Versatile Hunting Dog Federation (VHDF)

Alvena, Saskatchewan Test - Sept. 27-28, 2008

This webpage was mounted on August 19, 2007 and last updated on Aug. 27, 2008 by Sheila Schmutz

2008 Test - September 27-28

The test this year is officially sponsored by the Saskatoon Gun Dog Club . The club holds training days and evenings throughout the summer in preparation for hunting and testing.

The test site is 2.5 km (1.5 mi) N and 1.5 km (1 mi) E of Alvena, Saskatchewan; or 60 km (40 mi) NE of Saskatoon, along Highway 5. A map will be sent upon request. The test is almost full. The dogs entered thus far are shown on a separate page.

The 2007 test was sponsored by members of the Large Munsterlander Club of North America and members of the Saskatchewan Gun Dog Club. Dogs of any hunting breed were welcome.....although from the entries one might not know this. Three dogs were run in AHAE and 10 dogs were run in HAE. The scores for these dogs are shown on a separate page.

Tests Offered

• Hunting Aptitude Evaluation (HAE) including a water test
• Advanced Hunting Aptitude Evaluation (AHAE).
• Performance Evaluation (PE)

Test descriptions for theHAE and AHAE PEHow to Enter

~ Test Entry Form ~

~ VHDF Membership Form ~

If you prefer you can e-mail joe.schmutz@usask.ca for a Word Document that you could type on and mail back.

Entry fees are $110 for HAE and $135 for AHAE and $150 for PE. You are asked to be a member of the Saskatoon Gun Dog Club for insurance reasons ($27), and VHDF ($30) to enter. Make check payable to VHDF-Canada. Mail entry form and check and registration papers to:

• Sheila Schmutz, Test Chair
• RR 2, Site 202, Box 123
• Saskatoon, SK Canada S7K 3J5

Our evening phone is 306-382-8964 or e-mail her for more information.

Agenda

Saturday & Sunday

• 9 AM, Meet for introductions at an abandoned farm site near Alvena, SK
• All dogs will be run sequentially in each test-section, so all handlers need to be present throughout the day.
• Some wild birds may be encountered as we try to run each dog over new ground in the field. Chukar will be planted in the field, pheasant for tracking and call ducks for duck search.
• In the field search groups of dogs and handlers will walk along as dogs search one at a time, so bring a comfortable leash and footwear for walking.
• A lunch will be provided, for a small fee.

Expected completion on both days is 5 PM. A supper will be held on Saturday night for participants. Details will be sent by email and announced at the test.

Facilities

The abandoned farm site includes an outhouse and some shade from trees, but no other facilities. There are no hotels or restaurants in Alvena. A Co-op store with many items and snacks is open on Saturday from 9 to 6. Bring lawn chairs and other items for your comfort. The nearest accommodation and stores are in Wakaw (15 min. NE) or Saskatoon 45 min SW). We recommend the Heritage Inn in Saskatoon for accomodation. It is dog friendly and near the north edge of the city and the airport. It is a "middle class" hotel with an attached cafe.

Spectators

Visitors are welcome to watch from designated spots. A limited number may be able to walk along.

LMCNA Passing Score

Since most of the dogs entered were LMs and HAE is considered an "eligible to breed" test, a passing score has been determined. A dog must achieved the following minimum scores: Nose = 8, Search = 6, Pointing = 6, Tracking = 4, Water Aptitude = 6, Desire = 6, Cooperation = 4. This totals 40/77 points. Note that 12 is considered an exceptional and rare performance.

For more information, visit Versatile Hunting Dog Federation