I think there is plenty of sport in it, but I am also an avid hound hunter be it **** dogs, beagles or coyote dogs. It is just a totally different type of hunting. To get a dog or a group of dogs that can work a track just the way you want and then be able to anticipate what is going to happen is a rush when orchestrated just right.
I do have problems with people who abuse their dogs and will not tolerate it, my **** dog gets regular checkups, usually a few more because of work related injuries. Eats as much as he wants each day and sleeps at the foot of my bed, hunting with your best friend is awesome.
Don't get me wrong, I love sitting in my tree stand and trying to out wait the elusive whitetail, but we have all had those days or weeks where the deer are being lazy and need a real kick in the ass, nothing better than a hound dog that loves his job to tear up the brush and get them up and moving in front of everyone.