Beagle Clubs in Tennessee: A Nonconsumptive Wildlife Resource

An 88-question survey was conducted on 15 beagle clubs in Tennessee, Club history and membership, lands and enclosures, predator control, cottontail introduction, hahitat management, and field trial management are summarized. Results revealed that clubs expend significant amounts of money annually to perpetuate their sport, continue to introduce large numbers of rabbits, conduct predator control programs, and practice highly varying degrees of habitat management. Characteristics of a "typical" beagle club are described. Based on the club responses an evaluation is made of the relative "state of the art." Suggestions are made regarding better habitat and field trial management for the benefit of both the beaglers and the cottontail rabbit.