MINOT RETRIEVER CLUB PRESS RELEASE

Minot, ND - There will be a licensed, AKC Hunt Test, that will be held on July 5 - 7, 2002 at Burlington, North Dakota. The event will start at 8:00 a.m. and continue throughout most of the day. If you are interested in this event contact James Bowers, Hunt Test Secretary, for more information at 1-701-727-5514.

There are several levels of dogs that will be competing to meet the AKC standard requirements in the Masters, Seniors, and Junior Levels. A brief description of each level can be found below.

Junior Class: Two single marks on land and two marks on water.

Senior Class: Double marks on land and double marks on water, one blind retrieve on land, and one blind retrieve on water.

Master Series: Multiple marks on land and water and multiple blind runs with the marks.

A diversion, for example, would be when the dog is retrieving a downed bird and while the dog is heading back another bird is shot. The dog must then mark the second bird and retrieve the bird without dropping the bird that they are carrying. This level is set up to represent a hunting situation which simulates both an upland and waterfowl hunt. The test is to find out how well the handler and dog work together at the different levels.

James Bowers stresses the importance of taking the time to train your dog well or have someone with excellent training experience to help with the training. He also mentioned that safety and performance is a concern with most hunters, and that the dogs he works with learn to work in the field and they quickly understand what is expected of them in order to have a safe hunt. Often times hunters are turned away from hunting with dogs because of bad experiences while hunting with dogs that were not given the time to be properly trained.
The Minot Retriever Club encourages people to come out and observe some of their dogs and what these member trained retrievers can do compared to the other dogs that are involved in the sport. Anyone from the public can attend and or enter the event; however, application deadline is June 21, 2002. Listed below is the MRC's web page and a couple other links that may help answer any questions people may be having about retrievers and this event.

Minot Retriever Club

American Kennel Club

Regulations and Guidelines for AKC Hunting Tests for Retrievers

Top Photo: A young retriever is learning the ropes during a simulated waterfowl hunt. Middle Photo: James Bowers setting decoys before the hunt. Bottom Photo: James Bowers with a bountiful harvest shared with friends and the help of trained retrievers.