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Events

Mock Walking Field Trial – October 29

Get ready for the fall field trial season with a mock AKC field trial/training day!

This event will run just like an AKC walking trial but will allow training:

  • E-collars, tracking collars, and rewards are allowed
  • You may correct your dog during your run
  • No dogs will be picked up unless you decide to
  • Feedback may be offered, but there will be no judges or placements

It’s the perfect way to introduce a young dog to trialing, troubleshoot issues, or build your own confidence as a handler as the fall trial season kicks off! Spectators welcome to walk behind the handlers.

Hosted by Terry Ann Fernando, Accidental Bird Dog, LLC.

Date & Location

Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 8am to conclusion
Location: The Bowden Tract, Sandhills Game Land, Hoffman, NC (GPS coordinates: 34.96058, -79.5369)

Format

We will run a maximum of 10 braces (20 dogs). Dogs may only be entered once. If the event fills, I will start a waitlist and notify you if a spot opens up.

Puppy Runs (20 minutes each)
Ideally for puppies 6–15 months of age. If you have a young dog that hasn’t been exposed to gunfire and they’re older than 15 months, you can still run them. No birds will be planted and no blank pistols will be fired if the dogs encounter birds.

Derby Runs (30 minutes)
Ideally for young dogs 6–24 months of age. Quail will be planted on the course and a blank gun will be fired if the dog points a bird. Steadiness/backing is not expected. If your dog is older than 24 months and not broke, you can still enter them in this.

Gun Dog Runs (30 minutes)
For advanced dogs, 6 months and older. Quail will be planted on the course and a blank gun will be fired if the dog points a bird or stops to flush. Dogs should be fairly steady to wing and shot, but this is a training opportunity, so feel free to enter even if your dog doesn’t have “perfect” manners yet. Dogs do not need to be called into backing situations. If one dog finds a bird and the other dog doesn’t see the pointing dog, the handler and dog will go on, just like in a real field trial. Dogs will also not be called into birds. Handlers should keep walking forward on the course.

Bitches in season may run and will be placed at the end of the running order.

Course & Birds

  • This will be a walking trial on mostly flat ground
  • The course is primarily piney woods with some open fields
  • Birds will planted from UTVs or from foot and bobwhite quail will be used for Derby and Gun Dog runs. Wild woodcock may be present.
  • All pointing breeds welcome, even non-AKC field trial eligible pointing breeds (e.g., Pudelpointers)
  • Dogs may wear e-collars and GPS collars
  • NO HORSES allowed. NC Wildlife doesn’t allow them in this tract unfortunately.
  • There will be no retrieving. Blank pistols only.

Grounds

This event will be held at the Bowden Tract, Sandhills Game Land, Hoffman, NC (GPS coordinates: 34.96058, -79.5369). Vehicles with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive are recommended because the roads leading to the site are unpaved and sandy.

There are no facilities (no bathrooms, no shelter), so please plan accordingly. The parking area is just an open field.

Make sure to bring:

  • Plenty of water for you and your dog
  • Lunch/snacks (food will NOT be provided or available)
  • A hunting license from your state (per NC Wildlife rules, people handling dogs in field trials in NC need a valid hunting license)
  • A stakeout for your dog if you’d like
  • A folding chair (optional)

Cost

  • Puppy: $15 per dog
  • Derby: $30 per dog
  • Gun Dog: $30 per dog

Fees include birds and will offset the cost of the event permit and gas for bird planting vehicles.

Weather

The mock field trial will be held rain or shine unless there is a significant storm. Participants will be emailed in advance to let you know that the trial has been postponed.

Registration

Register using the form below. Registration will close Friday, October 23rd.  A running order will be drawn after closing and emailed to all participants. Refunds/withdrawals will be accepted until closing. No refunds after closing. Note: the charge will appear as “On Point Design” on your credit card statement.

Questions?

Email Terry Ann at terryann@accidentalbirddog.com or call (443) 745-6369.

I’m looking forward to a great event! :)

Registration Form and Payment

Females in heat will be run last.
Participants, either as competitors or observers, will not hold Accidental Bird Dog, LLC nor its officers, directors or members, or NC Wildlife liable for any accidents or illness involving anyone attending the mock field trial, UTVs/ATVs, dogs, birds and/or equipment.
Please enter each dog in only one stake. If you have another dog, you'll need to fill this form out twice.
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mock field trial