These dogs will hunt

The Coonhunters Kennel Club (CHKC) Little World Hunt will be held June 11-14 at the Highland County Fairgrounds.

While the event has traditionally been held in Oklahoma, the CHKC has moved it to Hillsboro this year.

Scott Lewis, a local coordinator of the Little World Hunt, said that dogs are expected to be coming from all across the United States to participate in the five-day round-robin tournament.

The entry fee for the event is $150, with a chance at winning $20,000.

Lewis said that he has attended the event in Salem, Ill., and local businesses there extend a warm welcome to hunters while they are there due to all of the revenue they bring in to the community. Lewis said he hopes the same will be true for Highland County.

"It could be a win-win for Hillsboro," Lewis said.

Lewis said they expect at least 80-100 dogs per night to be competing.

The event is open only to CHKC-registered dogs and members, but members and their dogs from across the country may apply. Prospective members can also register at the fairgrounds.

The tournament will be in a round-robin format. The entry deadlines will be 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Early round cast winners will be re-cast late. Double round cast winners will advance to the Saturday semifinals.

If there are more than 256 entries, a quarterfinal round will be added.

The first place winner will be guaranteed $20,000, while the second, third, fourth and all double cast winners will also receive a cash prize.

Advanced entry fees are $150 each night, with a $50 advanced entry deposit each night, and must be postmarked and mailed by June 1.

The walk-up entry fee is $200 each night. Double cast winners will have any unused advanced entry deposits returned to them at the hunt.

Those interested in registering for the hunt or working as a guide should contact Andy Roberts at (937) 763-2222, Clay Stephens at (937) 515-6917 or Scott Engle at (513) 284-4874.