Hunt Tests

The Land of Lakes Hunting Retriever Club typically hosts two Regular HRC/UKC licensed Hunt Tests each year, holding them back-to-back on a weekend early September at Kelley Land & Cattle Co (Kelley Farms) in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota. We also host Upland Hunt Tests in either February or March at Rocky Bay Hunt Club in Pine City.

LLHRC Fall Hunt Test Premium (Sept 6-7, 2014)

What can you expect from a UKC/HRC Hunt Test?

The purpose of a Hunt Test is to test the merits of and evaluate the abilities of Retrievers in the field in order to determine their suitability and ability as hunting companions. Dogs are evaluated and graded against a set of written hunting standards. The dogs do not compete against other dogs during a test - each dog passes or fails on its own merits. Each dog runs all test components even if they fail one or more. The HRC awards five titles to describe ability achieved, which are indicated by placing the title before the dog?s registered name. The registry is maintained by the United Kennel Club, Inc.

Handlers are also judged on criteria that involve true-to-life hunting situations such as gun safety and respect for their dogs and fellow hunters. The rules and standards are printed in the UKC Rules and Guidelines for Hunting Retriever Tests. Available from the United Kennel Club, Inc., 100 East Kilgore Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49002-5584, (616-343-9020).

What to expect at the Land of Lakes HRC Tests in September

The Hunt Site is Kelley Land and Cattle Company (Kelley Farms), located on Manning Ave (Co.Rd.15) approximately 10 miles north of Hwy 36 in the Stillwater area.

Entering a Hunt Test: HRC/UKC Hunt Tests are open to Retrievers and Versatile Gun Dog Breeds. Entry forms are termed "premiums". Premiums contain details of the events and the courses being run. These are available either in printed form which the club mails and distributes at various retriever enthusiast likely locations, OR in pdf form that can be downloaded from this site. Completing the premium provides the club with all the information necessary to know the name of the dog, owner and handler that is entering the test and what test they are entering. If you have questions about filling out the form contact a club officer or the Hunt Secretary.

On Saturday: Handler check in, bitch check and registration start at 7:00 a.m. Look for the yellow and white canopy in the sandpit area. If you are running a dog in a test you must first check in at Hunt Headquarters for running order and pertinent information. Each test officially begins at 8:00 a.m. with Judges' explanation of the tests. Test sites are at various locations on the Kelley Farms property, signage will help direct participants and observers to the sites.

Bring clothing appropriate for the weather, waders or hip boots, sunscreen, water for your dogs, etc. Appropriate camo/hunting attire is required to be worn by all handlers and participants. Seasoned and Finished handlers must have a duck call and should bring waders, Started handlers should have a duck call.

There will be food available for purchase (for Lunch) at Hunt Headquarters, both days as well as a banquet on Saturday night.

Saturday Evening Banquet and Ribbon Awards Ceremony: Time: 6:30 pm approximate. Typically this is a Buffet style dinner held on the grounds. Adult beverages permitted but will not be available for purchase. Raffle featuring many great prizes including fine art, clothing, gift certificates, and much more. All are welcome to attend - tickets available in advance or at Hunt Headquarters.

On Sunday: New day - new tests. Registration starts at 7:00 a.m. Official start again at 8:00 a.m. Tests and sites will change from Saturday with the locations marked by signage. See above for details. The ribbon / awards ceremonies will be conducted at Hunt Headquarters after the tests are completed.

Hopefully this has taken some of the mystery out of what happens at a Regular Hunt. But, it won't replace actually seeing and participating - so plan to join us at one!

Spectators & families are welcome.
We hope you and your dogs will join us!