HOW COME, and WHATS NEEDED TO HELP!

[Huntmaster]

I was reading a post by drew about CKC vs UKC in the number of test available next year. Why are there less UKC events here in Ontario and what can we or I do to help. I live in Gananoque Ont, and joined the Kingston HRC group. I have no idea if they plan to put on a hunt test this year or not, I just joined last year, and don't know how these things work, but I want to know! These are a few questions I have:

Do we need more sponsors?
Do we need Money?
Do we need more members?
Do we need more help with the events, and if so what kind?
Do we need more areas to have the test?
Do we need more judges?
Do we need to advertise?

I plan to run 4 dogs next year, all in UKC test! I would love to offer my help in any test within 200 miles of me, I also will offer my wingers, uplander, punt, boat, 209 pistol and any other gear I have that can be a use to set up a test, all I ask is to be where my gear is to keep an eye on it. I will help out with sponsors, or any of the above question I asked.

Please tell me and others what is needed to get more UKC events going! I'm sure if we all stand as one, we can help! Lets get the US boys coming here to, some ran at the last test in Clayton Ont, great guys, great dogs, great time!

[Zingerman]

Tom,
You have the Kingston club as well as the Ottawa club down your way. If you want to drive to the Lake Ontario HRC hunt tests they would certainly welcome your help as well. Then there is Luther Marsh HRC just north of Toronto. Call Bob Black from your club and ask him what you can do. He will point you in the right direction.

[Huntmaster]

Thanks Rob, I would like to talk to Bob again, and he will have some answers for me. Still hoping the members of this board can help to! I guess I should do my home-work and see just how many clubs we have to throw these evens and how many they are allowed!

[Kevin Hannah]

I will take a shot at a few of these.

Do we need more sponsors?
HRC has national sponsors which donate merchandise to each club for their raffle tables as well as others which donate money to HRC Inc.
More sponsors always help and HRC has a commitee which look after setting these things up.

Do we need Money?
Doesn't everyone.

Do we need more members?
More members is not the end all be all for a club. WHat you need as a club is as many "active" members as you can find. It takes a lot of planning, work and people to put on a GOOD hunt test. Most people that have not been involved in running a test don't really understand how much work it is.

Do we need more help with the events, and if so what kind?Bird boys are always hard to find, we always end up with enough but usually have to work at finding them.

Do we need more areas to have the test?
I don't think so, most clubs have lots of grounds need their test HQ.

Do we need more judges?
CKC may be looking for 2 more :lame: Sorry....I could not help myself


Region 1 has a good number of tests right now

12-14 testing days in region 1 and a few hours away region 2 has about 12 testing days each summer. These numbers do not include any upland tests either.

If you over work a club with more tests to run people get tired fast and stop helping clubs and just run dogs. Most tests are run year after year by the same SMALL group of members........no matter how big the club is. If people really want to help get more involved with you club, whatever you did for your clubs test last year, do more this year.

Kevin

[Huntmaster]

Kevin, that explained a lot, but in the end it sounds like you think the clubs are putting on enough test for the area, and any more will just tire them out. Are we not growing in members and dogs, or are we staying about the same each year. Is our club doing a test this year? Will other clubs help another club put on thier first test. And why are bird boys so hard to get, I know several lads that would love to come out for a day. You said HQ are needed and i can understand its not fair to ask over and over to use a members home, but cant we rent a small hall or even get a large tent just for these test, one like they use at weddings or the Plowing match that was just held, those were hudge!! You say HRC looks after the sponsors, but I know I could get a few and Im sure others could to, like your Vet, Pet Stores, Motels, Restaurants ect,,,
I wont touch your judge joke :icon1_lol: But I would like for me and Cathy to be one some day.
So what is it, do we have enough test or do we need more or should we be going to the US?
Can our clubs raise money to buy things like the tent or to help pay for the halls, is it legal?

[Kevin Hannah]

Is our club doing a test this year?
The Kingston club is growing and has every year for the past few years, we will be holding our test again this year in May again.


Will other clubs help another club put on thier first test.
We recived help from other clubs to get started, I have also helped quite a few clubs get themselves going. I know of lots of people that do WAY more than they are ever asked to do for any club, thats part of what makes it so great.


And why are bird boys so hard to get, I know several lads that would love to come out for a day.
It is just hard sometimes to find GOOD kids that will sit in the heat all day doing the same boring job over and over for you without complaining and making mistakes. We work really hard to keep the good ones over the years.


You said HQ are needed and i can understand its not fair to ask over and over to use a members home, but cant we rent a small hall or even get a large tent just for these test, one like they use at weddings or the Plowing match that was just held, those were hudge!!

We have like most other clubs have a spot we use for our HQ, we also rent a tent. The trouble with halls is they usually come with a rental fee and you can also have some trouble with people drinking. We have been there done that and will stick to the HQ at a members house surounded be our test grounds.


You say HRC looks after the sponsors, but I know I could get a few and Im sure others could to, like your Vet, Pet Stores, Motels, Restaurants ect,,,
They have national sponsors which help the clubs out a bit. We solicite raffle prizes from local businesses and promote them in our program. This is probably what you are refering to. You can never have enough of these people to help support the club.


So what is it, do we have enough test or do we need more or should we be going to the US?
There is always room for more but I think we (region 1) do ok, I travel to the US a couple times a year and really like going down to region 2 for there tests.


Can our clubs raise money to buy things like the tent or to help pay for the halls, is it legal?
Yes they can raise money, it is a non profit organization so the club should not hord a ton of money but there is no problem with a club saving up a bit to invest in more equipment for the club.

I think I touched on everything.

Kevin

[3 black dogs]

Tom there are several issues with all the dog games the HRC is struggling in Canada and will continue to untill a few things change. I am not going to elaberate on them as everyone who knows me knows how I feel about this issue. I Titled 4 dogs in the hrc last year and only ran one test in Canada so that basically tells you what I think of it. It is a great organisation but needs some work up here in the north.
good luck with your dogs next year and go out and enjoy them.

Chris

[rleclair]

Huntmaster (Tom),

Kevin has done a GREAT job explaining what is needed to have MORE tests in Region 1 - and the bottom line is PEOPLE. Good, solid, dedicated people is what makes these things happen. However, what has happened is there are not enough people like yourself that are willing to roll up their sleeves and get dirty. We also need people to adminsitrative duties - which is sometimes harder to find!!

In my 8 years involved in UKC/HRC, I have witnessed several clubs fall by the wayside in Region 1 - No Frills (in Trent), Grey/Bruce (in Owen Sound), Near North (in Sudbury), Middlesex (in London) - to name just a few. Even Ottawa Valley did not have a hunt test last year (in 2006).

Looking at a few of the existing UKC/HRC clubs - there are several (like Luther Marsh HRC) that would love to put on a 2-day "back-to-back" hunt tests BUT it all boils down to PEOPLE. We tried to do this at Luther in 2005 and nearly killed ourselves trying to get it done.

IMHO, it boils down to the PEOPLE - and that goes for both UKC and CKC. If you don't have enough good solid people then you cannot have tests.


Randy

[Huntmaster]

Very interesting read from both Chris and Randy!
Chris I hope you will tell me your story so I can put my efforts in the right place. I plan on bringing in a few more members next year from my area, but want to act like a group here in Gananoque also. As a group we can maybe travel together to these test and offer our help when not running our dogs, or even split it up over the two days there! Call me 613-382-7905 or PM me with your number to call you, I don't pay for long distance calls with my server. Great news about your dogs passes.

Randy, Kevin did do a great job explaining! You say in 8 years all those clubs went under (wayside).
let me tell you how I looked at HRC/UKC when I first started, I thought that I would have to work my way up to even get to act as a bird boy for them. And yes I thought these clubs were getting rich running these test and wouldn't want to have me as a helper. In no way did I think my help and others were needed so badly. So I'm sure there are several more dog owners that run HRC test thinking the same as me. Maybe its time to educate these guys like me on what is needed to keep our clubs healthy.
I understand getting members to fill administrative duties will be harder, but HRC brags about who they have as members, I copied this off the HRC site:

The substantial membership of HRC are devout outdoorsmen, women and young people. 17% of HRC members are under 30 years of age, 38% are age 30-40, and 45% are over 40. This diverse membership includes responsible hunting individuals from all walks of life, including a brain surgeon, FBI Special Agent, NASA Engineer, Lawyers, Secretaries, Housewives, Ministers, Garage attendants, Students, etc. As a group, 53% of HRC members have graduated from college or have advanced degrees, and 85% have some college or higher. We strongly encourage family participation. The HRC is a magnificent organization that helps to teach discipline, responsibility, hard work and accomplishment to our young people in the out of doors - away from the television set!

So that tells me we have these fine people here in Canada, we just have to get them involved like they are in the USA. I strongly feel there are thousands of new dog owners that would love to join the HRC/UKC but dont understand how easy it is.
I will do all I can to help anyone that ask me here in my area about training their dog, the first thing I will say is join the HRC!
What can we all do here on the board! Thanks, Chris & Randy

[Drew Good]

While I am not associated with a HRC club I can echo Kev's and Randy's comments. When we put on our Field Trials and Hunt tests ( CKC ) we have a hell of a time finding people that are willing to be bird boy's. I know our club lines up more people that are needed and it is good as most of the time some do not show up and we just scrape by. Most of the time it is us the club member's out in the field tossin birds and let me tell you it is a long day but it can also be a good learning experience. When I was working our spring trial I was able to watch some amazing dog work and study the handler's very closely, I learned alot that day.

And as for getting rich, nothing can be further from the truth. While you might make some money on one event or break even there are the times that you lose money ( we did at our hunt test ).

Drew

[Sharon]

Same with pointing breed field trials. People complain when we dont have a trial but never offer to help. Our best members are the old guys who know how to work and what's required to run a good trial. There are NO MORE POINTING BREED CKC trials in Ontario now. Still hard for me to believe. Hunt tests are booming but most of the dogs there have never really hunted. JMO

[Kevin Hannah]

I can promise you our club is not making any money. Is that a bad thing, not really. We have a good amount of equipment right now and free that it is MORE important to put on a GOOD test without cutting corners and breaking even (hopefully) for the year than it is to make money.

We (Kingston HRC) as a club feel we put on a very good test for people to come to and enjoy them selves, if we make a little money that is a bonus.

Kevin

[Huntmaster]

You might have taken me wrong Kevin, I said when I first started that I thought there was money being made. I now know this is far from true, but wish the clubs could make some money to help better the HRC so maybe they can be recognized by AKC & CKC. I wanted all the clubs to know how some look at any group they want to be a part of in hope we can change their first impression, and ask to help out! Im sure others looked at the clubs the way I first did!
Nothing wrong with making money to better a good thing!

[Kevin Hannah]

You might have taken me wrong Kevin, I said when I first started that I thought there was money being made. I now know this is far from true, but wish the clubs could make some money to help better the HRC so maybe they can be recognized by AKC & CKC. I wanted all the clubs to know how some look at any group they want to be a part of in hope we can change their first impression, and ask to help out! Im sure others looked at the clubs the way I first did!
Nothing wrong with making money to better a good thing!

I agree with that, Any time we do earn some additional money through fund raising or profits from our test we reinvest it in the club. Usually by getting more equipment.

Kevin

[Tim]

I've entered alot of tests in the US and more often than not the bird boys are from a local Boy Scout Troop, seems like a win-win situation for both the Club and the Scouts.
If you are paying the bird boys and a baseball, hockey, soccer, etc.. team is trying to raise money it may be an answer.
Tim

[Huntmaster]

Tim, that is an excellent idea, plus what better group to get interested in the dog sport. These kids are responsible boys and girls (Girl Guides) that would be a real asset to the HRC down the road. Great idea!!! :spoton:

[Kevin Hannah]

We used a local group like that for quite a few years. Most of ours are from the local high school, they require some community service time now to graduate. Some have come back after they have gotten all their time in because they have a good time.

Kevin

[Huntmaster]

Something I have really notice about this board and the OOD board is OOD gets more newbie's looking for simple advice, like where can I get my dog trained, where can I buy a good hunting dog, where can I train my dog ect,,,, But this board seems to have more experienced trainers. The point I'm trying to get at, is these are the new members for the clubs we are trying to reach. I find when these people ask these question's, the first thing I say and everyone else, is to join a club. I think the reason OOD gets more newbie's, is because of their Mag, and the fact these guys are looking for help. I know Case (Sharon) sends a lot of then here to ask about a club in their area! Some stay and some go, depending on how shy they are at asking for help!
would a new forum section just for newbie's be less intimidating, and could this forum section give name of trainers and groups to help them out. As clubs could we get together and have open days for everyone to come and ask questions and watch the club dogs at work. I know all the clubs already are open to newbie's and invite anyone to come out. But what about a set date for this and advertise it here. Each club pick one of their training days they want to use for recruiting new members. Most people need this kind of invite to get them out! What's everyone think!!!

[Anna Scott]

Recruting new members was one of the goals I set as Georgian Bay president this year. We have put together a package for perspective members that includes as much information as possible about our club and the UKC. I put in a DVD (very amateur) that shows what the club has to offer, 2 pamphlets( UKC & our own) a copy of the UKC magazine, general info (fees equipment needed etc) and an open invitation with dates to trainings and social events, and meetings including maps to the training areas. Finding new members is not an easy task, they have to make contact first. If this board can be used as a place to make the contact then I will be more than happy to follow up.
Eden and I welcome all comers to the farm to train, as well.

[Huntmaster]

Anna, Thats outstanding, and just what the doctor ordered. I hope my group will take part in what you have put together and maybe even steal some of your ideas,,,,:greenwithenvy: :nice work:

[dan]

Huntmaster!

If you are looking to help out and plan to attend the Ottawa HRC Hunt Test in August....can I put you down as a gunner for one of the 'events'?

We were short a lot of guys last year.

Dan

[Huntmaster]

Dan, If you are asking me, I would be honoured to work as a gunner plus would like to ask my son (Will) to join in, he worked as a Bird Boy last year and enjoyed the experience. I will have a dog or two to run also, but my wife can handle that, YES put me down. My offer of gear stands also. Here is my number 613-382-7905. Thanks for the offer! Tom

[dan]

Dan, If you are asking me, I would be honoured to work as a gunner plus would like to ask my son (Will) to join in, he worked as a Bird Boy last year and enjoyed the experience. I will have a dog or two to run also, but my wife can handle that, YES put me down. My offer of gear stands also. Here is my number 613-382-7905. Thanks for the offer! Tom

Perfect thanks I will put you down. usually around August 12 weekend


Dan

[Huntmaster]

Perfect thanks I will put you down. usually around August 12 weekend


Dan

I know this post is old, but I never knew you replied Dan, Ill be there and looking forward to it. I will contact you around the 1st of the month (Aug). I hope my pups have got their Started before then, but if not it will be fun watching my wife run, she is a bit shy, this might break her of it! :boink: Cant wait! :spoton: