2006 GSCA Championship Results
2006 GSCA National Championships
National Champion: FC/AFC Par's Falcon On The Prowl
National Championship
33 starters
National Champion: FC/AFC Par's Falcon On The Prowl "Tiger"
R-U: NFC/FC McGovern's Rave Review "Ray"
3rd: Doubledee Falcons Whata Deal "Dealer"
4th: NAFC/FC/AFC Timberfin Blazing Teal "Teal"
JAM: Wynd Dancer Tenasscity "Pudgey"
2006 GSCA National Championships Scribes Report
By Dan Tenaglia
Late September, early October saw the aficionados of clan Gordon Setter in field trials from across the nation begin gathering at the Douglas County Bird Sanctuary in Gordon Township near Solon Springs, Wisconsin for North Country’s field trial, and then for GSCA’s National Championships hosted by the Badgerland Gordon Setter Club. The great north woods beckoned all to enjoy successful days afield with cool temperatures and spectacular panoramic views of full fall foliage in a brilliant array of reds, yellows, oranges, browns, and greens set against mostly clear blue skies. Many old ties with friends were revisited, and new relationships formed with newcomers, but in the end, it is about the dogs and their performances.
One just can not adequately describe the sensation of sitting atop a mighty steed in the great outdoors, watching an outstanding brace of Black and Tan Setters running over a slight ridge, then into a shaded bowl-like valley only to emerge onto another sunlit hill. Watching a dog slam on point, the handler go in and flush a quail, or covey, or perhaps even a sharptailed grouse, all the while accompanied by people that also appreciate the majesty of what these dogs can do is as good as it gets for us. To see the incredible drive, the determined intensity, the strong heart and desire of this breed of dogs to go in the pursuit of game---the sheer joy of the hunt, is amazing and addictive. It is what Gordon Setters were originally bred to do, and is nice to see that many still can, and do it with class and style.
If one hasn’t ever seen their Gordon Setter afield, then one doesn’t know just what one is missing. It is what Gordon Setters live for and what they most enjoy. Many of us would give our Gordon Setter everything we can think of in order to spoil them. Why not give them what most makes them happy and joyous? One doesn’t have to do field trials, or hunt tests. Just take them afield and let them explore. Maybe they will find something, and maybe they won’t, but they’ll be rapturous in just being out where the possibility exists.
There’s just something about the great north and the hospitality that these folks put out that sets a tone for all that follows. Kudos should go to Badgerland’s group for matching the tremendous hospitality of North Country’s club which hosted the National Championships on these same grounds in 2002. Of course, many of the locals are members, or supporters of both clubs. There is a tremendous amount of work involved in bringing such an event off successfully. These folks worked their tails off. The results showed as everything happened in a timely, friendly fashion. I think I can speak for all of the participants in expressing my gratitude and appreciation to all of the workers at the event and all who worked behind the scenes to make this National Championships a memorable one.
With everything good, there is also something to temper life back into balance. Tragedy struck the beginning of the Championships as the breed lost its 3rd Dual Champion of the year. Cutter, (Dual/AFC Ch Tartana Cutty Sark, JH) passed to the great hunting grounds of the beyond to join Rater, (Dual/AFC Ch Chaparral XLO Rater Xl Lent MH,) and Sprocket (Dual Ch Gordon Hill Tartana Triton) where birds are plentiful and one only has to back if one wants. At the time of this writing, a 4th Dual Ch isn’t doing well and may soon join the great hunt beyond. He is Indy (Dual/AFC Ch Spellbound’s Notorious, JH). The Dual Ch has long been the epitome of what constitutes a total Gordon Setter. To date, this combination of both show and field championships has only been achieved 48 times. To lose 1/12th of that history and accomplishment in one year is mind-boggling. I was privileged to have known each of these dogs as dogs and to have seen some of their greatest performances. Cutter was a frequent contender for the crowning titles, and even when his performances weren’t “clean”, they were spectacular and memorable. One such was on these very grounds in 2002. The hunters of the beyond had better have lots of ammunition for their shotguns, a good eye, and steady aim because these dogs will find birds for them.
The Grounds
Solon Springs is 32 miles south of Duluth, MN. and Lake Superior. The ground is very sandy in nature due to once having been part of the lake as the glaciers of the ice ages melted. The great sheets of ice also carved the rolling hills and cut out the bowls, and left some prairie type meadows, or Savannah. The region is often referred to as the Pine Barrens because of the frequent stands of jack and red pine combined with oak, clumps of hazel and aspen and prairie lily. Lightning strikes once shaped the ecology of the area by creating wildfires. Today, prescribed burns by mankind attempt to preserve the ecosystem.
The Course
The course begins upon a two-track directly across from the clubhouse for the breakaway. It crosses a slight dip before rising into what is known as Kirk’s Headache. Small pines dot the right hand side of the course while the left is more open shrub-land. The course then crosses Farnsworth Pass, a dirt road before coming upon the first of 3 groves of pines on the right hand side and one on the far left hand side of the two track. Past this point, the course deviates from the two-track to the left where the first water trough was placed. Past the water trough, more shrub-land eventually opens into a large, open grassy meadow to the right of the course. Turning to the left, the course enters more shrub-land, and a couple of aspen groves where a call box is located, passes the first small bowl, towards an aspen grove where another two-track is taken up. This two-track is then followed to where a large bowl rimmed with mature pines is crossed, leading to yet another two-track where more water is placed for the dogs. This two-track then precedes up a red oak covered hill and then down to more open shrub-land characterized with 4 small ponds, 2 on the right, and then 2 on the left. Still arcing to the left, the two-track proceeds past a ridge on the right before plateauing into a flat open prairie of shrubs, eventually leading to the crossing of the road onto the puppy course if the course needed to be extended to allow for time.
The Running
Judges Ray Marshal and Jim Baker had an initial entry of 43 dogs in 22 braces, which was pared down to 33 dogs in 17 braces when some dogs failed to last minute qualify at the North Country trial, preceding the Championships. To be qualified, a dog must have placed in a major gun-dog stake (3 pts or more), or have won a minor gun-dog stake (2 pts or less)
2006 Open National Championship
The first brace cast of precisely at 7:30 in the morning to cool temps, a slight breeze, and a slightly overcast sky.
1A. Sierra Nevada Hot Pursuit (Trouble) owner Stu and Collen Farnham, Handler Trena Cardwell
1B. Ch Gordon Hill Odessey (Dessa) owner Susan DeSilver, handler Jim Basham
Both dogs cast smartly away with good speed and determination. Dessa was seen stopped on point in the path across from the 1st pine grove. Trouble failed to honor and was picked up. Dessa’s point turned out to be a non-productive and was moved on. Dessa was again found standing at the 15 ½ minute mark and a 3 bird covey was produced. Moving on, she had another find after a relocation at the 22 ½ minute mark, and yet another covey find at the 35 minute mark. Dessa displayed good intensity on her birds and a typical workmanlike gun-dog performance during her run.
2A. Countdown’s Duncan MacFarlane (Duncan) owner Lynne Barnett, Handler Bonnie Sue Porter Castillon
2B. Shadowmere Spellbound Hiflyer (Amelia) owner Carolyn Gold, handler Jim Basham
Both dogs cast off with tremendous speed. Duncan was seen standing at 17 ¾ minutes but was unable to produce a bird. Both dogs ended up going bird-less, but showed great moves and coverage of ground. Duncan, in particular, has a very attractive gait on the ground. Amelia was picked up by her handler at the 41 minute mark. Just previous to this, Amelia had visited the 1st left hand pond which turned out to be more sucking mud than water.
3A. FC Prairie Star First Edition (Marge) owner Dano & Marianne Morf, handler Jesse Chapman
3B. Doubledee Falcons Whata Deal (Dealer) owner Gwynne McDevitt, handler Walter Cruz
Again both dogs were away at the cast-off smartly. Crossing Farnsworth Pass, Dealer was seen standing to the left in the shrub-land/young aspen grove. After 3 relocations, a sharp-tail grouse flushed from near the scout’s horse. At 28 minutes Dealer had another find near the big meadow on a quail and all was in order. Crossing over a ridge, Dealer had a point on another sharp-tail. Marge did a stop to flush on this bird, and as they did so, another 12-15 sharpies lifted off the side of the ridge. Despite a nice forward run, Marge was unable to produce a bird of her own and went bird-less. Dealer went around “clean”.
4A Teutoburger Wald Sugar Magnolia (Maggie) owner Bruce & Christiane Ulness, handler Trena Cardwell
4B. Gunsmoke’s Highplains Drifter (Drifter) owner Sandra Chapman & Richard Trimmer, handler Jesse Chapman.
Maggie was found standing at the 10 ½ minute mark about ½ way between the two-track and the 1st pines. She displayed good intensity, but sort of self relocated, and yet a bird was unable to be produced. Drifter had a find at 25 minutes with very nice style, and another at 32 minutes. Trena opted to pick up Maggie at the 30 minute mark. Drifter had a stop to flush as 3 birds lifted off of the path entering the large bowl as he neared. He was around “clean”.
5A. Indian Sky Gordon Hill Scout (Scout) owner Susan DeSilver, handler Jim Basham
5B. FC/AFC Par’s Falcon on the Prowl (Tiger) owner Gerald & Sandra Churton, handler Roy Smith
Both dogs were quickly away at the start. Tiger was seen standing in the 2nd pine grove to the right of the two-track at the 9 ½ minute mark and a bird successfully flushed. Later, Tiger made a big move into the large meadow where his scout, Ken Kohles, found him standing at the 24 minute mark. This area is often sprinkled by gopher holes and Ken’s horse had stepped in one resulting in Ken going over the front of his horse and the horse receiving a cut above his right eye. Both ended up OK, and Tiger’s bird was successfully handled. Meanwhile, Scout had a find of her own on some aspens where a call box was located just past the big meadow also at the 24 minute mark. Tiger went on to have a covey find at the 43 minute mark where the course leaves the two-track onto the last open shrub-land.
LUNCH BREAK
6A. NAFC/FC/AFC Timberfin Blazing Teal (Teal) owner/handler Cindy Findley
6B. Tartana Pollyanna (Polly) owner Charlie & Sandy Clock, handler Jim Basham
Lunch time had continued to see cloud cover increase and the threat of rain became imminent. Nasty skies were observed and the sounds of distant thunder could be heard. Polly was found standing in the first pine grove with a very stylish and pretty point, and with good intensity. However, as the handler went to move in to flush the bird, she self relocated and the handler picked her up. Teal was found standing at the 16 minute mark, also with very nice style and intensity. A bird was successfully flushed and all was in order. At the 38 minute mark, Teal successfully performed a stop to flush as a 3 bird covey lifted in front of him from on the path. It should be noted that when the rain did start during this brace, it was particularly cold, and with very large drops. The drops were white in color as if they were melted hail, but there were no ice crystals in it. From this point on, for the rest of the trial, wind velocities had picked up to between 15 and 30 miles per hour.
7A. Tomar’s Renegade Crackerjack (Crackers) owner Anne Boyd & Dave Garrett, handler Trena Cardwell
7B. Ch Indian Sky Spellbound’s Superman (Flyer) owner Carolyn Gold, handler Jesse Chapman
Trena opted to pick up Cracker’s for not meeting her performance criteria at about the 8 minute mark. Shortly afterward, Flyer was also picked up after having been found in the 2nd pine grove, but not holding his bird for a point.
8A Cobb’s Golden Kernel (Kernel) owner Paul Jaeger & Linda Sanders, handler Greg Dixon
8B. Doubledee Falcon’s Dawn (Dawn) owner Gwynne McDevitt, handler Walter Cruz
Both dogs cast off sharply. At the 6 ½ minute mark Dawn bumps and then chases a bird in the 1st pine grove and is picked up. Perhaps it should be noted that in the 2002 Championships, the ground cover seemed to be quite a bit thicker in these groves. As the groves have matured and blocked out sunlight, the ground cover has become very sparse and short, to the point that many birds are seen walking by both human and dog. Kernel was seen standing at the 9 ½ minute mark but after a relocation took a non-productive. After the big meadow, Kernel had a find with nice style at a downed pine before the little bowl. In the big bowl, Kernel is again seen standing in some pines, but again takes a non-productive after a relocation. Kernel made some very big, impressive moves. He was again seen standing at 43 minutes but again after 2 attempts at relocation wasn’t able to produce a bird.
9A. Dual Ch Taiman Talo Thunderbolt JH (Boomer) owner Charlie & Sandy Clock, handler Charlie Clock
9B. NFC/FC/AFC McGovern’s Rave Review (Ray) owner Cindy McGovern, handler Trena Cardwell.
Ray cast off with a very fast pace while Boomer was a bit more workmanlike. At 18 ½ minutes Boomer has a find in which a covey is produced. Ray has nice finds at 24 minutes and again at 36 minutes where he demonstrated nice style and intensity. Ray stopped again on point at the 43 minute mark on the last plain and Boomer had a nice natural back. Trena was unable to produce a bird and opted to take a non-productive there. Both dogs were around clean. It should be noted that the last time the Championship visited Solon Springs, Ray came away with the title. It is obvious that he likes this course!
This capped off the first days running.
10A. Hcask Splbnd Gone With The Wind (Rhett) owner Marianne Goodwin & Carolyn Gold, handler Jesse Chapman
10B. FC/AFC The Carolina Connection (Charley) owner Bill & Jan Holloway, handler Jim Heckert
Wednesday morning was clear with a brisk, chilly wind blowing. Both dogs cast off with tremendous speed. Charley was spotted in the 2nd pine grove with nice style and intensity. However, when the handler flushed the bird, he began to chase and was then whoad to stop. Charley was picked up. Rhett soon had run out of gas after blowing through the 1st part of the course at top speed. He couldn’t seem to catch a 2nd wind so Jesse opted to pick him up.
11A. Dual Ch/AFC Carolina’s All Hat No Cattle (Stetson) owner Bill & Jan Holloway, handler Jim Heckert
11B. Tanbark Chewy Everything Tab (Chewy) owner Jeffrey Pratt, handler Jim Basham
Stetson stopped on point with tremendous style before Farnsworth Pass but a non-productive was taken when a bird could not be produced. Chewy had a nice find at 7 ½ minutes in the first pine grove, also with solid style. He followed that up with another find at 22 minutes after the big meadow. Stetson then had a find at 26 minutes. Stetson then proceeded to be seen on point at the call box pines just as one enters the last flat meadow before crossing the road to the puppy course. After a relocation, no bird was able to be produced and a non-productive taken. Both dogs were “clean”.
12A. Tomar’s Renegade Hot Attitude (Addy) owner Janet Grunbok, handler Trena Cardwell
12 B. NFC/NAFC/FC/AFC Prairie Star High Noon (Cooper) owner Dano & Marianne Morf, handler Jesse Chapman.
Both dogs broke away with great ground speed and attractive ground eating gaits. At the 20 minute mark, Addy pushed and chased a bird and was picked up. Cooper was seen standing at the 21 ½ minute mark with nice intensity. However, his left leg was cocked back, probably because of recent surgery to repair some torn tendons and ligaments in his shoulder. At 28 minutes Cooper has another find where he approaches the bird in a very low posture where the turn is made at the aspen grove that picks up the two track. It seems that Cooper isn’t bothered while running, but the healing hasn’t progressed enough to bear his full weight whilst on point for any length of time. At 32 minutes at the edge of the bowl, Cooper again has a productive point. The judges then informed Jesse that they weren’t going to use Cooper because of his previous low posture, and in their eyes, laid down on point. At the edge of the bowl where the two track is again picked up past the water pans, Cooper performs a stop to flush on a 3 bird covey that lifts from the path. Jesse then opts to pick Cooper up and save him for another day.
13A. Tomar’s Renegade Says Who (Sophie) owner Stu & Collen Farnham, handler Trena Cardwell
13B. Tartana Mystic Traveller (Traveller) owner Randy & Patricia Young, handler Jean Webb
At 6 ½ minutes Sophie is seen standing in the shrubs behind the back side of the 1st pine grove. A 3 bird covey is produced and all is in order. At 19 minutes Sophie has another find in the big meadow and again a bird is produced. At 21 minutes Traveller is found standing. After a successful relocation, a bird is produced for Traveller. He marks the flight of the bird, but does not chase. At 21 ½ minutes Sophie has a find just after the big meadow where the call box at the aspen grove is. At 28 minutes, Sophie has yet another point, but after a relocation no bird can be produced. At 31 minutes, Traveller is seen standing. While doing a relocation, birds are flushed and Traveller does a stop to flush. Soon after, however, Traveller’s handler opts to pick him up for messing with his bracemate. Sophie had no further action, but was around “clean”.
14A. FC/AFC Tomar’s Victory Renegade (Nike) owner Janet Grunbok & Chris Bury, handler Janet Grunbok
14B. Dual Ch Tarbaby’s Setanta T Rex JH (Rex) owner Frank Watters, handler Jean Webb
At the breakaway, Rex made a back cast. Once he got going in the right direction, he soon caught up with Nike, who at 11 ½ years of age was the elder stateswoman of the trial. Despite her age, Nike still showed the forward heart and drive that has characterized her over many years. At 9 minutes, she was seen standing in the 1st pine grove with Rex doing a very nice and stylish natural back.. Janet couldn’t initially produce a bird so upon relocation, Rex was moved on. As Nike was doing the relocation, birds flushed and she performed a stop to flush. Rex had his own birds at 17 minutes and then a covey find at 28 ½ minutes. At 41 minutes Rex took a non-productive near the first left side pond. Rex appeared to try to hunt every objective. Since there were thousands of them, he needed more course. Nike had a find just after leaving the two-track on the call box group of pines on the last prairie meadow before crossing the road. Both dogs were clean.
15A. NFC/FC/AFC Sierra Nevada Hot Wheels ( Jack) owner Anne Boyd, handler Trena Cardwell
15B. Doubledee Danni (Danni) owner Gwynne McDevitt, handler Walter Cruz
Jack was picked up by his handler at the 6 ½ minute mark for doing too much running on the road and not hunting. Meanwhile, Danni was found standing on the front side of the 1st pine grove also at the 6 ½ minute mark. Walter did a leap into the bush to produce the bird and Danni held. Danni followed that up with a find at 10 ½ minutes, a covey find at 22 minutes, and a last find at 39 minutes. The judges complimented Walter on how pleasant his handling had been. Let me make a note here that all of the handlers in the Open Championship were a joy to ride behind. At many trials, there is a lot of hacking going on to the point where being out there isn’t pleasurable. Hunting and being outdoors should be fun and enjoyable. This was. There was a distinct harmony with nature as handlers sang their dogs around the course. Noise can be music to ones ears, or it can be disruptive and distracting to the experience of being one with nature. This was a symphony.
16A. Sagemoor Western Skies (Harley) owner Leslie Green & Phylis Langly, handler Trena Cardwell
16B. Falcon’s Wingspan. (Solo) owner Pat Sanborn, handler Jesse Chapman
Harley’s handler opted to pick him up at Farnsworth Pass for not performing up to her standards. Solo made some very nice moves and covered a lot of ground. However, as she went up the red pine covered hill she bumped and chased a bird and was picked up.
17A. Wynd Dancer Tenasscity (Pudgey) owner Becky & Dan Voss, handler Trena Cardwell
17B. BYE
Pudgey was in season, so she was moved to the end of the stake. Pudgey cast off with a nice set of wheels. She was seen standing to the left of the water trough and a bird successfully produced. At 25 minutes, she was seen standing at the bottom of the small bowl before catching the two-track. Coming over the edge and seeing her standing there was quite a picture. She had very nice style and intensity. Pudgey had another find at 34 minutes, and then topped off her finds with a covey find at the last call box pines up on the last plateau before crossing the road. Pudgey finished with strong moves and plenty of gas in the tank across the road.
Placements
1st Tiger
2nd Ray
3rd Dealer
4th Teal
AOM Pudgey
Each of the placing dogs is over 6 years of age and displayed a mature performance, not only on the ground, but on their game. Each dog went in the pursuit of game, handled kindly, displayed staunchness and intensity, and clearly still had plenty of energy in the tank at the end for more.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Amateur Champion: Tomar’s Renegade Hot Attitude "Addy"
National Amateur Championship
29 starters
National Amateur Champion: Tomar’s Renegade Hot Attitude "Addy"
R-U: Doubledee Danni "Danni"
3rd: Countdown's Duncan MacFarlane "Duncan"
4th: Sierra Nevada Hot Pursuit "Trouble"
The Gordon Setter Club of America’s Annual National Amateur Championship
2006 Amateur National Championship
by Dan Tenaglia
Judges Wayne Adams and James Brigham initially had an entry of 37 entries in 19 braces. But because of the failure of some dogs to qualify, and a scratch, 29 dogs ended up running in 15 braces. Perhaps it should be noted that there was no brace 11. Originally, the stake had been drawn with 15 braces. Because Pudgy was in season, she had to be moved to the end of the stake, thereby creating 2 bye braces. When Kernel was scratched from brace 13, Flyer was dropped from brace 11 down and was braced with Charley in brace 13.
The Amateur Championship cast of at precisely 7:32 A.M. to clear blue skies, crisp temperatures, and a considerable breeze.
1A. NFC/NAFC/FC/AFC Prairie Star High Noon (Cooper) owner Dano & Marianne Morf, handler Dano Morf
1B. FC/AFC Par’s Falcon on the Prowl (Tiger) owner Gerald & Sandra Churton, handler Jerry Churton
Much anticipation greeted the beginning of this brace with a previous NFC/NAFC running against the newly crowned NFC. Neither dog disappointed with their breakaway as both dogs showed their merit. Tiger was seen stopped towards the left pine grove at 9 minutes and a bird was produced. Meanwhile Cooper had moved hugely to the front. He was next seen at the entrance to the big meadow. Tiger was again seen standing staunchly at the call box aspens just past the big meadow and again a bird was produced eventually for him. When he was cast off, he disappeared and was not seen again for the rest of the brace by handlers, scouts, judges, or gallery. He was seen by the wrangler, riding in his truck, pointing a bird for more than 20 minutes, but was unfortunately timed out. Cooper successfully performed a stop to flush at 35 minutes just before the drop into the bowl. This particular covey of birds got a lot of action throughout the week as they were often out on the path. Cooper then had a find in a clump of brown shrubs in the large bowl at 37 minutes. After sort of self relocating before the handler arrived, he laid down on point and was picked up.
2A. Teutoburger Wald Sugar Magnolia (Maggie) owner Bruce & Christiane Ulness, handler Janet Grunbok
2B. Falcon’s Wingspan. (Solo) owner Pat Sanborn, handler Pat Sanborn
Both dogs showed good breakaway speed and running style. Solo blew by the water trough and then pushed out a bird and chased at the 16 minute mark before entering the big meadow. She was picked up. Maggie was seen stopped on point at the call box aspens past the big meadow at 24 minutes. No bird could be produced for her and a non-productive taken. At the 32 minute mark, Maggie does a stop to flush on the covey of birds in the path before dropping into the bowl. Upon recasting, she heads over to the same brown clump of cover in the bowl, and lays down on point in precisely the same spot as Cooper had done. Maggie was picked up.
3A. Doubledee Danni (Danni) owner Gwynne McDevitt, handler Gwynne McDevitt
3B. Countdown’s Duncan MacFarlane (Duncan) owner Lynne Barnett, handler Lynn Barnett
At 11 minutes Danni is found standing in the 2nd pine grove with very nice style and intensity. A bird is produced. At 14 minutes Duncan has a find near the water trough, also with nice style and intensity. Danni has a 2nd find at 18, and after a relocation a 2 bird covey is flushed for him. Danni then has another find in the open shrub-land before entering the big meadow at 21 ½ minutes. Duncan then proceeds to have a find on the same clump in the big bowl that caused Cooper and Maggie such problems, but manages to handle it successfully. Danni has another find at 30 minutes and follows that up with a covey find at 40 minutes in the pines up on the final plateau. Duncan is also seen standing about 100 feet away at the 40 minute mark, but after a relocation, no bird is able to be produced. Both dogs were around clean.
4A. NAFC/FC/AFC Timberfin Blazing Teal (Teal) owner/handler Cindy Findley
4B. Doubledee Falcon’s Dawn (Dawn) owner/handler Gwynne McDevitt
Dawn pointed a 2 bird covey at the 9 minute mark. At the 20 minute mark, Dawn is seen standing at the call box aspens with Teal backing. Teal is moved on when Dawn is relocated. A bird fails to be produced for dawn and a non-productive taken. Teal is seen standing in the small bowl with good style and intensity and a bird is successfully produced. Dawn is later found standing at the tall pines at 37 minutes but isn’t sure of her game. After a relocation, no bird is able to be found and a non-productive taken. Just about 100 yards away, at 38 minutes, Teal successfully produces birds. Both dogs ended up crossing the road to finish out time and were around clean.
5A. Sierra Nevada Hot Pursuit (Trouble) owner Stu & Collen Farnham, handler Stu Farnham
5B. Indian Sky Gordon Hill Scout (Scout) owner/handler Susan DeSilver
Scout is found standing by her scout at 16 minutes and a bird is successfully worked for her. Trouble establishes a point at 34 minutes. Scout proceeds to take out her brace-mates bird in front of him but Trouble does not join in the chase. He is around clean while scout was picked up.
6A. FC/AFC Prairie Star First Edition (Marge) owner Dano & Marianne Morf handler Dano Morf
6B. Tartana Mystic Traveller (Traveller) owner Randy & Patricia Young, handler Frank Watters
Traveller is seen standing towards the 1st pines, but ends up taking a non-productive. At 15 minutes, Marge is seen standing past the water trough with Traveller backing. At 23 minutes Traveller takes another non-productive. The covey at the entry to the big bowl caused Marge some problems as she failed to stop to flush and was picked up. Traveller failed to have a bird of his own.
7A. NFC/FC/AFC Sierra Nevada Hot Wheels (Jack) owner/handler Anne Boyd
7B. Hcask Spllbnd Gone With The Wind (Rhett) owner Marianne Goodwin & Carolyn Gold, handler Carolyn Gold
Jack is seen stopped at the 7 ½ minute mark but isn’t sure on his game. Still, a bird is produced. Rhett is found past the water trough and is taken back to it. He is unable to recast and is picked up. Jack has a stop to flush at 22 minutes.
8A Tartana Pollyanna (Polly) owner Charlie & Sandy Clock, handler Sandy Clock
8B. Doubledee Falcon’s Whata Deal (Dealer) owner/handler Gwynne McDevitt
Both dogs broke away smartly. Polly is seen standing in the 1st pine grove with a nice solid point. A 2 bird covey is produced and all is in order. At 14 minutes Polly is seen standing deep in the 2nd pine grove. A few birds of a 30 bird or more covey are flushed for her.. Polly is then recast and is seen stopped before the 3rd pine grove at 20 minutes. A non-productive is taken here. Dealer meanwhile has moved to the front and is seen standing at 28 minutes at the call box aspens. After being relocated, he locks up again with a solid point with good style. A bird is produced. Both dogs were clean, but perhaps needed more course.
9A.Dual Ch Tarbaby’s Setanta T Rex JH (Rex) owner/handler Frank Watters
9B Tomar’s Renegade Hot Attitude (Addy) Owner/handler Janet Grunbok
At the breakaway, Rex again cast backwards before heading in the correct direction. Addy is seen with good speed and forward application. At 7 minutes Rex has a stop to flush in the 1st pine grove. Upon recast, he is seen standing at 11 minutes between the 1st and 2nd pine grove. After 2 relocations no bird is able to be produced. At 19 minutes, Rex is seen standing in the 2nd pine grove and a covey is produced for him. At 25 minutes Rex is seen standing to the left of the water trough. As the handler moves in to flush, he laid down and was picked up. At 29 minutes Addy has a find in the big bowl. Upon recast, she crosses the two-track and has another find just past the water pans before going up red oak hill. Addy finishes strong with big moves across the road on the puppy course.
10A Dual Ch. Taiman Talo Thunderbolt JH (Boomer) owner Charlie & Sandy Clock, handler Charlie Clock
10B. Tomar’s Renegade Says Who (Sophie) owner Stu & Collen Farnum, handler Stu Farnum
At the 6 ½ minute mark a covey of birds lifts in front of both dogs past the 1st pine grove. Boomer does a stop to flush on them while Sophie does not. Sophie is picked up. Boomer has a find and point before the 2nd pine grove at 10 minutes. Boomer is once again seen standing at the call box aspens, but a non-productive is taken. At 31 minutes Boomer locks up on birds on the two-track just before entering the big bowl. The handlers horse nearly steps on him at this point which causes him to take a step, but he stands his birds nicely and all is in order. However, at the 35 minute mark, Boomer pushes out a bird and chases on the left side of the two-track. Perhaps the previous event unnerved him a bit. He is picked up.
11A & B Brace was split for Pudgey being in season, and then Flyer dropped down when another dog , Kernel was scratched.
12A. NFC/FC/AFC McGovern’s Rave Review (Ray) owner Cindy McGovern handler Anne Boyd
12B. Shadowmere Spellbound Hiflyer (Amelia) owner/handler Carolyn Gold
Both dogs were away with considerable speed and range. Ray is seen standing tentatively at the pine tree where the course turns to the left before entering the big meadow. A bird is unable to be found and a non-productive taken. Ray is then seen standing at the brown clump in the large bowl and a covey is produced for him. Amelia ran a nice course but went bird-less. Ray was around clean.
13A. FC/AFC The Carolina Connection (Charlie) owner Bill & Jan Holloway, handler Bill Holloway
13B. Ch Indian Sky Spellbound’s Superman (Flyer) owner/handler Carolyn Gold
Both dogs were away with good forward application. Just past the water trough, on the right hand side, Charlie pushes out some birds and goes with them. Flyer also goes with the birds and both dogs are picked up.
14A. Ch Gordon Hill Odessy (Dessa) owner/handler Susan DeSilver
14B. FC/AFC Tomar’s Victory Renegade (Nike) owner Janet Grunbok & Chris Bury, handler Janet Grunbok
This brace featured the 2 eldest females of the trial and it was obvious at the cast-off just how much each still enjoyed being out there. At 8 minutes, Nike is seen standing between the 1st and 2nd pine groves. A bird is successfully produced. Past the water trough, at the 18 minute mark, Dessa encounters the same 3 bird covey that took out the previous brace and it is her undoing. The birds pop and she goes with them. Dessa is picked up. Nike meanwhile advances to the big meadow where she is seen standing, although unsure of herself. After relocating, no bird can be produced and a non-productive taken. At 42 minutes, Nike is seen stopped on point at the call box pines on the plateau and a 3 bird covey is produced.
15A. Dual/AFC Ch Carolina’s All Hat No Cattle (Stetson) owner Bill & Jan Holloway, handler Bill Holloway
15 B. Tomar’s Renegade Crackerjack (Crackers) owner Anne Boyd & Dave Garrett, handler Anne Boyd
At 10 ½ minutes Stetson is found standing ½ way between the 2nd pine grove and the water trough with nice intensity.. A bird is successfully produced. As Crackers is approaching Stetson, he passes through the gallery horses, perhaps looking for water, he sees Stetson on point and does a nice natural back. However, at 17 minutes Crackers bumps and chases a bird and is picked up. Stetson had no further action.
16A. Wynd Dancer Tenasscity (Pudgey) owner Becky & Dan Voss, handler Dan Voss.
16B. BYE
Pudgey broke away with good speed and forward application. She was seen moving through Kirk’s headache, crossing Farnsworth pass, and then moving past the 1st pine grove on the backside. She then disappeared. Next time she was seen was just minutes later on the front side of the 2nd pine grove, pretty well spent at the 18 minute mark. She was unable to continue and was picked up. This concluded the 2006 Championships.
Placements
1st Addy
2nd Danni
3rd Duncan
4th Trouble
I would like to make one observation, having ridden every brace of both the Open and Amateur Championships. We, and this includes me, as amateurs still have a lot to learn about handling dogs as compared to the pros. Pros demand and expect performance. Amateurs are asking, pleading, begging, for their dogs to perform because they think their dogs love them and performing is a way to show that. Pros want their dogs to respect them. The difference in performance one gets is amazing. Asking a dog to do something gives them a choice. Demanding and expecting doesn’t. I also saw a lot of amateurs that don’t know how to read what their dogs are telling them, don’t know the commands that their pro has taught their dogs, don’t know how to read the wind, have terrible timing, and don’t know how and when to help their dogs. We amateurs have not been making progress in this area. Still, the dogs cover for us most of the time. The dog’s talents are there. We’ve done a good job as breeders genetically across the board. The next best way to step up performance is for us amateurs to become better at handling. There were a lot of worthy dogs at this trial. Worthy handlers brought them to the forefront. Step up our game and the dogs will respond by stepping up theirs. One judge’s comment was that as a breed, we could take virtually any of these dogs and compete with any dog of any other breed in their Championships. That’s high praise!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Open Puppy
Open Derby