thanks for all of the info guys..i took him out for the first time friday with my other beagle..I wasnt expecting to get anything cause it was windy..i just wanted to get him out,,but i took the gun just in case..well i jumped one and took two shots at it and missed both times(dont laugh it was real thick)any way by the time i got to were i jumped it my older beagle had already picked up its trail..by this time my pup didnt know weather to follow my older beagle(lady bug) or stay with me..He was not a bit afraid of the gun shots.which im glad to see.To say the least lady bug could not keep the trail for the wind or it went in a hole(not sure which one)but we did not get it.