New Member Column by Jeremy Thompson

What is a Hunt Test ?

Hunt Tests, according to the AKC, "afford an opportunity for a person to demonstrate a dog's ability to perform in a manner consistent with the demands of actual hunting conditions". To be a little more to the point, it's a test of a dog's natural abilities and training, under field conditions, against a set of standards. It is not a competition between dogs.

Our club runs pointing breed tests (there are others). The AKC awards eligible dogs passing these tests titles of Junior Hunter (JH), Senior Hunter (SH) and Master Hunter (MH).

Dogs are tested in 6 categories (only 4 of the 6 for Junior Hunter). These categories are Hunting, Bird Finding Ability, Pointing, Trainability, Retrieving, and Honoring.

Dogs are released in pairs into an area stocked with game, usually quail, and given a set amount of time to show their stuff to judges who accompany the dogs through the course. The entry level dog, the Junior Hunter, is required to demonstrate that it has desire to hunt, the ability to find and point game, reasonable obedience to commands, and takes the firing of a blank gun in stride. Senior Hunter, the intermediate level, adds Retrieving and Honoring to the Junior requirements. Master Hunter dogs take the 6 categories of Senior to the level expected of a fully refined gun dog. For example, they must remain completely steady to the flush of the bird and the shot, and retrieves must be delivered to the hand.

Why would I want to get involved ?

The AKC rule book states "Participation…offers the owner both the fun of training and seeing the dog work, and the pride of accomplishment in earning an AKC hunting title certification."

On a more practical level, Hunt Tests may aid in your field training by giving you goals and milestones. Also, feedback from the great bunch of people who can usually be found at the Tests can prove invaluable to your training program. And, of course, they can be just plain fun.

Lastly, if you plan on buying, selling, or breeding dogs, these tests can take on real meaning. Example: two friends are moving out of town and each offers you a great deal on their hunting dog. One friend claims their dog is a great hunter. The other also claims their dog is a great hunter and has achieved a Master Hunter title. Which dog would you take?

How do I get in on one ?

Call the AKC at 919-233-9767 and ask for the "pointing breed hunt test info kit". This info pack will contain the test rules as well as addresses of local clubs that hold Tests. This same info is also available at www.akc.org. Check our club's calendar for dates and locations of nearby upcoming Tests. Stop in and check one out, or better yet, offer to lend a hand at one of our own tests and learn first hand what its all about. Believe me, no experience required! As always, of course, one of your best resources is the club itself. Many of our members participate in Hunt Tests and would be happy to help, so don't hesitate to call. See you in the field this season!

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