A general forum for the discussion of hunting with beagles, guns, clothing and other equipment and just talking dawgs! (Tall tales on hunting allowed, but remember, first liar doesn't stand a chance)
It's funny that Brad should write this post when he's one of those guys that helps others
I love to run my dogs , hunt rabbits and eat them afterwards and think I also like field trialing . I only trialed once so far and my little female was an embarassment to me , I don't think she liked trialing (there was just too many strangers there for her) . I may save her for rabbit season as she can put out a rabbit anytime of the day I want to go . She's good for starting pups too all 11 inches of her . I did learn that my hound needs to mind me better and Brad was nice enough to give me a few pointers on what to watch for .
I too am very competetive and plan to eventually have a hound that can do it at the trials . Being competetive doesn't mean you have to be rude , arrogant , or a cry baby , quiet & nice people can be competetive too .
Watch for me in the first round at the MCBC and some other clubs in Pike & Johnson this coming season .
Field Trialing has offered me lots of things , Most of my friends are beaglers so therefore i have oppurtunities to travel to some pretty interestings spots. My favorite was Ny (Broome Co) some of the best people i have ever met. I found as my interest increased my time restraints became limited and that was all i wanted to do. Trial
I actually had to step back a few times and gather my thoughts "Way too serious" ..... Now i just go mainly to the big hunts .I think if people could lose with grace as well as win with it , it would be much more enjoyable for everyone. I have been screwed to death by judges , signed my card and went home . Trialing is fun just dont take yourself too serious. I would rather run anyday.I still love seeing all the ol school bunch
When the moment of truth arrives, the point of preparation has passed.
Old School, Full Throttle ,No Bottle.
Here goes...I attended my first LP trial 5 years ago and loved it.I never had seen so many guys who all enjoyed rabbithunting and beagles as much as me.I have since seen some fine hound work and alot of hounds I would have left in the woods (if you know what I mean).I have seen and heard crybabies and whiners and met and learned from seasoned houndsmen.Trialing for me has never been competitive,I know for some it is and thats cool but for me its to meet others,watch what other guys are running and see how my dogs stack up against what others are calling the best.Trialing showed me I needed to dog-up which I did and now have a kennel of hounds that suit me fine but wont embaress themselves in a trial either.I still would rather load up the dogs and guns with a friend or a couple kids on a fine fall or winter day and try to see if we can limit out and how quick Now there is where I can get a little competitive.
You are correct. I should have just kept my opinion to myself.
I would love to just drop the hounds with you guys any day. Just to see how mine stack up. I also would just like to listen to the pros talk awhile and ask some questions.
Dale, none taken. This is America, and you have the right to feel the way you do or say it. As someone said, different strokes for different folks.
I don't eat rabbits, therefore I don't care to shoot them but for those of you that do, get ur done. I have no problem with that at all. Trialing is not for everyone, but as these post have mentioned, you will meet some of the best people in the world. I have more fun at hunts then doing almost anything else. I could mention several guys that get beat around on this site that are TOP NOTCH GUYS. Get a chance to meet and talk to them and you will say the same. I'm a good loser just as I'm a good winner and I think it takes both to enjoy the sport of trialing. BTW I respect each and every judge that has ever RUN behind one of my hounds. It's a tough job. Thanks,
hounddog
Jim Umbarger
Dale, you can come run with me anytime. As far as that goes, everyone is welcome.....
Dale,
None taken..don't sweat it. Just trying to keep the post positive.I would love to run dogs anytime. Call me anytime you wanna talk dogs or drop some down. As far as being a Pro..I have alot to learn. Seems like I learn something new everytime out.
I have been this sport since 1989,I have ran in the akc format and the arha format,"personally" arha hurt the breed by only going to one hour cast now that two hour format that was something.I judge enough two hour cast the better hound stood out,made my job a whole lot easier.AKC is style or accomplishment with a marshall really no written rules total judges control.Both formats are fun to run in,thanks to everyone who has judged or gonna judge my advice is to judge the hound end of the lead not the handlers,the sport is all about the hound.
The people I have meet in the sport, we all have something in common hounds and stories of the hunt. I have been on some awesome hunts set around fires in the top of maine while a pack chase a hare wow,top of michigan,and kentucky that great state with some of the best running grounds I have ever ran on.This sport I dont think I chose it,I think the sport chose me cause I cant seem to get away from it,I just like to listen to these little wonderful hard working hounds chase a very tricky running rabbit.I really enjoyed this sport so many memories,Hopefully many more.
. I did learn that my hound needs to mind me better and Brad was nice enough to give me a few pointers on what to watch for .
. 
