2003 GSCA Championship Results

2003 National Championship

National Champion: FC/AFC Gunsmoke Rising

National Championship

(36 starters)

National Champion: FC/AFC Gunsmoke Rising "Smokey"

R-U: Sandy Creek Skedaddle "Rebel"

3rd: NAFC/FC/AFC Falcon's Jess "Jessie"

4th: Clearcut Grouse Tales "Tales"

JAM: Doubledee Falcon's Dawn "Dawn"

JAM: Prairie Star First Edition "Marge"

2003 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Judges: Larry McDonald & Ron Zook

Wednesday, October 16, 2002 beginning at 7:00 am., local (Eastern) time

The grounds for this event consist of many intersecting hedgerows, multiflora bushes (sticker bushes) known as “clumps” and some open hay ground. The course ran in a counterclockwise loop, starting with a north/south treeline that ran for approximately ½ mile. The north/south treeline intersected with what I will call the east/west treeline that extended the width of the course. This treeline has many “cuts” that allow the dogs/handlers/gallery to travel through. Continuing north from this east/west line, along the designated path, the course opens into a very wet hayfield, which I will call the “rice paddy”. The rice paddy area, about 40 acres, has a shallow drainage ditch on the right side that runs diagonal from the southeast to the northwest. At the north west corner of the rice paddy there is a pine grove a stand about an acre in size. The northern boundary of the rice paddy is flanked by multiflora clumps. From the clump area the course swings to the west through a prairie like area that allows the dogs to exhibit some reach and range. The prairie section is about a ¼ mile wide and about ½ mile long. There the horse path travels over a culvert and through a sparse north/south hedgerow. I refer to this as the north extension of “Bird Alley”, which is a local term for a specific area of the course that will be described later. As the path crosses the culvert/ sparse hedgerow, it leads the gallery on the north side of a small pond and then to a small meadow of maybe 10 acres in size. Once again this meadow is surrounded by hedgerows. In this meadow the course makes a U turn heading back to the east and further south of the entry to the meadow. Now as we head past the south side of the pond we travel to the area know as Bird Alley. Bird Alley consists of some intersecting hedgerows, the sparse north extension, the short east extension and the main hedgerow that runs north/south back to the major east/west treeline. As we pass through the east/west treeline the course opens into a hayfield that is bounded on the east by the north/south hedgerow that is used on the cast-off and another north/south hedgerow a ¼ mile to the west that runs for ½ mile to the road. If the brace needed additional space, they were taken across the road into a similar area.

The Running

The morning of April 2 bought clear skies, brisk winds from the southwest at about 25mph and a temperature about 45 degrees. The judges had some instructions; the gallery would remain with the trailing dog, only the handler, scout, owners, marshal/’s and scribe could continue with the lead dog. This was to prevent the gallery from drawing the trailing dog. They also told the handlers to “show us your dogs”, meaning the handlers could ride to best showcase their dog.

1A Joltn Joe. Jay. Dog. Handler: Robert Larsen.

1B Thunder Blade Smoken. Thunder. Handler: Ugo Pennacchietti.

This brace broke away at 7:12 a.m. Jay breaks for the treeline, Thunder works the hayfield area to the left. Both dogs working nicely to the front. About ¾ the way to the east/west treeline Thunder works to the right line. Jay proceeds through the cut with Thunder close behind. As he is about to go through a cut Thunder stops on point. The handler calls point at 6 min, with the wind at his rear. Ugo proceeds to flush. After a extended flushing attempt and relocation, the handler sends Thunder on. As Thunder reaches the multiflora, at 12 min., Thunder is called on point again. No bird is produced. The handler elects to pick-up. Jay is reported to have had a covey find and a single with proper manners displayed on both. At 37 min., somewhat after the meadow area, Jay has a breach in manners on a stop to flush and is picked-up.

2A DC Tartana Cutty Sark. Cutter. Dog. Handler: Jim Basham or Susan DeSilver.

2B FC/AFC Doubledee Sundancer. Sunny. Bitch. Handler: Walter Cruz.

Both dogs break away smartly with moderate range. At 9 min Walt calls point on the backside of the east/west treeline. However it appears that Cutter indeed has the find and Sunny is backing. Jim proceeds to flush, Sunny has a slight tick to her tail. At 10 Jim relocates Cutter and Walt takes Sunny on. Cutter busily hunts on the area to no avail. At 12 min both dogs are hunting together again. As the dogs break through into the clump area, between the larger clumps, at 13 min Cutter called on point. He displays nice intensity with a level tail. Sunny appears to be backing with a 10 o’clock tail, slight tick. Both dogs very close. As the judges did not see the find or back, a divided find was called, both handlers flush and both fire when a bird is produced. All in order. At 17 min, about 150 yards west of the previous bird work, Sunny on point with Cutter backing. Walt proceeds to flush. Sunny looses intensity/confidence during an extended flushing attempt. Walt relocates Sunny and she comes up empty. About 100 yards from her non productive Sunny scores a find, bird flown, well mannered through the shot until collared by Walt. Cutter is sent on and displaying decent reach to the short north/south brushline before and to the right of the culvert area. Cutter cautiously hunts out the area and goes on point at 21 min. Soon after Sunny is sent on from her find, she rather cautiously hunts out an area in the hayfield, quite unsure looking. Walt dismounts and decides to flush. Jim relocates Cutter. At 24, Jim elects to send Cutter on and is charged a non productive. Non productive charged to Sunny at 27 min. As we cross the culvert Sunny working very close, sometimes behind Walt, seems to struggle with the fierce wind in her face. Both dogs approaching Bird Alley. At 38 min Cutter called on point by Jim. Cutter assumes a low stance in the front, tail below level. Bird produced, all in order. At 40 min Walt is working a bird on the major east/west treeline, shot fired, all in order. 45 min. Cutter charged with a non productive on the last north/south treeline 200 yard before the road crossing. Both dogs working quite close in the closing minutes of the allotted time.

3A Sandy Creek Duke. Duke. Dog. Handler: Jim Heckert

3B Glenhaven Silent But Deadly. Isabel. Bitch. Handler: Dale Chu.

At cast off both dogs together and interested in each other. Jim rides over and gets Dukes attention. Duke to the left treeline exhibiting a cracking tail and animated gait. Isabel working at a handy gun dog range. At 12 min, in the clumps, Duke on point with a 12 o’clock tail in a picturesque pose with Isabel backing. At 19 min just past the culvert, Isabel is on point, seemingly standing, bird produced and all in order. At the same time Duke is hunting the line, bird in the air. Handler picks up for not stopping. At 27 min Isabel on point, bird produced, all in order. At 35 min Isabel on point, dog moves in on own accord, bird in the air, ordered up.

4A Prairie Star High Noon. Cooper. Dog. Handler: Jim Basham.

4B NFC/FC/AFC McGovern’s Rave Review. Ray. Dog. Handler: Trena Cardwell.

Both dogs away strongly at the start, Cooper working very forward to the east/west treeline. Ray more at a moderate gundog range. Ray checks the length of the east/west treeline. Cooper was here previously and checked at one of the cuts and is now gone again. Cooper checks with Jim at the treeline and is off to the front again centered on the rice paddy and powerfully forward to the clumps. Ray hunts through the rice paddy area as well. Cooper is working closer to Jim now as we make the turn to the west. Ray appears to want to back Cooper at the dead tree clump, but as we get closer to the clump both dogs on the move. As we proceed across the large hayfield area Ray appears to have trouble with the wind. Cooper demonstrates a fluid/powerful ground covering gait. As we cross the culvert Cooper makes a move to the south to Bird Alley to no avail. A very fast brace as we cross the road at 37 min., but no bird work to this point. 42 min, Ray with a find on the left treeline, bird produced, shot fired, all in order. We now are on the south treeline on the clubhouse side on the course, Ray having a very consistent gun dog course. Cooper going birdless.

5A Doubledee Falcons Dawn. Dawn. Bitch. Handler: Walter Cruz.

5B Tomar’s Victory Renegade SH CD. Nike. Bitch. Handler: Janet Grunbok.

Temperature about 70 degrees now. Both dogs break away and hunt at moderate gun dog range exhibiting a smooth gait. Nike does appear to hunt a more mature course. Both dogs through the break on the east/west treeline, Dawn to the pines, Nike hunts right side of course. As Nike breaks through the clump area, at 9 min. she hunts the extreme borders of the course and then off course to the north for a short jaunt. Janet has Nike back on course as we cross the culvert. Dawn hunts the western edge of the meadow to no avail. At 25 min Walt calls point just past the exit of the meadow. Dawn very stylish, bird produced, all in order. Nike at 34 min on point, intense, with Dawn backing. Janet attempts to flush, relocates, Walt takes Dawn on. Nike charged with a non productive. Nike with a determined, independent course at the end of her allotted time goes birdless.

6A Tartana Hacasak Ojibwa Wind. Matty. Bitch. Handler: Jim Basham.

6B Timberfin Blazing Teal JH. Teal. Dog. Handler: Cynthia L. Findley.

This is the first brace after the lunch break, temperature about 75 degrees. Matty breaks to the left line, Teal breaks for the hayfield. Matty showing more range than Teal, although Teal counters with flowing, fluid gait. As we approach the east/west treeline, Jim sends his scout. Matty found on point at 6 min by scout on the extreme west side of the east/west treeline, more to where we would come back through on the return. Shot fired, all in order. At 10 min Teal on point in the clumps, shot fired, all in order. As we swing to the west, both dogs become rather handy fighting into the stiff southwest wind. We circle the meadow and at 26 min. Teal called on point before Bird Alley, very stylish, high tail. Birds seen running, judge instructs handler to fire, all in order. Matty on point at 29 min in Bird Alley, with Teal headed that direction. Bird produced, shot fired and all in order. At the east/west treeline Teal picked-up, at 33 min., for a breach in manners on a stop to flush. Matty called on point at 38 min by handler. Matty lets down due to a very lengthy flushing attempt. Dog is relocated, then sent on at 42 min. At 44 min, just before the road crossing, Jim calls point, Matty level tail and intense. Bird produced, shot fired, all in order.

7A Clearcut Grouse Tales. Tales. Dog. Handler: Greg Dixon.

7B NAFC/FC/AFC Falcons Jess. Jessie. Bitch. Handler: Jim D’Amico

At the cast-off both dogs are trading the lead to the east/west treeline. Both hunt this line from west to east. Jessie and Tales through the cut. As we clear the cut at 6 min, on the east side of the cut Tales appears to be backing, standing a considerable distance off the line, high tail and very intense. Jessie is found on point buried in the woods on the west side of the cut. Greg dismounts and walks in front of Tales, points out a dead bird and sends him on. At the same time Jim works the cover for Jessie, birds running, shot fired, all in order. Tales makes a very forward cast to the clump area to a find at 12. Tales exhibiting a 11 o’clock tail and very intense, Greg flushes, shot fired, all in order. At 14 min a shot fired by Jim for Jessie at the large dead clump, all in order. Jessie has trouble with the wind on the backside of the course, countered by Tales who powers through. These two dogs seem equally matched, Tales the more forward of the two, attractive gaits and is a pleasing brace to watch. We cross the culvert Jessie takes the line to Bird Alley to a find at 21 min, where she is found standing with her tail somewhere between 10-11 o’clock, shot fired, all in order. Jessie cards another find at 35 min at the east/west treeline, birds running, judge instructs handler to fire, all in order. Tales stops to point across the road at 38 min with Jessie backing. Greg walks in to flush, lengthy, judge instructs Jim to take Jessie on. Tales charged non productive. This was a very exciting brace of two very well matched competitors.

8A NAFC/FC Ice Hots Cobb. Cobb. Dog. Handler: Greg Dixon.

8B FC/AFC Blackwatch Urban Renegade of Tomar. Watch. Bitch. Handler: Trena Cardwell

Watch takes the left line to the end at cast-off, Cobb running at a pleasant gun dog range quartering the hayfield. We clear the east/west treeline at 9 min and make the clump area at 12 with Cobb on point with Watch backing. Cobb low stance in front, bird produced, shot fired, all in order. In the western part of the clump area, Watch on point at 14 min, very intense, 10 o’clock tail. Birds are seen running, shot fired, all in order. In the meadow at 25 min, Cobb on point, tail some what above level, bird produced, shot fired, all in order. Watch hits Bird Alley at 28 min, on point, bird in air, shot fired all in order. At 35 min just into the finishing north/south treeline Cobb on point, Watch with a fantastic, intense back from 60 feet. Birds quickly produced, shot fired, all in order. At 37 min about half way down the finishing north/south line Watch on point with Cobb backing. Watch shows nice intensity, level tail. Bird flown, shot fired, all in order. Both dogs are sent on and about 50 feet south birds in the air, both dogs stop to flush nicely. Across the road at 42 min Watch on point with Cobb backing. Bird produced, all in order.

9A Par’s Falcon On The Prowl. Tiger. Dog. Handler: Roy Smith

9B Sandy Creek Skedaddle. Rebel. Dog. Handler: Jim Heckert

Both dogs well to the front at cast off to the east/west treeline, Rebel hunts the line from west to east all the way to the road. Both dogs display a smooth effortless gait. At 6 min on the north side of the east/west treeline, Tiger with a find, Rebel with a stylish back. Bird flown, shot fired, all in order. At 13 min Rebel has a find at the clumps, very stylish high head high tail. Rebel maintains his composure through a extended flushing attempt. A relocation for Rebel ends in a stop to flush. Tiger with a find at 15 min just west of Rebels find at an opening. Shot fired for Tiger. As I head to Tiger he’s on a rope, breach in manners. At the treeline guarding the entrance to the meadow Rebel scores a find at 20 min. Again very stylish through the flush and shot, all in order. Rebel hunts through themeadow and off to Bird Alley with no luck. At 35 min Rebel on point at the east/west treeline. Again very stylish high head, high tail, bird flown, shot fired, proper manners displayed. Across the road at 44 min Rebel with another find, shot fired, all in order. This dog retains his style throughout the birdwork, never letting down.

10A FC The Carolina Connection. Charley. Dog. Handler: Bill Holloway.

10B Wyld Heather Bright Star JH. L.B. Bitch. Handler: Matt Czarnecki

Charley boldly to the front down the left treeline to the east/west treeline, L.B. quartering the hayfield. Charley on point at 7 min, level tail slight ticking, dog staunches up as handler approaches. Bird running, instructed to fire, all in order. Charley spots his bracemate ahead and catches up quickly. At 12 min, Matt elects to pick-up as he is displeased with L.B’s performance. Charley on point at 15 min. in the clump area. Again ticking as handler approaches. Charley styles up when he sees the handler coming in to flush. Now showing a 10:30 tail. Birds run, shot fired, proper manners displayed. He holds his style through the flush and shot. Charley is sent on through the large hayfield section of the course, displaying nice gun dog range, quartering the wind. At the clumps before the meadow, at 25 min, Charley on point slight ticking. Bill produces the bird which chooses to fly over Charley’s head, small turn to mark, shot fired, all in order. Dog making game at 35 min, now on point in the treeline after the meadow area. Bill proceeds to flush to no avail, walks back and relocates. Charley moves up and goes on point with a very low stance. Handler elects to pick-up after conversation with the judges.

That concludes the first day of running. Stiff winds from the west-southwest seemed to cause problem for the majority in the stake. Sunny were absolutely clear, temperature around 70 during mid-day. The dog that stands out for me at this point is Rebel, with Jessie, Tales, Watch and Ray in the mix somewhere.

11A FC/AFC Gunsmoke Rising. Smokey. Dog. Handler: James Basham.

11B NFC/FC Falcons Buford. Buford. Dog. Handler: Rus Chisena.

This is the first brace of the second day. Again brisk wind from the southwest, temperature in the 40’s with bright cloudless skies. Both dogs break well to the front on the opening treeline, Smokey the more determined at the start. At 6 min Rus approaching the east/west treeline with Buford appearing to make game. Both handlers speeding up to check their charges on the north side (blind side) of the line. At 7 min as the judges and gallery pass through the cut, both handlers have their dogs in hand. (This was explained to the judges as a find for Buford, a back for Smokey. The bird wild flushed before the judges arrived) At 8 min Jim calls point for Smokey where the drainage ditch intersects the clump area. Smokey exhibiting a high tail, with slight crouch on front. Jim proceeds to flush, the birds run, Smokey with level tail, shot fired, all in order. At 12 min Smokey scores a find at the dead tree clump, higher tail than previous, bird produced, shot fired, all in order. At 13 min Buford on point slightly southwest of Smokey’s find, tail 10 o’clock, slight tick. Rus elects to relocate. Buford cautiously hunts out the area until a bird pops, the handler whoas the dog, fires, proper manners displayed. At 18 min Smokey cards a level tailed find just south of the culvert on the north/south extension of Bird Alley. Birds are produced, shot fired, proper manners displayed. Both dogs having trouble with the wind. Buford following the course, Smokey due to his previous find is entering the meadow from the outlet. At 22 min Jim calls point for Smokey at one of the cuts leading out of the meadow, Buford coming past Smokey from behind and then backs with some encouragement. Smokey looks back to Buford, level tail. After a lengthy flushing attempt, Jim produces a bird some 30 yards down the line. Shot fired, proper manners displayed by both dogs. Both dogs sent on towards Bird Alley. Smokey has find in the same area as earlier, bird produced, all in order. Jim sends Smokey on and at 30 min both dogs are on point in Bird Alley. Buford has his find on the east/west part of Bird Alley, Smokey has his in the main part. Buford with a 10 o’clock tail, birds running then flown, shot fired, all in order. At this point I went with Buford, it was reported that Smokey had another find in Bird Alley, and find at the east/west treeline about 38 min. Buford with a find on the east/west treeline at 33 min, level tail. Before Rus dismounts Buford moves up and establishes point with a 10 o’clock tail. This bird is very polite and flys strongly, a shot fired, proper manners displayed. Buford sent on at 33 min and very cautious through the hayfield working close to Rus. About half way down the closing line, Buford on point at 38 min. Again a polite bird, a shot fired, all in order. At 44 min just across the road, Buford with a buried find with Smokey coming. Smokey working the cover, notices Buford and backs as time expires. Bird produced for Buford, proper manners displayed by both dogs.

12A Milomix Checkers. Chec. Dog. Handler: John Ward.

12B FC Sierra Nevada Hot Tip Tip. Bitch. Handler: Trena Cardwell

Both dogs well away at the cast off, Tip like many dogs, takes the left treeline. While Chec chooses the hayfield. Tip powerfully consumes the left line and heads west at the east/west treeline, Trena yodeling to her. At 7 min Chec cruises through the east/west line. A scout is sent for Tip, and finally Trena goes and gathers her up. As Chec moves through the rp he starts to work at a moderate gd range. Chec, and for that matter all John’s dogs handle very kindly. Very few words are spoken, there seems to be an unspoken language between John and his dogs. At 13 min both dogs together again. As we travel the west across the hayfield area, Tip shows that there is no objective too far for her to explore as she work the northern most part of the course, crosses the culvert, proceeds to Bird Alley and then is seen moving west, at a great distance, to the exit of the meadow. Chec crosses the culvert and heads south to Bird Alley, a nice move for any dog to make. A scout is sent for Tip, he starts his travel towards Bird Alley. As we head into the meadow, Chec hunts it out in a nice gun dog fashion and Trena singing for Tip. At 25 min, on the east/west line exiting the meadow, Chec is seen under a bird with Tip not far behind. According to the judges Tip was on point and Chec failed to back and took the bird for a ride.

13A FC/AFC Falcons Jeb. Jeb. Dog. Handler: Rus Chisena.

13B Doubledee Falcons Whata Deal. Dealer. Dog. Handler: Walter Cruz.

As the dogs break, Jeb shows his maturity. He gets on the treeline as sticks to it, whereas Dealer breaks off early. At 6 min Rus sends scout to the west at the treeline. At 12 Dealer called on point at the dead tree clump, high tail ticking, bird produced, all in order. Jeb arrives from the area of the pines at 16 min. Dealer works the hayfield more sideways than forward, then at 24 min Dealer on point at the exit of the meadow, deep in the treeline, very stylish and motionless. Bird running, judges instruct Walt to fire, all in order. At 30 min with Dealer through the east/west line already, Jeb called on point at the east/west treeline. As Rus rides up, Jeb self relocates and styles up, very intense 10 o’clock tail. Birds running, directed to fire, all in order. At 34 min on the east/west treeline, Jeb has another find. Again intense and stylish, birds are flown , shot fired, proper manners displayed. At 39 min, as I follow Jeb, Dealer on point across the road. On the treeline. As Rus comes to the road, he calls Jeb to him in for some water. At 42 min Walt relocates Dealer, which ends in a woodcock flushed by Dealer. As time expires Jeb is going away on the finishing line.

15A DC Gordon Hill Tartana Triton. Sprocket. Dog. Handler: Susan DeSilver.

15B FC Milomix Benito. Ben. Dog. Handler: Jim Heckert.

At the whistle both dogs to the left line, each fighting for the lead. Sprocket leading the way across the rp to a find at 10 min in the clumps. Susan points out the running birds and is directed to fire, all in order. Near 13 min Ben arrives at the dead tree clump to a find, Sprocket glides in and backs from about 50 yards. Ben assumes a very eye catching pose while on point, high head with a 10 o’clock tail. Bird produced, shot fired, proper manners displayed by both dogs. At 16 min Sprocket quartering the hayfield when a bird pops in front of him. Before Susan can lend him some help, he releases himself and is ordered up. As we cross the culvert, Ben’s course to this point has been very workman like, a busy gun dog. He hunts the meadow area and back through Bird Alley to no avail. Then at 30 min at the east/west treeline, deep into the western corner Jim calls point. Both the handler and judge are deep into the woods on foot. Jim searches for a bird, then relocates Ben. Ben boldly forward to point, again Jim looks, again nothing. Relocated, some 100 yards from where originally on point, once again boldly to point and then a woodcock blows out in front of him. Shot fired, proper manners displayed. (At the conclusion of the stake I got the chance to ask the judges which dog had the best find, both agreed it was this one. Larry McDonald commented on how well this was handled by Ben, bold to his game he said, “Like an arrow. No hunting around, straight to the bird.”) When Jim exits the woods with Ben in hand he is asked to cast him off and then pick him up, time had expired during the find.

15A Teutoburger Wald Sugar Magnolia. Maggie. Bitch. Handler: Trena Cardwell.

15B Doubledee Drumbeat. Drum. Dog. Handler: Walter Cruz.

Maggie reaches the east/west treeline before Drum, Maggie showing a smooth powerful ground covering gait. Drum show the same gait but carries his tail while on the move at 12 o’clock. At 9 min Walt calls Drum on point at the first clump, Maggie right next to him. Maggie looking unsure, ticking slightly. Drum with a 12 o’clock tail which has a hook at the very tip over his back. Maggie decides to investigate and is ordered up. Walt searches for a bird, relocates Drum and takes him on. Later in this brace Drum took a little longer than the judges liked to come to a stop after a wild flush and is ordered up. This brace may not be reported accurately due to the emergency in which paramedics were called. A child of the wrangler had fell off his horse requiring attention. This was at 11 am and a lunch break was taken.

16A Doubledee Westwind Douglas. Douglas. Dog. Handler: Walter Cruz.

16B Sojourner’s Tugger. Tugger. Dog. Handler: Rus Chisena.

Both dogs away smartly after a slight bobble, both dogs had the same color flash collar on. Rus gets Tugger back to him and flips his collar. Douglas working closer than the majority of dogs have to this point. Tugger, another dog that consumes the ground. At 8 min Tugger pushes a bird and is picked up. Also at 8, Douglas has a find in the hayfield just east of the clumps. At 10 min in the dead tree clump. Douglas leans into the scent with a level tail, birds flown , shot fired, all in order. Just before the culvert at 17 min, in the short treeline with Douglas buried deep in the cover, a rooster pheasant is seen running from the cover, a shot is fired and proper manners displayed. As we travel into the meadow Douglas is working rather close to Walt. Just after we exit the meadow at 26 min Walt calls point at the treeline before Bird Alley. Douglas showing striking style on this find, Walt proceeds to fly a bird, a shot fired and all is in order. Walt casts Douglas off to Bird Alley where he has a find at 30 min. This bird is very jumpy and takes flight soon after Walt dismounts. Douglas’ turn to mark was more than the judges were comfortable with and he was ordered up.

17A Perpetual Motion Bright Star JH. Driver. Bitch. Handler: Trena Cardwell.

17B Locust Hill Chocolate Chip. Chip. Dog. Handler: John Ward.

Driver and Chip display two differing patterns at the cast off. Driver working to the sides of Trena where Chip works more to the front of John. At 10 min just into the clumps area Trena is unpleased by Driver’s performance and elects to pick-up. At the same time Chip is called on point 50 yards to the east of Driver. Chip’s style is intense with a level tail that has a slight upward curl towards the end. A bird is seen running by the judge, he directs John to fire and proper manners are displayed. John sends Chip on, he travels maybe 20 yards from his original find to another find. On this find Chip’s posture is very low and John elects to pick-up.

18A Prairie Star First Edition. Marge. Bitch. Handler: Jim Basham.

18B Black Diamond’s Smokin Joe. Joey. Bitch. Handler: Roy Smith.

This is the only brace that is being run out of order as Joey is in season. At the breakaway Marge puts the chase on Joey, which leads to some posturing. The girls get things figured out and are off to the races. These two dogs appear to be similarly matched in speed, gait and range as the both arrive at the east/west treeline at the same time. Joey hunts the line to the extreme eastern point with success. On point at 7 as Roy proceeds to flush, the dog being just barely visible, buried deep in the cover. Roy fights his way into the thorns and chases running bird out. A shot fired and proper manners dislpayed. At 11 min Marge has a stop to flush while crossing the hayfield on the way the dead tree clump. At 13 min Marge called on point by Jim at the dead tree clump with Joey backing from about 20 yards. Marge leaning into her point showing about a 10 o’clock tail, very intense. Jim finds a bird and flys it. A shot fired and all in order. Both dogs seeming to have trouble working into the stiff wind, as many dogs before. Both dogs work on the norther part of the course and at 17 min Marge makes a find, with Joey backing, at the short treeline before the culvert. Jim works the bird a quail is flown, shot fired and proper manners displayed by both dogs. As the dogs are in hand, being collared forward through the cover a rooster pheasant flushes. (Later, Larry MacDonald commented on he felt that Marge was pointing the pheasant and not the quail that Jim produced.) Both dogs now energized power forward to the meadow where Marge has a find at 25 min with Joey very close beside. As both handlers approach the find, Roy collars Joey out and Jim works the bird. Jim relocates Marge at 28 min and she hunts the area out with no luck and a non-productive is charged. Joey is picked-up for failure to back. Marge makes a powerful move through Bird Alley to no avail and hooks the course south to the east/west treeline to a find at 34. Marge not as intense as her previous finds. Birds are spotted running by the scout, a shot is fired and proper manners displayed once again. Marge gets on the north/south treeline and races half way down this line and starts cautiously hunting out an area to a find at 39 min. During a remarkably long flushing attempt Marge maintains her style and composure, then at 42 min Jim relocates her. Marge boldy move to the sout, down the line, to the bird and stops on point with a 10 o’clock tail. Jim flys this bird, shot fired, all in order. Jim sends Marge on, she breaks out into the hayfield heading east to an objective which proves fruitful. Marge on point at 44 min at a small clump. A bird is produced, shot fired and proper manners displayed. Jim sends Marge on after time and gathers her up.

The weather at the end of the stake. Temps in the 70’s, bright skies and still that ever blowing west-southwest wind at 25 mph.

JUDGE’S COMMENTS:

I had a chance to speak with both Ron Zook and Larry McDonald after they had finished their duties. It was a simple question/answer session.

They offered some comments before I asked any questions. They explained that they didn’t care about the number of finds, they were looking for a mature course and dogs that were bold to their game. The dogs also had to maintain style and intensity throughout the piece of bird-work. Both agreed that they were looking for a stylish dog on point and a fluid gait as well – neither wanted a dog that had a choppy ground pounding gait – a dog flowing over the ground was preferred.

I asked what separated 1st and 2nd place. Both of them commented on how they felt Smokey’s course was more mature than Rebel, but Rebel demonstrated the best style/intensity of any dog entered. In fact, at the end of the first day, they felt Rebel was going to be tough to best. When Smokey ran the first brace of the second day, they felt his course was more mature and his finish was stronger.

I followed up with, “Some people feel that a dog with eight finds doesn’t get a chance to exhibit the power/ground race that is felt to be necessary to win a Championship.” Larry commented on how they didn’t feel that you could penalize a dog for simply doing his job and that the course between finds was perfectly acceptable for a Championship. Ron agreed with Larry’s assessment.

Larry and Ron felt that there were two legitimate All-Age dogs entered, but through some bad luck, had found trouble. Overall they were impressed with the dogs ie. nicer gait, style and better application than at the previous NFT’s they had judged.

I asked if any dogs had, what they deemed as, the “find of the stake”. Larry felt that the piece of bird-work that Benito had on the woodcock was the best find of the entire stake. “That old dog knew what he was doing, no pussy footing around. When Heckert tapped him on the head – he went like an arrow to the bird.”

Lastly I asked what they thought about the future for Gordon’s. Both commented on the number of nice young dogs entered, which they feel is good for the future. Larry also judged the Open Puppy, he was really enthusiastic about the stake and predicted a bright future for our breed.

Dan Voss (MN)

National Amateur Champion: 2xNAFC/FC Cobb's Golden Kernal

National Amateur Championship

32 starters

National Amateur Champion: NAFC/FC Ice Hot's Cobb "Cobb"

R-U: FC/AFC Blackwatch Urban Renegade of Tomar "Watch"

3rd: NFC/FC Falcons Buford "Buford"

4th: Joltin Joe "Jay"

JAM: Doubledee Drumbeat "Drum"

2003 National Amateur Championship

Judges: Scott Weslow & Richard Pristov

There was no scribes report for this stake that could be transcribed, due to mechanical misfunction. A running order is listed in it's place.

1A Glenhaven Silent But Deadly Owner: Allan & Dale Chu. Handler: Dale Chu.

1B Black Diamond’s Smokin Joe Owner: Steven & Elda Handler: Steve Askin or Roy Smith.

2A Teutoburger Wald Sugar Magnolia Owner: Bruce & Christiane Ulness. Handler: Bruce Ulness.

2B Sandy Creek Duke Owner/Handler: Terry Gerstenschlager

3A FC/AFC Gunsmoke Rising Owner/Handler: Sandra L. Basham.

3B NAFC/FC/AFC Falcons Jess Owner: James C. D’Amico & Pat Sanborn Handler: Jim D’Amico or Pat Sanborn

4A Tartana Hacasak Ojibwa Wind Owner: Holly Wachuta & M. Goodwin. Handler: Marianne Goodwin.

4B Doubledee Falcons Whata Deal Owner/Handler: Gwynne G. McDevitt.

5A Joltn Joe Owner/Handler: Robert Larsen.

5B Sojourner’s Tugger Owner/Handler: Ernest Chisena III

6A Wyld Heather Bright Star JH Owner: Matt & Wendy Czarnecki, Handler: M. Czarnecki.

6B FC Milomix Benito Owner: Mr. & Mrs. George Lutz. Handler: Ken Kohles.

7A DC Tartana Cutty Sark Owner: Susan DeSilver & Ron Anthony. Handler: Susan DeSilver

7B FC/AFC Falcons Jeb Owner/Handler: Ernest Chisena III

8A Clearcut Grouse Tales Owner: Dean W. Fries. Handler: Dan Voss.

8B Timberfin Blazing Teal JH Owner/Handler: Cynthia L. Findley.

9A Doubledee Drumbeat Owner/Handler: Gwynne G. McDevitt.

9B DC Gordon Hill Tartana Triton Owner/Handler Susan DeSilver& Ron Anthony.

10A Par’s Falcon On The Prowl Owner: Gerald & Sandra Churton. Handler: Jerry Churton.

10B NFC/FC Falcons Buford Owner/Handler: Ernest Chisena III

11A Doubledee Westwind Douglas Owner/Handler: Gwynne G. McDevitt.

11B Locust Hill Chocolate Chip Owner/Handler: John R. Ward.

12A FC The Carolina Connection Owner/Handler: Bill & Jan Holloway.

12B Tomar’s Victory Renegade SH Owner/Handler: Janet Grunbok.

13A Doubledee Falcons Dawn Owner/Handler: Gwynne G. McDevitt.

13B FC/AFC Blackwatch Urban Renegade of Tomar Owner: Anne Boyd & Dave Garrett. Handler: Anne Boyd

14A Prairie Star High Noon Owner/Handler: Dano & Marianne Morf.

14B NAFC/FC Ice Hots Cobb Owner: Paul Jaeger. Handler: Dave Benson.

15A FC/AFC Doubledee Sundancer Owner/Handler: Gwynne G. McDevitt.

15B Milomix Checkers Owner/Handler: John R. Ward

16A Prairie Star First Edition Owner: Dano & Marianne Morf. Handler : Dano or Marianne Morf

16B Sandy Creek Skedaddle Owner/Handler: Ken Kohles

2003 OPEN PUPPY

Judges: Larry McDonald & George Kucsma

1. Tomar's Renegade Crackerjack. Owner: Anne Boyd. Handler: Trena Cardwell

2. Gunsmokes Frontier Justice. Owner: Sandra Basham. Handler: Jim Basham

3. Hacasak Spellbound Gone With The Wind JH. Owner: M. Goodwin & C. Gold. Handler: Jim Basham

4. Clearcut Luag. Owner: Robert Larsen & Dean Fries. Handler: Robert Larsen

2003 OPEN GUN DOG RETRIEVE

Judges: Marianne Goodwin & George Kucsma

1. NAFC/FC Ice Hot's Cobb. Owner: Paul Jaeger. Handler: Greg Dixon

2. Renegades Smokin Gun. Owner: Dave Garrett. Handler: Jim Basham

3. Perpetual Motion Bright Star. Owner: Matt & Wendy Czarnecki. Handler: Trena Cardwell

4. Witheld

2003 OPEN DERBY

Judges: George Kucsma & Richard Pristov

1. Doubledee Driver. Owner: Gwynne McDevitt. Handler: Walter Cruz

2. Sojourner Rocket. Owner/Handler: Ernest Chisena III

3. Chaparral Bangz Look at Lil. Owner: Linda Sanders. Handler: Greg Dixon

4. Chaparral Bangz Rice Creek Skye. Owner: Linda Sander & Shelley LeBlanc. Handler: Greg Dixon