We have moved to Kent Sweezy's Stick Pond Property, directions are located in the online training and testing manual.
Weather conditions were challenging and wet when we arrived. It was pouring rain while the grounds crew, bird stewards, and marshal's were working to set the test up. We are standing on the top of a hill with the mat facing Northwest. We are over-looking this very busy stick pond, there must be 200 dead trees sticking out of the water. A ducky setting in this rainy weather. The wind is blowing lightly out of the East.
The first bird to be thrown in this water triple is straight up the middle of the test situated on a side-hill about 40-50 yards deep of the end of this stick pond. This bird is a dead Hen Pheasant thrown to left landing in medium to heavy native grasses. This mark is measuring at 250 yards and retires into a clump of trees. (Long Retired)
The next mark to be thrown in a swing to the right and shallow of the first mark. This mark measures at a distance of 109 yards and is situated deep of the water's edge next to two pine trees where the gunner's retire in an invisible holding blind. This is a dead drake Mallard thrown to the right, landing on the side of the pond in heavy cover. (Right Retired)
The go-bird and Flyer of the test is a Drake Mallard Flyer. This is a tough bird for the dogs to stay still and watch as it is thrown hard angle back to the left landing just off of the shoreline in the open water. The Flyer is only 40 yards from the line and has a sluice. The are the only guns to stay out.
Another challenging test, again putting the Judges in total control. If the dogs manage to retrieve all three birds the test will take between 14-16 mins per dog. (Flyer)