What is a hunt test?
Hunt tests are directly related to hunting the retriever in the field for waterfowl and upland game. They are intended to simulate actual hunting situations, testing the dogs at realistic hunting ranges. Hunting retrievers that demonstrate desirable hunting abilities will be rewarded with HRC titles. One reward of the HRC program is the development of better hunting retrievers afield during hunting season across the country, less lost game and more enjoyable hunting.
HRC maintains its common sense, hunting realism in testing hunting retrievers. There are five ability-based (not age) categories that the dogs may enter: Started, Seasoned, Finished, Grand and Upland. All dogs are judged pass/fail against a “Hunting Standard”. These are events that are great fun where everyone can root for the other person’s dog and help each other with their training. The judges must be experienced hunters and must pass HRC administered tests, apprentice as judges, have gun safety training, attend judging seminars, have handled and passed a dog in the category that they are judging and meet other HRC requirements. Good hunting-oriented judges are the key to having tests with hunting realism.
The bird throwers and guns in the field are not exposed and dressed in white, but are hidden as in real hunting situations and dressed in appropriate hunting clothing. The handler must wear camouflaged or other hunting attire. In the three upper levels, the handler handles the shotgun (firing blanks), and works his/her dog from a blind or perhaps a boat, and may be required to quarter the dog in a pheasant or quail field. Seasoned, Finished and Grand dog handlers must direct their dogs to birds the dog did not see (a blind). HRS stresses actual hunting realism and gun safety in the hunting tests.
What is the Upland hunt test?
In 1996, a new Upland Hunt Test program was added to the HRC/UKC hunting program. The Upland test consists of a simulated walk-up with a subsequent quartering or tracking test. The Upland dog is required to honor another dog, be steady to wing and shot, and will be presented with a minimum of two birds to flush in the quartering test. Successful completion of each test earns the dog ten points. Upon attainment of 40 points, the Upland Hunter (UH) title is awarded.
Can I run my dog in a hunt test if he/she is not registered with the United Kennel Club?
Yes you may, although your points will not count toward a title until your dog is UKC registered. You will need to add $3 per entry. You have 60 days after an event to register your dog for the points to count.
Can I run in a hunt test if I do not have an HRC membership?
Yes you may. However, you will to add $5 to each entry fee if you run your dog in Seasoned, Finished or Upland.
Do I really have to shoot the gun if I run a hunt test?
If you run Seasoned, Finished or Upland, yes you do. The HRC program revolves around the hunter, the retriever and the gun. Without the gun, you would not be a hunter. Gun safety is of utmost importance in an HRC event, whether it be a hunt test or training day. You will be shooting popper loads from the line, not live ammunition, at any event. Gun safety is critical to the continued success of the HRC program. Club training days are an excellent time to practice shooting the shotgun and asking for assistance.
I’m not interested in running hunt tests, will the training days be beneficial for me?
Absolutely! A well trained retriever is a pleasure to have in the hunting blind, as well as a partner in ensuring fewer lost birds during the hunting season. For more information, see our Club Benefits page ( note to webmaster- link to Benefits page below) .
I’m not interested in judging. Why would I attend a Judges/Handlers Seminar?
The seminar is helpful for all of those who want to understand the judging process better. The judging seminar and manual are designed to supplement the HRC hunt test rule book. It offers valuable judging recommendations and judging tips not found in the rule book. The goal is to help those become a better HRC judge and/or more knowledgeable handler.
