field trails/hunter tests

[scotty18]

Hi everybody, I would like to know how many of you guys do field trials or hunter tests? I understand there are several clubs in the area that put these on. I would like to try maybe, I use to competition coon hunt years ago until the talk got to deep.

I would like to hear everyones views on this topic.

Thanks, Scotty

[gspman]

I personally like horseback field trials but haven't participated or gone to a trial in many years. I may start doing some walking trials in a year or 2.

I'd like to attend a grouse trial too. Never been to one. Sounds fun though. Maybe setterguy can expound on what happens at a grouse trial and what it's all about.

I think any dog hunting/trial game can be fun. After all, it's something you can do with your pooch and that can only help your dog if you do it right.

I do have a problem though with people who get religious about their choosen dog trial format and think theirs is superior and don't have a problem telling everyone who will listen all about it. Everyone is different and has different preferences/likes/dislikes. That's what makes the world go around right?
Cheers.
gspman

[setterguy]

Scotty - If you are interested in trials, there are many different games to play, like gspman said there are a lot out there, something for just about everyone.

Grouse trials are run on wild birds, and all age dogs must be steady to kill. Obviously you can't kill grouse in a tial so these dogs are not required to retrieve. You will see many many good dogs at a grouse trial. Very nice bunch of guys too, they will help out new guys however they can. You can do a search for Minnesota Grouse Dog Association and get a link to their site. Then you have the National Shoot to retrieve trials, National bird hunters association, American birds hunters association, Midwest gun dog club, and all the different horeseback trials as well. If you are looking for specific dates or locations check out the American field HSOforum. All trials (except NSTRA) are sanctioned by the American Field. Our club has trials three times a year, two in the spring and one in the fall. We are a walking dog stake on planted birds. Our dogs are required to Point, Hold point, back and retrieve. If you need some more info don't hesitate to drop me a line or leave another post. It may answer someone elses question at the same time...they are a lot of fun and we will meet some very knowledgable people. A guy from this site came to one of our trials last spring and won the ametuer division! Good luck and it would be great to see a couple FMers out there.

[scotty18]

Thanks Setterguy, you mentioned American field as the sponsering body. Is that the same as the people that put out the field dog stud book? As you know AKC does not recognize Llewellins. If I went to a AKC sponsered event I would have to register my dog as a english setter and I would like to avoid that like the plague.You know pride in breed and that stuff. I'm very much interested and am awaiting your reply.

Your friend in setters,
Scotty

[scotty18]

Setterguy, I had time to look up websites for them organizatios you mentioned. American Field is the organization that has the field dog stud book. This is where all the Llewellins are registered except King Kennel dogs. They have been banned. This is good. I did competive coon hunting years back and I know what a mess it can be with one club recognizing and another club saying there is no such breed. I have work to do with my dog but I think I will it.

Thanks, Scotty

[setterguy]

You're right if you wanted to run in some AKC trials you would have to register in AKC, but depending on where you live this isn't such a bad thing. A dog that I am part owner of is cross-registered and competes in AKC trials in Texas every Spring/Summer. Hope to see you at an event.