Regular innoculations, examinations by my vet, fed the very best feed that I can buy! They kennels are cleaned & water changed twice daily! they are given vitamins, just as would any athelete! These hounds are like a marathon runner and it takes top notch care and conditioning for them to compete. They Are Not given steroids, or other illegal drugs! My wife loves these hounds as much as she loves me!!
And as for Ms Henderson/Moody or whatever she calls herself...her information about B-12 is not correct either! B-12 is used to increase red blood cells which causes more oxygen to be carried through the blood stream. And if too much were given then yes...the excess will appear to make the urine a darker more reddish color, but does not harm the dog unless used in doses that are extremely high and for long periods of time! Even marathoners and other human atheletes use B-12!! and it is often prescribed by medical doctors for humans! wow...imagine that....Another "biased" sl

howel042
Nov 26, 2007 | 10:01 PM

Mr Travis,
Since you are willing to air video from Alabama it seems like you ought to come over and record for yourself what happens in Alabama when everyone is doing their job. Were you aware that the officials inside a pen during a hunt are responsible for the safety of the game? It is their duty to stop judging and save the coyote or fox if its life is in danger. The person holding the camera in your report led the officials to believe he would protect the game, then he stood there and recorded an event which he caused by his own neglegence. There are several pens in Alabama that would welcome you and your crew. We will cast dozens of hounds and you can tape them chasing the foxes and coyotes until you are satisfied. We will get someone to tell you about the tradition and the fellowship. We will take you thru the entire process of how a fox pen works. It isn't going to be sensational but it will be the truth. Let someone know when you would like to come over and we will have a banquet for you and your crew. Give us an opportunity to show you the truth.

Another_foxhunter
Nov 26, 2007 | 10:06 PM

Mr. Travis. Your story makes it sound like this is some "secret" thing. Then why was their articles in our local newspaper about foxhunting, what we do, and what we have done supporting families in need? We had IN PRINT stories of what foxhunting is... where the hunt was going to be and what the hunt was for.... IN PRINT... IN A NEWSPAPER, for the last five years. How can you say that is a secret then??? We even have the Modern Woodsmen of America supporting our hunts, our field trials because we help people in need.

RandyTravis read my blog view my photos
Nov 26, 2007 | 10:14 PM

Another_foxhunter:

Are cameras allowed at those pens during the hunts?

They weren't allowed at the pens we visited.

fox_girl
Nov 26, 2007 | 10:14 PM

Mr. Travis,

I anxiously awaited your report after seeing the previews all weekend. I, unlike yourself, grew up around foxhunting all my life. I couldn't wait for the annual hunts each year, so I could go with my Dad hunting. My Dad has taken better care of his prized dogs then most people take care of their children. I have also attended hunts at the United Fox Pen and have never once seen what you aired on television. I have; however, seen my Dad jump into a pile of dogs to save a fox and coyote only to doctor him later because he was bitten. The pens have many dens for the foxes or coyotes to go in. I have also seen the fellowship that takes place among foxhunters. I have never seen a tight knit group of avid hunters who truly care about each other and their animals. I have great memories of growing up around foxhunting and my children have great memories of going foxhunting. They too saw your report and was shocked at what they saw. Isn't it amazing that children can see through yellow journalism? Oh, one of their pictures (fuzzed out) happenend to be on your television. Did I give you permission for that? So, when my son wants to go hunting with his Grandfather this Friday night, I will not think twice about letting him load up the hounds and take off hunting. I do hope a pen owner will take you hunting soon, so you can see the real truth.

sammy-swamp-kennels
Nov 26, 2007 | 10:24 PM

I just cant figure out if fox hunting is so bad ,why did Mrs henderson do it as long as she did.Your report says she went to many other pens. Well I dont like fighting bull dogs and Im not going to any. I dont like opera so Im not going to any. I dont like sushie you cant make me eat it. So now tell me Mrs henderson ,why if what you say is true why did you do it for so long. You blocked off the boxes so YOU killed the coyote,not the fox hunters ,YOU. Most hunters I know will do all they can to keep foxes and coyotes from getting killed because you cant run a dead piece of game. Sure there are a small number of people like yourself that may be in it for the blood but 99% of us are in it for the chase and the fellowship. Mr Travis you are welcome anytime you want to come when I run if you are truelly wanting to tell the whole truth . If you are coming to see blood you probably will, there will be some kind of pork, chicken or beef going on the grill.

foxhunterga
Nov 26, 2007 | 10:29 PM

We fox hunters would like you to make the distinction between fox hunting and hunting foxes in pens. Big Difference!!

MuchLoveInEssence read my blog
Nov 26, 2007 | 10:33 PM

You condone Vick dog fighting and call your sport innocent... Karma is great! What more is there to say about Karma... I really don't have to say much more -Karma will do what Karma does best... I can tell you are a young individual that has yet to undersatand what life is all about. So let me enlighten you a little-whatever you do in the dark comes to the light. Whatever seeds you plant-that's the seed you will harvest. My whole point is this: Don't justify your wrong and convict another man for his wrong... If Vick serves time-so should anyone else who violate animal or human rights.

You think your sport is innocent and so did Vick but guess what-front page news its not.... If you continue to condemn Vick-you will be fair game to all...

SouthGachick
Nov 26, 2007 | 10:38 PM

I'm not even bothering to read that garbage . What little I read totally is ridiculous and to think theres people that will believe it because they don't know any better.

Please! where did you get these lies? The fox in pens have a much better life than in their natural habitat! They get fed ( chickens, dogfood , left over human food!), dewormed, and live longer. Night foxhunters love the sounds of their precious hounds chasing the fox.Thats what their sport it all about.Why do you think they have safety dens all over the place?Just to block them from going down into them? Haha I think not.

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RandyTravis

I've been a WAGA reporter since 1990. I joined the Fox5 I-Team in 1994. I grew up in Athens, Georgia, the son of a UGA professor and a hard-working mother of four. And I covered UGA sports during some of the greatest sports years in school history before graduating there in 1982. These days I spend my time traveling across our state, looking for examples of government waste, corruption, consumer fraud and anything else that I think you'll find interesting and important.

Member Since: 2/28/2007