Hello Handlers and congratulations on qualifying for the 2026 Master National Hunt Test. The 2026 event is well underway and the MNRC Foundation hopes you have been noticing handlers that are deserving of the Handler of the Year Awards.
A detailed list of the criteria used to consider any handler for an award are found on the MNRC website under the Awards Program tab and go to MRNC Foundation Awards. A short synopsis of the criteria includes:
- The handler and dog(s) are entered in the 2026 MNRC Hunt Test
- The handler exhibits all of the tenets of the AKC Sportsmanship Code
- The handler handles his/her dog(s) in every series the dog qualifies to run
- The handler trains or actively participates in the routine training of the dog(s)
- The handler supports the MNRC event and actively supports those events that lead up to the MNRC Hunt Test.
- The handler exhibits proper care of his/her dog(s).
- The handler meets all of the detailed criteria for the award for which he/she is being nominated.
New this year will be an official award nomination form. This form is available Here.
Only those nominations made using the new form and completely filled out will be considered. The hope of the review committee is that this will encourage more nominations and will put each nomination on a level playing field.
Again, congrats on making it to Oregon and we hope each of you has a great experience at the 2026 MNRC Hunt Test.
The MNRC Foundation Board of Directors