UKC Coonhound Weekly Bulletin, Edition 30
November 18, 2025
Source: Trevor Wade, Coonhound Program Manager
Email: twade@ukcdogs.com
Welcome back to the UKC Coonhound Weekly Bulletin! We have been at this for30 weeks now and hopefully it has become a vital news source for all of our coonhound program supporters. Google tells me that for the 30th Anniversary of something, the traditional gift is pearls. As I am typing this, I can look out my window and see the yard canvassed in white pearl-like snow. Thats about all the white I can take at the moment. Instead, lets just talk dogs.
PAST EVENTS
There werent any major events on the schedule this weekend, so nothing new to report here. All the results that we have received are posted on the website right here: Coonhound Standings/Results Page
If I'm not mistaken, every major event since the beginning of this bulletin is there, outside of the Alabama State Youth Championship and it was just a couple weeks ago. Those will be posted when available.
UPCOMING EVENTS
There are once again no events on the major event schedules this weekend. There are, however, many coonhound events going on. Be sure you visit the Coonhound Events Calendar for all your UKC event information. There you can sort by state, event type, date, and more. It is the spot for the most up to date event information.
- Here is the updated Coonhound Major Events Schedule. Remember, this schedule is considered tentative. Dates and/or locations are subject to change. But it is a good starting point for those trying to make plans for traveling next year.
- Here is the updated Youth Coonhound Series Schedule. Again, this is a tentative schedule. If nothing, this schedule is even more volatile than the Major Event Schedule with these dates and locations varying so much year to year. But again, its a great starting point for those that are making plans for the Spotlight Series grind.
- As promised last week, the 2026 RQE Schedule has been posted. At the risk of sounding redundant, remember this list is considered tentative and is subject to change as clubs make moves to maximize their schedule. The Events Calendar and searching for RQEs will always be the number one spot for accessing up to date information. Click here: 2026 RQE Schedule
One thing you will notice with a lot of RQEs this year is that they are going to 90-minute hunt durations. No this isnt a typo and yes, it was approved. After sticking with our guns for several years, we made the decision to start allowing 90-minute RQE hunts last year. As time moves on, changes are inevitable. We all know this song and dance by now. With less hunt land available and even fewer that can hold four wide hunting dogs, the concession will have to be made for less hunting time. I wouldnt be surprised to see more major events go that way, as Ive sat in those meetings with associations and heard those conversations. At the risk of getting too preachy, I would finish by saying, be thankful for the hunts that are being put on and the guides that make it possible.
WHATS HAPPENING?
1) Here is our customary Top Ten Bench Show update. The standings were once again updated today and you can find them here: Top Ten Bench Show Coonhounds
The list of reports needed to finalize this list is still a little lengthy but I will post it below for those who are tracking this closely. Any help getting reports in, would be a great help.
CLUB NAME - DATE(S) MISSING
TENNESSEE VALLEY CHA - 9/27/2025
BLACK CREEK CHA - 9/26/2025
BLUE MTN CHA - 8/16/2025
OMAHA CHA - 10/11/2025
BROAD RIVER CHA - 9/5/2025
LAKE WEST POINT CHA - 8/22/2025
POLK COUNTY COON CLUB - 5/24 & 5/30/25
SOUTHERN IL WILDLIFE ASSOC - 4/18/2025
LIVINGSTON CO HOUNDSMEN - 10/4/2025
OHIO COUNTY HOUNDSMEN - 9/20/2025
BIG SOUTH FORK COON CLUB - 9/20/2025
CERULEAN SPORTSMANS CLUB - 4/5/2025
SOUTHERN CHA - 10/11/2025
TRI-CO CHA - 3/14/2025
TRI STATE CH - 10/3/2025
NOVA RUGGLES CONS CLUB - 9/26/2025
WESTERN OHIO THA - 9/20/2025
ARBUCKLE CHA - 9/13 & 10/11/25
ENDLESS MTN CHC - 9/27/2025
UNITED SPORTSMAN CLUB - 5/3 & 9/26/25
TRINITY RIVER CHA - 5/23 & 6/20/25
RIVER BOTTOM CHA - 4/5, 5/3/25
BLAND CO CHA - 10/4/2025
CORN RIDGE COON CLUB - 9/27/2025
STEWART'S CREEK CC - 10/11/2025
BIG VALLEY COON CLUB - 9/26/2025
ROCK LICK CHA - 6/20, 7/18/25
2) Also today, the TOC Qualifiers List was updated. This weeks update brought us up to 1,109 hounds qualified, up 75 from the last update two weeks ago. We are trending almost hand in hand with last years total. I can only imagine what the last month and a half of qualifying will add. You can see the full list here: UKC Tournament of Champions List of Qualified Dogs
I teased it last week, but now we have our two new TOC Region locations locked in. Those Regions will be in Georgetown, Kentucky and Eufala, Alabama. So having said that, unless something unexpected happens, here will be your options for TOC Regions when you enter up in a few months:
Kirksville, Missouri
LaGrange, Indiana
Mt. Gilead, Ohio
Georgetown, Kentucky
Conway, Arkansas
Manning, South Carolina
Eufala, Alabama
3) The time is here to get entered into the 2026 Grand American!
- I put the Grand American entry form here (click here).
- You can find a ton of other information on their Facebook page. They are really good about sharing information on there. Go to: Grand American Coon Hunt Official Event Page
- Check out the Grand American Web Page for more information.
- AND NEW THIS YEAR, they have online entry! You can enter for the Grand American right here: https://www.thegrandamericanhunt.com/
4) Speaking of Grand American, entries for the 2026 Grand American Pro Slam open on December 1, 2025, at 9am ET. See the event ad here: 2026 Grand American Pro Slam
5) 2025 is almost done and we are having a ton of clubs either getting their dates or confirming their dates for the 2026 year. I wrote about this a few months ago, but with all the questions lately, it seems like a good time to bring it back.
UKCs Coonhound schedule is completely based on Labor Day weekend and Autumn Oaks. With that event being tied to that holiday for 60 years, it makes sense. Every six years, Labor Day shifts back into September. For those of you who are more visual, lets just look at the Autumn Oaks dates the past 10+ years.
2014 August 29-30 (Labor Day Sept 1st)
2015 September 4-5 (Labor Day Sept 7th)
2016 September 2-3 (Labor Day Sept 5th)
2017 September 1-2 (Labor Day Sept 4th)
2018 August 31 September 1 (Labor Day Sept 3rd)
2019 August 30-31 (Labor Day Sept 2nd)
2020 September 4-5 (Labor Day Sept 7th)
2021 September 3-4 (Labor Day Sept 6th)
2022 September 2-3 (Labor Day Sept 5th)
2023 September 1-2 (Labor Day Sept 4th)
2024 August 30-31 (Labor Day Sept 2nd)
2025 August 29-30 (Labor Day Sept 1st)
2026 - September 4-5 (Labor Day Sept 7th)
All of this was just a way for me to explain to you that yes, this calendar shift has happened every six years for decades at UKC, and no, we are not trying to ruin your event. No one roots for your success more than us. It is just how the calendar shift works. Letters are going out soon with your clubs tentative 2026 schedule, for those who havent already reached out.
For those who have already got your dates, feel free to get them confirmed on the website right here, Essential Details and Conformations for UKC Licensed Events
DOG OF THE WEEK
Lets keep rolling with our trend, highlighting the first GRNITECHHOF in each breed. So far, we have met the first Black and Tan and first Bluetick. Today, we will highlight the first English Coonhound to achieve this feat, nine months before the next one would do so, GRNITECHHOF 'PR' Prime Time Outlaw Jesse James HTX3. Lets find out more about him.
Name: GRNITECHHOF 'PR' Prime Time Outlaw Jesse James HTX3
Breed: English Coonhound
Date of Birth: 6/11/2013
Owned by: Robbie Spears of Pikeville, KY
Bred by: Robbie Spears
Three-Generation Pedigree:
--- 'PR'GARRIOTTS MAGIC JASPER
- GRNITECH'PR'COWLES' BIG RIVER JESSE LEE
--- 'PR'GARRIOTTS MAGIC SUE
GRNITECHHOF'PR'PRIME TIME OUTLAW JESSE JAMES HTX3
--- GRNITECH'PR'TIM'S RED BURRITO
- GRNITECH GRCH'PR'ROB'S PRIME TIME RED RUBY
--- GRNITECH CH'PR'CEDAR RIVER BLUEBERRY JAM
Looking at some of these top hounds, its funny how their win records can vary. Some have a long competition career like Elvira last week spanning ten years. Some are super dominant for a couple years where they can win near 20 or 30 casts a year. Jesse James falls in that latter category. His run from March of 2018 to August of 2020 is something impressive to look at.
Robbies first cast win with Jesse James came in March of 2018 at Southern English Days, with the hound nearing five-years-old. Id love to hear the backstory on him not being campaigned until later in life, but that will be a different story for a different time. 4.5 months later, the English Hound finished to NITECH after wins at English Days and the West Virginia State Championship. Just one year after his first cast win, Jesse James made GRNITECH in March of 2019 with wins at multiple major events, including Grand American during that time frame.
To stay consistent, it was March of the next year when Jesse James finished to GRNITECHHOF in March of 2020 in Paynesville, West Virginia where Ive never hunted, but the citys name tells me all I need to know. On a serious note, Jesse James run from five to seven years old was super impressive. He accrued four cast wins in 2018, 37 cast wins in 2019, and 12 cast wins in 2020. He sits today with 53 cast wins on his record, with some young hounds out of him running around getting cast wins of their own.
Jesse James was an impressive hound. Aside from his shear number of cast wins, it is his record at major events that stand out to me having won casts in 12 different states, mostly during his run in the 2019 Purina Series. His resume includes wins at Southern English Days, English Days, West Virginia State, Grand American, Tennessee State, Ohio State, Mississippi State, Battle of the Breeds, and a 6th Place finish at the 2019 UKC World Championship in Iowa. A truly remarkable run for an unforgettable hound.
UKC HUNTING OPS PODCAST
Last week, Allen continued his Undisputed Series on the podcast feed with an interview with renowned beagler, Matt Turner. Hopefully you all give it a listen!
UKCS ALL-QUARTER CENTURY CAST
Man, Ive had an absolute blast with this series. What started out as just an idea as I was listening to MLB, NBA, and NFL podcasters do something similar in their respective sports, came to life with help of the staff here. I cant thank our teams enough for supporting my idea and giving legs to it. Especially Samantha Harinck for her edits and keeping the poll information up to date each week, and Andrea Syron for pushing it on social media. But lastly, I have to thank each of you who drove interaction, voted, shared posts, and gave insight on some of your favorite hounds of the past quarter century. Lets once again meet the UKC All-Quarter Century Cast!
WLDNITECH GRNITECH(3) PR Willys Little Ann
GRNITECH 'PR' 7 Oaks Hardtime Lola
NGRNCH GRCH GRNITECHHOF 'PR' Redneck Backwoods Shack
WLDNITECH GRNITECH(2) 'PR' Gray's Rack Em Willy
Tournament of Champions Representative
WLDNITECH GRNITECH(3) PR Willys Little Ann
Treeing Walker Female
Born 12/28/2019 and bred by Nicholas Jones
Owned by John Strickland, Ashley Oxendine, Doug Galbreath, Randy Smith of Springfield, Kentucky
Three Generation Pedigree:
--- GRCH GRNITECH 'PR' Thomas' Only Reezen
- WLDNITECH GRNITECH(2) 'PR' Gray's Rack Em Willy
--- GRNITECH 'PR' Gray's Stylish Paige
WLDNITECH GRNITECH(3) PR Willys Little Ann
--- GRNITECH 'PR' Joinertown Wipeout Zeb 3
- 'PR' Wipeout She Squirms Alot
--- GRCH NITECH 'PR' Dixies Heaven on Earth
Resume:
2025 UKC TOC Champion
2025 UKC World Champion
Qualified for UKC World Zones 3 times (2023, 2024, 2025)
14th Place in 2023 World Championship
2023 UKC Triple Crown Winner
Cast wins at 2023 Walker Days, 2023 Winter Classic, 2023 Autumn Oaks, 2023 World Zones, 2024 Winter Classic, 2025 TOC Regions, 2025 Autumn Oaks, 2025 World Zones
35 UKC cast wins on record
12,175 plus points in 35 wins, averaging 347.9+ in wins
Won Tournament of Champions Final Poll with 57.89% of the vote
Winter Class Representative
GRNITECH 'PR' 7 Oaks Hardtime Lola
English Female
Born 11/1/2021 and bred by Lewie Knoy
Owned by Jared Lehman and Kyle Stoops of Loogootee, Indiana
Three Generation Pedigree:
--- GRNITECH 'PR' Red Ruby Hardtime Buck
- GRNITECH(3) 'PR' Hardtime Cooper
--- GRNITECH 'PR' Moss' Hardtime Lucy
GRNITECH 'PR' 7 Oaks Hardtime Lola
--- GRNITECH GRCH 'PR' Briar Creek Chrome
- NITECH 'PR' Oakwoods Pepper
--- GRNITECH 'PR' Pithole Creek Lilly
Resume:
2025 Winter Classic Champion with 1,525+ combined double cast wins
Qualified for World Zones twice (2024, 2025)
Cast wins at 2024 English Days
2024 Queen of English Days
17 cast wins on record
5,300 plus points in 17 wins, averaging 311.8+ per win
Won Winter Classic Semi-Final Poll with 34.85% of the vote
Won Winter Classic Final Poll with 39.26% of the vote
Autumn Oaks Representative
NGRNCH GRCH GRNITECHHOF 'PR' Redneck Backwoods Shack
Treeing Walker Male
Born 2/18/2013 and bred by David Griner
Owned by Cheyenne Cummings of Seneca, Missouri
Three Generation Pedigree:
--- GRNITECH 'PR' Chase's Electric Shock
- GRNITECH 'PR' Redneck Mafia
--- CH GRNITECH 'PR' Chase's Peppermint Dixie
NGRNCH GRCH GRNITECHHOF 'PR' Redneck Backwoods Shack
--- GRCH GRNITECH 'PR' Big Creek Rat Tat
- GRCH GRNITECH 'PR' Rat's Hi Country Ann
--- GRNITECH 'PR' Liquid Gold Lace
Resume:
2019 National Grand Nite Champion of Autumn Oaks
Qualified for World Zones 8 times (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
15th Place at 2016 World Championship
3rd Place at 2017 World Championship
14th Place at 2019 World Championship
Cast wins at 2014 Oklahoma State Championship, 2016 World Zones, 2017 Youth Nationals, 2017 World Zones, 2018 Oklahoma State Youth Championship, 2019 World Zones, 2019 Oklahoma State Championship, 2020 Oklahoma State Championship, 2022 Oklahoma State Championship, and 2023 Oklahoma State Championship
48 cast wins on record
12,712 plus points in 42 reports with recorded scores (302.7+ average)
Won Autumn Oaks Semi-Final Poll with 60% of the vote
Won Autumn Oaks Final Poll with 41.97% of the vote
World Championship Representative
WLDNITECH GRNITECH(2) 'PR' Gray's Rack Em Willy
Treeing Walker Male
Born 6/16/2014 and bred by Jason Gray
Owned by JR Gray of London, Kentucky
Three Generation Pedigree:
--- GRNITECH 'PR' Davis' Stylish Harry's Hammer
- GRCH GRNITECH 'PR' Thomas' Only Reezen
--- GRNITECH 'PR' Scar's Open Spotted Jule
WLDNITECH GRNITECH(2) 'PR' Gray's Rack Em Willy
--- GRCH GRNITECH 'PR' All Grand Track Man
- GRNITECH 'PR' Gray's Stylish Paige
--- GRNITECH 'PR' Brown's Taylor
Resume:
2018 UKC World Champion
Qualified for World Zones 2 times before winning World (2016, 2018)
Cast wins at 2018 World Zones, 2019 Treeing Walker Days, 2019 Autumn Oaks, 2019 World Zones, 2019 Kentucky State Championship, 2020 Winter Classic
18 cast wins on record
6,375 plus points in 14 wins with recorded scores (455.4+ average)
Won World Championship Semi-Final Poll with 53.75% of the vote
Won World Championship Final Poll with 42.29% of the vote
As a final send off for the series, we did have one final poll, asking you all to vote on who you thought would win this cast full of modern-day legends. With a series high 958 voters, securing 56.78% of the vote with 544 votes and essentially being named UKCs All-Quarter Century hound was WLDNITECH GRNITECH(2) 'PR' Gray's Rack Em Willy. Congratulations to the owner, JR Gray and the entirety of Team Willy. What a neat honor to be able to share.
COONHOUND ADVISOR
With the All-Quarter Century section leaving next week and the last issue of Coonhound Bloodlines coming up in December, I figured it was only logical to start up a spot in the bulletin to answer rules questions. I know Allen and I are planning on doing more Mailbag episodes on the podcast as well with the magazine gone. I encourage you to reach out with questions or recommendations for rules questions youd like to hear answered.
Having said that, there is only one rule topic worthy of this inaugural section. It is by far the most asked, most misapplied rule in the rulebook, and that is dealing with dogs treeing but not declared treed. Lets visit an article that I wrote back in April of 2023.
Treeing But Not Declared Treed
This topic is the early favorite to win most discussed rule for 2023, defending its crown from the past five years or more. Honestly, this might have been a little confusing to some in last years rulebook, due to the fact that you had to score the tree before knowing how to score the dog. With the new rulebook, this has become much easier to deal with.
I would recommend taking out your rulebook and either highlighting, or circling Rule 4(f) under the Strike Minus section. It reads, if dog declared treed; after three minutes has elapsed no additional dog can be declared treed at that particular tree. Dog(s) treeing but not declared treed when judge arrives receives minus strike points. Dogs shutout* on strike will receive no minus strike points. Refer to Rule 6(f) for Champion Division casts and off game.
Pretty much everything you need to know is right there. Dogs treeing but not declared treed when judge arrives receives minus strike points. That means regardless of whether the tree is plussed, minused, or circled, you minus the strike points. There is no mention of awarding next available tree points because that is no longer something that happens at any point in the rulebook. You simply minus the strike points. The next sentence tells us that a dog shut-out on strike will receive no minus strike points. Pretty straight forward as there are no strike points in that instance to minus with the dog being shut-out.
I will just briefly mention that this rule we just talked about had to do with dogs treeing but not declared treed when the judge arrives. If the judge and cast are already there, and a dog comes into the tree, you would refer to Rule 5(b) (yes highlight that one too). 5(b) is under the Circle Points section and reads, No dog to receive minus points for coming into tree after Judge arrives unless a coon is seen and the dogs treeing are awarded plus points.
Lets break that down for you. If a dog comes into a tree after the Judge arrives and a coon is seen, the dog will get its strike points minused. If the tree is minused, circled, or even off game seen, the dog that comes in after the Judge arrives will get its strike points circled.
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.