Last Updated on March 9, 2014 : :

 Upton Pyne

 By kind permission of Rt. Hon. Earl of Iddersleigh and Mr Alan Weston

Venue. This is a very good venue for an HPR Field Trial. It comprises of woodland, which has an open bottom, but with clumps of bramble, bracken and holly. The first round was held in the woods with the remainder of the trial taking place in fields of rough pasture surrounded by hedges and ditches.

The Bag. This consisted entirely of Pheasants, although one rabbit was pointed and flushed but was not shot.

The Field. A good representation of the HPR breeds with Italian Spinoni, GSP’s, Brittany, Bracco Italiano and Weimaraner.

Weather. Mostly overcast with the occasional shower in the morning. The wind was light and variable in direction. The scenting conditions were good.

Awards. 4th Place to Weimaraner Santiff Sidesman handled by Simon Davis. This dog found, pointed and produced game on both of its runs. On the first, in woods, it had two retrieves, the second of which was well marked after being pointed and flushed from a holly bush. The shot bird fell into a clump of bramble and was quickly brought to hand. On the second run on open rough pasture, the dog again found pointed and flushed a cock Pheasant that was not shot. No other awards were given.

General Comments. All dogs had the opportunity to find game and, most took it but then let themselves down for a variety of reasons. However the general standard of dog work was good and with some practice on the basics a number of dogs could be in contention for awards at future trials.

HPR’s are air scenting dogs taking the scent of game, whether hunting or retrieving, down wind.
Some handlers appeared to be unaware of the direction of the wind, or what to do with it. For example, some dogs had birds running in front of them whilst working a tail wind. In these circumstances it is necessary to cast the dog wide in order to get it ahead of the bird.
This allows the game to be held and pointed between the dog and the handler. It was however a pleasure to see some very good handling, staunch pointing and determined flushing.

We would like to thank the I.S.C.G.B. for their kind invitation to Judge, our host for the use of the ground and especially the Guns for their excellent shooting. Finally thanks to the Chief Steward, Stuart Griffin, who managed the day well, keeping delays to the minimum and ensuring that the gallery were always together and kept quiet.

Brian Finan / Rod Day