Split Track Scoring; Other Beagle News

Full Circle

October 10, 2018

Source: Roy Swafford

Topic: Split Track Scoring

Q. We had a four-dog cast and had this scoring situation. All dogs were struck, and we had run this rabbit for several circles. The dogs brought the track within 40 yards of us and broke down. Just into the breakdown we lined a rabbit coming out of the weeds. Two dogs crossed this line and broke down; the dogs never barked on the line but clearly worked the marked line straight through as required.

They went back into the brush after crossing with the dogs that hadnt crossed. We all agreed to score the two dogs first and second. Just as the dogs went back in the brush, a dog opens, and second rabbit comes out with all four dogs on this line. We obviously had a split track now, so how should the dogs that scored and the dogs that didnt score on the second line.

A. Split tracks are, and always have been the most difficult to score for even the most experienced judges. This question has a lot to it, and I will break it down like this. Dogs A & B score a line, with dogs C & D still behind them in the brush.

The dogs that scored after going through the line go back in with the other dogs. Dog C opens, and a second rabbit comes out, with all four dogs running it. At this point you have an obvious split track and Dogs C & D, who didnt score on the first line, are eligible to be scored on the second line marked.

You have no idea which one of the rabbits is the original, and all dogs have met the requirement of a circle and are eligible to score. Score dogs C & D accordingly. Also at this point, Dogs A & B have visually left their track. Dogs A & B now need to be minused 50 points each by Rule 4b and re-struck back in for next available position. In this case, they both are going back in at 25 due to there is no available position.

This situation is a very good example of how breaks in a cast happen. Beagles are pack dogs and after scoring the line by themselves, they couldnt get the track moving forward. Dog C, who wasnt scored on the previous line, jumps a rabbit and they all put in and run the track. This is exactly what they should do.

The problem lies in the fact that Dogs A & B were just rewarded for a line on a rabbit that they did not finish. In the process, they switched tracks and began running a rabbit that the cast knew was not the same rabbit that they scored. Even though in this situation those dogs are doing what they should do, we cant allow dogs to visually leave a track that they are working without negative points being applied. This situation happened all in plain view of the cast members, or the cast doesnt even know any different than Dog C got the track moving again. Breaks can be your biggest friend and be so hard to take. A lot of time what is no more than a bad break is deemed a judge or cast members are trying to manipulate the cast in their favor. When the judge is just applying the rule as written, not letting the what ifs factor into the ruling. The handler of Dog A or B must realize this situation is just that a break in the cast that didnt go their way. But scoring a line by themselves certainly did.

Topic: Dead track without a Check

Q. Is it possible to minus dogs for losing a track without going into check?

A. Yes, it is very possible for a track to be considered dead and minused without dogs going into a check. The only time you consider dogs to be in a check is in the event no dog has opened for a period of one minute. Rule 4a states that points will be minused if reasonable forward progress is not made within any three-minute period. That said, you could have a dog open at least one time before the one-minute clock expires during this three-minute period to where you never actually award minus check points before minusing the dogs for not making forward progress.

Scenario: All dogs are declared struck and trail a short distance, but then the track breaks down. The one-minute clock is started. Forty-five seconds later, a dog opens and breaks the check clock. A new check clock is started again. Forty-five seconds later, a dog opens and breaks the check clock again.

All goes quiet and the check clock is once again started. Thirty seconds later, a dog opens again and breaks the check clock. Finally, less than a minute later, the three-minute clock expires without any forward progress, so the track is considered dead and all dogs receive 50 minus points. This is an example of a minused track where dogs never actually went into a check.

This also might be where you have a handler that wants to look for a hole. Chances are, in most places we hunt you can go in and find a hole. This is where you must remember we are an honor-based system. If you just witnessed a track that I just described and think if you find a hole you can use it, you are wrong! I just described a track that went nowhere and was minused for failure to progress in three minutes. That is a lot different then a track that moves out and dogs shut off like running water. Just score dogs! Give them what they deserve, and in the scenario I just described that is a minus and go on with the cast.

Topic: Winning a World Championship

Q. Whats it feels like to win a World Championship?

A. Amazing!! Unfortunately, I have more experience in losing them then winning. But in 2009, when it finally happened, it was something I will never forget.

By the time you read this, the Hunting Beagle World will be in the books and someone will be leaving Fairmont, West Virginia very happy. The most gratifying thing for myself was having all the people I had hunted against so happy for my accomplishment. I bring this up due to the importance of my belief, and several others I might add, of winning the right way. The person who comes to hunts and turns into the what was called and written about years ago as the two-hour maniac will never truly appreciate what they have accomplished. Because to be frank, nobody cares. They have stepped on everybody so much along the way that when they do win something prestigious their accomplishment goes unnoticed. Dont be that person.

If you missed your shot at the Hunting Beagle World, dont worry, all is not lost. The Performance Pack World is October 20 & 21 in Pomeroy, Ohio. Winning either one of these Worlds is a true accomplishment you will remember forever.