Zeke's 2008 Fun Hunt Test
Over the last 4 years, Zeke and I have held a fun hunt test at my property near Blue Lake, which has excellent spring water (channels, points, beaver dams, etc.). It is always held in May, when other HRC hunt tests are not going on so that we can use the test as a last minute preparation for the hunt test season. The fun hunt test is run just like a hunt test (judges, "dog to the line," birds, spectators, holding blinds, etc.) so that people new to the sport can experience the real deal, as well as fool test wise veterans (yes, you can use a collar and appropriate corrections). In years past, participants even recieved a number of pictures and video footage of their dog in action (with a 5 month old baby in the picture, this may not happen this year).
Welcome the 5th Annual, Zeke's Fun Hunt Test!
Purpose
- Have fun, prepare for the hunt test season, and watch some talented dogs
Date & Time
- Saturday, May 10, 2008
- Start time will be at 9:30 am sharp
- People setting up the test will arrive at 9 am
- Getting there early is OK and appreciated
Please Contact Mike Garver Directly if you are planning on attending
Where
- The hunt test will start at 9:30 am at a field approximately 1 mile from Mike Garver's property. The field has some hills, valleys, side hills, as well as being long enough to run multiple set ups. (see mapquest link)
- After we use the land work to "warm up" the dogs, we will then travel to do our water work for the rest of the day. The water work will be done on Mike Garver's Property and adjoining water on my neighbor's land.
- I have pictures of the water under the page "Zeke's Spring Water"
- The water in the spring time is nice: Channels, thick cover, beaver dams, logs, points, and even plenty of duck smells (see the pictures).
Directions
Land Test @ 9:30
- From Kalkaska, take 612 due east for approximately 8-10 miles. At 571 (blinking light), head north for approximately 1-2 miles, until you you come to an intersection, which is where 612 picks up and continues. Turn right on 612 and head east for approximately 7-8 miles. If you are driving past Manistee Lake, you are heading in the right direction. You will then come to Blue Lake Road, which heads north to Mike Garver's Property, continue past this road and turn right onto a dirt road, 100 yards past Blue Lake road (I will put a sign or Goose Decoy on this road). Turn right and head south on this road for approximately 1-2 miles. The field which we will start the test on will be on the left Hand side of the road.
Water Test @ 12:00 noon, approximately
- From 612, turn north on Blue Lake road. You will head north for approximately 1.5 miles, before making a left hand turn on a small, easy to miss dirt road. When the road start to wind and curve while going "down hill," get ready to the turn left. The mailbox and address are 5557, turn left at the mailbox. Drive slowly (5-10 mph) down this road, making a right turn at the Goose Decoy, and you will drive in my neighbors back yard until you reach the water.
- Call Mike on his cell if you get lost: 989-329-2591.
Hunt Test Set up
- I want to run the day as if it were a hunt test, with the only difference being that you can use e-collars. Thus, we will have a holding blind, gun racks, duck holders, guns, etc.
- I have some "dead birds" that we can use for the various tests
- Hopefully, we can simulate the event to fool any test wise dogs.
- With this said, please keep your dogs kenneled unless you are running your dog.
1 or 2 Flights, Depends on Attendance
- In years past, we have only had 1 flight of dogs, adjusting the test as more advanced dogs come to the line.
- Depending on the number of people attending, we may run two flights.
- If we run 2 flights:
- For each flight, we will have someone in charge of running the flight, to keep it organized and moving.
- Flight 1 will be for started and seasoned dogs (Gus, Storm, etc.)
- Flight 2 will for finished and almost finished dogs (Gator, Zeke, Riley, Maverick, Tuck, etc.)
- I will let you be the judge of where your dog should run.
Supplies
- Bring any valuable dog training equipment that you can
- I will have a few bird boys showing up to help out
I have the following supplies:
- I have some frozen birds, primers, 870 shotgun, 2 wingers, dokens, and some decoys
We could use the following supplies:
- more wingers
- frozen ducks
- duck racks
- gun racks
- another shotgun
- dokkens & some bumpers
Contact
Mike Garver 989-329-2591
garvdog@gmail.com
