NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/977334
MAY 2018 • NEBRASKAland 31 tests and field trials unfold every year across the U.S. wherever game birds live. Field trials are competitive, but in a hunting test, the dog either meets the standard or fails. Separated by age and ability – typically juniors, seniors and masters – hunting tests are scored in six categories: hunting, how appropriately and efficiently the dog covers ground; bird finding; pointing, intensity without flinching is key; trainability, the dog's listening skills and obedience; retrieving; and honoring, which is to stand still when another dog is on point. Ethan Pippitt of Pretty Prairie, Kansas, calls hunting tests "the ultimate measure of a bird dog." Similar to many in the master class, Pippitt is a professional trainer who travels the national circuit with clients' dogs, striving to bring them to the highest level. "Nowadays the master level dogs are primarily run by professionals," he said. "Commonly only half will pass. "Training is about developing the dog's natural ability," Pippitt said. "Obedience is a huge part of the entry work. Then I shape retrieving ability, introducing dogs to birds and guns before we ever hit the field. Pointing comes naturally if the dog is developed correctly. It's largely bred in." Pippett often trains dogs in two stages, training a juvenile for a few months and then continuing the following year with more finished work. Some people may hand their dog over for 10 total months, paying thousands of dollars. "I get dogs from Washington to Maine," he said. "They want their dogs to be proven." While hunting tests measure against strict benchmarks, field trials evaluate your dog in competition with others. Judging criteria is similar – field trial competitors must show a strong desire to hunt, covering ground with speed, boldness and intelligence. A well-trained dog often looks back at its handler for guidance. The subtler a handler's instructions the better; yelling rates poorly. All but the puppies must point. Intermediate dogs must stay on point until the bird flushes, and high- level dogs must remain motionless until the gun is shot and then move only when commanded to retrieve or heel. Master-level bird dogs set out to be judged by men on horseback near Humboldt. Professional dog trainers, Ethan Pippitt, left, and Tate Martinsen annually travel the regional hunting test circuit, honing the skills of their clients' dogs.