Kevin,
Not all FT dogs are happy enthusiastic performers. I saw one this past weekend at a picnic trial that was afraid of it's own shadow. Of course, I've seen HT dogs react similarly. The collar can be a wonderful tool...in the right hands...and is always much better than a steel pipe...
I definitely agree there are some core concepts that apply to FTs, HTs, and hunting. However, I do feel there are some FT situations/scenarios that are not beneficial to developing a multipurpose hunting retriever.
"Independent" is probably the last trait I would associate with a FT dawg. Is there anyone who runs their field trial dog on wild upland birds? Anyone?
Turkey genus,
Man, I don't have many answers in getting more folks involved, I wish I did. And I certainly agree, just getting the chicken doesn't count. A good hunt can be really spoiled with dogs out of control and those that don't honor (poaching is a pet peeve). I think that HRC has the potential to be the hunters venue. I don't believe the expectations of the various levels are unreasonable either. The Grand should have 200 yd. blinds, they happen.
I think if we can start to put the realism back into HRC, we'll gain some hunters. I've been successful at getting a few folks to show up at training days etc. by explaining how the components of HTs will help them bring more ducks back to the boat. I guess it isn't obvious we're trying to accomplish when sitting out in the middle an open field on a white bucket with three decoys.
What I see as an impediment for some newcomers is how performance is sometimes judged. I saw a nice seasoned dog last year three whistle a blind and get dropped for it. We all know that judges have good days and bad days, just like the rest of us. This was a bad day. Those of us that are committed to dog games have come to accept and understand this. The problem is, newcomers don't always see it this way.
There is a friend of mine, a dog lover at heart. Been a hunter all his life. In fact, I would call this guy a dog's best friend. Dog games are in his blood, now... his first experience with HTs (I won't say where) was very negative. Without going into the details, the judging that day was subpar and bordered on insulting. Fortunately, this guy gave HTs another shot, met some great folks (aren't all dog folks great?), and is now hooked. The problem with this is that my friend is a lot more dedicated dogs than most of us and I really doubt the 'average guy' would have ever made a second attempt.