Mid-Atlantic Hunting Spaniel Club
Club
Events
Throughout the year, the MAHSC conducts activities such as:
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​periodic club meetings
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annual picnic and sporting clays shoot
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AKC licensed Spaniel Field Trials
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AKC licensed Spaniel Hunting Tests
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Water Trial
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Grouse Hunt Trial
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organized training events
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seminars
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Hunt Tests
As a club, we are active in the AKC spaniel Hunt test program, typically conducting two tests each year. The Spaniel Hunting Tests are a non-competitive evaluation of the dogs in actual hunting situations to determine their suitability and abilities as hunting companions. There are three levels of testing: Junior, Senior, and Master, each with increased levels of testing requirements. Participation in the program allows the dogs to obtain official AKC field titles (Junior Hunter, Senior Hunter, and Master Hunter).

Field Trials
Annually the club tries to put on a Cocker Spaniel Field Trial. Typically these are run on chukar partridge or pheasants. The trial is typically held in the spring, held at varying venues. This trial typically spans over multiple days and includes Open, Amateur, and Puppy stakes.

Grouse Trial
Our annual Grouse Hunt Trial is run on chukar partridge planted in wooded cover to simulate ruffed grouse hunting. Conducted in February, this event offers a different venue at a time when we are all suffering from cabin fever. The Grouse Hunt Trial is a competitive fun trial with awards for the dogs that are placed. This trial consists of separate stakes for puppies, gun dogs , and an open all age stake for advanced dogs.

Water Trial
Our annual Water Trial, held at the end of summer, provides ideal seasonal relief for our canine companions as well as a good warm-up for the upcoming hunting seasons. The Water Trail is a competitive fun trial with awards for the dogs that are placed. This trial consists of marked water retrieves, with separate stakes for puppies and gun dogs (all single retrieves) and an open all age stake for advanced dogs (single and double retrieves).

Training Events and Seminars
At our training sessions you will have an opportunity to work your dogs on live birds and share training and handling techniques with other spaniel enthusiasts.
You may also learn the requirements and roles of various workers needed to conduct a successful Spaniel Hunt Test or Field Trial.
