2025 Autumn Oaks Thursday Show Judges
Heath Hyatt & Scarlett Leigh
June 4, 2025
Source: Trevor Wade
Job Title: UKC Coonhound Program Manager
Department: Hunting Ops
Email: twade@ukcdogs.com
UKC Autumn Oaks takes place August 28-August 30, 2025.
The full judging schedule is available in the Autumn Oaks Event Ad (PDF)
Heath Hyatt
Creekside Kennels
Riner, VA
I am actively involved in the hound world through hunting, breeding and promoting fundamental training that creates a better bond and more enjoyable experience while out hunting with your K9 partners. I work with all breeds but have focused on the Treeing Walker for the last 15 years, and they now make up the majority of my kennel.
My passion began after watching a pack of hounds trail a day-old bear track. Since founding my kennel in 1994, I've finished several hounds to Grand Nite Champion and Grand Champion. My best wins were at UKC Plott Days, Bluetick Days, and several state championships.
In 2005, I started another journey becoming the first K9 handler for a local police department. July will be my 20th year handling and training police canines. I now hold Master trainer status with both state organizations (VPWDA) Virginia Police Working Dog Association and (VPCA) Virginia Police Canine Association. I'm responsible for basic K9 training for new handlers, certifying teams across the state, maintenance and problem-solving for any issues that may arise.
I enjoy teaching, training and learning new ways to become a better trainer and handler. I have participated in or judged events with UKC, PKC, and AKC. I'll never forget watching my first puppy grow from a goofy, clumsy, mischievous dog into a well-rounded hound that was able to track, trail, run and catch its own game.
Scarlett Leigh
Ashland, OH
Although I grew up in the country, I didn't come from a hunting family. That changed in sixth grade when I watched Where the Red Fern Grows at school - It sparked a dream that never left me. For my sixteenth birthday, I got my first hound. I began reading the Coonhound Bloodlines, studied a bench showing how-to video, and started tagging along with anyone who'd let me hunt with them.
Over the past 27 years, I have handled numerous dogs to show titles and a few to hunt titles. No matter what season of life I have been in, my love for hounds has always stayed the same. I have a passion for a well-balanced dual-purpose dog, one that is capable of excelling both in the show ring and in the woods.
After spending most of my life in the South, I recently relocated to Ashland, Ohio, where I reside with my daughter and a Plott Hound. When I'm not working in the funeral and cemetery business, you can find me outdoors, exploring new places, and enjoying life to its fullest.
For the Friday and Saturday Autumn Oaks Judge announcement, click here.
Guided by the belief that dogs make a difference by being the best partner a human can have in the field, on the job, or in a competition event, UKC is a community for people and dogs to pursue excellence together. Founded in 1898, UKC has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of Dogs That Do More, and their owners, by providing essential resources to help owners and breeders make informed decisions. The dog-human bond is celebrated through family-friendly programs highlighting the instincts and heritage of purebred and mixed-breed dogs alike at over 18,000 licensed events annually.