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2010 Spring Specialty Reservation Form

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A Huntin' We Did Go!

Contributed by CATC member Chris Hyde

My interest in hunting was piqued some years ago when CATC organized a workshop at the Dobbs Training Center in Marysville. The idea of dogs performing tasks for which they were bred appealed to me. Sadly, the outing was rained out. I later noted the Airedale hunting weekend in Ohio which unfortunately conflicted with the April terrier specialty. I did come close to viewing the Monday hunt test during the long Montgomery weekend, but my airline departure prevented my attendance. So, when Airedale Terriers were recently made eligible to enter AKC Spaniel Hunt Tests, I was determined to visit a hunting event. Sheila Standish agreed to make the trek to Oroville with me.

What did we need to bring? What does one wear to a hunt test? Per AKC Hunting regulations, an item of blaze orange clothing must be worn by all observers in the field. Except for an occasional Halloween costume, however, I had never worn blaze orange. Perhaps I could borrow Jeff Lapierre’s favorite hat. Then, at school, I collected the perfect garments. Sheila and I would wear crossing duty vests and AAA orange caps! In addition, we raided our ski closet for warm clothing and packed water resistant footwear. We were prepared!

Sheila and I arrived at the Oroville Wildlife Area by 8 am. We noted the variety of all-terrain-vehicles with brown and white Spaniels in the back. Even before we put on our crossing duty vests, we felt like ducks out of water. We introduced ourselves as the Airedale folks who were there to learn what it was all about. I had to admit I didn’t know how to describe how our Airedales worked. “Jazz is a wanabe squirrel chaser!”

One judge suggested that if I really wanted to observe, I should tote the “shag bag”. The job entailed walking five paces behind the judge bearing a papoose/backpack. When the judge indicated, one turned to accept birds into the basket. I would be close to the action and be able to hear the judges’ directions and comments. I was game!

We were told that Spaniels are “flushers”. A flusher works close to the handler, moving from side to side in a sweeping pattern to locate birds. The handler uses a whistle and slight hand/body movements to direct his dog. When a bird is located, the dog is supposed to “steady” (sit) until the bird flies and is shot. The dog is then commanded to retrieve the bird “to hand”.

After the birds were “planted” we were off. The first bird was flushed, the gunners shot, and missed! We were off again. The bird was flushed, the gunners brought the bird down, and the dog was off! Oops, it neglected to “steady”. It enthusiastically retrieved “to hand”. I received the first pigeon to tote.

Teams competed in three divisions: Junior Hunter, Senior Hunter, and Master Hunter. Each team had to find, flush, and retrieve two birds. The Senior Hunter candidates were expected to be more “steady” than the Junior Hunters. Less direction was allowed from the handler. More ground was covered. In a Hunt Test, dog and handler teams participate on a pass/fail basis with no competition among the field.

I followed the judge at a steady, brisk, pace. We came to a muddy spot, then a marshy area, then running water. Splash, splash, splash! So much for water resistant boots! My jeans, boots, and socks were drenched. Through swamp and marsh, the shag bag carried on! My responsibility also got heavier as the more experienced Spaniels flushed pheasants. After 14 teams completed their hunt, I was able to “lay my burden down.”

The next test was the “Hunt Dead” test. This is a situation in which a dead bird, unseen to the dog, lies in the general area of the handler who does not know the exact location of the fowl and wants the dog to hunt the area thoroughly in order to retrieve the bird. A shot is not fired in hunt dead situations. The handler indicates a “mark” (line) for the dog to take.

It was quite obvious that there were many uncontrolled variables when hunting. Shots were missed, birds didn’t fly, and humans accidentally flushed birds. One dog got a “re-do” after he ran perpendicular (rather than straight) in the hunt dead test to grab a headless bird forgotten from the previous day! Two judges collaborate to determine the pass or fail. They follow AKC guidelines and consider all aspects of the scenario in their decision.

We moved to a lake location after lunch. The water retrieve test required dogs to enter a lake (cold!) to retrieve a bird that had been thrown visibly from across the lake. The bird was returned “to hand”. The second water retrieve required dogs to enter the water under the handlers’ direction to retrieve a hidden bird on the opposite side of the lake.

Sheila and I stayed for the presentation of well deserved qualifying ribbons. Although we had thoroughly enjoyed our day, had gotten a taste of hunting, and met many nice people, we couldn’t wait to take off our blaze orange and head for hot showers. Clearly our Airedales would love the hunting; we were not yet ready, however, to make the big commitment to start training. Time and expense would be major considerations. Like so many dog sports, it looked addicting! Maybe someday!

I am interested in attending a Hunt Trial in Gustine on March 6. Stay tuned for additional details. Further information concerning AKC Hunting Tests is found in the AKC publication Regulations for AKC Hunting Tests for Spaniels.

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Airedale Walk - Lake Natoma

         

A link to more pictures from the Lake Natoma Airedale Walk.

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