Field Trials, Hunt Tests, & Upcoming Events

Field Trials

Field trial events require the highest level of skill and competition to achieve success. Field trial stakes include the Derby, Qualifying, Amateur and Open stakes. Placements and points are awarded to the top competitors in these events. The points earned apply toward titles awarded by AKC, including Qualified All-Age (QAA), Amateur Field Champion (AFC) and Field Champion (FC).

The Derby stake is for dogs under two years of age. The Qualifying stake is for intermediate level of skill in preparation of the transition to the All-age stakes (e.g., Open and Amateur). The Amateur and the Open stakes require additional refinement of skill and performance excellence. The Amateur stake is only open to Amateur handlers; Professional trainers can not enter the Amateur. The Open stake is open to both amateur and Professional handlers. Each of the stakes, from Derby to the Open involves an increasing level of skilled performance.

Every year top qualified Amateur and Open dogs compete in the week long National Amateur and Open National Championships.

Hunt Tests

Hunt Test events require skills that are judged against an AKC pass/fail performance standard. This is different from the field trials, where the performance standard requires the placement of relative dog work. Hunt tests offer Junior, Senior and Master level stakes. Each of these stakes requires an increasing level of performance to meet the corresponding AKC standard. Titles can also be earned in hunt tests at the Junior, Senior and Master level. There is nothing more rewarding than bird hunting with an accomplished Master Hunter!