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Gordon Schlichting
Memorial/Minnesota Master Retriever Championship
Who are we:
The Greater Minnesota Hunt Test Association is a new
coalition of many of the retriever hunt test clubs within
Minnesota
, as well as those found near our
Minnesota
borders in
Wisconsin
,
Iowa
, and
North Dakota
. The group has met for the past
three years to discuss how we can work together to improve the hunt test
program, our enjoyment of our dogs, and to come together as a larger entity to
secure and improve our sport. In
the past three years we have established a rotation of hunt test judging
seminars across the state so that all interested parties have access to at
least two judging seminars a year and to assist the hosting clubs in the
seminar’s success. We have also
had numerous and lengthy discussions about those things we hold dear, mostly
our dogs, and how we can work to improve our time spent with them and each
other.
What it is:
An informal, but prestigious, retriever hunt test/trial
event that will attract the finest hunt test and trialing retrievers in
Minnesota
.
When:
8:00 AM, Saturday, September 6, 2008.
Every effort will be made to complete the test in one day, however if
necessary the test will continue into Sunday, Sept. 7.
Where:
North Dakota Retriever Club,
Dilworth
,
MN
Eligibility:
Any dog that is eligible to compete in AKC, NAHRA, and/or UKC retriever
events and whose owner(s) reside within in the state of
Minnesota
, or is a current member in good standing of a member club of the Greater
Minnesota Hunt Test Association. This
will be an Owner /Handler event.
Format:
This will be an event that may include aspects of AKC, NAHRA, and UKC
Hunt tests as well as elements of AKC Field Trials.
However, some “special” considerations have been deemed
appropriate:
- There shall not be a trailing test.
- Handlers will be allowed to quietly speak to the dogs on the line at
all times.
There will only be one stake/flight.
Some series
of the test may be in the traditional hunt test style with numerous hidden
guns, and handlers will be asked to dress in customary hunting clothing to
include camouflage or dark clothing. Other
series may be more field trial oriented with gunners and throwers in
conspicuous white attire, retired guns, and longer marks and blinds than
traditionally found in the hunt test format.
In “field trial” series handlers will be allowed white handler’s
jackets if they desire. Handlers
may be asked to carry a firearm on any series and may be asked to fire the
weapon from the line or in the field in the event of an upland test.
No live ammo will be used on the line nor by any handler while handling
a dog.
Dogs will be tested adequately on land and water.
There shall be at least one marking series to include at least a triple
marked retrieve, and also at least one series to include a double blind.
All tests are subject to the discretion of the judges.
The test/trial will consist of 3-4 series. Dogs will be eliminated from
the test when it is mathematically impossible for them to qualify.
All qualifying dogs will be awarded the maroon and gold Minnesota
Master ribbon.
Awards:
All dogs that pass the test will be awarded the maroon and gold
Minnesota Master ribbon. The top
four places will be awarded a ribbon and the first place dog will be awarded
the Gordon Schlichting Memorial Traveling Trophy.
Rules:
All participants will be expected to abide by the rules that govern our
sanctioned and licensed events in AKC, UKC, or NAHRA.
Unsportsmanlike conduct, mistreatment of your dog, cheating, or if your
dog attacks another will result in the immediate disqualification from the
event you will be excused from the test grounds.
Scoring:
Dogs will be evaluated in 4 categories: Marking, Style, Perseverance,
and Trainability. The current AKC
score sheet and scoring rules will be used in the first three series.
AKC field trial scoring and rules will apply in the fourth and final
series.
Judges:
Respected, reputable, and experienced AKC, UKC, and/or NAHRA judges who reside
in
Minnesota
will judge the event. The judges
that have been selected are friends, colleagues, and mentors to many of the
retriever community.
The judging panel will include:
Dave Lybeck
– AKC Master judge and owner/handler of Master and QAA retrievers
Jeff VanGeest
– AKC Master judge and owner/handler of MH and MHR retrievers.
Winner of the 2007 Minnesota Master Retriever Championship.
Travis Lund
– AKC and NAHRA Master judge. President
of Four Points Retriever Club, co-chair of the 2008 NAHRA RAW.
Scoring:
Dogs will be evaluated in 4 categories: Marking, Style, Perseverance,
and Trainability. An adaptation of
the current AKC score sheet and scoring rules will be used.
Entries:
Entry forms will be available from Gordie Schlichting at hohumsretrievers@aol.com.
You
are encouraged to pre-enter by submitting a hard-copy of the entry form via
mail to Gordie Schlichting by August 27. However
entries will be accepted the day of the test prior to 8:00 AM.
Birds:
Ducks and/or pheasants will be used for all tests.
The judges will have access to at least two live flyers for every dog
entered.
Entry fees:
$50
Calcutta
:
The will be a
Calcutta
with the top four dogs dividing 50% of the purse.
Bidding for the
Calcutta
will begin at 8:00 AM.
Food:
There will be lunch available on the grounds at the clubhouse.
Accommodations:
There are a number of hotels and motels available in the Fargo/Moorhead
area. There may be camping
available on the grounds. If you
need assistance contact the NDRC.
All test participants should be ready and willing
to assist in the field during the test. We
will ask for shooters, throwers, marshals, blind planters, etc.
Please come ready to go to the field for a portion of the day.
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