The Grand American Coon Hunt is the premier event in coon hunting, taking place annually in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The 49th edition will be held from January 3-5, 2014, attracting coon dog enthusiasts from 17 states and Canada to participate in competitive trials.

This tradition began in the 1960s when local hunters sought to replicate the successful hound competitions of the Midwest. Orangeburg was chosen for its central location, and today, the event draws as many as 30,000 visitors to the Orangeburg County fairgrounds, the heart of the festivities.

Coon Fest kicks off on the first weekend of January, featuring a weekend filled with vending, hunting, dog sales, dog shows, and family-friendly activities. Local coon hunting clubs, in collaboration with the United Kennel Club, organize the event alongside American Cooner magazine. Friday’s agenda includes a prayer session, a drawing to determine the competition order, and the first night of coon hunting.

David McKee, President of the Grand American Association, states, “We have 340 dogs hunting each night, with four dogs per cast. Dogs that win their cast on both Friday and Saturday nights will accumulate points. The top four dogs will compete in a playoff scenario on Saturday night to determine the 2014 Grand American Champion.” The awards ceremony concludes around 4 a.m. on Sunday morning, with ‘Fogles Southern Belle,’ owned by Adam Mattson of Aiken, South Carolina, claiming the title of 2014 Hunt Champion.

The point accumulation during each hunt is based on the coon hounds’ ability to strike, track, and tree the raccoon. A key aspect of the Grand American is that no raccoons are harmed during the competition; they are only chased and treed. This practice is crucial for maintaining positive public perception and ensuring the longevity of this hunting tradition.

While many attendees do not participate in the night hunts, a significant number visit Coon Fest to explore the various coon hunting accessories available. One barn is dedicated to dog breeders showcasing their hounds, which is particularly popular among serious hunters seeking quality dogs. Notable coon dog breeds include Blue Tick, Redbone, Walker, Plott, and English.

Saturday’s schedule features a bench show where coon hounds are judged based on breed, gender, color, and stance. This serious competition sees nearly 200 dogs entered each year, and a special youth division encourages young participants to engage with the sport of coon hunting.