DuckSouth.com

It's been a while since I have been to a hunt test. My eyes were opened this past weekend to how hard it is to put on a big hunt test. It looked like even more dogs,equipment,and logistics moving handlers between stakes than a big field trial. I know how tired I am after marshaling or judging a FT, but the hunt test seemed even more difficult with the volunteers busting their butts all weekend at Black Warrior. If you do run a hunt test remember to thank the judges,Marshall's,and others doing the thankless jobs so you can run your dogs.

Well said Bill. What is seen on the surface is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg for an event like that. By the time the 1st dog kicked off, I bet Mark had spent 80 to 100 hours answering questions, texts, phone calls, and emails.

Black Warrior is truly blessed with a group of dedicated volunteers! I am lucky to call most of them friends. Can't begin to thank them all because I know I will miss someone.

Very well said. I would like to add that keeping a running order is only a very small part of marshaling.

By the time handlers start griping at the marshall he has caught birds, hauled all the equipment to the field, set up the test, instructed the bird boys, repaired a winger or two, coordinated with marshalls at other stakes, and whatever else comes up. If you want to see what goes into one of these events, volunteer to marshall a stake at a test or trial

That is why a site marshal should never have the running order. Always need 2 people at the least. Black warrior did bang up job with having so many flgts. We never waited once for a dog in Flgt D on Sat/Sun master test.