Hunting Tests

What Is a Hunting Test?

Unlike a field trial where dogs compete against each other top prize, a hunting test is a sport in which dogs are evaluated against a written hunting standard, without competition. For pointing breeds like the GSP, the test is designed to demonstrate the dog's ability to search for, find, point and retrieve birds back to their handlers, as well as honoring another dog's point, and trainability. Depending on which level of the test the dog is entered in, some or all of these abilities is evaluated. Dogs are run in pairs called a "brace". Each dog is judged and scored from 1-10 in each category of ability. A minimum score of 5 in each category, and an average overall score of 7 means the dog has "qualified" or passed the test and earns qualifying legs toward a Junior, Senior, or Master Hunter title. Hunt tests are conducted on foot. Judges, handlers and gallery all walk the course...and yes - you do get a lot of good exercise! Please see the AKC pointing breed hunting test history, and rules for a more in-depth explanation of this sport.

Nutmeg German Shorthaired Pointer Club, CT, Field Trial, Hunt Test, Dog Show, Dog, Horse, Bird, Puppies

Where Are Hunting Tests Held?

All of our hunting tests are held at the Dr. John E. FlahertyField Trial Area on Tromley Road in East Windsor, CT. It is a 500 acre managed wildlife grounds owned by the State of CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and maintained by the Flaherty Field Trial Clubs Association specifically for these typed of events.

From North or South, take Route I-91 to Exit #44 (Route5). Turn Right at end of exit onto Route 5. Go about 1 mile to the light at Tromley Road. Turn Left onto Tromley Road. Continue approximately .9 miles to the Flaherty Field Trial Area entrance on the left. There is no Postal address, but the driveway is located immediately west of house number 85.

GPS Coordinates: N 41.90352 W 72.59758

Interactive Map

Aerial View

Wildlife Management Map

Next Hunting Test Event

Please see the event calendar for our next hunting test date. A complete listing of all field events held at Flaherty and other CT field trial areas can be found on the CT DEEP website.

Event Secretary

Questions and inquires should be directed to the hunting test event secretary, Donna Roy.

Premium

The entry forms for hunting tests are called "premiums" and will be posted here when they become available.

Running Order / Brace Sheets

Dogs are run in braces (pairs) and in a specific order based on how they were chosen in a lottery drawing of all entries. Brace sheets will be posted here as soon as possible after the lottery, which is usually held on the Wednesday evening prior to the hunting test.