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	NORTHERN VIRGINIA BRITTANY CLUB
	AKC Hunt Tests

Hunt Test Trio

AKC FALL HUNT TEST
October 27 and 28, 2012
for all AKC Pointing Breeds
to be held at Slate River Farm
Dillwyn, VA
Hunt Test Premium (Word) / Hunt Test Premium (.pdf)

Comments from joint 2011 Hunt Test participants:

"Tacker said to tell you that all the birds are in the pine tree line along the road at the Wilderness site. I know, because he found them. All of them. One after the other. His little brain exploded from all the fun."

"It was a blast, 4 hunt tests, 2 days, NVBC should be very proud!"

2011 FALL HUNT TEST - A Success
Photo Album

On December 3-4, 2011, our club held a two day test with the WPC. Our entries were full and the weather was beautiful.

Huge thanks to Kat Shannon who was the secretary and generously offered her farm to hold the HT. Jill Wilkinson chaired the event and did a outstanding job. Kat did an outstanding job organizing, filing paperwork, getting judges and setting up. Jill kept the people and the dogs on the line to get all the dogs run.

We had two apprentice judges, Rhonda Cornum and Doug Welsh and several junior handlers, Will Ratliff with Brittany, Pen-E, Emily Lewis with GSP, Tillie, Clara Breeding with Brittany, Billy the Kid and Chloe Breeding with Brittany, Percy. Jill played a major role in getting several of the junior handlers involved. I watched a few of these handlers and they did outstanding jobs with their dogs.

Thanks to all the bird planters, Joe Hudgins, Stu (Kat’s Hubby), and Kenny Wilkinson. Special thanks to Bobbie Sigmund who marshaled, judged and gave us loads of input on how to put on the HT. We also had a silent auction in which I know many enjoyed participating. Kat, you outdid yourself and the club appreciates all your hard work.

Without a doubt this year’s Angel Award recipient goes to Kat Shannon. NVBC thanks her for all of her hard work in not only making the HT happen but resulting in being a huge success! - Joann Anders

Brittany pair

What Happens at a Hunt Test?
Watching Brittanys work in braces (pairs) to search out birds is a wonderful sight to see. Watch Brittanys and other pointing breeds run and search the cover for upland game birds for their handlers. Seeing a Brittany lock on point is a sight to behold.

Hunt tests provide a variety of competition for all levels of Brittanys. Junior Hunter tests for beginning level dogs run about 15 minutes providing dogs the opportunity to demonstrate their willingness to hunt, find birds, point, and to show obedience to commands.

Senior Hunter 30 minute tests provide dogs the opportunity to show all of the attributes of a Junior hunting dog plus the dog must be steady to wing and must remain in position until the shot or they are released. A Senior hunting dog must retrieve. Whenever it encounters its bracemate on point, it must honor.

Master Hunter 30 minute tests are the ultimate in hunt testing. These dogs must show a keen desire to hunt, must have a bold and attractive manner of running, and must demonstrate not only intelligence in seeking objectives, but also the ability to find game. The dog must hunt for its handler at all times at a range suitable for a handler on foot, and should show or check in front of its handler frequently. It must cover adequate ground but never range out-of-sight for a length of time that would detract from its usefulness as a practical hunting companion. The dog must locate game, must point staunchly, and must be steady to wing and shot on all birds. The handler shall not command or signal the dog to retrieve until positive steadiness has been demonstrated. The dog must retrieve promptly, tenderly and absolutely to hand. Intelligent use of the wind and terrain in locating game, accurate nose, and intensity on point are essential. Whenever it encounters its bracemate on point, it must honor.

There is no admission fee. Families, friends and dogs (on leads) are welcome. Walking as a member of the gallery (without your dog) on the Junior Hunt tests is welcome. It's a great opportunity to see how handler and dog work in the field. An observation area is available to watch Senior and Master Hunt competition in the bird field.

Members are needed to help with hunt tests. Please contact Kathy Shannon, HT Event Secretary on 804-240-2953 (cell).

Direction to the Slate River Farm in Dillwyn, VA:

DIRECTIONS FROM NORTH CHARLOTTESVILLE:

Off I-64 , Exit Rt 20 south.
Thru Scottsville Va.
Cross Slate River Bridge,
Turn right on 649 , or Slate River Mill Road.
Pass 658 , Saint Andrews Church Rd.
Go thru wooded area.
When at wooden fence on left look for entrance gate on left.
There will be dog signs at gate.

DIRECTIONS FROM I-64 AT ZION CROSSROADS & RT 15:

Go south on 15 thru Fork Union & Cross James River Bridge.
Go thru Dillwyn to Rt 60.at Sprouses' Corner.
Follow Rt 60 west thru Buckingham Courthouse & 35 MPH.
Just after Court House, turn right on 648 or Hall Rd.
Road narrows & STOP at fork.
Go right on 649 or Slate River Mill Rd.
Go half mile to gate on right.
There will be dog signs at gate.

DIRECTIONS FROM 460 AT FARMVILLE:

Go north on 15 to Sprouses' Corner,
Go west on Rt 60
Follow directions above.

DIRECTIONS FROM 460 & LYNCHBURG & I-81:

At Appomattox, take 24 east to Rt 60 east.
Go 60 east & pass Blue Va Wayside sign.
At bottom of hill turn left on 648 & go to 649.
Right on 649 & gate half mile on right.

AKC Hunt Tests