Registered: Feb 2007
Location: Conneaut Lake, PA
Posts: 117

Since I opened this can of worms I need to tip the can some more. I'm glad to hear that UKC is wanting to promote them more. I love the Hunt tests. Our club is starting to get some younger (between 14-21 years old) handlers bringing there dogs to them. I think if nothing else it is a good way to help promote the sport. As far as the caliber of dogs we draw. We have registered to grand nites, show dogs to back yard feeders. They have looked great on some nights and some nights they looked like crap. Think of it this way. We all hunt a few nights a week some nights those dogs can do no wrong and some nights they can do no right. Are the Tests better than the Nite Hunts... No. Are the nite hunts better than the tests.... No. They are just way to different to compare to each other. In think they open or reopen our sport to alot more people. I've had guys at our club use the tests to get used to hearing their hound in unfamilar territory. I've seen a couple kids get the HTX on their dogs and leave the club looking like they won worlds. I've seen guys go to the woods together that normally wouldn't hunt together. I guess that I've seen so much good and had some much fun with ours that I don't understand the anger they seem to provoke or why some want to change them.
_______________________________________________

Snow Water English
Home of : GRCH Snow Water Blue Thunder HTX

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: May 2004
Location: Kentucky Wildcat Country
Posts: 4600

I gave a dog away to an old man, it was a me too dog with a Great Pedigree, I was going to put it down and he talked me out of it, said he just wanted something that would run and tree, to hunt, he sold the dog, its Titled now and at Stud, Breeding quite a few females, I Guarantee you that dog couldn't pass a Hunt test in 20 tries.

__________________
Perry Metcalf.. Go Big Blue !

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Oct 2007
Location: Northeast Mississippi
Posts: 888

quote:

---

Originally posted by JiM
Larry, you run enough of these hunts (atleast in this part of the country) to take a dog from nothing to Grand, you can be sure eveyone in the area knows very well what you are packing and if it is counterfeit or not. Prolly a hundred different coonhunters have followed my bitch in the woods. Everyone around knows what she is in every way....good, bad, whatever.

---

__________________
Casey L Clayton
(662) 523-0375
Mantachie, MS

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Jan 2006
Location: bronaugh,MO
Posts: 2595

quote:

---

Originally posted by JiM
Larry, you run enough of these hunts (atleast in this part of the country) to take a dog from nothing to Grand, you can be sure eveyone in the area knows very well what you are packing and if it is counterfeit or not. Prolly a hundred different coonhunters have followed my bitch in the woods. Everyone around knows what she is in every way....good, bad, whatever.

---

__________________
GRNTCH GRCH ROBINSONS ENGLISH LOOSER

RIP Loose

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Not Yet
Location:
Posts: N/A

You make all good points.

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Not Yet
Location:
Posts: N/A

I really liked the idea of the UKC Hunt Tests when they were first proposed, and to some point I still do.
In my area there are as many older senior citizen pleasure hunters as there is competition hunters, many of those older fellas are no longer comfortable competing in today's nitehunts, on top of that there dozens of young able bodied hide hunters that just don't care for competition. These same folks generally acquire dogs out of titled stock so they can't claim titles mean nothing to them.
These same folks enjoy the heck out of non sanctioned buddy hunts and other club get togethers. I really thought the UKC Hunt Tests would fill a void and be in high demand.
The only thing I found was that the expect the same folks holding the nite hunts to hold the hunt tests for them. I'm not so convinced that even if I did, that they'd support them any more than they have the nitehunts and they're not a big revenue maker for the clubs so why bother.
I like the idea of the hunt tests, I'm just not so sure the target group that they were intended have enough motivation to actually conduct and participate in them.
They also don't seem real easy to conduct from what I've heard. Depending on who shows up, it may take several hours of swapping participants and evaluators to actually complete the event, opposed to 1 hr hunts by other KC's that can generally be completed in just a couple hours.

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Aug 2009
Location: Michigan
Posts: 954

Michigan has a lot of them, the best part of them is that you have a handful of good guys out their joking around and pulling for your dog, out their to get the job done. I did a few when the weather was really bad from 10" of snow to wind and thunderstorms. It was a lot of fun. I would rather a night hunt, a lot of these are through the week also, not only on weekends. We have not failed any at this point. Believe me there harder than you all think. 2 strikes and your out.

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Jul 2003
Location: PA
Posts: 2162

I don't get the point of these.

If you're out there hunting a dog by itself on a regular basis, you should know whether it gets struck, gets treed, stays put, and has the meat. It's HTX every night. If they blow a track, or tree a slick, you know they didn't do a solid job that night.

What you see night after night is far more important than any title/designation.

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Aug 2008
Location:
Posts: 14

Even though I have never participated in a Coon Hunt test I have participated and put on many Bird Dog test.
I will share my view on why so many people like them in the birddog world and maybe the coonhunters will agree.
First of all its not me verse you. Its you verse a scorecard. That will eliminate alot of the bickering right there. And people can get back to being civil to each other.
Its cards face up. The rules are in black and white and its all on your dog. Not someone else calling the your dog, or another dog being rough on the tree. EVERY night hunt hunt I have been there has been some kind of discrepencie between handlers.
As far as incentive. Stud dogs should be jumping all over this. Another title for their dog, IF they are good enough always looks good and shows he can tree a coon by himself.
I talk to people with the best bird dogs (self proclaimed)and they come to the hunt test and the next thing I know they are saying its alot harder than it looks. I bet it would be true with the coonhunters also.
Brogy I would love to set one up in our area. I bet we would see alot of dissapointed people at the end of the day.

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Sep 2009
Location:
Posts: 178

All im saying is when i see a dog that says htx leval 2 all i think about is big deal (no offense) that dog could strike and tree and have a coon. Something i see almost everynight. But if it's important to you to prove to everyone that youre dog can tree a coon by itself then good deal.

Let me say title//////degree You will never know how good the dog is UNLESS you actually hunt with it a few times.

Todd i understand the point of thest tho. There are several people around here that wolnt hunt in a competition but may hunt in these hunt tests.

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Aug 2009
Location: Michigan
Posts: 954

quote:

---

Originally posted by honalieh
I don't get the point of these.

If you're out there hunting a dog by itself on a regular basis, you should know whether it gets struck, gets treed, stays put, and has the meat. It's HTX every night. If they blow a track, or tree a slick, you know they didn't do a solid job that night.

What you see night after night is far more important than any title/designation.

---

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Aug 2008
Location:
Posts: 14

Here is another view why I like the hunt test. What a way to get the youth involved. This would be a great way to get more participation from them. And when they are at the test, talk about night hunts, the rules and everything else that goes with it. Or how about the guy that is burnt out of night hunts or the older gentlemen that cant keep up with the competition. This would be a great way to have some fun without the drama. Any time you can get a dog out of the kennel and do somthing with it is a good thing in my book. The year is long and hunting season is short, so get the hounds out and do somthing with them. I promise you that when people start failing the tests they will put more effort into it and do more training, inturn create better hounds. The night hunts would also improve if you actually had dogs that can tree their own coon.
Or how about using a hunt test to evaluate a breeding program. Breeders have the first pup to earn a HTX at 6 months. Put that on your brag page. I think if you can get a line of dogs with generation after generation that earn the HTX that buying a pup from them would probably assure you the pup will tree coon. If you could look up the age in which the HTX was awarded you could see what line of dogs are treeing at an early age.
Or create a breeders award program where lets say 70% of the pups out of a litter earns a HTX the kennel will receive an award.
Just comparing the bird hunt trials compared to the test I have noticed that everyone is more friendly at the test. People are not out for blood and are willing to help each other. Thats the kind of people I want to be around especially with my kids.

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Jul 2003
Location: PA
Posts: 2162

quote:

---

Originally posted by Todd Miller
I really think everybody's point is that there's dogs with titles out there that should not have them. This does prove they can actually tree a coon, hold it for five, run a track to the finish. Look at all the dogs out there show up for the hunts when there's leaves on the trees, Oh look falls coming and we are seeing less dogs again. I didn't think much of them either at first, after I tried one it was relaxing and lot of fun, just a change of pace is nice. Give them a try before you disagree with them. Always, Always be careful for what you ask for!!!

---

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Aug 2008
Location:
Posts: 14

I agree also. If it is going to work UKC needs to push it to get people involved.
I really like the idea to give the breeders some kind of recognition for producing HTX pups.

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Jan 2009
Location: Milton, Iowa
Posts: 390

It is interesting that people look down on hunt tests in the coonhound world as they do in the pointing dog world if you competition hunt or field trial (in the bird dog world).
We do field trials at the top level (my husband is one of the top Brittany Trainers in the country) and I always tell everyone when they go picking at events they don't participate in that ANYTHING that someone can do with there dog is a good thing.
Just because you don't do it or think it is important doesn't mean someone else doesn't.
So before you go throwing stones remember that a hunt test may be the first stepping stone to someone becoming involved with the sport we all love so much.
I have never participated in a Bird Dog Hunt Test or watched one but I do know that some people love them and they are a fun way for them to feel involved and be a part of a group of folks who like to run their dogs and like to share the talent of their dog. We have ALOT of new people get started in competition events that started with hunt tests.
Just food for thought,
Chris

__________________
Christine Burchett & Layne Holmes

Nite Ch. Gr. Ch. PR' High Dollar Fred- Walker

Gr. Nite Ch. Fox River Fantastic Fancy- Black & Tan

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Feb 2007
Location: Conneaut Lake, PA
Posts: 117

Page #2 has gotted interresting. I agree completely that they are a way to get more folks involved with the sport. I also agree that until UKC gets behind the tests more than they have no way of gaining any respect.

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Dec 2003
Location: east tenn
Posts: 127

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SLICK50
[B]All im saying is when i see a dog that says htx leval 2 all i think about is big deal (no offense) that dog could strike and tree and have a coon. Something i see almost everynight. But if it's important to you to prove to everyone that youre dog can tree a coon by itself then good deal.

My only question is if a dog going out and treeing a coon by itself is no big deal then why was it added to the 2 round of the world hunt?

I have never hunted in a hunt test but I do like the idea. I have a dog that I am sure would pass the hunt test at least 8 out of 10 times. normally when he opens its a coon and he trees it and you see eye's. I think he makes it look easy but I have hunted with nt ch. and Grands that I am not sure they could pass 2 out of 10 hunt tests. (by the way my dog is a Grand nt) So what does this all mean? It's whatever you like to do, I won't knock anyone for what type of hunt they like to hunt in, everyone wants to feel like they have a good dog and the hunt test just gives people different ways to prove it.

I have got to where I like to hunt in registered cast and then when I get a dog nt. ch. I don't hunt in the hunts to much after that to many win at all costs handlers out there to cut throat for me. In years past I loved it just not any more. I would rather be able to shake your hand at the end of the night and share a cup of coffee at the club than to try to bend a rule to in my favor to win. 75% of the die hard comp. hunters will take advantage of something that falls in there favor even if it's wrong and will argue and throw a fit if the same rule is applied to their hound. All of you that comp hunt a lot know that what I am saying is true. I said all of that to say that the hunt tests are probably more layed back and for the fun of going out with your hound to see if it can get it done on that night. JMO

__________________
JESUS DIED FOR YOU THAT YOU CAN LIVE FOR HIM

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Jun 2005
Location: Prince Edward Island,Canada
Posts: 4589

I would love to have some hunt tests up here, I like seeing other peoples dogs go and as well as would like to show mine off by themselves .. but alot up here don't think much of going out to see someone elses dog go out and tree a coon.

There is alot of dogs that can tree a coon by themselves but could never win a hunt and theres alot on the other side of the coin who can't tree one without another dog.

__________________
Autumn Clements

'PR'LEAD'S MIDNITE SASSY
CFC CH Canadian GCH Multi Group Placing MBPIG BBPIG LEGACYK STANNYFIELD PRIME TIME (AKC & UKC Pointed)
BPIG MBBPIG WINDAMIRS RED LIGHT DISTRICT V AMBERLANE
LEGACYK DARE TO DREAM V CBLUES
LEGACYK WHITE AS A GHOST V CBLUES

Gone but not forgotten
GRNITECH GRCH PKC CH'PR'CLEMENTS' BLUE PRANCER
GRNITECH GRCH'PR'SPIKE'S TWILITE HOOKER
'PR'PRANCER'S GETTIN DOWN N DIRTY (PrancerxHooker)
NITECH CH’PR’BUELL’S BLUE ROCKY(Whitey x Spice)
CKC BBPIG MARIES BABY BREEZE

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Oct 2009
Location: WNC
Posts: 51

I think the HTX is a great way to evaluate a breeding program. A well rounded accurate coonhound should have no trouble passing a HTX or obtaining at least a Nite Ch. degree but what does everyone say the first time they try it? "It's harder than it looks!! I for one would love to have a dog with both titles and would rather use it in a breeding program than just one or the other.

Our club is trying to generate interest in these hunts as it seems the perfect fit for the pleasure hunter. Now if we get all these pleasure hunters and competition hunters together at the club we might just be able to protect our sport from the antis.

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Aug 2008
Location:
Posts: 14

I am just explaining how my bird hunting club does our hunt test.
Starting in March we hold twice a month training days. Now I live in Southern MN by Rochester and we have people drive from WI. and IA to come to these training days. Why you might ask? Well there are many reasons. Some people just like talking dogs and watching other dogs work. Some people dont have the know how, place to train or the equipment. For what ever the reason is its a layed back day with plenty of kids running around getting exposed to the sport. Then come in Aug. our club holds 1 hunt test. These test fill up fast and the people that where there to help you train are there cheering you on to do well at the test. The comradery and friendships I have made with the hunt test I will have forever.
Now my question is why not at the local level have training days with coonhunting? We have occasional buddyhunts but even then people are not learning how to train their coondog or the rules of the hunts. The last hunt I was in we had a 20yr old walking with us that was interested but didn't have a clue about coondogs. Lets face it, if a family member or a friend doesnt expose you, you probably wont get involved.
After a summer of training hold a few HTX test. I think it would be a good way to bring coonhunters together. And keep the sport alive!!!

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Aug 2009
Location: Michigan
Posts: 954

I think they should have to pass a least one to become any Nite champ., and be judged by someone that does not know dog,

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Aug 2007
Location: New York
Posts: 210

The way I look at it is as follows....

it MAY be easy to make a NITECH....

it MAY be easy to make a HTX....

but HOW easy is it to make BOTH????


Corey

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Not Yet
Location:
Posts: N/A

quote:

---

Originally posted by Blue Boy Rebel
The way I look at it is as follows....

it MAY be easy to make a NITECH....

it MAY be easy to make a HTX....

but HOW easy is it to make BOTH????


Corey

---

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Aug 2009
Location: Michigan
Posts: 954

Well if you have a dog that can put em up!! Easy.

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Oct 2008
Location: salem indiana
Posts: 271

I PUT THEM ON AT OUR CLUB IN SALEM IND WE LOVE THEM WE HAVE TITLED DOGS THAT HUNT IN THEM AND NON TITLED ITS NOT ABOUT WHO HAS THE BEST DOG IT JUST LETS YOUR DOG PROVE ITS SELF ITS JUST FUN THING TO DO ALOT OF PEOPLE SAY DONT WANT TO PUT OUT THE GAS ARE PAY THE THE 10.00 TO HUNT IN THEM BUT ITS JUST LIKE GOING PLEASURE HUNTING YES IT PROVES YOUR DOG CAN DO IT BY ITS SELF I WOULD RECOMEND ALL CLUBS TO HAVE THEM ITS REAL EASY UKC ONLY CHARGES 3.00 A DOG YOU DONT HAVE TO GET ANY PERMITS SO THE CLUB MAKES 7.00 OFF EACH DOG THAT ADDS UP WE DONT OPEN THE KITCHEN WE JUST MAKE COFFEE AND SET AROUND AND ENJOY EACH OTHERS TALES SO COME ON OUT AND JOIN US FOR SOME GOOD TIMES AINT THAT WHAT COONHUNTINGS ALL ABOUT

__________________
WALKERs and english

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged