The Glorious Twelfth

Published on September 21, 2025
Duration: 13:13

The Glorious Twelfth marks the opening of the grouse season on August 12th, a tradition dating back to Victorian times. This video explores a novice pointer trial in the North York Moors, focusing on the intricate process of testing young bird dogs. It highlights the importance of dog work, handler skill, and understanding the nuanced rules of field trials, emphasizing that the experience and community are as valuable as the hunt itself.

Quick Summary

The Glorious Twelfth, August 12th, opens the grouse season, a tradition steeped in excitement. Novice pointer trials test young dogs on criteria like hunting style, pointing, and discipline. Strict rules apply, with disqualifications possible even after a successful shot, emphasizing the absolute standard required in competition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00The Glorious Twelfth: Opening of Grouse Season
  2. 00:20Focus on Dog Work and Learning
  3. 01:04A Glorious Day for the Trial
  4. 01:20Understanding the Trial Format
  5. 02:05Different Perspectives on Performance
  6. 02:49Strict Rules for the Dogs
  7. 03:43Passion for Shooting and Dog Work
  8. 04:27Dog's Run Time and Chances
  9. 04:57HPR Trials and Grading
  10. 05:56Morning Highlights and Learning
  11. 06:35Judging Criteria and Expectations
  12. 06:54The Toughness of Trialling Pointers
  13. 07:19Running into a Headwind
  14. 08:14Successful Point and Retrieve
  15. 08:33The True Meaning of the Day
  16. 08:59Confusion Over a Flushed Bird
  17. 09:47Judge's Action and Dog's Second Chance
  18. 10:31Judges Confer and Give Another Chance
  19. 10:57A Disqualified Run
  20. 11:35The Contrast of Success and Failure
  21. 11:50Modest Bag, Great Atmosphere
  22. 12:24A Privilege to Be Part of It

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Glorious Twelfth?

The Glorious Twelfth, celebrated on August 12th, marks the traditional opening day of the grouse hunting season in the UK. This date is deeply ingrained in sporting history and evokes a strong sense of excitement and anticipation among hunters and dog enthusiasts.

What is a novice pointer trial?

A novice pointer trial is a competition designed to test the skills of young or less experienced bird dogs, specifically pointers. It simulates a real hunting scenario, evaluating the dogs' ability to find, point, and hold game birds according to strict Kennel Club regulations.

What are the key criteria for judging dogs in a pointer trial?

Judges assess dogs on numerous criteria, including their hunting style, how well they cover the ground, the quality of their point, their ability to work scent effectively without lingering unnecessarily, and their discipline in not running in on birds or flushing them prematurely.

How does wind affect a grouse hunting trial?

Wind plays a critical role. A favorable wind helps dogs scent birds, while a 'cheek wind' (from the wrong direction) makes it harder for dogs to work and can cause birds to flush further away. Judges often adjust their expectations based on wind conditions.

Can a dog be disqualified in a trial even if a bird is shot?

Yes, absolutely. The standard in trials is absolute. A dog can be disqualified for infractions like running in on a bird, even if the gunner successfully shoots it. This highlights the strict adherence to rules required in competitive field trials.

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