Castings Dogs Where Guide Doesn't Have Permission; Other Beagle News

Full Circle

March 1, 2019

Source: Allen Gingerich

Casting Dogs Where Guide Doesnt Have Permission

Q: Recently, I drew out in a cast and unbeknownst to us cast members at the time, we turned our dogs loose where our guide did not have permission to hunt. The dogs were all struck when suddenly a four-wheeler could be heard speeding across the field towards us. Obviously upset, this guy started yelling at us that we do not have permission to be there. He advised us that he called the law and demanded we stayed put until they showed up.

Our guide apologized for bringing our cast to this spot and admitted he didnt have permission. After a few choice words to the guide on our cast, the landowner seemed to have calmed down some. In the meantime, the landowner allowed us to go handle our dogs. By the time we got back out to the trucks, the game warden was there waiting on us. Thank goodness, the landowner was gracious enough to let us slide after discussing the situation, and no one was cited for anything. However, this whole ordeal took a long time, and because of it, we could not get our hunt time in before the scheduled deadline to return to the clubhouse. I feel this is an issue that should be addressed and for the most part could be avoided if clubs were a little more concerned who they assign as guides.

A: For most of us who hunt hounds, at one time or another we have been in a situation where they, unfortunately, sometimes trail or end up where we dont have permission to hunt. However, casting dogs in an area where the guide does not have permission to hunt or where dogs may likely trail onto a property where the guide doesnt have permission is unacceptable. Its certainly an issue that club officers should be concerned about when assigning guides at their events.

As a handler in a trial, you shouldnt have to worry about whether or not the guide has permission where he is taking you or, worse yet, casting your dog into a possibly dangerous situation. The last thing anyone wants is getting lectured by an angry landowner and disrupting the hunt. UKC maintains it is the clubs responsibility to assign guides who have permission to hunt where they are taking their casts. Guides who are known to take casts in places where they dont have permission should not be used or even considered. Club or event officials should be notified of any such situations and need to be concerned of any such complaints.

As a guide, it is your responsibility to be considerate for the safety of the handlers and their dogs in your cast. Asking handlers to cast their dogs where you dont have permission is unacceptable, and you shouldnt be disappointed when your guiding services are no longer needed. It becoming apparent during the course of a trial is not the time to find out that the guide does not have permission to be there.

Can I Be Refused the Opportunity to Drive My Truck?

Q: At a recent event, the hunting guide (Handler A) told Handler B that he would have to ride in the guides truck to cut down on the number of vehicles going to the field. Handler B said that would be fine and that he also had a spectator. The guide told Handler B that he could not take his back-up handler as the guides truck already had himself, his two spectators and Handler C in it. Handler B protested the fact that he was not allowed to take his back-up handler to the woods. The cast proceeded to the MOH table. The MOH supported the hunting guide and would not allow Handler B to take his truck or spectator. This forced Handler B to scratch his dog and forfeit his entry. Was this the right call in your opinion?

A: I respectfully disagree. I do not believe that a MOH has the authority to tell a handler he cant drive his truck or take his spectator. By all means, handlers need to try to accommodate the guide who may have the best of intentions in trying to cut down on the number of vehicles going to the woods. However, when certain needs cannot be accommodated, its time for the MOH to either request that the guide either: a) select spots where vehicle numbers would not be an issue; b) park out on the roads and ride the tailgate in if necessary; or c) another guide would have to be appointed. When it comes right down to it, we do not have the authority to tell someone they cant drive their own truck.

Communications Policy

Q: Can a handler be scratched for using a cell phone or other type of radio while participating in a licensed trial?

A: UKC maintains that you cannot scratch someone simply for using a phone or radio in the field unless you can prove that it was used to falsify the hunt or facilitate any other means of operating outside of UKC policy and procedures. UKC does not have a problem with two casts talking to each other in a way that is strictly above board and for the purpose of providing the cast a better hunt. For instance, it would be acceptable to call your friend to ask him if his cast has already hunted the old Johnson farm. However, it would not be acceptable to call Joe, your partner in crime, to tell him our cast scored this much and you ll need more than that to win the hunt.

If UKC has reason to believe individuals are using electronic devices for purposes that could be considered detrimental to the hunt or to the sport, we will investigate such matters on a case-by-case basis and subsequently hold a misconduct hearing if the situation warrants it. Scores should not be discussed between casts simply to prevent any misunderstandings even when the intent is completely harmless. If you dont want people accusing you of being involved in anything crooked, it would be UKCs advice to stay off your phone or radio.