Hunt Test Report 6-28-10

I would like to invite everyone to attend our fall hunt test at McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area on September 25-26, 2010. The test will be run on the Sycamore Landing Road dog training grounds. We will have food provided by Smokin Rays BBQ! We will be raffling off items both days to support the test. Something old, something new, something blue… You never know what might turn up at the raffle!

The hunt test is important to the breed. It allows us to measure the hunting ability of our GSP’s. This ability is one of the greatest attributes of a GSP. It’s in their DNA. From their nose, to their brain, to their muscular physique and conformation, they are wired for this purpose. It is the thing that they enjoy most, along with pleasing their handlers. In short, this is what defines a GSP. It is the trait we never want to lose!

The test is open to all AKC recognized pointing breeds. We welcome all to participate. The hunting ability serves, and defines the other pointing breeds too. The diversity of pointing breeds at the hunt test keeps things interesting. Our hunt test is a great way to meet other enthusiasts. It is a great time for all!

The club will hold a training day at the same location on September 19, 2010. The training day is an excellent way to sharpen up your dog. It is a very good way to become familiar with the hunt test criteria.  Experienced club members provide advice and support to all handlers.

Feel free to contact me if you want to run your dog in the test or training day, if you would like to help (we always could use more help), or would just like to come out and watch the test. Come out and support the club! The more the merrier!

Regards,

John Naughton

Mason Dixon GSP Club

Hunt Test Chairman

410-799-4325

the_naughtons@netzero.net

Spring 2010

The weather was beautiful and warm for our Spring Hunt Test held on March 20-21, 2010, at McKee-Beshers in Seneca, MD.   It was great to see so many familiar faces and we enjoyed meeting the many new faces there this year.  Thanks to all who participated and we’ll see you in the fall!   The improvements made to the pavilion really enhanced the event.  The new wall built around the pavilion and the fresh coat of paint made a big difference.   Many thanks to all the club members who volunteered their time and efforts during the very rainy previous weekend!   It looked great!   As always, thanks to Smokin’ Ray and Jennie for cooking up an excellent breakfast and BBQ lunch each day!

There were a total of 48 entries for the weekend.  Of those entries, 15 Junior dogs received qualifying scores, as did 8 Senior dogs and 1 Master dog.    Congratulations to Don Ebersole’s GSP Triton on his Master ribbon.  Lou Casciano’s GSP Grace finished her Senior title on Saturday.  Laurie & Randy Cook’s WPG Hattie qualified both days in Senior, as did their WPG Gator, finishing his Senior title on Sunday.  We hope to see both Gator and Grace next fall for Masters!  Robert & Linda Peterson’s Vizsla Tess finished her Junior title this weekend.  Way to go, Tess!  Floyd & Beth Bennett traveled a long way with their GSP Hunter for his first hunt test.  Hunter received his very first (and second) ribbon at our event!  Congrats to all!!

Finally, we would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time to help make the Hunt Test an enjoyable and successful event.   Thanks to all who donated at the January meeting to fund the raffle.  Thanks to the gunners, marshal, bird planters, raffle coordinator, suppliers, helpers, (and escapee-bird catchers!!  - you just had to be there for that one!!), and all who just came to support the event by buying food from Smokin’ Ray, buying raffle tickets and catching up with old friends.  The list is too numerous to mention, but thank you all!  Well, it’s almost time to start planning the Fall Hunt Test……………………..Don’t miss it!

Lost & Found:  Plaid Moose Creek shirt found by John’s truck on Sunday – Call 410-799-4325 to claim

Debbie Naughton

Fall 09

The Mason Dixon GSP Club conducted our Fall Hunt Test the weekend of 9/19-20 at Mckee Besher’s WMA. We had good weather, and a great time was had by all. The grounds were in excellent shape for the 84 dogs entered in the test. We had over 25 entries by club members. We had 35 GSP’s entered for the weekend. Congratulations to the 34 Junior, and 5 Senior dogs that qualified. Congratulations to Junior handler Ashley Kohr for finishing her dog Ann’s junior title. Congratulations to Dave Jordan for finishing his dog Belle’s junior title.

Many thanks to the 14 club members who helped us to plan and run a successful event. The judges, marshals, gunners and bird planters all did wonderful jobs. We couldn’t have done it without you! Thanks to Bob Seelye for providing the judges horses and Mike Thompson for supplying strong flying birds. Thank you to Henry Harrod’s “Ribs on the Run” for doing the cooking. The food was tremendous. Also thank you to the Maryland DNR for providing a great place to hold an event.

The club will be conducting our Spring Hunt Test on March 20 & 21, 2010 at McKee Besher’s WMA. We will be holding a training day on Sunday March 14th at the same place. It’s never too early to start planning! We can use all the help we can get. Anyone wishing to volunteer their time can contact me at (410) 799-4325 or e-mail me at the_naughtons@netzero.net. It’s a fun way to spend the day with your Family and with your dog(s). I hope to see everyone there.