Retriever Advisory Committee

 2:05 pm – Meeting opens, in attendance: 

            Committee which consists of:

            John Russell

            Larry Morgan

            Loren Morehouse

            Bill Goldstein

            Russ Reavis (AKC Rep)

(L to R) John Russell, Larry Morgan, Loren Morehouse, Bill Goldstein and Russ Reavis

The meeting opened with John introducing 2 new people. The new field rep for the AKC, Stacy West, and the new Managing Editor for the Retriever News, Kelsey Wehr. 

This past year, the rule was passed stating that no trials that carry championship points could be held during any AKC National Championship. 

In the process to pass this legislation, more effort was needed by the Performance Events Chairman of the AKC. We’d like to thank Mr. Doug Lundren. 

There is nothing new on the RAC agenda this year, so the floor was opened for conversation and topics from contestants. 

In discussion was: 

A.     Seeing unnatural things in the field 

a.     Wooden spools to mimic hay bales.

b.     Hunting blinds resembling hay bales

c.      “Ring of Terror” – i.e. equipment used in the water so the birds don’t float away. 

 

When questioned, AKC advised that they would not allow a wooden spool in the field. This is a safety concern. Hunting blinds that look like hay bales are ok. 

 

B.     Poison Birds

a.     Being overdone - diversion birds should be used more. Marking is of primary importance, and it was said that if a mark is thrown, it should be picked up. 

b.     The opposite side of this discussion stressed time management, saying a “leave it bird” should be left out and not retrieved.

C.     Questioning a Rule Change

a.     Post COVID, once again, judges must take each bird from the handler. Thoughts were that the COVID rule should stand – giving judges option to take bird or have handlers drop them in bucket. Judges can look at the birds before they are taken back into the field. If there is a question on a bird, they can certainly look at it. 

D.    Interpretation of Rules

a.     Current rules state that a gunner may not retire in the direction that their bird is thrown. Some trials were not upholding this rule. 

b.     It was questioned what a reasonable distance is to retire a gun

                                               i.     John Russell stated that factors and field design dictate what is reasonable. Our clubs must be reasonable. 

E.     Misconception that the AKC makes substantial money on field trials

a.     AKC receives an application fee + $3.50 per entry