National beagle hunt comes to Coshocton
According to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association there are some 75 million pet dogs in the United States. Those dogs are owned by every possible sort of person — singles, families, urban people, rural owners, the young the old, the rich, the poor. And the dogs are made up of mixed breeds, purebreds, designer dogs, dogs found on the side of the road, hunting dogs, show dogs, dogs who do police work, service dogs — you name it. The 45 million homes who own these 75 million dogs (lots of people have more than one dog) have lots of different ideas about what dogs should do and how they should live. Most dogs can manage to get along with each other. So can most people. But a few people go ballistic about ideological beliefs and they include dogs in their beliefs.
I try to post stories that appeal to a wide range of people who love their dogs, whether you adopted your dog from the pound or whether you show your dog or hunt with him. I sincerely believe that, as dog lovers, we can learn a lot from each other and the things we do with our dogs. I've never had a dog who does water sports but I enjoy reading about these events and the people who take their dogs out to do them. I don't know very much about lure coursing but I admire Sighthounds and I like to read about these activities. I've never had a Beagle but I still enjoy reading about the hunters who compete with their dogs. And, I've never been to the Iditarod but I like to read about the preparations for the race and the commitment and work that goes into it, from both the humans and the dogs.
As I say, I love dogs, all dogs, and rather than criticizing people who don't have the same kind of dog I have, or who don't keep their dogs the same way I do, I like to learn about other people and their love for their dogs. They may not express their feelings the same way, but, in their way, they are just as devoted and committed to their dogs as I am, or as anyone else who loves their dogs.
For many people hunting is part of a deeply-held tradition. It's not just about killing something or even putting meat on the table. It's about bonding with your dog and being part of nature — a ritual that humans have been part of for millennia. It goes back to the very beginning of our species. For many people it's a very affirmative activity and the dog is central for many hunters. In fact, hunters are often some of the staunchest conservationists in our society. When we lose touch with our past, with our traditions, with nature, we have lost touch with some of the things that make us most human.
Here's a story about Beagle hunters in Ohio.
From the Coshocton, OH Tribune.
National beagle hunt comes to Coshocton
By HOLLY RICHARDS
Staff Writer
Brandon Vance of Harts, W.Va. (left), Cub Runyan of Bradford, Pa., and Jim Schumaker of West Lafayette lead a group of beagles back to the trucks at Schumaker Farms during Saturday's UKC Hunt. Hundreds of dog owners and handlers from various states participated in the 17th annual Kennel Club Hunting Beagle Nationals in Coshocton County. JIM BARSTOW/Tribune
COSHOCTON - Even though Brandon Vance of Harts, W.Va., has been beagle hunting for 13 years, he was especially impressed with the caliber of Coshocton's event.
"This is a better hunt," Vance said. "They're all good guys."
Early Saturday morning, Vance and his 3-year-old female beagle, White River Bad Banana, joined hundreds of dog owners and handlers from various states for the 17th annual Kennel Club Hunting Beagle Nationals.
The event, which continues at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds today, is new to Coshocton County.
"This is the first time we've hosted nationals," said Roy Pasmore, chairman of the board of directors of the Coshocton County Beagle Club. "We've hosted the world hunt before. This is a major event in the country right now, and this is one of the biggest Kennel Clubs."
After the hunters and their dogs registered in Hunter Arena in the morning, roughly 200 dogs in 52 castes were sent out to various areas in Coshocton, Muskingum, Guernsey, Holmes and Knox counties. About 400 dogs total are registered for the weekend event.
"They'll compete for two hours, and will be judged on their ability to run a rabbit and chase a rabbit by scent," said Todd Morgan, director of beagle field operations with the United Kennel Club. "Each of the 52 castes will have one winner, and the top 16 (from Saturday night's hunt) will advance (to Sunday's hunt)."
No game was taken during the hunts, and no firearms were permitted.
Pasmore said the success of the event was not only due in part to community support, but also area farmers who allowed the local Beagle Club and UKC to use their property for hunting.
Jim Schumaker was one of the gracious landowners. He let several hunters release their beagles on his land.
"This guy's place is the best place in Ohio to hunt," Vance said about Schumaker's property. "This is my first time hunting on this farm."
Cub Runyan of Bradford, Pa., joined the group at Schumaker's to hunt with his four-year old male beagle named Purple Ribbon Brinsky's Take 'Em Out Kingpin. He said he tries to participate in at least two or three hunts a year.
"I've been to Ohio several times," he said. "It's nice here; I love it here. This is a nice hunt; first class all the way."
Morgan was also pleased with the first day of the Coshocton hunt.
"We're excited and happy to be here," he said. "It brings the hunt up a level, and it far exceeded our expectations. We want to thank the mayor, Belinda (Williamson) from the Visitor's Bureau and the Coshocton County Beagle Club. We plan on being here next year and in the years to come."
hrichards@nncogannett.com
740-450-6772
