Successful gunning at an AKC sanctioned event such as our ABDA Hunt Tests is critical in being able to evaluate hunting dog performances. It is important for the gun captain to select gunners who are experienced shot gunners and preferably hunters so that shooting live birds will not present a problem for them.

Critically important is the safety aspect of this activity, not only for judges, handlers, other gunners and the gallery following in the field behind the action, but for the dogs and surrounding property as well.

AKC rules allow only double barrel break action shotguns in gauges 12, 16, or 20. Gunners should use the largest gauge that they are familiar and accurate with to consistently put down birds (although we all have bad shooting days!). Hunt tests are no place to try out that new, unfamiliar shotgun! Break action guns are mandatory since they can easily be opened for all to know they are safe. Actions will be open and empty at all times other than on the line just prior to the handler casting off the dog. Shot size will be no larger than #6 with #7˝ a good optimum which can put down birds and not travel as far as pellets of larger size with greater mass. The Club will supply both 12 and 20 gauge shells for all hunt tests.

Prior to the event there will always be a safety briefing conducted by the gun captain or his designee even thought gunners are experienced. Reminders of safe handling practices and shooting zones should not insult anyone. Remember. Safety is the number one rule!

To help insure safety for the shooters themselves, blaze orange vests and safety glasses are mandatory and hearing protection is strongly recommended.

In the field, the two gunners will not load their firearms until they have reached the starting line and the handler is about ready to release the dog. They will attempt to remain between 10 and 20 yards off the right and left shoulders of the handler, paying attention not only to the path of the handler so as to keep up with him, but to the dog and all people and property within shot range. Gunners can not pass the handler to keep up with the dog (flushing breeds) to stay within shooting range. Handlers can really assist gunners by controlling their dogs and keeping them within shooting range of flushed birds, thus providing a truer test of the dog's abilities. Shots should be taken by the gunner closest to the bird provided the shot is safe. Birds flushed out of range should not be shot.

Should any of you reading this feel you meet the above criteria of a gunner and want to have a lot of fun, meet some great people and get in some shooting before regular hunting season opens, please contact the gun captain for this year, Dennis Bromley, at 243-7342 for further information. There will be a gunner's day, Sunday, June 8, 2008 at Falcon Ridge, where prospective gunners will demonstrate their safety and shooting prowess!