(Europe-Czech Republic) – A Slovak photographer’s perspective on the deep-rooted hunting traditions of the Czech Republic
I have been involved in hunting photography for years. Through my lens, I capture not only the beauty of nature and successful moments of hunting, but especially the deep bond between hunters and their dogs. It is a story of patience, tradition and unwavering devotion.
When I heard about the water trials for hunting dogs in Těšany, Moravia, I knew I had to be there. As a Slovak, living essentially in a neighboring hunting culture, I was particularly drawn to see the details and differences in approach that are typical of Czech traditions.
And I was right. What I saw was not just an organized competition, but a celebration of an ancient hunting culture. In a small Moravian village, dog handlers met with their four-legged partners to undergo a series of demanding tests that tested everything from natural instincts to precise training.
Official disciplines: The basis of hunting suitability
For a dog handler, participation in such tests is crucial. They not only confirm the dog’s training, but are also an important step towards recognizing its hunting suitability. Each discipline has its own precise purpose and together they form a comprehensive picture of the dog’s abilities.
Calmness at the shooting range: This discipline particularly stuck in my memory. The dog must demonstrate absolute calm and controllability near a body of water, even during shooting. No whining, no nervousness, no attempt to run away without reason. It is a test of discipline that is crucial for a reliable hunting companion.
Retrieving a duck from deep water: A classic that never gets old. The dog must go out on command, find a duck (often alive, but killed before the retrieve) and bring it back as quickly as possible. Speed, willingness, correct grip and smooth handing over the retrieve to the handler are appreciated.
Duck search in reeds (or in coastal cover): This discipline really shows off the dogs’ innate abilities. The handler sends the dog into dense coastal vegetation where a duck is hidden. The dog must work independently, use its sense of smell and perseverance to find it and successfully retrieve it.
Reed chase: This is a test of hunting instinct and independence at its best. The dog is sent into a large area of vegetation and is tasked with actively combing it. The judges watch how the dog works, whether it shows initiative and whether it is persistent. This is a key test demonstrating a full-fledged hunting instinct.
Competition “Těšanský Hastrman”: Specialized demonstrations of skills
In addition to the official tests, I also had the opportunity to watch the accompanying competition “Těšanský Hastrman 2025”. This part was more focused on spectator attractiveness and tested specialized skills that are often not found in regular tests.
Group relay duck retrieval through an Austrian fence: Watching this discipline was a powerful experience for me. The team of dogs worked in perfect synchronization. Each dog had to overcome a specially designed obstacle – the “Austrian fence” – to retrieve the duck and then make way for the next dog. The speed, coordination and accuracy of the handlers in guiding were admirable.
Searching and retrieving a distant duck on the water: This discipline tested the dogs’ memory and endurance. The duck was placed so far away that the dog often could not see it from the starting position. He had to rely on the handler’s instructions and his senses. Watching the dog swim with determination across a large body of water was a testament to exceptional training and a strong connection with his human.
A shared passion that transcends borders
For me, as a photographer and a hunter, Těšany was an inspiring experience. Although our hunting traditions and training details may differ slightly, the underlying passion and respect for nature and working dogs are the same. It was a powerful message that confirmed that hunting is not just about the hunt, but also about pride, responsibility and the bond between a person and their faithful companion.
I left the event with a number of breathtaking photographs and, above all, with a deep feeling that the traditions we value so much in our region are in good hands.
The organizer of the Tešanský Hastrman was Jaromír Gratcl, a prominent figure in Czech cynology.
The Journey to a Story – Adam Simandel
With every look into the lens, Adam Simandel looks for more than just an image. He looks for a story. His journey into the world of hunting photography is filled with a passion for details that escape ordinary sight: the sparkle in a dog’s eyes, the steady hand of a handler, or the silence that precedes action. Adam sees his work as an adventure that leads him to people and traditions. His photographs are not about him, but about them – about invisible bonds, about respect, and about the heritage that is passed down from generation to generation. Adam Simandel doesn’t just create images, he preserves the essence of the world he loves.
Europe vs. America: How do hunting dog water trials differ?
For hunters and dog handlers from around the world, it is always fascinating to watch hunting dog work. Each region has developed its own traditions that reflect the local landscape, types of hunting, and cultural values. When we look at water dog trials, we see significant differences between the European (especially Central European) and American approaches. While the goal is the same – to have a reliable and hard-working dog – the path to it is different.
Evaluation: Standards vs. Competition
In the United States, hunting trials are divided into two main categories: Hunt Tests and Field Trials.
Hunt Tests: These tests evaluate a dog according to a set standard. The dog either passes or fails. It is not a direct competition with other dogs, but rather whether the dog meets all the requirements at various levels (Junior Hunter, Senior Hunter, Master Hunter). The emphasis is on the dog’s accuracy and work in various terrains, simulating real hunting situations.
Field Trials: This is a direct competition. Dogs are evaluated and ranked from best to worst. This is a high level of competition, where speed and working style are especially appreciated. The successful dog becomes a champion (Field Champion).
In Central Europe, including Slovakia and the Czech Republic, trials are often a combination of both. There are mandatory disciplines that a dog must complete in order to gain hunting suitability, which is a condition for it to be actively used in hunting. These trials have strict scoring that determines whether the dog passes or not. However, there are also competitions (such as the Těšanský Hastrman) where dogs are directly compared and winners are declared.
Discipline specifics: Emphasis on versatility
European trials place great emphasis on the versatility of the dog. These tests include a wide range of disciplines that test all aspects of the job. Disciplines such as “Chasing in Reeds” or “Tracking a Duck in Coastal Cover” test not only retrieving, but also finding game and independence.
In contrast, American tests are often more specialized in nature. Retrievers are trained primarily for retrieving, while other breeds have their own specific tasks. In Europe, a dog is expected to be a full-fledged hunting partner in a variety of situations and environments.
The discipline “Quiet on the Stand”, which we saw in Těšany, is a great example of this. It requires the dog to be absolutely still even when shooting, which is a critical quality for a reliable hunting dog. Although similar requirements exist in American tests, in Europe it is particularly emphasized.
Unique disciplines: Těšanský Hastrman and the “Austrian fence”
An American reader would undoubtedly be interested in unique disciplines that do not appear on their continent. The “Těšanský Hastrman” competition with its special disciplines such as the “Group duck relay through the Austrian fence” is clear proof of this.
What is an “Austrian fence”? Although it is not a generally known term in cynology, in this context it is a special obstacle designed for teamwork of dogs. It is an obstacle that dogs have to jump over in order to reach the retrieve. This discipline perfectly illustrates the added value of European competitions, which are not only about individual performance, but also about teamwork and the ability of dogs to work in non-standard situations.
While the American scene often focuses on speed and style, Central Europe emphasizes the versatility, discipline and practical usefulness of the dog. Despite these differences, however, the underlying passion for working dogs and respect for nature is universal. Whether a dog is trained in the swamps of America or the ponds of Moravia, its loyalty and determination are the same.