Large entries have us evaluating our time management practices at Hunt Test. What are some of the things your club(s) is doing to make the best use of the time during a Hunt Test?
Some of our little things that we (Carolinas Retriever Association) do:
*Request that Judges visit Friday afternoon to establish first series set ups. Have everything in place for a prompt 8:00 Saturday morning start.
*On Friday, also ask Master Judges to consider the set ups for the second and third series. We did this at our last test and we had a crew setting up the second series prior to completion of the first series. Likewise for the third series. Everything including line equipment was waiting on judgers and handlers to move over. We felt this saved us 2 hours.
*Have bird boys arrive a little early and make sure to have a winger for an orientation/safety class. Some bird boys will be new and a few tips will prevent several "no birds" during the day.
*Make sure stake box check list have been gone over. The inevitable "We need poppers at Junior" will cost minutes.
*Never have 2 inexperienced gunners shooting flyers without guidance. Split up experience levels.
*Make sure the bird steward has lighting, their job starts before day. Also make sure the bird steward has a good count of birds needed for each stake. This number should be written on a note card . They need to be bagged and placed at appropriate winger stations for your prompt start.
*Have the Lunch delivery person coordinate with the Marshals of various stakes to see when would be best time for a lunch break. Rebirds and series shifts are time saving opportunities.
*Make sure signs and other location communications are clear so handlers aren't touring the back roads while you are waiting for them at the line.
* Try to pre-plan potty breaks with bird boys. Carry as many as possible to the potty during lunch or during re-birds so that you don't have to carry them individually every hour .
*ATV's and/or UTV's at each stake are a bonus.
*The marshal of a soon to be completed test should notify the hunt test secretary and make them aware of the approximate time left on their stake. If the HTS is running a dog, with proper notice, they can make arrangements to be at HQ to meet judges and prepare ribbons.
I may think of more and will add them if I do. I'm looking forward to hearing some of the things ya'll do so that we might incorporate them into our next test!
It's 8:00........Guns Up!
Wally
Some of our little things that we (Carolinas Retriever Association) do:
*Request that Judges visit Friday afternoon to establish first series set ups. Have everything in place for a prompt 8:00 Saturday morning start.
*On Friday, also ask Master Judges to consider the set ups for the second and third series. We did this at our last test and we had a crew setting up the second series prior to completion of the first series. Likewise for the third series. Everything including line equipment was waiting on judgers and handlers to move over. We felt this saved us 2 hours.
*Have bird boys arrive a little early and make sure to have a winger for an orientation/safety class. Some bird boys will be new and a few tips will prevent several "no birds" during the day.
*Make sure stake box check list have been gone over. The inevitable "We need poppers at Junior" will cost minutes.
*Never have 2 inexperienced gunners shooting flyers without guidance. Split up experience levels.
*Make sure the bird steward has lighting, their job starts before day. Also make sure the bird steward has a good count of birds needed for each stake. This number should be written on a note card . They need to be bagged and placed at appropriate winger stations for your prompt start.
*Have the Lunch delivery person coordinate with the Marshals of various stakes to see when would be best time for a lunch break. Rebirds and series shifts are time saving opportunities.
*Make sure signs and other location communications are clear so handlers aren't touring the back roads while you are waiting for them at the line.
* Try to pre-plan potty breaks with bird boys. Carry as many as possible to the potty during lunch or during re-birds so that you don't have to carry them individually every hour .
*ATV's and/or UTV's at each stake are a bonus.
*The marshal of a soon to be completed test should notify the hunt test secretary and make them aware of the approximate time left on their stake. If the HTS is running a dog, with proper notice, they can make arrangements to be at HQ to meet judges and prepare ribbons.
I may think of more and will add them if I do. I'm looking forward to hearing some of the things ya'll do so that we might incorporate them into our next test!
It's 8:00........Guns Up!
Wally