Versatile Hunting Dog Federation (VHDF)

2011 Test: September 9-11, Alvena, Saskatchewan

This webpage was mounted on August 28, 2007 and last updated on September 13, 2011 by Sheila Schmutz

The test in 2011 was again be officially sponsored by the Saskatoon Gun Dog Club . The club holds training days and evenings throughout the summer in preparation for hunting and testing.

Fall Test Details

September 9, 10, 11 (all levels) -

Tests Offered

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

Test descriptions for the HAE and AHAE and PE are available for download on the VDHF website.

2011 Test Scores

A printable List of the 2011 VHDF test scores for the Alvena, SK test can be downloaded as a pdf file.

FRIDAY

AHAE

• Sunnynook's Donner, Large Munsterlander - Steve Davis, Pendleton OR
• Herz und Seele's Greer - Etta Bernu, MN
• Herz und Seele's Gia - Etta Bernu, MN
• Biene - Etta Bernu, MN

SATURDAY

HAE (8 HAE max)

• Teke, German Shorthair - Jeff Kizuik, Indian Head SK
• Bear Hill's Bailee, Large Munsterlander - Matthew Pellerin
• Bear Hill's Caddis, Large Munsterlander - Byron Pugh
• Bear Hill's Briley, Large Munsterlander - Rick Espie
• Bear Hill's Baylor, Large Munsterlander - Darrell Starling
• Hickory Hollow's Igor, Large Munsterlander - Kaley Pugh
• Bear Hill's Cesi, Large Munsterlander - Terry Spence
• Bear Hill's Benelli, Large Munsterlander - handled by Kaley Pugh

SUNDAY

PE

• Muddy Waters Buteo, Large Munsterlander - Joe Schmutz
• "Katie", Brittany - Lawrence Pellerin (bracemate)

HAE

• Sunnynook's Xerica, Large Munsterlander - Joe Schmutz
• Sunnynook's Xyla "Minnie", Large Munsterlander - Joe Schmutz for Larry Miller
• Sunnynook's Xola, Large Munsterlander - Pat Fargey, Val Marie
• "Diesel", Pudelpointer - Craig Wilson, Saskatoon
• Bear Hill's Benjmain "Scotty", Large Munsterlander - Rick Schryer

Judges - Dennis judged every day and the others will not judge the day they run dogs.

• Dennis Carlson, OR
• Byron Pugh, SK
• Vance Lester, SK
• Joe Schmutz, SK

Agenda for the 2011 VHDF Test at Alvena

• 7:30 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.
• The PE dogs are run in a brace of two in the field.
• In the field search portion of AHAE and HAE, groups of dogs and handlers may walk along as dogs search one at a time, so bring a comfortable leash and footwear for walking. Weather and terrain may change this to one dog run from the base site at a time.
• A warm lunch will be provided, for a small fee.

Expected completion was about 6 PM, but we finished earlier each day.

Facilities

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. The abandoned farm site includes an outhouse and some shade from trees, and a metal roofed shelter, which can be tarped on the sides if weather is rainy, windy, or cold. There is a firepit and a portable stove will be on the site. There are no hotels or restaurants in Alvena. A Co-op store with many items and snacks is open on Friday & Saturday from 9 to 6, but not on Sunday. 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. If you want to park a camper or tent trailer or tent on the test site land, you would be welcome to do so. No electrical plugins are available. Bring your own water.

Spectators

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

Events Associated with the Fall Test

In conjunction with the fall test, Craig Koshyk gave a presenation on versatile hunting dogs on Friday, September 9 at 7:30 PM in the Cliff Wright Library, 1635 McKercher, Lakewood Civic Center, in Saskatoon. His presentation focused on the history of the 38 versatile hunting breeds using material from his newly released book "Pointing Dogs: The Continentals. Volume 1. He also signed books after the presentation. His text and fantastic photographs make this book a rare keepsake!

2010 Test - Oct. 3, 2010 Test (HAE only)

The scores for the 5 LMs & 1 GWP run in Oct., 2010 are shown on a separate page.

2010 Test - June 26, 2010 Test (HAE only)

The scores for the 5 LM pups run in June, 2010 are shown on a separate page.

The scores for the dogs run in 2009 are shown on a separate page.

The scores for the dogs run in 2008 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.

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. See the page on the LMCNA website that explains this in detail.

Note that VHDF has not set passing scores for any level of testing but leaves this to individual breed clubs.

For more information, visit Versatile Hunting Dog Federation