Fred Arant, Jr. — Rebel With A Cause

This interview with Fred Arant conducted by Everett Skehan appeared in the March 29, 1997 issue of the American Field. 

For accomplished field trialer Fred Arant, Jr. a lifetime with bird dogs has been rewarding from the time his journey began in the early 1930s. He not only won most of the major all-age championships in the country and holds the record for Futury wins (1997), but took the future of pointers a long way to the front with his selective breeding program that established and nurtured the famous “Rebel” line. In 1986 Fred was elected to the Hall of Fame for his contributions and achievements. 

I met Fred and his scout and companion of more than forty years, Joe Oden, for several days in January at the Green Savanah Plantation in Barnwell, SC, where Fred serves as plantation manager and Joe is his dog trainer and guide.

1997 AF_Everett Skehan interview with Fred Arant

Fred Arant with Rambling Rebel Dan, 1963

The “luxurious” life of the dog trainer. An early morning start for Fred Arant on the prairies.

Winners at the Indiantown Gap All-age stake in 1968. In foreground, from left: Homerun Johnny with Fred Arant; Warhoop Dapper Dick with Herman Smith, and Flush’s Dixie Melody with David Grubb. Standing: Carl Lippard, Dick McMullen, Paul Stubbs, Bob McGraw and Truman Cowles.

Fred Arant and Joe Odon stand in front of remnants of the old dog truck they used to take to Canada each summer.

John Fredrick Arant Jr. died on February 10, 2002 at the age of 82. He is buried in his hometown of Barnswell, SC.

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