What Can I Expect At A Hunt Test?

The two most popular organizations that host hunt tests for retrievers are the American Kennel Club ("AKC") and the Hunting Retriever Club ("HRC"), affiliated with the United Kennel Club.

History

Retriever breeds have competed in field trials in the US since the 1930s. In the beginning, the tasks required of the dogs were not much different than we see in hunt tests today. But as the dogs got better, the tasks got harder. And as the tasks got harder they became less like hunting.

Eventually, hunters wanted a way to test their dogs' actual hunting abilities. A few different programs were tried but with little success.

Then in 1979, Omar Driskill started a "gun dog club" in Louisiana that became very popular. A few years later Bill Tarrant wrote an article saying that field trials were producing dogs that were different than what the average hunter wanted. And Richard Wolters (author of "Water Dog") wrote an article asking if there was a need for the hunting retriever movement.

Hunting enthusiasts got together in New York to discuss forming an organization for hunting retrievers. Present were trainers, writers, and representatives from AKC and UKC.

First Hunt Test

Based on that meeting, the first hunt test was held in Arcadia, LA in 1983 under rules developed by the North American Hunting Retriever Association ("NAHRA").

A year or so later HRC was formed and shortly after that AKC held its first retriever hunt test. Because of their common start, the rules and the stakes offered are very similar. The tests are not competitive so the dogs pass or fail on their own merits. There are three basic levels with titles in each organization.

Click to watch a video of Omar Driskill talking about the start of hunt tests.

In 1985, the first year that AKC licensed tests, there were 13 events with 681 entries. In 2005, there were 341 events with nearly 35,000 entries.

It wasn't long before owners who had titled their dogs in Master or Finished, wanted something more to achieve. This led to the development of the Master National Hunting Test (affiliated with AKC) and HRC's International Grand Hunt.

One thing the original organizers probably didn't consider is as dog training methods improved the tests at every level gradually became more difficult. A dog that ran a Junior stake 20 years ago would run a very different test today. This is despite the rules changing very little. This seems to be the case in both organizations, but it's a bit more apparent in AKC tests.

I wonder if this is in the best interest of the sport or will hunters again decide the competitions offered have nothing to do with hunting?

Getting ready

AKC vs HRC

The AKC and the HRC offer similar hunt tests. Each offers three levels for weekend hunt tests, plus a more difficult annual (twice annually for HRC) test. HRC also offers an Upland test.

AKC requires handlers to wear "dark or customary hunting attire". HRC requires the handler to wear ALL camo - shirt and pants, shorts, or a skirt. Hats and waders, if worn, also need to be camo.

Titles earned in AKC hunt tests are listed after the dog's name, while HRC titles are listed before the name.

The levels are:

The rules are similar, but not exactly the same. Be sure to check before entering and running your dog. It is a good idea to read the rule book, making notes and highlighting important information so you can find it easily when you need a refresher.

AKC Rule Book

HRC Rule Book

Although you don't have to be a member of a club to run a hunt test, having a group to train with can be very helpful. Also if you run HRC there are additional fees if you are not a member of the national club or if your dog is not UKC registered.

Find a local AKC club (select 'Hunting Test' and your state)

Find a local HRC club (click on 'State' to group clubs by state)

Join HRC (national club) It's not expensive and you get an informational magazine six times per year.

You can start the UKC registration process
If your dog is AKC registered, have that information handy to fill out the UKC form.

Allowed breeds:

You would think retriever hunt tests would be for retrievers, but both organizations have opened these hunt tests up to many hunting breeds. In a nutshell, they allow retrievers, plus Standard Poodles and a variety of spaniel and pointer breeds.

Spayed/neutered dogs and dogs that would be disqualified in the show ring are also welcome.

AKC restricts the tests to dogs over six months of age, individually registered (not just litter registration), and of eligible breeds. There are special rules for entering imported dogs that are not yet registered with AKC.

HRC limits the tests to hunting breeds on their list which does not include dilutes (the "Silver Labs" and their other colors of charcoal and champagne). Note: if a dilute dog is entered in a hunt test the hunt test committee should be notified.

Junior vs Started

The Junior and Started tests are very similar. Both include two series - a land series and a water series with two single retrieves on land and two single retrieves on water.

Both allow you to hold your dog at the line. In Junior, you can loop a slipcord through the collar which must be a flat buckle collar. In Started, you can hold the dog by a collar, leash, or line around its neck. (As a judge, I always recommend holding your dog. If you don't and your dog breaks, he will likely fail.)

You don't handle a gun in AKC and rarely in HRC although in HRC you can opt to shoulder and shoot a popper. However in that case you cannot hold your dog. You are also judged on gun safety.

Once you've signaled you are ready, you can no longer touch your dog except for holding the collar.

There are some differences

You'll need a whistle in either test and a duck call in HRC. Although the AKC premium usually says to bring a duck call, many judges don't require it. You should, however, have your own duck call, know how to blow it, and have your dog used to it. Just in case.

The maximum distances are different. In AKC, the test distance on land and water "should not normally exceed 100 yards." In HRC, the "maximum land test distance will not exceed seventy-five (75) yards, but may be less." The wording is the same for water, but the maximum distance is 60 yards. Some judges like to push the distance out further, particularly in AKC where the wording is not as definite.

You will generally stand beside your dog in AKC vs HRC where you'll generally sit on a bucket beside your dog. Be prepared to run your dog from either position.

Birds

Ducks are often used in both organizations, but occasionally you'll see a mixed bag of ducks on water and game birds (such as pheasants, chukar, etc) on land. In AKC, you'll have at least one shot flyer (unless using live ammunition is prohibited by law or the land owner). In other words, a live bird will be thrown in the air and shot. Depending on the skill of the gunners, your dog may have to retrieve a dead bird, a lightly-hit runner, or a hard-hit bird that would not be suitable for the table. There isn't a rule against using live birds in HRC, but most often the birds are humanely killed with gas on the morning of the hunt test. If your dog has never run an HRC test, you may want to ask if you can run a bit later. New dogs can be unsure of retrieving a bird that smells of gas, but the scent wears off after the bird has been retrieved a few times.

In AKC, after the bird lands you must wait for the judge to release you and you must not speak to your dog from the time you signal you're ready until the judge releases you by saying your number. In HRC, you're allowed to quietly speak to your dog and you can send your dog as soon as the bird hits the ground or water. However, you may want to wait a couple of seconds so there is no question that the bird landed before you sent your dog.

Marks

Sometimes a dog will start toward a mark and stop within about 15 feet. In AKC, the dog can be recast because he may have been confused if he was actually sent to retrieve it. This is different from a dog that goes to the area of the fall, fails to find the bird, and comes back to the handler. But in HRC you can cast your dog a maximum of two times from the line per bird. There isn't a limit on how far the dog can go or how long he hunts before he comes back or is called back and cast a second time.

Your dog must deliver all birds to hand in AKC. If he drops it, perhaps to shake off water, you can tell him again to fetch it. Sometimes you'll have to tell him several times, but the more commands and the longer it takes, the lower his score. On the other hand, if he's unwilling to release the bird he'll be scored low in Trainability, even to the point of failing. In HRC, your dog must deliver to your immediate area, but not necessarily to your hand. If the judges don't explain their measurement for "your immediate area" you should ask as it's not clearly defined in the rule book. Generally, judges will allow you to take a long step to pick up the bird.

Second series

In AKC, the judges will confer after completing the first series. A dog that both judges have failed is not called back to run the second series. The judges will give a list of the dogs (by number) that are still passing and the marshal will advise handlers of the "callbacks." In HRC, you can continue to run your dog even if you failed the first series with some exceptions (such as a gun safety violation, dog fighting, or a handler ejected for bad behavior).

HRC awards five points per pass with 20 points required for the Started ("SHR") title. So in essence, both AKC and HRC require four passes in Junior or Started for a title in that organization. Passes from a higher level do not count toward the Junior or Started titles.

AKC Junior Test

HRC Started Test

Senior vs Seasoned

Although the basics are similar, there are a lot of differences between Senior and Seasoned tests.

What is similar

Both include double land and water marks, a land blind and a water blind, but they're run differently.

Senior has two series: land double and blind, water double and blind, plus at least one diversion shot, a walk-up to start one of the tests, and an honor. Dogs that fail the first series are not called back to run the second series.

Seasoned has five tests: a walk-up, a double land mark, a land blind, a double water mark, and a water blind. There is also a diversion bird.

Pretty similar except Senior has a walk-up to start the land or water double while Seasoned does the walk-up separately.

Dogs run without a collar in both organizations, but when the collar or slip lead is removed is different.

In Senior it's removed before going to the line from the final holding blind. The dog is put back on a lead when the series is finished and the dog and handler are behind the judges. You may also be asked to put your dog on a lead to honor if your dog has failed the test.

In Seasoned, the dog goes to the line on a lead and the lead is removed before starting the test. If the dog runs the marks and blind from a different line, the dog is put back on a lead when moving to the next line. The dog is also put on a lead when the series is finished.

Handlers in both organizations must shoulder the shotgun. Senior tests have a non-operational gun and there is no shooting from the line. Seasoned tests require handlers to shoulder, aim and shoot a popper at each bird.

Blinds must be outside of the marks and delivering the bird to hand is required in both stakes.

What is different

In Senior, the test distance on land and water "should not normally exceed 100 yards." While in Seasoned, the "maximum land test distance will not exceed one hundred (100) yards but may be shorter." The wording is the same for water, but the maximum distance is 75 yards. The blinds "will not exceed sixty (60) yards..."

Diversion shot(s) must be used and diversion bird(s) may be used in Senior. Seasoned must include a diversion bird that "can be thrown after the walk-up, blind, or last retrieve of a double mark." Switching to the diversion bird is a mark-down, but not a failure in Seasoned. Switching or returning to an old fall in Senior is a failure.

Seasoned can be cast from the line two times per bird, but in Senior the dog can be sent more than once only in cases of confusion. There is no second chance if the dog doesn't go when sent for a blind retrieve.

Popping isn't penalized in Seasoned. It is a mark-down in Senior, earning a bigger penalty the more the dog pops.

Senior dogs must honor a working dog at least once.

Titling

If a dog has a Junior title, then four passes are required for a Senior title. Without a Junior title, five passes are required.

The Seasoned ("HR") title requires forty (40) points for a title and can include points from Started (5 points), Seasoned (10 points), or Finished (15 points). However, only 10 points from Started can be counted toward the Seasoned title. Basically, if you have a couple of Started passes you need three Seasoned passes. Otherwise, four Seasoned passes are needed. If your dog has a lot of training before running in tests, you can run Finished with each pass counting as 15 points. So three passes (45 points) to title and those points count toward the 100 points needed for a Finished title.

AKC Senior Test

HRC Seasoned Test

Master vs Finished

In these tests, almost anything goes. There will be multiple marks, sometimes multiple blinds, diversion shots and/or birds, an honor and/or a walk-up. Dogs might run from a boat or from beside a layout blind. There may be a mixed bag of birds (for example, retrieving ducks and pheasants in the same series). Handlers of the working AND honor dogs may have to shoot at birds. There might be a "poison bird" (a bird the dog may not retrieve until he has done another task).

Luckily there are limits to what the judges can require.

What is similar

Dogs are off lead and judged from leaving the holding blind to start the test until the series is finished and the dog and handler are behind the judges, with the exception of failing the test and having to honor on lead.

Although AKC doesn't limit Junior or Senior entries, Master can be - and often is - limited. Clubs can choose to limit the number to 66, 100, 132, or 200 entries or can have unlimited entries. If the club limits Master entries, they can set aside up to 15% of the limited entries for event workers. In a recent rule change, the club must set aside either 25% or 35% of the total Master entries for amateur handlers.

HRC also limits the number of Finished entries to 30 dogs per flight. Many clubs schedule a second or third set of judges to run more flights. Also, clubs can provide access codes for club members to enter a day early.

Most of the differences are just nuances. For example, both organizations require two triples, a land blind, a water blind, a diversion, a walk-up, and an honor.

Master test requirements:

• has three series - a land series with multiple marks, a water series with multiple marks and a land and water series with multiple marks
• at least two of the multiple-marking situations must have three falls before the dog is sent to retrieve
• a land blind and a water blind with at least one double blind
• must honor at least once
• must include a walk-up, diversion birds and/or shots at least once
• must be scheduled to run over a minimum of two consecutive days

Finished test requirements:

• has four tests - a land triple, a water triple, a land blind, and a water blind - may be required to retrieve in an established sequence
• at least one of the triples must include an honor
• the blinds may or may not be included with one of the triple retrieves
• there must be a diversion as the dog returns from any retrieve
• test is completed in one day

Test distances are similar

Master on land and water, shall not normally exceed 150 yards.

Finished land distance will not exceed 150 yards, but may be shorter. Water distance will not exceed 125 yards, but may be shorter. Blind retrieve distance will not exceed 100 yards.

Switching is similar

In Master it shall be scored low, to the point of failing.

In Finished switching to a diversion bird is a fail.

A controlled break is similar

Master dog fails.

Finished dog may be failed for a controlled break or excessive, consistent creeping.

The use of the shotgun is similar

A Master handler "shall always carry and shoulder an empty shotgun except when honoring the working dog or when running a blind."

A Finished handler "must shoulder the shotgun, aim, track, and shoot at the top of the arc of the thrown bird."

Titling

If a dog already has a Senior title, then five passes are required for a Master title. Without a Senior title, then six passes are required.

A Finished title ("HRCH") requires 100 points and points can be earned in Started (5 points per pass), Seasoned (10 points per pass) and/or Finished (15 points per pass). However, 60 points must be earned in Finished with a maximum of 40 points from Seasoned. If 10 points were earned in Started, then a maximum of 30 points can come from Seasoned.

If that's a bit confusing and you want to run your dog level by level, then consider two Started, three Seasoned, and four Finished passes will earn an HR and an HRCH title. You can run more in Started to get the SHR title, but those two extra passes won't count toward a higher level title.

AKC Master Test

HRC Finished Test

HRC Upland

The Upland Hunter stake is designed for dogs trained to the Finished level, but dogs don't need to have any titles before entering an Upland test.

There is a simulated walk-up followed by a quartering test where the dog will have the chance to locate and flush at least two birds. The handler must aim, track and shoot a popper at birds his dog flushes, keeping gun safety in mind. Once the handler has fired a shot, the official guns may shoot the bird, if it can be done in a safe direction. The dog must retrieve any birds shot for him and must honor another dog. Each passing score earns the dog ten points and 40 points earn an Upland Hunter ("UH") title.

HRC Upland Test

Master National vs International Grand Hunt

These events are very different from weekend hunt tests. Dogs must qualify to enter, their work is held to a higher standard and the events are run over several days.

To qualify for the Master National, the dog must have passed six Master tests between August 1 of the year before the event and July 31 of the event year. There are exceptions for dogs running tests exclusively in Alaska or Canada. A dog that ran and qualified at the previous year's Master National only needs four Master passes and a dog that has the MNH title doesn't have to requalify.

The Master National Hunter ("MNH") title requires three passes at the Master National Hunting Test. This title is in addition to the MH title. Unlike other hunt test titles, the owner must request the title certificate and pay a fee.

There is also now a Master Amateur Hunting Title ("MAH") which is similar to the MNH but for dogs passing the Master Amateur Invitational Hunting Test three times. The owner must request the title certificate and pay a fee.

The Grand Hunting Tests are held twice a year and are only open to retrievers that have earned their Hunting Retriever Championship ("HRCH") title. There are five series: two multiple mark land tests with a blind retrieve and one or both must also include an honor and a diversion; two multiple mark water tests with a blind retrieve and one or both must also include an honor and a diversion; and a fifth series consisting of an upland quartering test.

Prompt and precise responses are expected from retrievers at this level. Distances may be longer than any weekend hunt tests. A quad or delayed quad and/or having the dog retrieve in a particular sequence can be used.

Master National

International Grand Hunt

Now it's your turn

Finding tests to enter

Tests in both organizations can be entered online. Go to EntryExpress for AKC or HuntSecretary for HRC. (Note: be sure to check both platforms if you're running AKC as some tests are showing up on HuntSecretary.)

Entries are limited in HRC and Finished usually fills up very quickly. Seasoned might fill up quickly as well. AKC tests can also be limited but generally only Master.

You can run your dog in HRC without a UKC registration, but you'll pay more and you must have your dog registered within 60 days of earning points or you forfeit those points. Note: it often takes a month or more to get your registration from UKC.

Be sure to check for when entries open, especially if entries are limited in the stake you want to enter. If that's the case, add your dog's information before entries open, so you can enter quickly, if necessary; have your credit card handy when it's time to enter; and double-check that you've entered the correct information.

You should also make your hotel reservations now, if necessary, as they often fill fast for accommodations near the hunt test.

Preparing to go

Make a list of what you need to bring so you're not scrambling at the last minute. For example, you might include a collar, leash, whistle, duck call, crate, bug spray, sunscreen, sunglasses, rain gear, jacks, rubber boots and/or waders, water, shade, fan for hot weather, camera or cell phone with a camera (be sure to turn off the ringer), chairs, sunshade, coolers with drinks, snacks, and lunch.

I have the list on my phone, so when I think of something to add I can do it right away and not forget.

You may also want to make an emergency kit stocked with things you might need for yourself or for your dog.

Pack as much as you can a day or so early and check those items off your list.

Don't forget "dark or customary hunting attire" for AKC tests. Or all camo for HRC tests. If your family or friends are coming make sure they don't wear anything white or neon colored.

Spray all your clothes with insect repellent about 3-4 days before the test and seal them in plastic bags until the day of the test.

Gas up and check your vehicle for problems, such as low tires or fluids.

Have directions or a map, if necessary.

Re-read the pertinent portions of the rule book.

And don't forget your dog! Don't laugh - it's happened.

Also, be aware of what not to bring: training aids such as an e-collar, heeling stick, prong collar, choke chain, and especially a female in season.

Morning of the test

Make sure you know where and when you're supposed to meet and how to get there. If it's a long drive you should probably stay in a nearby hotel for a night or two.

When you get there, check in with the hunt secretary at the headquarters and pick up a catalog. I mark my dog's number on the catalog, or if I'm running more than one dog I'll write both of their numbers on the back of my hand.

If you have a female, check where to take her so she can be checked. If she's in season, she cannot run the test.

Air your dog on a leash and pick up any solids. Be sure to listen for the call to gather where you'll learn information such as where the stakes are located, restroom locations, where to park, and rules to use these particular grounds (no smoking and staying on roads are common rules). They will also have you go as a group to your stake.

When you get there, grab your whistle and duck call, and make sure your dog is comfortable with water and shade. Then go find the marshal and check in. If you're also running in another stake, let the marshal know. Sometimes the running order will be modified so handlers with several dogs who will be running multiple stakes can finish one stake quickly. Be flexible if that happens.

Handlers meeting

If you didn't have a chance to air your dog earlier, check if you have time to do it now. If not, be sure to air your dog before running.

When the judges are ready, they will call for a handlers meeting where they will describe the test and what they expect. They will also go over gun safety, even if the "guns" are only wooden cutouts. Even fake guns must be treated as loaded when you're at a hunt test.

A test dog will run to demonstrate the test and judges will answer any questions. If you don't understand something, ask. The only stupid question is the one not asked. Be sure to check where the gallery can gather and pay attention to any other instructions given.

Airing your dog

Ask the marshal where you can air your dog because you don't want to be airing him where the next series will be run. Please keep your dog on leash, unless you are a very long way away from the line. Your dog will fail if he runs back and interferes with the running dog. Or worse it could start a dogfight.

Avoid throwing a bumper for your dog anywhere near the test as that can be interpreted as training on the grounds which could lead to your dog failing.

And even in a country setting, pick up after your dog.

Holding blind etiquette

Dogs can be failed if they see another dog run a series before they run. Do your best to keep your dog inside the holding blind and not peeking around, over, or even under the blind. Also, do your best to keep your dog quiet so you don't disturb the running dog.

If your dog takes a dump in the blind, try to let the marshal know so no one has to find it by accident.

To the line

Do not leave the blind until the judges call you to the line. Often they will first ask for your number (make sure you have this memorized) so they can have the correct page open before you come to the line.

If you still have any questions be sure to ask before running your dog.

Sit your dog facing the area of the fall, take your time getting you both ready, and make sure your dog is looking in the right direction.

When you have another handler and dog honoring your dog, it's courteous to ask if they're ready before signaling to start the test.

In an AKC test, let the judges know you're ready by nodding or waving a hand behind you. Do not turn around or your dog might get up. Wait to send your dog until the judge calls your number. But in an HRC test, judges often have you blow a duck call to start the test. You can send your dog once the bird lands (or after the last bird in the case of multiple marks).

You don't have to send your dog immediately. Make sure he is locked onto the bird's location and ready to retrieve it first.

In a multiple-mark series, try to decide beforehand the order you want to pick up birds, but also pay attention to your dog. He may scoot a bit to get a better look at a bird. Or he might watch all the birds, but lock onto one once they're all down. You can tell by watching his head or sometimes just his eyebrows. Ignore that at your peril, unless the judges have told you to pick up the birds in a particular order.

Also, remember to breathe!

Running the next series

Unless the judges have already told you you're out, wait for the marshal to do callbacks in AKC. If you didn't pass the first series, you don't get to run the next series.

However. in HRC, you can run both series (except in the cases noted above). Also, you don't have to run the second series if you think it might compound any errors your dog made in the first series. Just be sure to tell the marshal so they don't spend time looking for you.

If you're still in the running, there will be another, shorter, handlers meeting and a test dog. Again ask any questions you have.

Although the running order might change, your dog's number stays the same.

Getting your ribbon

The marshal can let you know when and where ribbons will be given out. Most HRC clubs have a Saturday night social and give out ribbons there, but on Sunday ribbons are often given out shortly after finishing the stake. Usually, they do it at the test headquarters, but check to be sure.

Most AKC clubs will meet at the clubhouse or headquarters after judges have reviewed their judging sheets and discussed passes and fails. Often pass/fail is clear for the majority of dogs, but a few will need to be discussed until both judges agree.

You should go even if you're sure your dog failed because you can ask the judges any questions about why your dog didn't get a ribbon. Just remember to be polite!

The drive home

Pass or fail, remember the important point is spending time with your dog. Make it a tradition to stop for a hamburger as a reward for your dog - even if he was a complete dufus!

If you got a ribbon, display it proudly on your dashboard. Take a picture and post it on social media. If it's your first pass or maybe the first pass at an upper level, shout it from the rooftops!

And even if you and/or your dog totally bombed, someday you will look back on this day and smile. Believe me. I know.

Ready to do it again?

I hope so!

Take stock of how your dog and you did and what weaknesses you should work on before the next hunt test. Make a plan for how you can do better and then work on the plan.

And if you're just starting out - enjoy the journey!

Other organizations

There are other retriever competitive associations:

North American Hunting Retriever Association

Super Retriever Series

Header image courtesy Linda Alexander