About
How the legend began
Hundreds of bears, lions and bobcats have been bayed up or treed by Steve’s hounds over the years.
Some famous big-game hounds Steve has owned include Sparky, Crazy Jake and Crazy Cascade Blue Ice. A mountaintop in Central Oregon was named after Sparky by the Oregon Department of Forestry — Sparky’s Top on Davis Mountain will forever enshrine this prominent bear hound’s name.
The illustrious Crazy Jake was a top lion and bear strike dog, sought after by numerous big-game outfitters in the late ’80s. He brought many bear and lion to bay for outfitters on Green Ridge Mountain in the Cascades.
Crazy Cascade Blue Ice was a true legendary hound who died way before his time. In the three short years of his life he made a name for himself — an intelligent, cold-nosed, powerhouse track dog that put game in trees whenever dropped on a track. Ice is one of the biggest reasons Crazy Cascade Blueticks are so sought after by houndsmen across the nation and Canada.
Why Blueticks
Early starters with a loud, bawl mouth
There are first-rate hounds in every breed, but Phipps Blueticks are the most consistent in producing top-notch hounds that will make a one-hound pack or lead any pack of big-game hounds. They are extremely early starters — with proper training you will have them trailing, baying and treeing at 4–6 months old. Some have reported pups doing it as early as 3 months. Steve has had pups baying house cats and coons at only 4–6 weeks.
They also have a very “houndy” appearance that will make you proud and the envy of other houndsmen — and they make great family companions with their good-natured temperament.
You will strike, trail, locate and tree more tree-climbing game with a Crazy Cascade Bluetick.
The Making of Legends
Mission & breeding philosophy
Kennel Mission
To produce the finest of top-notch, big-game hounds that will independently strike, trail, locate and tree in all conditions and environments.
Phipps Big Game Hounds Kennels carries on the unrivaled accomplishments and tradition of renowned breeders such as Sebastian, Clear Water, and Cameron, and continues the pure line of these legendary hounds.
Breeding Philosophy
Hounds with intelligence, determination, balanced dispositions, strong physical traits and a demonstrated ability to repeatedly produce in the field are bred. Only the best, proven hounds are used to produce sound, healthy litters — keeping the genetics strong generation after generation.
Another key element is using enough individuals to maintain genetic diversity. Some breeders breed too closely, which can result in a myriad of problems, including loss of hunting ability and health-related issues.