The Double Marked Retrieve

Requirements

Body of water mostly of swimming depth, a minimum of 2-3 acres with no, or very little, vegetation A small six to ten decoy spread near the line, but not in line with the marks Two freshly dispatched ducks of medium size Blind Unloaded break open shotgun Two blank shells

Execution

The handler will heel their dog off lead, fifty to one hundred yards, on a clearly defined path to the water’s edge. Once the dog is positioned, the handler will be given two blank shells. On signal from a Judge, the first mark will be thrown into open water at approximately 50 yards from the dog and handler. While the duck is in mid-air, the handler will swing and fire one blank at the duck. Shortly after the first duck hits the water the second duck will be thrown, its trajectory arcing across the line to the first mark and landing approximately 20 yards from the dog and handler. While the second duck is in mid-air the handler will swing and fire one blank at the duck. Once the dog has demonstrated steadiness to fall, the handler will send the dog to retrieve the second duck down (simulated cripple). After the dog picks up that duck, a diversion shot will be fired. Once the dog has completed the retrieve of the simulated cripple, the handler will hand the duck to the Judge. Without touching the dog, the handler will re-position the dog and send it to retrieve the first duck thrown.

Scoring

‘Handling’, as a means of directing the dog on a correct line to the duck is allowed during these sequences. A dog that completes the retrieves with efficiency, requiring only a minimal amount of direction, may receive a high score. Beyond this, any commands by the handler may reduce the dog’s score. To achieve a qualifying score, both ducks must be retrieved to hand, in the order prescribed above, with a minimum of commands.