WINNFIELD, La. - Nine-year-old Trey Skains sat in the dirt with Steele, scratching the dog's belly and bragging about the spotted pooch with bright blue eyes. "He's a pretty dang good dog," Trey said.

A wild hog is released in a large pen and one or two dogs attempt to bay it, while spectators cheer. Trophies are awarded in numerous categories; gambling takes the form of paying to “sponsor” a ...