My Journey to Hegewald 2024: A DeutschDrahthaar Adventure
## The Koch Family: Our German Hosts
We were welcomed to Germany with open arms by the Koch family. They live approximately three hours from the test site and had agreed to help us find some wild game to further prepare for the test. The hospitality they showed us was exceptional. Three square meals a day and some of the best cooking I’ve ever had. I can’t say enough good about the way we were treated by the Koch family.
We spent approximately three days doing water retrieves, tracking German hair, and working on pointing with wild pheasants and partridge. Our spare time was dedicated to discussions about dogs and training methods. Albert has trained many dogs and had a wealth of knowledge to share with me. These pre-test training sessions proved invaluable for our preparation for Hegewald.
## Chief’s Hegewald Adventure
Chief passed the Hegewald test, but not without some challenges. He really struggled with cooperation, getting quite excited by the hare, roe deer, and wild birds. At times, it seemed like he thought listening was optional! However, his enthusiasm truly shined during the duck search, where he earned an impressive 12-point score. He produced four or five live ducks, which was an incredible display of his hunting skills.
The real test of his temperament came when it was time to exit the water. Chief had other plans and wasn’t quite ready to end his duck-hunting adventure. This reluctance to come out further impacted his cooperation score. Despite the challenges, his performance highlighted the raw potential and spirited nature of our DeutschDrahthaar.
## The Hegewald Celebration
After the rigorous testing, we experienced a time-honored tradition – the dog parade. Approximately 180 dogs paraded around a large field, each being introduced to the assembled crowd. The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the winner, a moment of pride and recognition for the top-performing team.
As the official events concluded, the atmosphere transformed into a friendly gathering. Handlers, judges, and dog enthusiasts shared beer, enjoyed lunch, and exchanged stories. I was the only American handler this year, but several other Americans were in attendance. These moments of camaraderie were invaluable, offering a chance to connect with fellow DeutschDrahthaar enthusiasts from around the world and share our passion for this exceptional breed.
## A Hunting Finale
The day after the dog parade and banquet, we were fortunate to go on a small game hunt. This was the perfect capstone to our Hegewald adventure. Surrounded by fellow hunting enthusiasts, we shared camaraderie, swapped stories, and enjoyed the fruits of our dogs’ training.
The entire experience was extraordinary, with only one significant challenge – the logistics of transporting a dog to and from Germany. Despite the transportation hurdles, I would absolutely love to return and participate again. The connections made, the skills learned, and the memories created far outweigh the complexities of international travel.
To my fellow club members, this journey reinforced the incredible spirit of the DeutschDrahthaar breed and the global community of hunters who share our passion. Chief may have had his moments of excitement during the test, but our bond and shared experiences are what truly matter.
