It has been my experance that hounds, expecally Walkers, head out to stike a track when turned loose, if they have to go a mile deep to do so they will. This is a trait that is necessary in comp. hunts, they will hunt hard and good ones will run and tree a smart old coon that knows and uses all the tricks to loose a dog. However with my aging knees and desire to be back at the house in time to get a good nights sleep before work the next day, I have switched to Curs. I have one Kemmer and one OMBC, both dogs will check a patch of timber and if they don't stike a track return to me and we will go check another patch or load up and come home. At your age and with youthfull energy a hound should be fine for you, but don't elminate the cur from consideration either. Check out www.ukcdogs.com, then go to the Curs and Fiest page. Which ever type of coon treeing machine you get welcome to the world of coon hunting, stick with it and you will have many hours of enjoyment. Good Luck