Working the line

The hounds cover distances of up to 10kms on each run and so every drag hunt day they run up to 50kms. The scent lines laid are quite difficult as the drag layer ensures the scent crosses itself up to 12 time during any one run in an effort to try and trick the hounds. The scents will cross many more times on subsequent runs, so the hounds have to fine tune their noses to follow on the most recent scent. The hounds also have to stay true to the line and ignore other scents, which are in abundance such as kangaroos, rabbits, stubble quail and stock. On a number of occasions, kangaroos have crossed the line in sight of the hounds, with one even dumping its joey in the long grass to ensure its escape, and the hounds have ignored the roos and kept on the line. Truely amazing to watch!

After some research we have learned that the scent lines and courses we are working our hounds through are far more demanding than many of the UK beagle and foxhound drag hunts. We are currently investigating how to register the pack as an official trencher pack, which will be a first for Australia, and the pack will be named the Eden Valley Beagle Pack.

These pictures may be of interest to some members, especially as all of the participants are show dogs, and their breeding goes back to many of the top winning Australian lines. I think this is a huge pat on the back to all breeders, as the beagles bred in Australia are obviously very sound to be able to cover such distances regularly without breaking down.

The core pack consists of 14 hounds owned by 4 different families. However on our hunt days we often invite other beagle enthusiasts, and we can have up to 20 hounds or more participating at a time. Once again most other participants are show beagles, from different lines and kennels.

The core pack hounds are:

Aust Ch Ingalee Inquisitive (Snoop) - S & G Yarrow
Aust Ch Ingalee In Disguise (Watson) - S & G Yarrow
Aust Ch Ingalee Incognito (Heidi) - S & G Yarrow
Kramner Filigree - (Pippa) - S & G Yarrow
Kramner Cheer Leader - (Lady) - S & G Yarrow
Rallydon Raindrops - (Raindrop) - S & G Yarrow
Aust Ch Goldengum Riots End (Rupert) - L Browne - R King
Aust Ch Goldengum Cloudy Bay (Cristal) - L Browne - R King
Aust Ch Cambawarra Locket (Mischief) - L Browne - R King
Goldengum Taltarni Tache (Tache) - L Browne - R King
Aust Ch Kramner Good Cheer (Bonnie) - B Watson
Kramner Windfall (Lucky) - B Watson
Aust Ch Gayhunter Jazz Dancer (Frankie) - G Harrison
Filnor Skyhawk (Hawkeye) - G Harrison

We certainly have a great time out with the hounds, and of course the beagles love it. To watch a pack of beagles working is both thrilling and beautiful. It is really is one of the best things you can do with your hounds.

Gina Yarrow
Ingalee Beagles

On the run

Pack in creek

Jumping the water

Who's worried about a bit of water??