SPRING HUNT TEST
CANCELLED
at Strawberry Hill Farm Shooting Preserve
Thurmont, Maryland
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FALL HUNT TEST
October 10-11, 2009
McKee-Besher Wildlife Management Area Potomac, MD
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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.
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Members are needed to help with hunt tests.
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Direction to t he McKee-Besher Wildlife Management Area:
Take I-495 (Capitol Beltway) to the MD-190 / River Road Exit (Exit 39) toward Washington / Potomac. Merge onto MD190 West toward Potomac. Go approximately 10.8 miles (road will end). Turn LEFT onto ROUTE 112. Continue for 4.6 miles (you will begin to see the signs for the McKee Besher Wildlife Management Area on the left). Turn LEFT on Sycamore Landing Road. Go 100 yards and turn LEFT into Pavilion Area. Signs will be posted for the NVBC Hunt Test.
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Direction to t he McKee-Besher Wildlife Management Area: |
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