[DH]

Can anyone give me a quick breakdown of the differences in the different hunt test sanctioning bodies? Specifically I'm trying to figure out the difference at the lowest levels. From reading the rules it seems that NAHRA, HRC and AKC all do about the same test but that AKC requires a higher standard to pass, particularly in line steadiness and delivery to hand.

The reason I ask is that I'm training my first lab since I was a kid and the idea of doing some hunt tests is very interesting to me. But, I'd kind of like to figure out the differences between all the tests before entering. If all goes well I'd probably like to try all three at some point but would probably like to try to start with whichever one gives me the greatest chance for success at a given time. I'm not trying to say that I'm looking for the easiest test to pass in order to wuss out, just that at least getting close to passing might give me and the dog a little more confidence going forward.

Thanks for the help.

DH

 

[Rick Hall]

Just enter whatever's handiest and have fun.

 

[DH]

Thanks Rick, that's probably what I'll wind up doing anyway. I guess I was just wondering what the real differences between the venues was.

DH

 

[Frenchy]

I've never been to a NAHRA test, but it sounds like an HRC started test would fit you just right. I'd start there. Then tighten up your line manners and add a little bit more difficulty to your marks, and you'll be ready for an AKC Jr.

 

[lablover]

Go to an event sponsored by each organization. Talk to handlers.
Draw pictures of the tests, with estimated distances.
Make notes about how each event is organized and operated.

 

[Kenneth Niles Bora]

Thanks Rick, that's probably what I'll wind up doing anyway. I guess I was just wondering what the real differences between the venues was.

DH

NAHRA started dog runs necked. AKC junior dog has flat buckle collar.
NAHRA a rope, each end in your hand may gently restrain the started dog.
AKC a leash or rope or fingers may be under the flat buckle collar to gently restrain the junior dog. Nothing other than the flat buckle collar may be around the junior dogs neck at the line.
NAHRA the started dog may drop the duck on your feet. AKC the junior dog Must put the bird in your hand. Some judges will allow a diving belly flop by the handler. Many others will not.
NAHRA the gunners may be hidden very well, but will make noise and shoot.
AKC gunners may be more visible or very visible but a little farther away.
NAHRA will often have a lot of calling by the judges, some more than others.
AKC junior tests are often a lot bigger than NAHRA started tests. Both good and bad in this. It is good to expose the pup to the crowd environment. It can suck waiting hours to get to the next series.
Both are fun
Both will have decoys, maybe a few more at the NAHRA.
You will have on hunting attire at both.
Maybe and HRC'er will add but these are the AKC vs. NAHRA differences I can think of for started/junior.

 

[Cthomas]

Ken,
I keep seeing reference to using dummies at sanctioned NAHRA tests. It is usually a variation of this statement: ... "Any club not using live birds is done by choice."
Do most NAHRA sanctioned tests now feature birds or are they mostly using dummies?
Is there any way to find out if a club has decided to not use real birds at their test?
Chris

 

[Dave Combs]

NAHRA does not allow the use of anything other than real birds at a sanctioned field test.

Chapter II
Section g. Events shall utilize live or dead pheasants, pigeons, ducks or other game birds. Clubs should make every effort to supply humanely cared for birds in good condition.

 

[Cthomas]

Dave,
Thanks for the answer.
It is confusing. I did a Yahoo search for "NAHRA and live birds"
This is one of the numerous hits:

http://www.nahranews.com/html/nahra/whatsnew/bod052302.htm
"January of 2002 the Board of Directors unanimously voted to introduce the? OPTION usage of imitation birds in sanctioned NAHRA tests."

I did not find any hits on the search where this ruling has been changed. I only saw other hits about using dummies at NAHRA events as being up to the individaul club.
I don't run NAHRA tests and I don't have any first hand information.
Thanks,
Chris

 

[KEukaFlyer]

Chris,

I think that is from an old website, NAHRA now has a new site:

www.nahranews.org

It is very up to date with a complete listing of rules and clubs.

I personally run NAHRA and as an avid hunter I enjoy how the tests are setup and run.

Joe

 

[Doug Kelley]

The high level www.nahranews.com has been redirected to www.nahranews.org. I thought the old site's servers had been shut down, but apparenetly they are still there and if you type in the exact path of some of the old info you will get to the old site as you have figured out. I would get rid of the old stuff if I could but that is out of my control at this point.

I was in your situation 3 years ago and tried out NAHRA, HRC and AKC. I enjoyed them all but the idea that NAHRA incorporates Upland testing is what swayed me to them as 90% of my hunting is chasing pheasants.

I would also hook up with a local retriever club. Having a great group to train with makes a big difference in these games in my very amateur opinion.


Doug
NAHRA Webmaster

 

[TxFig]

Go to an event sponsored by each organization. Talk to handlers.
Draw pictures of the tests, with estimated distances.
Make notes about how each event is organized and operated.

Good advice, BUT...

Keep in mind that the differences in event organization are probably due more to the local club running the event than the national affiliation.

 

[KEukaFlyer]

Very, very true.

 

[2tall]

Or....try my method, go to any event you can get to in a day, learn the rules on the way, (spouse reading as you drive) and have a he!! of a lot of fun. to date, with "0" experience, my boy and I have run as: started at a HRC club trial, Derby at a club trial by an AKC org, AKC JH, and have learned a lot from every time at the line. My dog gets too wild to test or trial often, but I have learned more about what we need to work on from these events than any other source. And did I mention, Its the MOST fun thing I have ever done.

 

[wsumner]

In the HRC HT there are no call backs. Your dog will be allowed to run the entire test even if he fails on the first series. In AKC if you fail the first series you are done. Don't know about NAHRA.

 

[KEukaFlyer]

NAHRA would be the same as AKC...if you don't pass a series, you are done.