Swarm call list

[Tate Belden]

Greetings everyone!

Almost too late doing this as I just handed off our 2nd swarm call of the season - so far - to a volunteer beekeeper for collection. Attached picture is what was sent to me by a passerby that reported this swarm cluster (thanks Ethan!).

Two slots for volunteers on this list:

 1 - You're comfortable, equipped and ready to go do  it all on your one. You accept the call and get it done.

 2 - You're not so comfortable or equiped, but want to learn. Would like some orientation/ training, but eager to help or need to arrange for some gear.

Please email me DIRECT (not a reply to this message - unless you're OK sharing your phone & name with everyone on the reflector) with your name, phone number and what kind of slot (1 or 2) you'd like to be in.  Include any notes or concerns.

When I get a swarm call, I start at where I left off last go around. I call the number you've provided. If you answer and accept the call - you get it. It's expected you'll pretty much drop what you're doing and head out right away. If the cluster has been sitting for any time, they may just be ready to take off and disappear. Gotta get to 'em now. If you do not answer or call goes to voicemail, I hang up and call the next number. ONLY after going through the whole list do I start over again.

Now, if/when you accept a call, I'll ask if you want a learner (slot 2) to come along. If you're OK with that, I'll call the slot 2 folks using same pattern. You answer and say you'll get on it - you get it. If you don't answer I go to the next name on the list.

Do note, that it's up to the Slot 1 beekeeper as to who gets the swarm. Traditionally, they go to the helper - but that's not hard and fast. Primary may know someone else in need of increase or even have need themselves. It's up to whoever is the Slot 1 that accepted the call.

Note, that for both slots, the first one called is whoever is next up after the last call was handed out.

That's about as fair as I know how to do things. If you've a better idea - please share it. Idea is to give everyone an even chance at this.

That's the plan - let me know!

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Tate Belden

A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.