HISTORY
Guidelines and rules for the Hunting Instinct Test were approved by the PBGVCA Board of Directors in May of 2000 and published in the June 2000 Saber Tails. In March of 2001 PBGV owners from across the country and their hounds gathered in Concord, NC for the first Hunting Instinct Test. The title Hunting Instinct Certified is granted by the PBGVCA and will be designated by the suffix title HC in all PBGVCA records.

WHAT TO WEAR
Comfortable shoes are a must. A day spent walking on very uneven ground, with the possibility of low areas being wet or mucky is made enjoyable if you have on comfortable shoes. Some things to consider when looking for the perfect pair of shoes for fieldwork are support, especially for your ankles, and waterproofing to repel the early morning dew. A pair of hiking boots is ideal or high top tennis shoes. Add a pair of heavy socks for blister control.

You will probably have to go into the scrub areas, kick some of the brush piles, and maybe even tangle with some blackberry brambles. Heavy denim jeans will protect your legs from scratches and are less likely to get caught on sticks or thorns than polyester. Sweatshirts or tightly woven jackets are less likely than sweaters to get hung up in the brushy areas.

Dressing in layers is advisable. Of course conception of warm and cold will also depend on which area of the country you call home.

Other items that you should try to pack along are: A hat to keep the sun at bay; some rain gear, a waterproof jacket, poncho, or rain suit in case of a shower; and sun block if you have sensitive skin.WHAT TO BRING
A pair of binoculars. When a PBGV is hot on the trail of a rabbit they are moving very fast.

A camera to catch the great time everyone is having. You probably will not have any trouble finding someone to photograph you and your favorite PBGV hunting those bunnies. 

Folding chairs for down time, sitting and chatting, and resting one’s feet.THINGS FOR YOUR PBGV

• Water and a bowl
• Flat collar and leash — NO HANGING TAGS ON THE FLAT COLLARS.
• Crate – or some other secure place for your PBGV to rest.
• Scoops, plastic baggies, etc. for clean up - Please clean up after your hound in traffic area.
• Towels – and perhaps some waterless cleaner to clean you PBGV no matter what they encounter.
• Brush and comb – PBGV coats sometimes have the tendency to pick up things such as leaves, dead grass, small twigs, etc.

Other suggested items for your PBGVs comfort:

• PAM spray – some people say this helps keep unwanted leaves etc. from sticking to the coat. A PBGV might find the spray a distraction or may spend more time trying to lick it off than hunting. If coat is a concern, it is suggested you try the spray before the HIT
• Insect repellent