Hunt

You’ll need a safe place to confine your dog when not on the field, either a crate or an ex-pen. A portable shelter or shade cloth comes in handy if the day is hot. Make sure to bring water, food, bowls, treats, etc. Colored hunt collars are available to use on the field during the trial, but if you want to leave your dog’s collar on as well, make sure to remove any dangling tags or tape them securely (see the Hunt Test Rules). If you usually use a retractable lead, think about switching to a flat lead—you’ll find it a lot easier to manage when you are turning loose or catching up your dog on the field, plus you can clip it around your torso so your hands will be free.

Your dog is going to get really dirty on the field. Bring towels and grooming equipment, maybe even a grooming table. Most people let the mud dry and then just brush out the dirt and twigs—proof of how well the PBGV coat works for this kind of activity! Ticks can be a problem in late fall and early spring so check with your vet about what products to use and be prepared to pull ticks off your dog.

First, read the rules. If you are new to the program, it won’t all sink in right away, but you need to try to understand the basics. Read the premium list carefully and contact the chairperson or secretary of the hunt you plan to attend if you have questions.

Second, make sure you and your dog are in good enough shape for this activity. Dogs who are overweight and out of shape have a harder time than dogs that are fit and healthy, so think about some extra walks and maybe some calorie regulation if needed. Make sure you address your own fitness so you don’t get hurt when you are out on the field.

Check out this handout for some other ideas about how to get your dog ready for hunting.

Most hunts offer a non-regular class called a Puppy Learning Experience or a Novice Learning Experience, usually as part of the practice day before the official trial begins. The goal of the PLE/NLE is two-fold. First, the new handlers get some mentoring on how to work with their dogs on the field, how to get the dogs into cover, how to recognize when the dogs are scenting. Second, the dogs get a chance to see/smell a caged rabbit (if one is available), and go out on the field with an experienced dog who will (hopefully) start a rabbit or two to get the ball rolling. The PLE/NLE is highly recommended for all new handlers.

(Note that puppies under 6 months can be out on the field during the practice day, but cannot be entered in the trial.)

All the packs, braces, solos, and HITs are posted on a board at roll call. A handler from each run draws a number which determines the run order. Every handler has an equal chance of getting the first run which is why all the dogs have to be present at roll call. Do not be late for roll call or the draw or you won’t get to hunt your dog!

After roll call, the secretary will post the packs on a board. A handler from each pack draws a number which determines the run order. Every handler has an equal chance of getting the first run which is why all the dogs have to be present at roll call. Do not be late for roll call or the draw or you won’t get to hunt your dog!!!!!

Most hunt secretaries will provide a copy of the summary score sheet for each run to each handler on that run (although this can depend on things like electricity and printer ink!) A three ring binder works well to hold the summary sheets. Consider keeping a hunting journal that includes specifics about what happened on the individual runs (the first time you heard your dog give voice, how many rabbits he started, whether he found the “check,” whether he harked in to his running mates). If you want to apply for titles, you’ll need to keep track of what requirements your dog has met for each level of achievement. All qualifying scores are posted on this website as well SEE.

Once your dog has fulfilled the requirements for a specific title (title requirements found on page 10 of the rules), fill out the Hunt Title Request Form and follow the instructions on how to send it to the Hunt Archivist who will check the application for accuracy and will let you know that the title has been approved. Hunt title certificates are prepared for distribution at the National Specialty in the spring of the year after the title was earned (or sent to the handler after the National).

Go to the AKC website and fill out the Parent Club Performance Title application. No Parent Club CERTIFICATE REQUIRED, AKC will check with the Hunt Archivist to confirm that the title has been earned and will then send you the certificate. The AKC Parent Club Performance Title Program recognizes Parent Club Junior Hunter, Senior Hunter, and Master Hunter titles only.