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Formation of the Northeastern Beagle Gundog Federation

The Northeastern Beagle Gundog Federation evolved from rise of AKC Small Pack Option field trials during the 1980’s and early 1990’s in the northeastern states. A general discussion at an Iroquois Beagle Gundog Association meeting at the Broome Co. Beagle Club indicated that there was a need for a gundog representative from the northeast on the AKC Beagle Advisory Committee. SPO trials were beginning to outnumber those conducted under brace procedures yet there was perceived to be a scarce recognition of the movement. It was realized that the only possible way to gain a voice was to organize SPO beaglers into a new federation. Don Rankins, President of the IBGA contacted the New England Hunting Beagle Association and the Pennsylvania Beagle Gundog Association.

The Northeastern Beagle Gundog Federation was officially formed on November 14^th, 1992 at the Klipnockie Beagle Club in Morris, NY. Prior to the meeting a constitution and by laws were drafted and discussed amongst the three associations. The constitution and by laws were adopted by representatives of the three gundog associations and the first officers were chosen. Funding for the start of the federation was accomplished by assessing each association an annual fee of $100.00. At the time of this formation there were 45 beagle clubs involved in the federation. The stated purpose of the federation was to promote the breeding and competition of AKC registered hunting beagles in compliance with established rules and regulations and also the protection of the interests of breeders and owners and the securing of legislation favorable to them. Further the hounds being promoted by the federation were to conform to the AKC rule book and be “capable of serving as a field trial hound, a gundog, or a member of a pack while pursuing either rabbit or hare. These hounds shall be considered the ideal beagles, with no variations in qualities from their noble origin as hunting dogs”.

The first officials of the federation were:

• President: Don Rankins, IBGA
• Vice President: Robert Lincoln, NEHBA
• Secretary: Ed Hart, IBGA
• Treasurer: Bob Lincoln, NEHBA
• Directors:
• Gary Keller, PBGA
• Gary Sampson, IBGA
• Dave Rexford, NEHBA

The calendar year of 1993 saw the first schedule of federation qualifying trials. All qualifiers were AKC sanctioned and run under small pack or small pack option procedures. Excellent support was shown throughout 1993 with many entries at the qualifying trials and keen friendly competition was enjoyed.

The first annual championship trial was held at the Broome County Beagle Club on May 21 and 22^nd, 1994. Any hound placing 1^st through NBQ in a federation qualifying trial was considered eligible for the trial. High caliber competition was enjoyed as hounds from western Pennsylvania to the sands of Cape Cod came to show off.

In 1994 good news arrived. The federation finally accomplished the goal of placing a voice on the Beagle Advisory Committee. Gary DeFoor, PBGA was appointed by the AKC to the BAC.

The federation also was represented by two judges at the inaugural running of the AKC National SPO Trial in Owensboro, Kentucky in the spring of 1994. Clyde Goodrich and Gary Sampson of the IBGA Association were selected by the AKC for the judging assignments.

A couple of beaglers that should receive an honorable mention for their input and support of the birth of the federation are Lester Frieberger from the Thorton Beagle Club and Ken Burbank from the Glendale Beagle Club. Their thoughts and opinions concerning the gundog movement helped immensely in the birth of the Northeastern Beagle Gundog Federation.

The above information was taken from notes and correspondence and submitted by Don Rankins in February 2009 for the NEBGF website.

Site Updated:
 July 04, 2010

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