Getting Started in Hunt Tests AKC Hunt Test Regulations
AKC Hunt Tests
Todd holding up the quail after a Wyndy find/fetch at a hunt test in Montana, April 2006. Note the gunners, other handler and dog. Wyndy (Brittany on right) is off again as soon as released. Hunt tests are an easy and fun way to work your dog and hang out with other bird hunters. Photo by Nick Gevock of the Montana Standard.
Wyndy on point during a hunt test
Photos by Judy Strom
Ready? Todd with Meadow at break away.
AKC Test Criteria: Scored out of 10.
Junior Hunting
Test. Must show a
keen desire to hunt, be bold and independent, have a fast, yet
attractive, manner of hunting, and demonstrate not only intelligence in
seeking objectives, but also the ability to find game. A Junior
hunting dog must establish point, but no additional credit shall be
given for steadiness to wing and shot. If the handler is within
reasonable gun range of a bird which has been flushed after a point, a
blank cartridge must be fired by the handler. Junior hunting dogs
must hold point until the handler gets within normal gunshot
range. Junior hunting dogs must also show reasonable obedience to
their handler's commands. [You need 4 qualifying
scores averaging 7 out of 10 or greater (with no scores less than 5) to
earn a Junior Hunter (JH) title]
Senior Hunting Test. Must show all of the attributes of a Junior hunting dog. In addition, the dog must be steady to wing and must remain in position until the shot or they are released. A Senior hunting dog must retrieve. Whenever it encounters its bracemate on point, it must honor. A dog that steals its bracemate's point cannot receive a Qualifying score.
Master Hunting Test. Must show a keen desire to hunt, must have a bold and attractive manner of running, and must demonstrate not only intelligence in seeking objectives, but also the ability to find game. The dog must hunt for its handler at all times at a range suitable for a handler on foot, and should show or check in front of its handler frequently. It must cover adequate ground but never range out-of-sight for a length of time that would detract from its usefulness as a practical hunting companion. The dog must locate game, must point staunchly, and must be steady to wing and shot on all birds and if it breaks, it cannot receive a Qualifying score. Intelligent use of the wind and terrain in locating game, accurate nose, and intensity on point are essential. Whenever it encounters its bracemate on point, it must honor. A dog that steals its bracemate's point cannot receive a Qualifying score. The dog must demonstrate steadiness to wing and shot. The handler shall not command or signal the dog to retrieve until positive steadiness has been demonstrated. The dog must retrieve promptly, tenderly and absolutely to hand.
Senior Hunting Test. Must show all of the attributes of a Junior hunting dog. In addition, the dog must be steady to wing and must remain in position until the shot or they are released. A Senior hunting dog must retrieve. Whenever it encounters its bracemate on point, it must honor. A dog that steals its bracemate's point cannot receive a Qualifying score.
Master Hunting Test. Must show a keen desire to hunt, must have a bold and attractive manner of running, and must demonstrate not only intelligence in seeking objectives, but also the ability to find game. The dog must hunt for its handler at all times at a range suitable for a handler on foot, and should show or check in front of its handler frequently. It must cover adequate ground but never range out-of-sight for a length of time that would detract from its usefulness as a practical hunting companion. The dog must locate game, must point staunchly, and must be steady to wing and shot on all birds and if it breaks, it cannot receive a Qualifying score. Intelligent use of the wind and terrain in locating game, accurate nose, and intensity on point are essential. Whenever it encounters its bracemate on point, it must honor. A dog that steals its bracemate's point cannot receive a Qualifying score. The dog must demonstrate steadiness to wing and shot. The handler shall not command or signal the dog to retrieve until positive steadiness has been demonstrated. The dog must retrieve promptly, tenderly and absolutely to hand.
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