In 2005, the AKC renewed its commitment to the sport of coon hunting.

The revamped Coonhound Events department is run by a staff of respected coon hunters with years of experience in the field.

They have organized a series of events and programs designed to benefit the increasingly discriminating competitive hunter and hound fancier.

The department provides quality events for breeders and fanciers of the six coonhound breeds. No firearms are permitted, nor is any game taken during events.

Coonhound event rules provide a scoring system, whereby the dog's performance is evaluated in competition with other dogs, providing an exciting experience for handler and dog alike.

The new program offers competition that is fun and fair; a fee structure that permits event-giving clubs to make a profit; respected and highly desirable titles; concerted legislative efforts to protect the sport; and a youth program to ensure the sport's future.

To better serve the coonhound fancy, the AKC created the web site at www.akccoonhounds.org and established a special 800 number for cooners.

In November 2004, Steve Fielder was appointed Director of Coonhound Events.