Why Don't More People Field Trial

[FCSpringer]

For AKC ESS trials, that actually put a FC AFC etc on your dogs papers there is too many to list Nation wide. All dates and places can be seen at essft.com.
This is the unrecognized difference many get confused about, there is so many of these various events, all separate rules and so on. But, when you look at a dogs pedigree, and you see FC, AFC, NFC. That was obtained only from running an AKC Licensed field trial. So to any one not aware of that, if you wish to seek a championship for your dog, you will have to look into AKC. Thats what I did, I figured if I am going to work that hard, I may as well try to champion my dog in the process. And it is equally as fun as any thing else.:thumbsup:

 

[Shadow]

Shadow, here is a schedule of the spring NSTRA trials in the Missouri-Kansas region. Not sure if any of the Kansas trials are near you or not.
http://www.nstra.org/missouri1.htm

And here's the ones for the Rocky Mountain Region which is basically Colorado.
http://www.nstra.org/rocky.htm

still quite a ways from me- but thanks alot- I will look at it carefully- believe I will join NSTRA- sure wouldn't hurt my Britt's- the way I see it- doesn't matter if I place or mine get all confused with whistle blowing- never heard there was anything but friendly folks with real good dogs in NSTRA- comptetive and real serious about it- yes- I understand that-

something about those 30 min runs and getting to shoot- can't see one thing wrong about that- I'll for sure let you know what I think after we hit our first one- cleanup would tell me quite a bit- I'll check in with the chairmen and see about camping- looking at a DBL/DBL

thanks again

 

[Dakotazeb]

still quite a ways from me- but thanks alot- I will look at it carefully- believe I will join NSTRA- sure wouldn't hurt my Britt's- the way I see it- doesn't matter if I place or mine get all confused with whistle blowing- never heard there was anything but friendly folks with real good dogs in NSTRA- comptetive and real serious about it- yes- I understand that-

something about those 30 min runs and getting to shoot- can't see one thing wrong about that- I'll for sure let you know what I think after we hit our first one- cleanup would tell me quite a bit- I'll check in with the chairmen and see about camping- looking at a DBL/DBL

thanks again

If you want some advice before your first trial just shoot me a PM and I'd be happy to share my knowledge and experience with you. Or before you start training if you need to know exactly what the dog needs to know, just ask.

 

[ckirsch]

I've had positive experiences in both NAVHDA and NSTRA. As with any group, there are sometimes a couple of folks with whom I could do without, but the vast majority of the people I've met have been friendly and extremely hospitable. NAVHDA is good in the sense that you're not competing with anyone, and everyone seems genuine in their support of one another. We ran a dog at the Invitational two years ago, and I was amazed at how much everyone seemed to pull for each other.

Tried my first couple of NSTRA trials last spring, and assumed that since it was a competitive venue, it might not be as friendly of an atmosphere. As it turned out, the guy who I was braced against on my first day gave me all kinds of great advice, and almost everyone there seemed intent on helping me out and making sure that I was hooked for life. Sure, you'll run into a guy here or there who rubs you the wrong way, but they're few and far between.

Best part of being involved with both organizations is the number of friends and hunting partners I've made. For the past four years, I've met a group of my NAVHDA buddies for a three-day camp-out / grouse hunt, which has become one of my favorite weekends of the year. I keep in touch with several of the NSTRA friends, and am planning a hunt with a few of them as well, so I'll get to see some new country and hopefully shoot a few more birds over my dogs as a result of my involvement. As has been mentioned previously, testing / trialing also makes the off-season much more enjoyable for my dogs, as it motivates me to train and condition them during months when I otherwise would not, so when bird season rolls around, the dogs are in better shape, and better behaved than they would be had I not been involved in the tests and trials.

Nobody passes every test with a Prize 1, or takes home hardware from every trial, but if you get involved with the intention of learning more about training and handling, helping your dog become a better hunter, and getting to rub elbows with like-minded folks doing what we all love to do, you'll have a great time.