Need Input for Hunt Test and Field Trial Ideas

Buckeye_V · Post by **Buckeye_V** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 10:58 am

I am co-chairing a field trial and hunt test this spring. These both will be my first. I am hoping to bring some can-do spirit to the table and some fresh ideas as well. I was hoping some of the guys and gals here on the board could help me out.

Of the hunt tests and trials that you all have attended, what sticks out in your mind as a good ideas (and also the bad). What kind of meals do you like to have? Do you think a raffle would be a good thing to have? Right now I am just throwing around some ideas, trying to figure out what might be good and what would definitely be bad.

Also, at well-run events what do you think was the reason?

Thanks for the input, ideas and opinions. All will be read.

gunner · Post by **gunner** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 12:48 pm

Buckeye,

I'm not sure what kind of trial you'll be putting on, but I admire you for the work that it takes.
Here is an article that may help a bit.
Best of luck with the trial.
http://fieldtrialpointers.net/trial.html

Dave Quindt · Post by **Dave Quindt** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 12:53 pm

This may not be what you are looking for, but the biggest suggestion I can make for having a quality hunt test is to get rid of the bird field and go with a single course with birds planted throughout.

It makes for such a more enjoyable hunt test experience. It does require a bit more manpower but is much more fun to participate in, and the dog work is generally better.

FWIW,
Dave

Buckeye_V · Post by **Buckeye_V** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 1:45 pm

Both are AKC events.

Where we hold the hunt test it is almost impossible to have a continuous course. Although, I agree that it would be better it would not be possible with the grounds we have available to us.

Good article.

Keep the ideas coming!

Dave Quindt · Post by **Dave Quindt** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 2:02 pm

I'm not talking about a continuous course, just a single course with no birdfield. They are different things.

You obviously have a course today that take approx 30 minutes to complete. Just plant your bird along the entire course, and have the gunners walk or ride with the judges. Or, station a couple sets of gunners along the way so each set can cover a portion of the course.

Unless there are safety issues with shooting on parts of the course, you should be able to use the same course you use today.

FWIW,
Dave

tenbearsviz · Post by **tenbearsviz** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 2:07 pm

Buckeye_V,

The well run events that I have attended as a judge and exhibitor share the following in no particular order:

Strong line marshals - Get 'em to the line and dont make/let the judges wait.
Experianced bird planters - plant smart allowing the dogs to show their stuff
Experianced gunners - Safety is key - cleanly shot and get out of the way.

Whether it is a SH test or a retrieving gun dog stake, these are vital to the success of the entrant and the dog.

Welcome the new comers. One day we will be gone and we need to pass the love of the game on.

Find judges to fit your stake/test. A die hard fan of horizon chasers may not be your best JH judge.

Hospitality in the evenings is a great way to introduce the new folks to the experianced.

Last but not least, an organized event committee.. Well posted running orders, completed judging books, fast end of stake paper-work all make judges happy.

I skipped over some of the obvious... great birds.. great grounds... etc.

Post by **Greg Jennings** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 2:22 pm

Enough port-o-lets for the expected crowd. You know how it gets down at Indian Creek. First time I was there, I saw two ladies bail out and toss their cookies from the stench.

If you go into my profile and get "all posts by" and scan through them, you'll find some reviews of past trials and tests that I've gone to.

Best,

AHGSP · Post by **AHGSP** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 2:58 pm

Good Topic Buckeye!

I'll be taking a more involved position within our clubs Hunt Testing Program and will be paying attention to this topic as well. I've already been talking with some of our Members to see what improvements they would like to see.

Buckeye_V · Post by **Buckeye_V** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 3:19 pm

I've been to 3 different venues for hunt tests and 2 different venues for field trials. I have seen some things I like and a lot of things I don't like. I know there are a lot more people out there with way more experience that have good ideas of what to provide. All your points are useful.

Dave:

I misunderstood. The next time I talk to my co-chair I will ask why this is not done. My first guess is that the back course is mostly wooded (some places heavily) and a clean shot may be hard to get. I will ask though.

My area of responsibility right now is food, but I have some other ideas for areas of improvement that may or may not fly. We'll see what others think.

ohiogsp · Post by **ohiogsp** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 4:55 pm

Get fair judges. If they are hard or soft who cares just as long as they judge everyone the same. I have been to tests where they drop birds full course and the problem is the gunners have to walk every brace. When is this test I might have to come down there.

snips · Post by **snips** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 8:49 pm

Plenty of birds and good judges. The best tests I know are not stingy with birds.

gundogguru · Post by **gundogguru** » Sat Jan 06, 2007 6:31 am

This is a great thread. As a judge I like to see good horse's it makes for a very long day of being in the saddle if you have to fight a knot head all day. The running course is not a good Idea it takes to many gunners and just is not a good way to do it. I remember as a gunner walking 10 braces it was no fun. And with a running course the gallery doesn't get to watch. A good marshall is always a plus. It makes thing run a lot faster if you can lay your course out in a circle or at least a course shoe. the sooner the judges can get back to the break away the faster you can get done. Cover can be a big problem at some grounds I have been to some tests years ago where they had to pile up brush and some grass just for a place to hide the birds. And plenty of birds I want at least 4 birds put out per brace it not more. Just depends on if the birds being flushed stay in the field or are getting of course. Good luck.

fuzznut · Post by **fuzznut** » Sat Jan 06, 2007 12:33 pm

since you are in charge of food....
if it's going to be cold, lots of hot coffee, soup, stews are always welcome. Try to keep the prices reasonable, but you have to make some money for the club. If a warm day, lots of cold water, soda, sandwiches maybe. Make sure you always save food for your judges!

Our club always puts out snacks free for all toward the end of the day, nothing fancy, popcorn, some candy, cheese crackers. Just something to munch on. I think it makes everyone feel welcome and I hate nickle and diming everyone to death all day long.

A fun idea to make a couple of bucks for the club is to have an auction during dinner, but everything being auctioned is in a wrapped box. Everyone gets to feel the box, shake it, try to guess what it is and then bid on it. Our members bring the items. Some of it is great stuff, worth some money, some of it's recycled from the closet at home. It's just a way to have a bit of fun, and raise a couple of bucks.

One other thing we did at our fall trial was to buy a couple bottles of champagne to toast one of our judges whose dog won the Irish Setter Nat. Ch. We made a toast in his and his dogs honor , it made him feel good that anyone cared, and the group gave him a big round of applause. We used to do this for anyone who finished a dog recently, but that unfortunately doesn't happen much anymore. Too bad!

Wagonmaster · Post by **Wagonmaster** » Sat Jan 06, 2007 1:09 pm

The class trials I have attended have all been ones where the participants feel like they are taken care of. A good dog wagon that delivers on time is a big help.

The worst trials I remember are ones where I judged and spent two or three days in the saddle, the things got out of hand timing wise, and the organizers thought it was nothing for a judge to ride the same horse two or three days in a row, 12 hours a day. If the judges do not have their own horses, make sure you have plenty of good ones. Judges horses should be changed out every half day, no more, or the judge is riding a dog tired horse that stumbles.

Then of course, you could also have a masseuse set up and ready to go for each judge.

Buckeye_V · Post by **Buckeye_V** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 9:11 am

I am liking the massueuse idea. We do have one on staff. Hmmmmm....

I like the auction idea as well.

Thanks for all of the helpful hints and ideas. They are very much appreciated!