2018 Pilot Programs; Other Beagle News

Full Circle

February 1, 2019

Source: Roy Swafford

2018 Pilot Programs

In this months article, well take a look at the results of the UKC Pilot Programs from 2018. The two areas that were tested were advancing all cast winners regardless of score and using a three-minute timed line over the circle criteria. Allen Gingerich developed these Pilot Programs to test the waters, so to speak, before a rule change was voted into effect. This proved to be a very good technique as one of the areas was very successful while the other did not receive the same successful reviews.

Lets start with the successful one. That would be the advancement of cast winners regardless of score. This feature was put in place in the five major events of the Hunting Beagle schedule. That being the Eliminator East and West, Hunting Beagle Nationals, Don McVay Sr. Memorial, and the Hunting Beagle World Championship.

To say this was successful is truly an understatement. The participants of these events were very much in favor of this being passed and put into place for future events. And that is exactly what the Committee did. In 2019 and beyond, all cast winners will advance in those fore-mentioned events. I personally am very much in favor of this change. When the scorecards were looked at these events from 2018, many of the placing dogs advanced from a previous round without a plus-point cast win. But then went on and placed, or in some cases, won the entire event. In one situation at the Hunting Beagle World Championship a, dog advanced to the semi-finals with a minus point cast win. This same dog was the high scoring cast winner of the dogs advancing to the semi-finals to advance to the finals. Winning your cast is all you can control and at these events the cast win is all you need to advance to the next round.

Now lets go over the not so successful one. Replacing a complete circle requirement for scoring a line to a three-minute timed line. I must admit when this was first talked about, I thought this was going to be a huge success. This was going to be what ended the debated and discussed topic of What is a Circle. For this program we had select scheduled events across the country replace the circle of a rabbit requirement to score a line to a set time line of three minutes. I personally attended the Pilot Program event in Topeka, Indiana, and spectated on a Registered cast and judged the winners pack with Indiana Field Representative Jeff Davis. Sam Raber judged the cast, that I went on as a spectator, and I saw a very experienced capable judge spending a lot of time running a watch. It appeared almost necessary to run two watches, which is a not fun in any way and makes the judging process more complicated. When I served as a judge on the winners pack with Jeff, it became clearer this proposal would need to be adjusted before approval.

Feedback cards were provided to the participants for their own thoughts on how well they liked or disliked this style of scoring. Also, there was an area where you could record how you would change the proposal. When these feedback cards were reviewed, it became clearer most participants at these events experienced the same problem. Many of the replies received was that the time was far too long; also, judges did not like the added time-keeping. It was very easy for the committee not to implement this scoring style at the present time. This is a classic example of how something when first discussed seemed to be the way to put everybody on the same playing field, but until it was tested nobody saw how it affected other rules already in place.

This format has long promoted a pack bringing the rabbit around to the gun. It has never promoted jump shooting, and if youre trying to call line on a rabbit that has not circled you are essentially doing just that. We must be willing to police ourselves and understand that a rabbit must circle before allowed to score a line. Most competitors are experienced hound people and I am not buying into the fact that it is that difficult to tell if a rabbit, when seen, has been circled or not. Its simply a matter of doing the right thing and not trying to get something undeserved.

2019 Hunting Beagle World Championship

The 2019 Hunting Beagle World Championship will be headed West. This years event will be in Mountain Grove, Missouri, at the Shetlers Event Center on October 4-6. The Show Me Beaglers are hosting the event with assistance from other area clubs. You will notice we backed the event date up a few weeks and put it into October. This will be a very welcome change to the Field Operations Department as September is one of the busiest months of the year. Even though the breather is short, it will provide a much-needed break to re-group for this one-of-a-kind event.

This area was home to the 2018 NHBA Days that saw 69 casts head to the field over the three-day period with all 69 returning with plus points. I have been a part of this program a very long time I cant remember an event where every cast that went to the field returned with plus points. We all know this isnt typical, but that does tell you this area is loaded with game. Backed by the very capable members of the Show Me Beaglers, this event is already shaping up to be a huge success. Make plans to get your dog qualified and join us in Mountain Grove.

Announcement of Leaving Position as Beagle Programs Manager

Im sure as most of you are aware by now, I made the decision to leave UKC as the Beagle Program Manager. This endeavor of transitioning from an old forklift mechanic to an office person has proven to be a transition that, quite honestly, just isnt me. My decision to resign is by no means a reflection of how I was treated by UKC. The staff and management of UKC have been nothing but supportive, and I cant thank them enough for allowing me this opportunity. Even though my tenure was short, I will forever owe them a bit of gratitude.

This announcement in no way means I am walking away from the Beagle Program. I have been a part of this program from the beginning and I will continue to support UKC and its clubs. I was fortunate enough to work with some of the best Field Reps that this sport has to offer. Thanks, guys, you truly are appreciated. Finally, I would like to thank you; the UKC Beagler. You guys are very passionate about this sport and for that you will always have my respect. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the trials and maybe I just might find something worth the price of an entry fee.

Thanks Everyone, Roy.