Pace Attainable by All; Other Coonhound News

Coonhound Advisor

July 13, 2017

Source: Allen Gingerich

As published in Coonhound Bloodlines June 2017

Pace Attainable by All
I recently had a conversation with a nice old fella probably in his upper-60s. This veteran obviously still loves to hunt and usually carries a pretty decent hound. The conversation turned into the topic of how some of the younger guys tend to be in a big hurry getting to trees. He said that most casts are great about not leaving him behind, but every now and then hell run into some guys that just dont care to gear it down a bit. He also remarked that it may not be that much longer before hell have to turn the lead strap over to a younger handler.

It was obvious by the stories and memories he shared that he has never lost an ounce of passion for hunting hounds and competing with them. While this topic was addressed a number of years ago in this column, his passion inspired me to touch on the topic again as a friendly reminder for us to be considerate of those older hunters who still enjoy the nite hunts.

Then, just last weekend I was a spectator on a cast where one of the handlers was a bit older and slower. However, not even close, in my opinion, where he should consider giving it up. Well call him Bill, mainly because that was his actual name. As a spectator, I noticed that Bill was usually the one bringing up the rear and we were getting away from him at times. So I started walking along with him at his pace. The cast was good about stopping periodically and waiting for us to catch up, but then off wed go again. Nonetheless, walking along with this hunter reminded me again of the aforementioned feller and gave me a few ideas to suggest on this topic.

First, Rule 9 (c) clearly states; {Judge must maintain pace attainable by all cast members of cast.}. It irks me when I hear comments along the lines of so and so needs to give it up cause Im not waiting on a slower handler. Guess what, the rules say you have to! Matter of fact, it says the judge must maintain a pace attainable by all. Stopping along the way and allowing them to catch up is what it is, but by virtue of the rule that is not maintaining their pace.

Walking along with Bill and stopping periodically to let him catch up brings me to making a point of something to consider when doing so. Everyone else who stopped to wait on Bill and me got a minute to take a little breather. As soon as we caught up, off we went again! Guess who probably needed a breather the most? Me! Okay, Bill could have used one, although he wasnt complaining about it at all. Rather, it just reminded me of how that usually works and its worth mentioning as something to consider. Throw in some hills and tough walking and it would probably really frustrate someone like Bill.

In my personal experience, I can honestly say that Ive never really seen where a slower or older guy has been a big issue. As the judge, you might start heading to the trees sooner then you would otherwise. Maybe stopping along the way a few more times than normal. No big deal, is it? Its being considerate and I think theyll appreciate and respect you for your consideration. Walking along with Bill the other night made me think of another good suggestion. How easy would it be to simply walk alongside that handler? Now youre maintaining his pace, and you might not even think its that slow. At least thats the thought that came to my mind that night. Just a suggestion that might be worth considering.

Many of our older hunters have been a part of this sport since before some of us had wet ears. Surely, we can be considerate enough to give them a little break allowing them to enjoy the hunts as long as they can do so without hindering their cast mates too much. Think about it. All of us may very well be in their shoes one day. A little respect and consideration for the older hunters will go a long way.

Finally, it is the judges responsibility to enforce Rule 9 (c). It was implemented for a dang good reason. Intentionally dragging behind is for another topic and another day. This one is about being a good sportsman/woman and doing the right thing and giving our elders due consideration and respect.

Treed and Cant Cross the River

Q: Recently we were in a situation where all dogs were treed right on the other side of a river. The river was too high and too swift to even attempt crossing it. One handler suggested we shine the tree from our side of the river and then call time out because the guide said our only option was to go to the road and cross the bridge to get to them. This turned out to be a half-mile walk to get to them. The judge wouldnt allow us to do that so we did walk all that way around to get to them.

By the time we got around to the dogs, the hunt time had expired. Considering the situation and all dogs were treed there, would it have been within reason to score the tree as suggested and call time before walking all that way around and losing time that may have otherwise possibly given us the chance to make another tree before hunt time expired? Secondly, what if any of the dogs had left the tree when we did finally get to them? Would that dog(s) still score on that tree because we saw all of them there from across the river earlier?

A: Your judge made the correct call. Heres why. Rule 11(b) deals with After Arriving at Tree.

That section starts with the order of things that apply after you have arrived as follows:
1) After five minutes, first dogs tree may be scored.
2) Dog should not be minused tree points if he comes back a short distance etc.
3) Dogs at tree must be leashed.
4) Eight minutes of hunting time may be used to shine trees.
5) Individual holding first tree controls shining of tree for first two minutes.
6) Upon being scored, dog(s) must be turned loose, etc.

Dogs at the tree must always be leashed before shining time starts. The rule of thumb for scoring a tree is: 1) dogs must be leashed; 2) shining time clock is rolling; and 3) points may be plussed if coon is seen by majority of the cast during shine time only. I can only speculate as to the original intent of requiring dogs to be leashed before the tree may be scored. However, it doesnt take long to make good sense when you think of various scenarios you could have otherwise.

As for the second question, Rule 4 (i) clearly states; {When a dog that is declared treed leaves that tree the dogs tree points are minused.} That rule comes without any provisions or exceptions. Thunder, lightning, took too long to get to him; it doesnt matter. If a dog leaves tree before it is handled, the dog is minused its tree points.

Age Requirement for Hunt Judges

Q: Does UKC have an age requirement to be considered qualified or eligible to judge a nite hunt cast?

A: There is one, only one, event where UKC Nite Hunt rules require the judge to be a certain age to judge a nite hunt cast. That event is any portion of the World Championship which includes RQEs, the Zones and Finals where the judge must be a minimum of 18 years of age.

At any other events, UKC simply requires the club to use good judgment when selecting judges for their events. If an individual younger than 18 years of age is knowledgeable, able and qualified, then they may be used to judge, regardless of their age. Just remember the one exception for the World Championship, as mentioned above.