Butler County Beagle Club holds Field Trials

Mon, 01/28/2013 - 12:56pm — Diane Dyer

The Butler County Beagle Club had its winter Beagle Field Trials Derby this past Saturday on the 216 acre fenced in grounds of the United Beagle Gundog Federation located near Jetson in Butler County. The UBGF has 78 Clubs in 34 States The Compound features a 5,000 square foot modern clubhouse, outbuildings, 114 new kennels and hundreds of wild rabbits. This Event drew 66 local and out of state beagles and their handlers to compete for prizes, bragging rights and to practice for one of the several Nationals Events held here.

New kennels were built last fall.
According to Club President Brad Ebling, the beagles are divided into four classes, small females, large females, small males and large males. The Pack with their handlers and judges is taken into one of the three Compounds and the hounds are released and allowed to smell for a scent.

Workin' a hot trail on a cold morning.

Once a rabbit trail is located the Beagles there will be a yell of “Tally Ho”. Enthusiastic howling Beagles follow the trail of the rabbit and the judged winner is the determined by how good of a job it did tracking down the elusive rabbit. There is also second place, third place, fourth place and Next Best Qualifier.

A beagle getting measured to make sure he gets in the right class.
Contestants are both locals and from other States such as Missouri, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama and include seasoned Houndsmen as well as young Junior Handlers.

Seth has one of his beagles checked.

Fourteen year old Seth Markwell from Island Kentucky has been handling his four Beagles for three years and says “ I do this because I really enjoy it”.

Josh and Tiffany are two excited beginners.

Tiffany and Josh Wells were on hand from Hopkinsville to learn, Tiffany says that she “Loves the sound of the dogs”. Hailing from Cape Girardeau Missouri, Phillip Kiefner was there with two Beagles because “ I love the outdoors and there’s no hunting going on right now”.
The UBGF is a National Organization that promotes the Sport of Beagling and annually awards an Academic Scholarship to one Butler County High School Student.

Woody hard at it serving lunch.

The Events Staff is made up largely of volunteers such as local James “Woody” Woodcock who with his team serves up one of the finest breakfasts in Butler County. Woody can also be ssen at different locations throughout the County sharing his time, his smoker and his friendliness.

The pack getting ready to head out.