Registered: Dec 2008
Location: tn
Posts: 3735

My Conversation With Mr Gene Hicks

Talked to my good friend Mr. Gene tonight.As always i did a lot of listening.
I learn a lot from Gene.I try and take it all in.I dint usually share anything about our conversations on here.but felt compelled to share something we talked about.That i found impressive. For a nan like Gene that has raised , such a line of dogs as he has. And for his dogs to have done what they have.
Mr. Gene is still a humble man. That is not just proud of his accomplishments, but proud of other bnt mens accomplishments.We talked about what contributions other bnt men have done for the breed.Gene mentioned.Riley Lafoon, Ed Ables, Jarvis, Bruce Gilliam. And many more.
Gene respected em all. But what caught my attention the most was : In conversation, It was obvious : Gene has the utmost respect for TAM YOUNG.
Genes comment was that TAM YOUNG has done more for promoting a bnt coon hound than anyone. Just thought that was an awesome thing for Gene to say , considering Gene has done a lot himself. Sure thought that was great especially when i am friends with both of these bnt legends.Mr Tam and Mr Gene have both treated me good and im dang proud to know em. It amazes me to say ive sat and had good conversation and had the privelage to hunt with Gene and Tam and call em both friends.Both are two class acts.
This is an honor for me. I own dogs outta both mens stock.

I also gotta mention Mr. Leon Dunn. Gene sure thinks a lot of you Mr. Leon.
Ur name comes up often in our conversations.
I just am glad to call u all friends. Just thought id post this.I really enjoyed noticing Genes respect for Tam as i have noticed Tams for Gene.
Dad gone it .I cant leave out Jimmy Reese , man Gene thinks the world of him also.

Just thought id share this. I have to share something else also.
As some of yall know .I lost my father here recently.
Gene called me regularly.Not about dogs, but just to see how im getting along
with the passing of my father. That meant a lot to me. I was sitting at the house going through my mail , and received a letter from Gene.He sent me some literature about dogs , and inside the envelope was a poem from Joan Hicks to me.She had written me since my fathers passing.
I guess what im saying.Ive came to know some fine people through these ole bnt coonhounds. A big thank you to Mrs. Joan Hicks. She is the best.

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Twix
Gr Nt CH TREE SLAMMIN HAMMER

2011 RQE NEWPORT,TN 5 TH PLACE
2011 WORLD Qualifier
2011 BnT Days Cast Winner
2012 Cast Winner TN State
2012 3 rd Place Grnt,s BNT days
2012 World Qualifier Meigs Cnty RQE 4 rth place
2012 zones Virginia 4rth place
2012 TOP 100 WORLD HUNT
2013 4th high scoring dog fri night,TN State
2014 World Qualifier

Nt Ch Hammers Black Bear
2014 World Qualifier

Nt Ch Hammers Bigtime Drama
2014 World Qualifier

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Registered: Jun 2011
Location: Sale City,Georgia
Posts: 106

I know what u mean, Todd. I don't know Mr. Gene but I do know Mr. Tam and he's a fine fellow. I'm trying to learn all I can while we have these pioneers with us! He always encourages me in what I'm trying to breed and gives me the cold hard facts to keep me on track. I would love to have the opportunity to talk with Mr. Gene too. Lots of knowledge between these two fellows!

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Registered: Dec 2008
Location: tn
Posts: 3735

U aint just kidding.Just an honor to know them both.Tam has received his lifetime membership.Looking forward to Gene getting his.

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Twix
Gr Nt CH TREE SLAMMIN HAMMER

2011 RQE NEWPORT,TN 5 TH PLACE
2011 WORLD Qualifier
2011 BnT Days Cast Winner
2012 Cast Winner TN State
2012 3 rd Place Grnt,s BNT days
2012 World Qualifier Meigs Cnty RQE 4 rth place
2012 zones Virginia 4rth place
2012 TOP 100 WORLD HUNT
2013 4th high scoring dog fri night,TN State
2014 World Qualifier

Nt Ch Hammers Black Bear
2014 World Qualifier

Nt Ch Hammers Bigtime Drama
2014 World Qualifier

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Registered: Aug 2013
Location:
Posts: 336

You are 100% right about Mr Gene hes one hell of a man and hes humble beyond measure. We talk often as well some time once every couple of weeks n if he doesnt hear from me in a month or so will just call me out of the blue to see how I'm doing. Our talks usually always consist of dog talk as you can imagine but always will be changed to how the family is doing or on many occasions how a northern Yankee boy from Michigan ended up in Louisiana.. I always get a kick out of that convo.

Or if I call and Mr Gene isn't around Ms Joan and I will have a brief conversation and tells me she will have Gene call me back n you know what he always does.. they are both great hearted people. The last time I had the pleasure of going to Mr Genes it was late but you know what he and Joan opened there home to me and Gene and I talked for hours about dogs of the present and of the past n before I left filled up my thermos with coffee..

I to am proud to call them both my friends..

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Registered: Dec 2003
Location: Abbeville S.C.
Posts: 979

Never met Gene but Tam is tops in my book hes one of the only people you can make a deal with a hand shake and know he will do what he says.

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Registered: Oct 2011
Location: Ooltewah, TN
Posts: 361

Thanks for posting Todd.

I think alot of Gene and Tam. I always enjoy talking to Tam as I am partial to his dogs.The accomplishments he and Clay have done behind a black dog is really overwhelming.

Whenever I see Gene at a hunt the first thing he does is grab me by the arm and ask how I've been, how's my family and then we talk bout them Albert dogs.lol. I don't think theirs any 2 men that love the breed of American Black and Tans anymore then those 2 fellas. The breed owes a bunch of men alot, but Gene and Tam are truly 2 founders for us to follow. Hope Mr Gene gets his lifetime award, he deserves it.

Last edited by daniel urffer on 04-28-2015 at 01:29 PM

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