UKC Coonhound Weekly Bulletin, Edition 36

January 14, 2026

Source: Allen Gingerich, Director of Hunting Ops
Email: agingerich@ukcdogs.com

I used to think mid-winter was our slow season at the office but thats not the case at the moment. Just yesterday again, I worked through all three breaks and skipped lunch, but then, missing a few meals is not going to hurt me either.

I'm not the only one staying busy. Far from it. When things ramp up like this, Im reminded how fortunate we are to have such an efficient team in the Hunting Ops department. Lacey leads by example- and like a boss. Lacey If you've called the office and spoken with Lexi, you already know your experience was nothing short of courteous and pleasant. Her desk is never idle--she gets things done. Lexi Danielle recently joined the team and is already making an impact as well. Danielle And while we don't hear much from Dinora, that's a good sign that she's keeping everything on track remotely for American Field and the bird dog community.

Of course, we all miss Trevor, he was a workhorse and excelled at his role, not to mention being great to work with. His departure means we've all had to step up a notch. The good news? Help is on the way! You may have seen last Fridays announcement: Dave McVay will join us as Field Manager, a new role rather than a replacement, if you will. He starts training in the office in the first week of February, and well have him able and ready to dive in at the Winter Classic the following week. Were looking forward to his arrival and operating at full song again, and looking forward to the 2026 season.

Dave McVay to Join Hunting Ops

PAST EVENTS

Since the Grand American, major events have been limited, but we've already seen a couple of RQE's in Kentucky and South Carolina. Expect these qualifiers to pick up full steam over the next couple of months. 2026 RQE Tentative List

UPCOMING EVENTS

The South Carolina Hall of Fame Hunt and Show is scheduled for the last weekend in January. Attendance has grown steadily in recent years, and it's great to see this event gaining momentum. The Palmetto CHA in Manning will host again this year, check the events calendar for full details. SC HAll of Fame Hunt and Show

WHATS HAPPENING

Our next big one-the Winter Classic is right around the corner. Entries are open now and coming in quickly. Advanced entries close Monday, January 26, so don't miss out. Batesville will be buzzing that weekend, and we anticipate another good turnout. Winter Classic Info and Advanced Online Entry Template

The Winter Classic Pro Slam filled in less than an hour after opening Monday morning! Sixteen hounds and handlers will compete for a $7,000 purse, with the winner claiming the lions share-$3,000. Once again, we'll offer a Calcutta for added excitement. After casts are drawn, each group of four dogs will be auctioned, and the winning bidder of the cast-winning dog takes the pot accumulated from that cast.

2026 Winter Classic Pro Slam Reservations
1. Jimmy Smith
2. Chad McCoin
3. Jason Snellgrove
4. Chad McCoin
5. Chad McCoin
6. Alan Holding
7. Alan Holding
8. Alan Holding
9. Alan Holding
10. Nathan Blaha
11. Zack Southall
12. David Gilman
13. Anthony Stratil
14. Allen Pinkston
15. William Keeling
16. Nick Rehmeier

Our friends at Coondog Wear will sponsor the Wednesday and Thursday night warm-up slams with $1,000 added each night. Add in bonuses for MS Raccoon Association members, and winners walk away with great payouts for just a $35 entry fee. See the Winter Classic page for details. Winter Classic Page

UKC's Top Ten Bench Show qualifiers is finalized, and certificates have been mailed to owners. Each invite includes an opportunity to compete in the Top Ten Show on Friday night at the Winter Classica premier event showcasing the top ten dogs in each of seven breeds. A $15,000 purse awaits, with $2,000 for each breed winner and a $1,000 bonus for the overall champion. Danielle is working on a few special touches for this years' event - congratulations to all finalists! Top Ten Finalists

The 2026 Tournament of Champions is shaping up to be another can't-miss major. Over 1,400 coonhounds are already qualified, and the regional locations are confirmed. The Finals will move to Sturgis, Michigan this year due to scheduling conflicts at our preferred Illinois venue--likely a one-time move for now.

If you're qualified for TOC and haven't received your UKC invite yet, don't worry--they'll all go out around the first week of February. Advanced entries open the first Monday in February and close the first Monday in March. New this year: a one-week grace period for late entries, with a $100 penalty. Deadlines matter--they keep events organized--so don't wait! UKC Tournament of Champions Page

Finally, the following clubs still have missing reports that need to be submitted to ensure proper credit and TOC qualification. A quick email with a scanned copy to Hunting Ops will fix it: Email Hunting Ops

AR-79, YELL COUNTY CHA, 12/27/25
GA-5, BROAD RIVER CHA, 12/19/25
GA-8, CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER CC, 12/5 & 12/20/25
GA-135, WEST GEORGIA CHA, 12/20/25
IL-21, MARSHALL CHC, 12/12/25
IL-38, SORENTO CHA, 11/29/25
KY-35, MADISON COUNTY CHC, 11/28/25
KY-174, JACKSON COUNTY CC, 10/24, 12/5 & 12/6/25
KY-190, WEST KENTUCKY CHC, 12/5/25
MS-32, YOCKANOOKANY CHA, 12/27/25
MS-106, MIDWAY COON CLUB, 11/21/25
MS-131, SAW MILL COON HUNTERS, 12/5/25
OH-8, BROUGHTON FOX & CH CLUB, 11/7 & 11/22/25
OK-55, MUSKOGEE COUNTY CHA, 12/19/25
SC-79, TRI-COUNTY CHA, 12/27/25
SC-103, DEAN SWAMP CHA, 12/19/25
TN-130, CUMBERLAND MTN CHA, 12/27/25
TX-185, 2 LAKES COON CLUB, 11/22/25
VA-10, CARROLL CO CH & SPORTSMAN, 12/6/25
WV-109, TRI-STATE HOUNDSMEN ASSOC, 11/1/25

HUNTING OPS PODCASTS

Last week we aired Part 2 with World Champion beagler- Roy Swafford, he's always a great guest. It wraps up his top-three-all-time in our UNDISPUTED Series. Part 1 w Roy Part 2 w Roy

This week's episode features John Strickland, reflecting on his phenomenal year with Ann, winning both the TOC and World Hunt in 2025. He share's what it took to get there and how those early days looked so different-claiming it took him four years to win his first cast in a nite hunt. Give it a listen when you can! John Strickland Podcast

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.