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2023 Autumn Oaks Bench Show Judges

Danielle Champ & Eric Brooks

December 1, 2022

Source: Trevor Wade
Job Title: Coonhound Program Manager
Email: twade@ukcdogs.com

UKC Autumn Oaks takes place August 31st through September 3rd, 2023.

For the judging schedule, see page 1 of the full Autumn Oaks event ad (PDF) when it becomes available.

Danielle Champ

A little background on myself; I married my high school sweetheart Gary in 2006. Together we have five kids, Gracey, Bryton, Benzley, Phoebe, Emerson Coy, and my brother Eli. We live in the mountains of West Virginia in a small town called Ivydale. We own and operate Champ's Bottomside Kennels, a kennel primarily of Treeing Walker Coonhounds.


Danielle Champ

Autumn Oaks Bench Show Judge Danielle Champ with family


I first became interested in coonhounds around 17 years ago when my now husband took me coonhunting. I had never walked so much in my life but for some very odd reason I seen the joy and fulfillment people got from listening to a hound stand up on the side of a tree. I decided then, that while I may not be equipped to climb the hills of West Virginia, I was going to learn all there was to learn about coonhounds. I soon got a national level Treeing Walker Coonhound and became involved in bench shows and learning the form and function of all the coonhound breeds.

I've been so fortunate with my hounds. They have truly blessed me with many wins throughout the years. Some of their winnings include UKC World Opposite Sex, UKC World Treeing Walker Female for three years straight, Treeing Walker Days Overall, Southeastern Treeing Walker Days Overall, Overall Purina Outstanding Coonhound, and many state shows. I believe my biggest accomplishment is breeding my male NGRCH GRCH NITECH 'PR' Southfork River Wonder Boy and my female GRCH 'PR' Southfork River Backwoods Barbie and achieving the cross that I did. Many of the pups out of that litter have gone on to win huge titles in all registries.

I've been fortunate enough to judge a few shows in my bench show judging career. Some of which include Grand American, Southeastern Treeing Walker Days, Bluetick Fall Round Up, Redbone Days, Winter Classic, and multiple state shows. As a bench show judge my dream has always been to judge Autumn Oaks. Its the crme of the crop, the best of the best, and one that I'm so excited to get the opportunity to judge. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this opportunity and I look forward to seeing some of the finest hounds that are out there.

Eric Brooks

I am a native of southwest Virginia and currently reside in Pounding Mill, with my wife of 22 years, Leslie, my son Jake, and my daughter Jordyn.


Eric Brooks

Autumn Oaks Bench Show Judge Eric Brooks with wife Leslie


I started coonhunting with my dad and uncles at the age of five. While my family predominantly hunted Treeing Walkers, I have not been opposed to hunting other breeds. I have always tried to promote a hound with conformation to hold up night after night in our mountainous terrain. After hunting for 30+ years, I am a firm believer in form follows function. I entered my first competition hunt in 1996 and bench show in 1997. Hunting and the hounds remain a family affair. Leslie and both of my children also participate in dog events. As a family, we have been blessed to bring home some amazing wins and titles.

My judging experience includes events such as Winter Classic, Purina Nationals, Virginia State Championship, numerous Regional Qualifying Events, and other local events. I want to thank UKC for this incredible opportunity. I cant wait to get in the ring and evaluate the best of the best!

Guided by the belief that dogs make a difference by being the best partner a human can have in the field, on the job, or in a competition event, UKC is a community for people and dogs to pursue excellence together. Founded in 1898, UKC has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of Dogs That Do More, and their owners, by providing essential resources to help owners and breeders make informed decisions. The dog-human bond is celebrated through family-friendly programs highlighting the instincts and heritage of purebred and mixed-breed dogs alike at over 18,000 licensed events annually.

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