2026 Coonhound World Championship Bench Show Judge Announcement
January 26, 2026
Source: Danielle Champ
Job Title: Bench Show Program Manager
Department: Hunting Ops
Email: dchamp@ukcdogs.com
Theres just something different about World Championship week. The conversations last a little longer, and every ring-side moment feels like it matters. From the first handshake to the last photo, this is the event so many of us look forward to all year. Its not just about the titles, its about the people, the dogs, and the pride that comes with earning it on the biggest UKC stage.
Our World judges carry a big responsibility. They set the tone for the ring. They protect breed integrity and ensure every dog is evaluated with consistency, professionalism and respect. These individuals were selected because theyve shown they can do exactly that. Stay steady under pressure, apply the standards correctly and give every exhibitor the confidence that they will get an fair look.
Our exhibitors, bring your best, enjoy the moment and take it all in. Whether youre chasing a lifelong goal, supporting a friend or walking into the ring for the experience. Portland is going to be full of memories youll carry home with you.
With that excitement building United Kennel Club is proud to announce the official judging for the UKC World Championship Bench Show in Portland, Indiana!
First round is Mr. Scott Hogan:
Thank you, UKC, for the honor of being selected for the first-round judge of the World Championship!
I started competitive hunting and showing coonhounds when I was 12 years old and enjoy all other avenues of hunting and fishing as well. I have been enjoying my retirement from the Dept of Corrections for a few years now and am also a proud veteran of the US Army. I have been married for 26 years to my wife, Connie Hogan, another coonhound enthusiast and weve been breeders of Plotts for over 20 years. We have one daughter, Autumn. She is 22 years old and attends Duquesne University, working towards her Masters Degree in Corporate Communications. I am also a long-time member of the National Plott Hound Association where I served on the BOD. Through the years, I have also been a member of the BBOA, BBCHA, NRHA, and TWB&F associations as well. I have judged bench shows at several state championships and on the national level too. I am also the president of the Cambria Houndsmen Coonhound Club, Johnstown, PA.
I have won several state championship titles as well as at the national level, like the UKC World Championship, Autumn Oaks, Winter Classic and the Grand American. My most cherished and prestige earned titles happened to come from littermates. The National Grand Champion title at Autumn Oaks with my Plott hound, Bonfire and the National Dual Championship at Autumn Oaks with my Plott hound, Bindi. I love a dual-purpose hound that can excel in the field, water, woods and on the bench, but if a handler wishes to concentrate on one over the other, I appreciate that as well. I am looking forward to the opportunity to judge the World Championship in 2026.
Final round is Mr. Ray Conrad:
Born and raised in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Ray Conrad is a third-generation coon hunter who has spent his entire life immersed in the sport. He began hunting alongside his father at a young age and has remained deeply connected to the coon hunting community ever since. That lifelong experience has shaped both his knowledge of hounds and his dedication to preserving the traditions of the sport.
Ray has been an active supporter of the coon hunting community for decades and has served as a Master of Hounds and licensed bench show judge for many years. His fair, consistent judging style is rooted in hands-on experience and a deep respect for the standards of the breed and the people who stand behind their dogs. Professionally, he retired from the chemistry department at Duke Power after a long and dedicated career.
More than 30 years ago, Ray founded Bright Eyes Lights to better serve the coon hunting industry, providing reliable lighting solutions built by someone who truly understands the needs of hunters. Outside of hunting and judging, he is a proud grandfather to five grandchildren and remains committed to giving back to the sport that has been such a defining part of his life.
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.