Starting in 2027
Hunter Stake — Single Mark Requirements
Updated language sets a maximum distance of 100 yards for the land single mark and 75 yards for the water single mark (no minimum distance). Each single mark must originate from a unique point, separate from any other mark in the Hunter test or any combined test.
In a testing situation where Started and Hunter are combined, it would be easy to simply modify a couple of Started marks to create the distance to meet the minimum requirements. However, consider the intent of the Hunter single marks: to prepare Hunter dogs for their next level by incorporating factors such as distance, changes in topography, lighting, and natural distractions into the marking scenario. This mark should be more complex than a longer Started mark. NAHRA has a long history of preparing dogs for real-world hunting situations. Let these marks be a real step toward achieving those goals.
Field Test Late Entry Option
NAHRA has reached an agreement with Hunt Test Secretary, our electronic entry platform, to accept and process entries after their test’s closing date. The Field Test Secretary will process late entries through Hunt Test Secretary for official recordkeeping and public disclosure.
Each club and its Field Test Committee must discuss the pros and cons of accepting late entries. The benefits include bringing in new people who are unaware of the entry restrictions, increasing revenue, and helping a fellow club member who missed the deadline. However, challenges must be addressed, and, where appropriate, late-entry requirements should be set and published in the field test premium posted on the Hunt Test Secretary website. These requirements may differ club to club; some clubs may choose not to accept late entries.
For tests with entry deadlines after the Hunt Test Secretary deadline (to print/ship the catalog), NAHRA requires the following
- Test Premium must list the club’s entry deadline and all restrictions/requirements
- Test Premium must state that the dog’s data MUST be in the Hunt Test Secretary database to be considered for late entry, including the member’s NAHRA member number
- A minimum $10 late fee (to discourage laziness); can charge more
- Details on how to submit the late entry (phone, email, hard copy onsite)
- What entry details are required, and how to pay the fees.
Clubs need to specify all additional restrictions on the Field Test Premium. Below are some examples to consider:
- Require pre-approval from the Field Test Secretary to verify that the dog’s information is in Hunt Test Secretary
- How late entries will be placed into the official running order
- How payment (entry & late fee) is to be paid
- Specify the limits to the total number of late entries allowed (birds, workers)
- Only allow late entry in the lower stakes
- Prohibit day-of-entries
Requirements for the Field Test Secretary to interface with Hunt Test Secretary
- Search the database for late entry dogs and add each to the stake and date
- Obtain an updated Official Entry Excel Spreadsheet (includes member status)
- Pay for added entries either by check or by having the amount deducted from the proceeds of the next club event.
- Post pass/fail results for all competing dogs, including late-entry dogs. The Hunt Test Secretary database must be fully populated.
Amend the white, Official NAHRA Field Test Catalog (NAHRA copy and Club copy)
- Add each late entry dog call name, handler name, and running order number to the running order page in the catalog
- Have judges initial the late entry for each dog that passes in addition to signing the stake signature line. Include late entry dog numbers in the list of qualified dogs.
Finalize and submit the NAHRA Field Test Report along with:
- updated Official Entry Hunt Test Secretary Excel Spreadsheet,
- amended and signed the Official NAHRA Field Test Catalog, and
- payment to NAHRA.
Basic Late Entry Form (draft)
- Dog’s AKC/UKC Registered Name_______________________________________
- Dog’s Call Name_________________________________
- Owner or Handler Name__________________________
- Stake and Date__________________________________
- NAHRA Member #/Not a member_____________________
- Fees paid (stake fee + $10 late fee + non member fee)
Responses Welcome
To provide a comment to the NAHRA Board, email response@nahra.org.
