I always heard 8-12 weeks, some of the 12 week olds friends have bought were great because they were learning how to act around other dogs and kids where they were comfortable. At least thats what the breeder said
I started hunting with hounds at the age of 21, took me a year to get my own puppy and since then its been off to the races. Some people say to start with an older hound and a puppy, but i started my redbone off on my own. I did have people around to run him with, but i try to keep to myself...