Hunt test distance change for master

We just recently had this discussion...I was browsing through AKC secretaries minutes and BOD minutes. Here is what was said:

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Retriever Hunting Test – Retrieves Up To 150 Yards
The Board reviewed a recommendation from the Retriever Hunting Test Advisory Committee to amend the Regulations For AKC Hunting Tests For Retrievers to increase
the distance for retrieves in the Master level Retriever Hunting Test from 100 yards to “should not normally exceed 150 yards.” The Junior and Senior level test would remain unchanged. This will be discussed further at the October meeting.
--------from the AKC site.

How do we comment on this process? Can we even do so at this point? How do we find out who is on the RHTAC?

I still think this goes back to the whole MN qualifications.....among other things. It is an issue of concern for me.

I reiterate what others have said, leave the weekend tests alone. AND for those that will say you need to train more.....I DO train.....and work with a group, belong to a retriever club, obedience and regional specialty club and am active in all. I also work full time and have limited training days and access to grounds. I'm really afraid that this sport is going to get to the point where hardworking people won't be able to get it done....not without spending a fortune...

Concerned....

Sue Puff

http://masternational.wordpress.com/...mittee-report/

Bill Teague is chair. Your zone should have a rep on the committee.
Here is the AKC HT Homepage:
http://classic.akc.org/events/huntin...vers/index.cfm

Don't be concerned.....if you do the training you say you are doing then it won't make a differnece, just make sure you are mixing in marks that are 200+ yards. Our training group ocassionaly throws 200-350 yard marks, if my dog sees 150 yard mark at a Master test then she should be underwhelmed. I am not sure what the HRC rules are for Finished but we ran a Finished land test the other weekend that had a go bird at 147 yards.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dixiedog78

I am not sure what the HRC rules are for Finished but we ran a Finished land test the other weekend that had a go bird at 147 yards.

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land 150, water 125, blinds 100.

150 for land marks, 125 for water marks...all blinds are 100.

Blaine, you type too fast......

Hopefully judges will use good common sense, factors and bird placement, rather than distance to create the required challenges for Master level dogs. I say this not because I'm in any way afraid of a 175 yard mark (cause that's what we're going to get), but rather because despite it being allowed, it's not a very realistic hunting scenario.

The only long bird this weekend was a 144 yard blind this weekend, all the marks were under 100.

I agree with Mr. Greene

Worry not about the judges who must use distance as a challenge but, those who use concept as a factor.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DarrinGreene

Hopefully judges will use good common sense, factors and bird placement, rather than distance to create the required challenges for Master level dogs. I say this not because I'm in any way afraid of a 175 yard mark (cause that's what we're going to get), but rather because despite it being allowed, it's not a very realistic hunting scenario.

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Exactly right. Barring very weak test grounds, there is no reason to have 150 yard marks for hunting dogs.