Buddy I know you said that you weren't looking for the best bred dog to get started with, but take some advise, Get the best bred dog you can find and something from a jam up blood line, if not you are in for a lot of frustration and disapointment. a well bred puppy will catch on a WHOLE LOT easier that one that is not from good stock. Also you might want to seriously think about getting a good started dog if this is your first go round with a coon dog. Most of the hard work will already be done and basically all you will have to do is put woods time on it. Go to Prohound.com and click on the message forum which will bring you to the classifieds section, the dogs are all listed by breed and you can probably find one relatively close, if not in Louisiana. I dont know what breed you are looking to get, but I have had them all and by far the best were all Walker hounds.

Coondog that was well spoken , sound advice . I couldn't agree more . There aren't many real coondogs around and if you can find a pup off of a real Coondog or even a started pup off of a well bred dog you will be on a good start . If you want a dog that occasionally will tree a coon or just to have a good ole dog for a companion , get you a lab or a cur dog .

when you start to coon hunt you will have to be dedicated to spending time with your dog in the woods in order for yourself and your dog to be successful . It's not easy and it's time consuming . I'm not trying to discourage you , as it can be very enjoyable and addicting !

There are other places you can look for pups , like American cooner magazine , and Coonhound bloodlines . Like Coondog said you can find these on line and they have classified ads in both of these magazines also . I'm sure there are ads from Louisiana in them and hopefully you can find one to fit in your budget .
Good luck !!