Southern New England : North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA)

2012 POINTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Bristol Fish & Game
Wolcott, CT
Sunday, March 18, 2012
8AM - 4PM
Directions

Entry Rules
$50 entry fee (per team) required with each entry application and mail to:
Rocky DeSimone, 161 Hebron Road, Andover, CT 06232

Any NAVHDA-recognized versatile dog breed is eligible for entry.

Running order determined by drawing on evening of entry deadline.

No E-collars or dummy collars permitted.

Bells are permitted however beeper collars are not allowed.

Females in season will not be allowed on the grounds.

The Hunt
Dogs are judged on their handling ability and steadiness in the field including number of points on birds. A small number of quail (2-3 each brace to guarantee bird contacts and judging opportunities) will also be stocked. Last year 8 dogs found close to 50 woodcock in four braces as well as all the quail!

What we are trying to accomplish is a rebirth of our annual event in the form of a true test of our dog's ability to handle wild birds. The design is based loosely on the wild bird trials of days gone by. There will be a point system and a multiplier based on the dog's handling of the course and game. We will set up multiple courses based on flight and native bird numbers prior to running day. Each course will be seeded with quail prior to the start of the event, thus guaranteeing presence of game. Dogs will be run in braces which will be drawn and seeded the day prior to the event. This is a blank gun only event with the top three dogs called back for a retrieve.

The Contest
Your dog and its bracemate are cut loose for 30 minutes and will cover the field looking for birds. They will be scored on a multiplier based on pointing, steadiness, search, drive--and if presented the opportunity--backing. Unlike a field trial, there will be no pickups, you suffer through the whole deal, unless warranted by aggressive dogs, etc. The top four dogs will be called back to retrieve. The retrieve will be set up much like a hunt test, with the exception being the dog must truly hunt, point, back, AND retrieve to win.

Notes
The definition of "point" for the purpose of scoring dog performance will be deemed as "staunch, intense, and unmistakable to point."

The definition of "retrieve" will be defined as "the return of shot game to the immediate proximity of the handler/gunner." (3 to 5 feet)

There is no running water on the grounds, so please be sure to bring plenty of water for both you and your dog.

For more information, contact Rocky DeSimone at 860-742-0210.