Hunt Test Finals

Alan Bush

The SCOA Hunt Test this year had many great challenges to be able to pull off a very successful event. With having to find new hunt lands, water for the retrieving work as well as for the duck search, and having to cancel some events due to the bird flu. With that and the help of many people inside and outside SCOA, the tests went smoothly and all participants had a fun 2 days with their dogs.

Like all events, without the help of volunteers, nothing can be done. Thank you to Becky Tevis for being our outstanding Hunt Secretary. Our bird planters Ken Tevis and Tom Nortley did a fantastic job planting birds in the field all day. Thank you to Marci Johnson and Sue Acquistapace for assisting Becky Tevis with all the paperwork and handing out the ribbons. Tim Adderson and Greg Long were gunning for us all day and by the way, great shooting boys! And big thanks to my wife Valerie Bush who took control of getting everyone to the starting line. Most of all, a big SHOUT OUT to John Morgan and The Pacific Northwest NAVDHA Chapter who sponsored and put on the NAVDHA Test. 

The AKC Field and Water Test were held at DK Wildlife Ranch in Sweet Home, OR., and the NAVHDA Test was performed at Luckiamute Valley Pheasants in Monmouth, OR. Both of these properties are private hunting ranches. We were so very appreciative that they allowed us onto their property so we could put on our hunt tests. If you find yourself in Oregon bird hunting, please consider these 2 ranches for your hunting experience.  

We had 11 Spinoni entered in this year’s hunt test. It was great to see new handlers with their dogs in the field and of course to see old friends returning each year for the hunt test. We started our test at 7 am and finished around 6 pm. We did have a photographer who took pictures. If you would like to see the photos, go to LensMoments on Facebook.

Here are the results of those who had passing scores:

AKC TEST

Ted Wentink / Louie with 2 passes for Master Hunter

Ellen Kincaid / Bambino with 1 pass for Senior Hunter

Tina Cordes / Arco with 2 passes for Junior Hunter

Tina Cordes / Ragu with 2 passes for Junior Hunter

Tom Nortley / Lucy with 1 pass for Junior Hunter

Rebecca Van Ess / Tenore with 1 pass for Junior Hunter

Alan Bush / Harry passed the Water Retrieve Test

NAVHDA TEST,

Leanne Mellini / Cypress with a NA PRIZE 3

CONGRATULATIONS to you all and a very special CONGRATULATIONS to Ted Wentink and Louie for winning the FIELDS LEGENDS AWARD for the highest overall scores and Louie becoming a NEW MASTER HUNTER!!

Hope to see you all in the field next year!!

Alan Bush

2022 National Hunt Test Chair