Fall VHDF Field Test Details
Summaries of the tests are available as downloads on the VHDF-Canada webpage. The age limit for the HAE puppy test is 18 months and it is suggested that the minimum age is about 5 months. There is no age limit for either the AHAE or PE tests.
Chad Lang and Sunnynook's Jet in the 2024 "Field Search" of his AHAE test. On their right judges: Rainer Knopff and Rick Schryer.
Saturday, September 7. Starting time 7 AM.
- Sunnynook's Indy, AHAE, Michael Maksymchuk
- Sunnynook's Joli, AHAE, Joe Schmutz
- Sunyynook's Jinx, AHAE, Matthew Pellerin
- Sunnynook's Jet, AHAE, Chad Lang
- Sunnynook's Hoax, PE, Brent Grabowski
- (Sunnynook's Heron, PE Bracemate in the Field, Joe Schmutz)
- Judges: Les Piecowye, Oksana Moshynka, Rick Schryer
- Apprentice: Rainer Knopff
- Gunners: Debbie Spence and Rick Bryne
- Bird Planter: Art Spence
- Field Marshal: Al McKim
Sunday, September 8. Starting time 7 AM.
- Asio von der Fienen Biye, HAE, Joe Schmutz
- Sunnynook's Karma, HAE, Les Piecowye
- Sunnynook's Klister, HAE, Jodi Hawley
- Sunnynook's Kasch, HAE, Rick Bryne
- Sunnynook's Kermit "Tater", HAE, Mike Arling
- Judges: Rick Schryer, Lawrence Pellerin, Vance Lester
- Apprentice: Rainer Knopff
- Gunner: Joe Arling
- Bird Planter: Brent Grabowski
- Field Marshal: Pat Hayes-Schryer
Proposed agenda for the Fall 2025 VHDF Test at Alvena, typically held the weekend after Labour Day.
- Meet at 8 or 8:30, depending on the day, 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. Gamebirds (species to be determined based on permit and availability) will be planted in the field, pheasant for tracking and call ducks for duck search. (We have a permit for this.)
- The PE dogs are run in a brace of two in the field.
- Since Covid-19, there is no longer food provided at the test site, other than cold drinks. Please bring your own packed lunch.
- If you want water, please bring your own refillable water bottle and jug of water for yourself and your dog.
Facilities
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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 41. 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. 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. People are welcome to camp at the site, but please let us know in advance so we can suggest spots best for RV or tent camping. (no plug-ins or running water) |
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Nearby Accomodation
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There are no motels or restaurants in the town of Alvena. There are motels about 20 km away in Wakaw and Cudworth. The motel in Wakaw allows dogs in rooms, but the motel in Cudworth does not. If you choose to stay in Saskatoon, we recommend the Heritage Inn 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 are travelling with a RV, there are a few options for RV campgrounds with plug-ins in Wakaw. |
Spectators
Visitors are welcome to watch from designated spots. Two spectators may walk in the field, with the permission of the handler and judge. The group in the field already includes 3 judges, 1-2 gunners, and often an official photographer.
Everyone in the field during an AHAE or PE test must wear Orange, as a hat or on a shirt or vest.
Scores
VHDF-Canada test scores from 2007 to 2023 are available as a downloadable pdf file. Most, but not all were held in Alvena, SK.
Note that VHDF has not set passing scores for any level of testing but leaves this to individual breed clubs. Versatile dogs of any breed are welcome in this test.
Many of the dogs entered are often LMs, and HAE and AHAE are necessary for a dog to be an "eligible to breed". Therefore a passing score has been determined for both of these tests. See the page on the LMAC website that explains this in detail.
Blood Tracking Test
A 4 hour old blood tracking test may be scheduled for late fall 2024. Please email Brent Grabowski (grabber380@gmail.com) to indicate interest. A date will be determined to fit most people's schedule.
Blood Tracking Test Application Form
For more information on Versatile Hunting Dog Federation - Canada
Please email Sheila Schmutz (sheila.schmutz@usask.ca) regarding updates to this website.