Illinois Retriever Hunt Test Part 2

The Illinois River Retriever Club held their annual hunt test on May 16 & 17, 2015 at the Banner Marsh Conservation Area. Some of the best retrieving dogs from around the state, ranging from five months old to over nine years old attended to show off their skills and ability. Last week, Capitol Outdoors wrote about the Hunter Retriever Club (HRC) and our feelings about Linc entering his first test hunt test. You can read, Illinois Retriever Hunt Test Part 1, here.

At the check in station we saw how people that attended ranged from beginners to professionals. There were dog handlers with custom fitted trailers and multiple dogs. They knew what they were doing. There were breeding kennels and professional trainers, along with beginners, like us, all attending to test their dogs.

We registered Linc and took a quick drive down the road to the Started field. This is where all dogs begin, when they first start hunt testing. Judges were there putting together the test site and as more handlers started to arrive our anticipation started growing. We parked the Jeep and let Linc out for a quick walk and got him some water. He was very hyper at this point because he is still a pup and didn't know what was going on. As time passed the test area started to fill with handlers, spectators and dogs, all waiting for the testing to begin. The Illinois River Retriever Club had over 30 dogs that were going to be tested in the Started category that day, one of them was Lincoln's cousin Mervin.

After a bit the judges called us over to go over the rules and regulations for the land testing. Land testing is just that retrieves on land. There are two marked retrieves on land and the dog must bring the bird back to your general area. At this stage, the dog does not have to bring to hand. After the meeting, my uncle, who has been in the HRC for 11 years and has judged dozen of hunt tests, gave me some last minute pointers. "Remember your job is to help the dog succeed in finding the bird". The biggest pointer he gave was to take my time up there. We watched as dogs completed the tests.

As Linc was sitting on deck waiting his turn, I don't know who was more nervous me or him. When we got to the line, I took my time lined Linc up and began the test. He did a great job. Retrieved both marked birds. Phew... one test down another to go until we could wrap this day up.

Some rain came over head, mixed up a high percentage of humidity and made for an uncomfortable afternoon. However, all the dogs ran their land portions and we moved onto water. Water is essentially the same test as land, except of course the retrieves are in water. We did a quick handlers meeting and we were off. After a handful of dogs went, I grabbed Linc from the back of the Jeep and took him for a walk.

As Linc and I were waiting our turn, I looked down, told him he was a good boy and just gave him lots of love and praise. I was still proud of how well he did on the land portion and now we're just seconds away from from the water.

Heel, heel... quack, quack... fetch. Linc went out for the first bird. Grabbed it and started his way back. I blew the whistle and gave lots of praise. As he retrieved the second bird I knew that Linc was well on his way to becoming a Started dog. There's something special about the bond you have with your hunting dog. Spending countless hours training and hunting with your special pal. It is a great experience.

I think Linc grew up a little bit that day, he seems to be more confident. It helped him greatly that he was around a lot of people and different dogs and scents. We are still continuing our training and look forward to this hunting season.

Check out the video of land and water retrieves from Linc's test...

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors Good Luck and Stay Safe -