Stuff That Works
I thought that I would provide a list of companies that I endorse. I am just sharing with you the products that seem to work well for me. If you spend time in the field with hounds, you don't want things that fail. We have too much invested in our beagles to not want the best.
Purina
I feed Purina. Are there cheaper foods out there? You bet. I feed Purina products because I have had healthy hounds with longevity while feeding Purina. They also have a variety of dog foods available, and that is important to me. Pro Plan is my choice for the hard running rabbit season. It may cost a little more, but I need less of it to keep weight on dogs that are running hard. I like Purina One for times when they are not exercising as vigorously--they don't need the extra calories in the heat of summer when they are not putting as many miles on the rabbits. Join their Pro Plan club and you can redeem weight circles from the dog food bags for merchandise. Purina also offers a variety of options for the aging or overweight dog--we all know that a retired beagle still has an appetite and can gain weight quickly if we do not take action to keep the hound healthy.
Russell Moccasin
I do not own a luxury car, a large house, or a country club membership. I do, however, believe in affordable luxuries. For the outdoorsmen, this has to include footwear. Russell Moccasins makes hand crafted leather boots right here in the U.S.A. They build the boot with your specific feet and measurements. If you sit on the tailgate and listen to your hounds, then any boot will do. Heck, get a pair of sneakers. But if you put miles on the ground and want custom made protection from briars, rocks, or even snakes, then give Russell a call--they have all sorts of options in soles and uppers to suit your hunting needs. A good hunt begins with comfortable boots.
Polywad
As Rabbit hunters we do not require a 3" 12 gauge turkey shell. In fact, nothing is better than an older model American made shotgun that is chambered in 2 1/2" and with a lower shot charge. I prefer a 16 gauge A.H. Fox made in 1929. Where are you going to find shells to fit the 2 1/2" chamber of a Vintage double barrel? Polywad makes them every day. They also make a spreader round that can make a mediocre shotgunner shoot pretty well. The pattern opens very quickly and is perfect for the early season when the shots are at close range and you do not want to destroy the meat. They really do make you a better shooter.
Case Knives
I grew up in Northwestern Pennsylvania where everybody had a Case pocket knife. Sometimes when something is in your backyard you take it for granted. A lot of traditionally US made knives are no longer made here--my friend bought a once quality brand of knife formerly made in New York State. He purchased it at Walmart. That knife brand is now made in China, dulls easily, and doesn't quite get sharp. Case is STILL making high quality knives (by hand) right here in the USA. They make fixed blades and pocket knives. I have travelled a bit since childhood, and I realize now that the knives manufactured close to home are exactly what I want--I just had to try a few other brands before I realized that I started out with the superior craftsmanship of Case as a youngster and I wasn't going to replicate that quality anywhere else. I now carry the Case Hunter/Trapper on my belt. It has a gut hook, saw blade, and a skinning blade.