Gun Dog Forum

Hey folks,

Can observers walk the braces at a hunt test (jr, sr, or master)? Or is it a judges and handlers only gig.

The reason I ask is I have an aquaintance who is interested in getting a gsp and I thought next week's hunt test near Stillwater, MN would be a great place for him to watch some dogs and rub some elbows. But if he can't walk the braces he may not get as much value in attending. Thanks.

Clark

Clark,

It is allowable to walk the braces, but they must first ask the Handlers if they mind(many won't mind) and then to let the Judges know. The Judges will direct them as to where they should stay in relation to the dogs, Handlers and Judges as they move through the course. It is generally best to stay well back from the action and to the sides of the course. If walking the Senior or Master braces, it must also be considered that there will be live rounds fired and they must not interfere with the dogs work and stay in a safe location, so as to not interfere with the Gunner taking a shot. They must also wear blaze orange while on course, ESPECIALLY on the Senior and Master course!

Thank you!

Correction. Only judges, handlers and gunners are allowed in the bird field. Bird planters may be allowed when needed.

You should be able to walk to back course, but you will not be able to enter the bird field. This is an AKC rule, and it is for safety reasons.

True. That is why I suggested talking to the Judge. Where our club holds its Test, there is a VERY narrow treeline between the birdfield and back course where gallery can see through the treeline to the birdfield. It's not really any safer than if they were standing in the birdfield itself. Just trying to be brief.

Buckeye_V wrote:Correction. Only judges, handlers and gunners are allowed in the bird field. Bird planters may be allowed when needed.

You should be able to walk to back course, but you will not be able to enter the bird field. This is an AKC rule, and it is for safety reasons.

If you're interested in walking Sr/Mr braces, first find out if it's a continuous course without a bird field or a single course with a bird field. Birds can be shot throughout the entire continuous course so a walk behind would be out of the question.

In addition, the marshall is required to walk with the gallery.

Thanks again!

Got the first 2 legs of my pooch's JH out of the way this weekend. Fun stuff. Two more legs to go. If I have the time to put more training in I may give SH a whirl this fall.

We always use a birdfield or retrieving area for our HT's. For safety reasons, the gallery stays at the entrance to the birdfield and observes from there. They are usually able to see most of the birdwork along the back course and in the retrieving area.
I don't think there is any rule against a gallery when you're shooting on course.
I would still check with the event-hosting club as they are allowed to implement additional rules if it is deemed necessary, especially for safety reasons.

Congrats on the completion of the first two legs of JH !!!!!!