2007 GSCA Championship Results
2007 GSCA National Championships
National Champion: FC/AFC Sandycreek Skedaddle
National Championship
36 starters
National Champion: FC/AFC Sandycreek Skedaddle "Rebel"
R-U: FC Tomar’s Renegade Crackerjack "Crackers"
3rd: Wynd Dancer Tenasscity "Pudgey"
4th: FC Gunsmoke’s Highplains Drifter "Drifter"
National Championships 2007
November 1—7, 2007, Sutherlin, VA
By Dan Tenaglia, Scribe
There should have been something eerie about a bunch of dogs, particularly black and tan dogs, beginning to gather together in Sutherlin, Virginia on Halloween for GSCA’s 13th National Championships & Field Trial. The area is so full of tragic history as a result of the Civil War. Nearby Danville served as the last Capitol of the Confederacy after Richmond fell, CSA President Jefferson Davis gave his last official speech there, and Mr. Sutherlin’s tobacco barns were converted to prisoner of war facilities. My own great great grandfather was incarcerated there. Fortifications are still extant. That particular epoch of history seems so incongruous with many of the Founding Fathers having come from nearby, and with Virginia having produced 8 Presidents of the USA. Nearby counties are named Patrick, and Henry. But, there was no eeriness, and no lingering animosities for the gathering. In fact, that famous southern hospitality was on full display as the area openly welcomed all attendees. Participants from all regions of the country came, as did faraway visitors (Silvia Timmermann) from Germany, and (the Aronssons) from Sweden. The local paper came out and interviewed a number of folks and featured Trena Cardwell on the front page the next day along with a very nice article. I also heard that channel 6 news was coming, but since I was out on the course most of the time, I don’t know if they actually made it.
The area is comprised of gently rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Appalachian Range, and is covered in eastern hardwood forests comprised of oak, hickory, maple, beech, and chestnut trees interspersed with occasional pines. During WWI and WWII, the hardwoods were harvested for ship-building, so there is no old growth forest remaining. The trees were just beginning to take on their full fall plumage. Much of the South has suffered through a severe summer long drought, and despite a heavy rain the week before, the course was mostly dry.
The Cloverdale Farm is one of the few places that I saw crops planted. Much of the region’s soils are too poor, and therefore are used in pasturage for cattle. The site served as the location for the 2006 AKC Pointing Breed Gun-Dog Championships. Mr. Leggett, the owner, allows 4 field trials per year on the property, so it was a great honor for GSCA to be able to use the grounds. One could not believe all of the amenities and attention to detail that had been put into the grounds. It is a first-class operation. I heard it said that, during the Gun-Dog Championships, someone mentioned to Mr. Leggett that it would be nice to have a hitching rail next to the port-o-potties and by the next morning it was done. I’m not aware of any other trial grounds in the country that has concrete pads (3) to park motor homes on. Kennels, corrals, water spigots, a lodge referred to as the barn that had 100 feet long 30 foot deep covered porches, banquet facilities, and even a tractor-pulled gallery wagon are just some of the amenities. One west-coast participant was overheard to say that the only thing wrong with the place was that it was 3000 miles away from him.
The Course: The course mostly followed a two-track counter clockwise loop typical of NASCAR, and why not since Martinsville is only 30 some miles away, and the Virginia International Speedway, about one mile from the west end of the grounds, could be heard throughout many braces. The two-track opened up to the left into the first soybean field which then crossed a sapling-lined tree line (about 3-4 minutes into the course) before climbing a short hill again with bean fields to the left (about 5-6 minutes). It then progressed through some saplings on either side of a tree line entering into bean fields on either side that had some skeet/trap shooting towers (7-8 minutes).
Passing through more saplings, the course then went through a pine row that had a two-track road going down the middle of it. Past this, the course again opened up into bean fields on either side. The right side was characterized by a draw that angled off to the right to be supplanted by a tree line, while the left side was edged by tree lines (8-15 minutes). At the end of these fields was a place I call the deer tree lines because deer were seen on them on several occasions. The first water trough was located at the cut through. Leaving the deer line behind, the course went straight for about 100 yards before angling 45 degrees to the left for a couple of hundred yards and then doing another 45 degree angle to the left for about 100 yards to pass through another tree line. Off to the right was a pond. Going down the hill, past a mud-hole, a left turn was made. On the right was a harvested corn field edged with trees along a ditch. On the inside left, was a tree lined bean field that also contained a small grove. Most dogs hit this area at about 22-25 minutes. Crossing a culvert, bean fields took over both sides of the course.
At the entrance to an area of checkerboard cut area of saplings, was another water trough, then some woods, progressing to harvested bean fields on either side. A water trough was also set up here. The harvested bean fields were generally reached at about 25 to 30 minutes. Some more saplings were progressed through, then a tree line before entering a grassy area that swooped or arced to the left for about 500 yards. The right side of this area was characterized by saplings bordered by forest, while the left was 4 to 5 rows of mowed paths through saplings. At the end of this grassy area, the course transitioned into a harvested cornfield that continued to arc towards the left, and still continued to be bordered as before. The last water trough was placed at the entrance to this cornfield. Most dogs arrived here at about 35-40 minutes. At the end of the cornfield, the course took a three-quarter U-turn, crossed a gully and headed back through some more checkerboard mowed grasslands. Most dogs did not make this final turn before time was called.
National Championship Stake
8 a.m. (EDT) Thursday, November 1, 2007
Judges: John Malone & Ronnie Clark
1a. Falcons Wingspan (“Solo”). Ow: P. Sanborn/H: J. Chapman
1b. Tomar’s Renegade Says Who (“Sophie”). Ow: S. & C. Farnham/H: T. Cardwell
The first brace cast off at 8:06 under cloudless skies and the temperature was about 40 degrees. An east wind was gently blowing, partly due in effect to the recent passage of hurricane Noel up the coast. There is something about an east wind that somehow disconcerts dogs and makes it much more difficult for them to find birds. It must be similar to taking a person from the Northern Hemisphere into the Southern Hemisphere and having the water swirl the wrong direction.
Both dogs cast away smartly. After about 5 minutes, Solo must have zigged when she needed to zag because she was not seen again until the end of the 3rd brace. Sophie was seen standing at 11 minutes on the right hand side draw. The handler waited for the dog to work out some running birds before calling point, but after a relocation in the heavy multi-flora, no bird was able to be produced for her and a non-productive was taken. Sophie ran nice edges and lines with an attractive running style. At 33 minutes Sophie was again spotted standing on the back edge of the cut bean field, and this time a bird was able to be produced for her. Deer were seen on course, but Sophie did not go with them. Sophie finished the course showing a nice set of wheels.
2a. FC/AFC The Carolina Connection (“Charley”). Ow: W. & J. Holloway/H: J. Heckert
2b. Rice Creek’s Jesse James (“Rigby”). Ow/H: A. Bailey.
Both dogs cast away nicely and displayed attractive running styles. Charley was seen standing just off of the harvested corn row about 200 yards past the mud-hole with Rigby backing. As Charley was relocated, Rigby was moved on. No bird could be produced for Charley and both dogs ended up going birdless. Both dogs had shown plenty of speed.
3a. Tartana Mystic Traveller (“Traveller”). Ow: R. & P. Young/H: J. Webb
3b. Tomar’s Whistling Dixie (“Dixie”). Ow: C. Roberts/H: T. Cardwell
After breakaway, Dixie displayed a forward application with a great set of wheels while Traveller was much more workmanlike. Traveller and his handler took the extreme inside of the course which prompted an announcement to the following braces to stay closer to the two track. As the dogs became separated, Dixie ran nicely but went birdless. I was told that Traveller had one or two finds on the extreme inside edge.
4a. Blackburn Sir Launcelot JH (“Loch”). Ow: J. de Casteja/H: J. Chapman
4b. Tomar’s Locust Hill Jak (“Jak”). Ow/H: J. Ward
The temperature was nearing 65-70 degrees and the little moisture in the ground had disappeared. Both dogs cast away nicely and handled to the front. Loch had a find along the right draw displaying nice intensity. Before Jak got to the deer line, four deer were seen exiting the area. Jak’s scout and handler had some trouble getting Jak to leave this line, and afterwards he shortened up considerably as if he thought he might be in trouble. Loch had another find along the harvested corn-row at about 24 minutes. Later, Loch rimmed the harvested bean field to the right like a real pro, and then made some nice big moves along the edges going into the arching grass and corn field. This last move at about 35 minutes was impressive for a big dog in the heat. Loch then showed smarts by doing a nice job of getting into the shade along the far right hand edge, deep into the cover where the birds were likely to be found, continued moving forward, and popped out at time. Jak, once figuring out that he wasn’t in trouble, opened back up but went birdless. It should be noted that from this point on, all handlers did a very nice job of making sure that their dogs were watered and had opportunities for soakings in the water troughs. Temperatures were now getting extremely tough for dogs to work in, and without cloud cover, or any moisture left, bird-work became even scarcer.
5a. FC/AFC Sandy Creek Skedaddle (“Rebel”). Ow: K. Kohles/H: J. Heckert
5b. Teutoburger Wald Sugar Magnolia (“Maggie”). Ow: B. & C. Ulness/H: T. Cardwell
Maggie and Rebel were the last brace before lunch. Rebel’s handler kept a tight handle on him at the start before letting him open up. Maggie was seen standing at 13 minutes with Rebel backing. Maggie took a non-productive. Both dogs moved on. Rebel was seen standing at 20 minutes, but after a relocation took a non-productive. Rebel then had a find at 30 minutes after a relocation and a bird was produced. Rebel went on to have another find at 41 minutes and displayed very nice style and intensity on point. Maggie also had a find at 42 minutes and showed nice intensity.
6a. DC Indian Sky Spellbound’s Superman (“Flyer”). Ow: C. Gold/H: J. Chapman
6b. Tartana Digging-est Dog JH (“Duke”). Ow: R. & P. Young/H: J. Webb
By now, the temps were brutal for some dogs. Flyer made it clear he didn’t want to be there and his handler picked him up at about the 10½ minute mark. Duke made it about half way across the field past the first water trough, but also made it clear that today wasn’t up to his idea of a good time, and his handler picked him up at 17 minutes.
7a. Doubledee Falcons Dawn (“Dawn”). Ow: G. McDevitt/H: W. Cruz
7b. Countdown’s Duncan MacFarlane (“Duncan”). Ow/H: L. Barnett
Duncan was seen standing at 23 minutes in the field with saplings on both sides but a non-productive was taken. Dawn tried hard but was not running up to her normal snuff so her handler opted to pick her up at 33 minutes. Duncan’s handler opted to do the same at 37 minutes.
8a. Shadowmere Spellbound’s Hiflyer (“Amelia”). Ow: C. Gold/H: J. Chapman
8b. FC Tomar’s Renegade Crackerjack (“Crackers”). Ow: A. Boyd/H: T. Cardwell
Both Amelia and Crackers broke away nicely. Amelia disappeared for a short while but then reappeared. She was out of breath from running hard. Crackers remained out front very nicely. Amelia, after catching her breath, then made some more nice big moves, but her handler opted to pick her up at the 41 minute mark as she had exhausted herself. Crackers had a find at 38 minutes on the right hand side call-box located near the end of the arcing harvested cornfield. Considering the conditions, Crackers’ run was very good.
9a. DC/AFC Carolina’s All Hat No Cattle (“Stetson”). Ow: W. & J. Holloway/H: J. Heckert
9b. NFC/FC/AFC Par’s Falcon On The Prowl (“Tiger”). Ow: G. & S. Churton/H: R. Smith
This 9th brace was to be the last of day one. The heat and dryness of the day were just beginning to abate ever so slightly. Both dogs fired off of the line with drive. At the 8 minute mark, Stetson has a nice covey find of about 20 birds off to left of the two-track in the saplings before the pines. Upon recast, he made a huge move up the big hill to the extreme right of the right hand draw. Soon, he was back out in front and ran very nice lines with a strong forward application. Tiger also ran extremely well, hit his lines and handled very nicely. Despite all efforts of his handler to put him into birds, Tiger went birdless.
10a. FC Doubledee Falcons Whata Deal (“Dealer”). Ow: G. McDevitt/H: W. Cruz
10b. NFC/FC/AFC Sierra-Nevada Hot Wheels (“Jack”). Ow: J. Grunbok & A. Boyd/H: T. Cardwell
Cast-off on Friday morning was again at 8:06. Temps were cool, and there had been some dew over night. The east wind was still blowing, however. Both dogs cast off forward. As Dealer swung to the left in the first bean field and was approaching the first sapling tree line at about the 4-minute mark, a bird came out which the judge saw. The judge believed that Dealer had pushed it out, or failed to do a stop to flush. Personally, I’m not sure that Dealer ever saw the bird as there was no change in body posture, nor did he chase the bird. In any case, the handler picked up the dog. Jack’s handler has high expectations for a dog’s performance, as well they should. Pros should know what their charges are capable of. Jack’s handler was not happy with the way Jack was handling or running and opted to pick him up at the 22 minute mark near the pond.
11a. Falcons Blind Sided (“Strider”). Ow: P. Sanborn/H: J. Chapman
11b. Tartana Pollyanna (“Polly”). Ow: S. & C. Clock/H: C. Clock
Temps were already beginning to rise, and the ground had dried out. Strider and Polly cast-off, Strider being the much more forward dog while Polly was much more workmanlike. Strider made some very nice moves with a very attractive running style, handled nicely, and looked in many of the appropriate places, but went birdless. Polly did not run big, but also made some very nice moves on occasion. Polly checked behind every blade of grass in order to come up with her find on the inside edge of the arcing cornfield at 37 minutes. She displayed very nice intensity and a pleasing style.
12a. NAFC/FC/AFC Timberfin Blazing Teal (“Teal”). Ow/H: C. Findley
12b. NFC/FC/AFC McGovern’s Rave Review (“Raye”). Ow: C. McGovern/H: T. Cardwell
The east wind was picking up, and now dust was a-flyin’ as dogs and horses traversed the course. Both dogs were smartly away with very attractive ground patterns and running styles. Teal had a find with very nice style and intensity on the cut of the tree-line just before the pond at the 15 minute mark. Raye’s handler tried to get him past the situation as the other handler was already on the ground working the bird but was unable to do so. Raye blew the backing opportunity and was picked up. The bird was successfully worked for Teal. Upon recast, Teal must have gotten into some thick cover, maybe on point, but the handler, judges, marshals, and gallery all lost contact with him. The scout was sent out to look but was also unable to locate him and eventually Teal was timed out.
13a. FC Prairie Star First Edition (“Marge”). Ow: D. & M. Morf/H: M. Morf
13b. Shadowfax Field Agent (“007”). Ow: W. & J. Holloway/H: J. Heckert
Marge had a nice run with an attractive running style and hit the correct lines and cover. Seemed like most dogs that were finding birds had to get deep into the cover instead of working the edges and lines. Marge went birdless. 007 was seen standing at 28 minutes on some running birds as the course entered the arcing cut grass field. Consequently, his style was not great since he was no longer in the scent cone. After a relocation, his style improved, and a bird was successfully worked for him. This is a young dog so his application is still pretty immature, but shows a lot of promise for the future. (Lunch break.)
14a. FC Doubledee Danni (“Danni”). Ow: G. McDevitt/H: W. Cruz
14b. Sierra Nevada Hot Pursuit (“Trouble”). Ow: S. & C. Farnham/H: T. Cardwell
Both Danni and Trouble broke away forward with good handles. Both ran nice edges and hit the lines and cover that normally would lead to success. However, at times, particularly entering the arcing grass and cornfields, the east wind was blowing up to 40 miles per hour. Both dogs went birdless as they most likely needed to get deep into cover to find game.
15a. Gunsmoke Dust A Flyin (“Dusty”). Ow: C. & S. Clock/H: J. Chapman
15b. FC/AFC Locust Hill Chocolate Chip (“Chip”). Ow/H: J. Ward
The wind direction changed from an east wind to a bit more south, southwest, and immediately the bird work began to pick up. These two dogs seemed to work well together, spurring each other to do better without interfering with each other. Chip was seen standing at 18 minutes, as was Dusty on a separate bird opposite of him in some heavy multi-flora. Chip’s bird was successfully produced, as was Dusty’s after a relocation. Chip then went on to have a covey find on the left of the arcing grass field at 35 minutes and followed that up with yet another find at 39 minutes further down on that same arcing grass field. Dusty was seen standing at 37 minutes on the right hand side of the swoop grass field, but after a relocation, a bird was unable to be produced and a non-productive taken.
16a. Chaparral BangZ Lookat Lil (“Lilly”). Ow: L. Sanders/H: J. Heckert
16b. Wynd Dancer Tenasscity (“Pudgey”). Ow: D. & B. Voss/ H: T. Cardwell
Pudgey was seen standing at the 7½ minute mark in the saplings before the skeet tower bean field. A bird was successfully flown for her and all was in order. In the meantime, Lilly was seen standing at 8 minutes on the other side of the tree-line, and, after a relocation, the bird was produced. Lilly had another find at 19 minutes on the cut corn row and all was in order. Pudgey also had a second find at 21 minutes and after a relocation, a bird was produced.
17a. DC Indian Sky Gordon Hill Scout (“Scout”). Ow: S. DeSilver/H: J. Chapman
17b. Tomar’s Renegade Hot Attitude (“Addy”). Ow: J. Gunbrok/H: T. Cardwell
Addy was seen standing at 9½ minutes on the draw in the bean field. Scout had an opportunity for a back and chose not to exercise that particular option that day and, therefore, was picked up. After attempting to flush and not being successful, Addy’s handler moved her on rather than try a relocation. Having survived the blown back of Scout, perhaps they figured it was too much pressure for that particular situation. In any case, Addy went birdless for the rest of the course and after having made the last turn, the handler opted to pick her up at the 44 minute mark as they were “past the birds.”
18a. FC Gunsmoke’s Highplains Drifter (“Drifter”). Ow: S. Chapman & R. Trimmer/H: J. Chapman
18b. DC Taimen Talo Thunderbolt RA JH (“Boomer”). Ow: S. & C. Clock/H: S. Clock
Boomer was spotted standing off the path in the bean field with the draw on the right hand side at the 13 minute mark. Drifter came in and backed. As Boomer was being relocated, Drifter was moved on. Boomer was again relocated for a second time before being able to produce running birds. Drifter went on to have two finds, the first where Pudgey had her second, and then again on the harvested corn row past the mud-hole. Boomer was seen standing at 28 minutes on the extreme inside left edge past the mud-hole and after a relocation was unable to produced a bird.
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National Amateur Champion: NFC/FC/AFC Par's Falcon On The Prowl
National Amateur Championship
31 starters
National Amateur Champion: NFC/FC/AFC Par's Falcon On The Prowl "Tiger"
R-U: NFC/FC/AFC Sierra-Nevada Hot Wheels "Jack"
3rd: NFC/FC/AFC Sandy Creek Skedaddle "Rebel
4th: Tomar’s Whistling Dixie "Dixie"
National Amateur Championship Stake
Judges: Ivan Clark & E. Kuhns
1a. NFC/FC/AFC Sierra-Nevada Hot Wheels (“Jack”). Ow: J. Grunbok & A. Boyd/H: J. Grunbok
1b. NFC/FC/AFC Par’s Falcon on the Prowl (“Tiger”). Ow: S. & G. Churton/H: J. Blaschke
What a difference a couple of days can make. The day started off with clear skies and comfortable temps, with just a small bit of moisture in the soil. However, the biggest difference was that the wind direction was now out of the more traditional west, southwest. Overnight, and after the judges’ banquet, the time changed back to Eastern Standard Time so folks got to sleep in for an extra hour. Jack and Tiger both broke away extremely nicely at about 8:15. Janet was handling with a broken wrist, and co-owner Anne Boyd was just about completely without voice. Meanwhile, Jim Blaschke was subbing as handler for Jerry Churton who had broken his collarbone two days before as a result of a fall from a horse. Jack had a find at 7 minutes with Tiger backing. A bird was produced and all was in order. Tiger then had a find at 11 minutes with very nice style after a nice move up the big hill. In the meantime, Jack moved to the front and became separated from Tiger. It was reported to me by judges’ marshal Jeannie Culver that Jack went on to have two more cover finds, handled kindly, and displayed very nice style on the ground and on point. Tiger proceeded to have another find on a covey of birds on the cornfield edge past the mud-hole at 29 minutes. When he came to the harvested bean field, Tiger was the first dog to take the left side and rim the edges. Tiger was then seen standing at 40 minutes along the left edge of the arcing fields but ended up taking a non-productive. Scribe’s note: Sometimes in the past at these events, folks have separated out into their usual cliques pretty much based upon region. It is normal to hang out with the people one knows best. Tiger and Jim had never worked together before, but with Jerry’s injury, it became a case of east and west working together to produce something special.
2a. FC Tomar’s Renegade Says Who (“Sophie”). Ow: S. & C. Farnham/H: S. Farnham
2b. DC Indian Sky Spellbound’s Superman (“Flyer”). Ow/H: C. Gold
Sophie cast away smartly, and Flyer seemed much more in the mood to run than he did in the Open Championship. It certainly helped that it was 15 or more degrees cooler. Both dogs handled very easily and kindly. Sophie was seen standing on the cut corn row about 100 yards down from the mud-hole. After a relocation, no bird was able to be produced. Flyer was later seen standing on the left edge of the mowed arcing grass field at 42 minutes. He showed very nice style and intensity. A bird was flown and all was in order. Despite a nice run and working hard, Sophie went birdless.
3a. Tomar’s Renegade Hot Attitude (“Addy”). Ow/H: J. Grunbok
3b. Chaparral BangZ Lookat Lil (“Lilly”). Ow/H: L. Sanders
Addy fired off the line quickly to the front while Lilly was much more workmanlike. Lilly was seen standing at the 19 minute mark on the cut corn row about 150 yards down from the mud-hole. At the same time Addy was spotted stopped further down the course just to the right of the culvert. After a relocation, Lilly was able to produce the running birds that perhaps Sophie had tried to work in the previous brace. No bird was able to be produced for Addy and she was moved on. Addy ended up going birdless despite working the area of the call box on the right hand side of the swooping corn field extensively.
4a. DC Indian Sky Gordon Hill Scout (“Scout”). Ow/H: S. DeSilver
4b. FC Doubledee Danni (“Danni”). Ow/H: G. McDevitt
Both dogs were away to the front. Danni then took the two-track road in the pines to the left and went down about 200 yards and was called standing. A hawk had earlier been seen leaving the locale. Only a dead bird was found for Danni and she was moved on. The handler did not fire. At about the 25 minute mark, Danni’s handler opted to pick up because she didn’t like the performance. Scout was spotted standing at 25 minutes at the culvert after that cut corn row in the spot where Addy had taken a non-productive on running birds. A bird was successfully flown. Scout was then seen standing at 34 minutes on the left edge of the swooping grass field with nice intensity and again a bird was produced. Moving further down, at 37 minutes Scout had another find on a pine tree on the left edge of the arcing grass field and another bird was produced. Scout then crossed over to the right hand side of the swooping corn field, and after a relocation produced yet another bird at 43 minutes.
5a. FC Tomar’s Renegade Crackerjack (“Crackers”). Ow/H: A. Boyd
5b. DC Taimen Talo Thunderbolt RA JH (“Boomer”). Ow: S. & C. Clock/H: S. Clock
Crackers was off speedily to the front for Anne Boyd who was without voice by this time. Boomer was much more workmanlike. The dogs became separated. It was reported to me by a judges’ marshal that Crackers had an extremely nice run and handled nicely, but went birdless. Boomer was seen standing on the cut corn row about 200 yards down from the mud-hole. After a relocation, birds running up and down the ditch inside were produced and he was moved on. Boomer was later seen standing on the left edge, one row deep on the swooping grass field at 41 minutes and a bird was again produced.
6a. FC/AFC The Carolina Connection (“Charley”). Ow: W. & J. Holloway/H: W. Holloway
6b. Shadowmere Spellbound’s Hiflyer (“Amelia”). O/H: C. Gold
Amelia was seen standing in the saplings to the left before crossing the first culvert. No bird was able to be produced for her and she was moved on. Charley was seen standing at 21½ minutes about 200 yards down from the mud-hole on the cut corn field and birds were flown for him. At the 25-27 minute mark, Amelia was picked up having run her pads off, or cutting them, before entering the harvested bean field. Charley, at 34 minutes, was then seen at the back of the harvested bean field in the back right hand corner. All that could be found for him was a pile of feathers. Charley continued to work the back of the harvested bean field and again was seen standing at 39 minutes. Charley’s handler believed he saw a bird fly and treated the situation as a stop to flush. The judges had not seen a bird fly so treated it as a non-event.
7a. NAFC/FC/AFC Timberfin Blazing Teal (“Teal”). Ow/H: C. Findley
7b. Doubledee Falcons Dawn (“Dawn”). Ow/H: G. McDevitt
Displaying nice running styles, both dogs cast off forward. Teal took the left edge of the harvested bean field, which was appropriate at the time because of which way the wind was blowing, while Dawn rimmed the right hand edges. Teal was seen standing at the 28 minute mark and a six or more bird covey was flushed for him at the left arcing grass field. Dawn also had a find at the arcing grass field at 31 minutes and a bird successfully flown for her.
8a. NFC/FC/AFC McGovern’s Rave Review (“Raye”). Ow: C. McGovern/H: J. Grunbok
8b. FC Prairie Star First Edition (“Marge”). Ow: D. & M. Morf/H: M. Morf
Both dogs were away with nice speed, drive and attractive gaits. Raye was seen standing at 27 minutes in the back corner of the harvested bean field but no bird could be produced for him and a non-productive taken. Raye was again seen standing at 36 minutes on a pine tree on the left of the arcing grass field and a bird successfully flown for him. Marge handled kindly and forward but went birdless.
9a. Rice Creek’s Jesse James (“Rigby”). Ow: A. Bailey/H: L.Sanders
9b. Gunsmoke Dust A Flyin (“Dusty”). Ow: S. & C. Clock/H: C. Clock
Dusty began the action with a covey find on the left hand side of the bean field with the skeet/trap towers at 7 minutes. All was in order. Rigby was then seen standing on the cut corn row at 17 minutes with Dusty doing a very nice natural back. This is even more important because in attempting to go in and work the bird, Rigby’s handler inadvertently moved between the backing and pointing dogs and Dusty handled that without any problem. Rigby’s handler then opted to relocate and Dusty moved on. I did not see it, but some felt that Rigby self-relocated rather than waiting until the handler got all the way back to the dog to send him. In any case, a non-productive was taken and he was moved on. 50 yards further down, Rigby locked up again and a bird was finally flown for him. Meanwhile, Dusty had progressed to the end of the corn row by the culvert and was seen standing at 20 minutes and a bird was flown for him. Dusty was again found standing at 31 minutes in the left edge of the grass swoop and at 37 minutes in the swooping cornfield. In both cases birds were successfully worked. Rigby was seen standing at 40 minutes but a non-productive taken.
10a. Falcons Wingspan (“Solo”). Ow/H: P. Sanborn
10b. FC Doubledee Falcons Whata Deal (“Dealer”). Ow/H: G. McDevitt
Dealer was seen standing at the 8 minute mark behind the skeet/trap bean field. During a relocation, the handler inadvertently flushed the bird. The dog did not see or go with the bird, and no gun shot was fired. Dealer was moved on but went birdless for the rest of the course. Solo had a very nice run with one find. It was reported to me that she moved a bit on a stop to flush.
11a. FC/AFC Sandy Creek Skedaddle (“Rebel”). Ow/H: K. Kohles
11b. Mac’s Tartan Locust Hill Rose (“Rose”). Ow/H: J. Ward
Rebel began the action as he was seen standing in the scrub behind the left skeet bean field at the 7 minute mark. A nice covey of birds was flushed and all was in order. Rebel then moved on to be found at 12 minutes on the right hand side draw and another bird flown for him. Rose failed to stop to flush and was picked up. Rebel then proceeded to have a find on the harvested corn row edge facing the ditch at 22 minutes. All was in order. Rebel capped off his day with a final find at 36 minutes on the left edge of the swooping grass field. After a relocation, a bird was produced.
12a. Tartana Pollyanna (“Polly”). Ow: S. & C. Clock/H: C. Clock
12b. DC Gordon Hill Odyssey (“Dessa”). Ow/H: S. DeSilver
Dessa was spotted standing at 7 minutes at the entrance of the skeet bean field. After a relocation, a non-productive was taken. Dessa then proceeded further into the corner of the skeet bean field and was seen standing with nice intensity. A three-bird covey was produced for her at 11 minutes. Meanwhile Polly was seen standing at 15 minutes. During a relocation, the bird flushed wild and Polly took some steps, and then went with the bird. She was picked up. Dessa went on to have a stop to flush at 25 minutes on another three-bird covey and then her handler opted to pick her up at 29 minutes.
13a. DC/AFC Carolina’s All Hat No Cattle (“Stetson”). Ow: J. & W. Holloway/H: W. Holloway
13b. FC Sierra Nevada Hot Pursuit (“Trouble”). Ow: S. & C. Farnham/H: S. Farnham
I did not get to see much of Stetson’s run as the dogs fairly quickly became separated. Judges’ marshal Jeannie Culver reported that he had one non-productive, three finds and a stop to flush along with a nice run. Trouble was seen standing after coming down off of the big hill to the right of the bean field with the draw in the back corner on some stumps where there were some old wooden gates. After two relocations, no bird could be put up for him and a non-productive was taken. Trouble had no further action and thus went birdless.
14a. Tomar’s Whistling Dixie (“Dixie”). Ow: C. Roberts/H: D. Voss
14b. Falcons Blind Sided (“Strider”). Ow/H: P. Sanborn
I did not get to see much of Dixie’s early performance as the dogs got separated. Strider had a find at 18 minutes on the cut corn row. After coming back together, I asked judges’ marshal Jeannie Culver if Dixie had had anything and she said “not yet,” but that the dog was the biggest running, fastest dog she’d ever seen and that included all-age pointers. She said that she showed just often enough to still be visible but that she was working the edges very nicely. At 33 minutes Dixie was seen standing on the left hand side of the swoop grass field. Strider failed to back and came in and stole point. He was picked up. A bird was produced for Dixie. Dixie then had another find at 37 minutes on the left hand side of the arcing grass field.
15a Tomar’s Locust Hill Jak (“Jak”). Ow/H: J. Ward
15b. Shadowfax Field Agent (“007”). Ow: W. & J. Holloway/H: W. Holloway
007 was seen standing at 9½ minutes on the right hand draw. A bird was successfully worked. Jak was seen standing on the tree line just past the draw at 10 minutes and all was in order. Both dogs proceeded further. 007 was called on point on the edge of the cut corn field at 18 minutes. Jak was on the inside of this same area in the ditch working down. Either the birds had left, or 007 became a little unsettled and decided to leave the area. He moved further down the row and re-established point at 19 minutes. Jak, now out on the edge, backed. A bird was worked and both dogs moved on. 007 became lost before the harvested bean field and the handler opted to go look for his dog. Jak had no further action.
16a. Wynd Dancer Tenasscity (“Pudgey”). Ow: D. & B. Voss/H: D. Voss
16b. BYE
Pudgey was spotted standing in the clumps of saplings upon exit of the skeet bean field. As judges, etc., were riding back, a bird flushed in front of Pudgey’s scout, so she began moving again. She did not bump or chase, and soon locked up again. A covey of birds was produced. At 20 minutes, Pudgey was spotted standing about 250 yards down from the mud-hole on the cut corn row. As the handler went in to flush the bird, Pudgey decided to help and was therefore picked up.
Kudos to all who worked to make this event such a success. There were many who contributed. Much hard work and planning goes into such events, and it showed. Suzy DeSilver and Jim D’Amico had dotted all of the i’s and crossed all the t’s. Even when the unexpected happened, they had quick and easy solutions and answers. It seemed like every time something needed to be done, there was somebody there to do it with class, style, and a smile on his or her face. The hospitality folks, who include Carol Black, Helen Howard, Hilary Latimer and others, kept everyone satisfied—if not sated—with great food and cheer. A number of folks helped with such things as bird planting and driving the dog wagons, as well as the gallery wagon. The banquet, Silent Auction and raffles were huge successes. Sales of promotional items were brisk. Each and every person who worked at any of the aforementioned tasks is hugely appreciated by the exhibitors.
Thank you Jim, Suzy, the NFT Standing Committee and the many members of Tartan, Brandywine and the Georgia Club for your assistance and help in bringing this about so wonderfully. Most of all, thanks needs to go to Mr. Leggett who always came through in the pinch—helping with bird acquisition, bird planting, the gallery wagon—the list goes on and on. I’m told he was similarly impressed with us as we were with him. In fact, some folks down at the Pointer National, who were some of our judges, are still mentioning just how well run and nice this trial was. Speaking of southern hospitality, Randy Young at one point made a joking comment that he wasn’t getting paid enough as the driver of the gallery wagon. Judge Ronnie Clark’s cousin’s son, AJ Bogdonovitch, who was at the trial, then went out and tried to give Randy his spare change. Randy properly replied that he’d prefer that AJ save his money for his college fund. Congrats to all on a super event.
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Open Puppy
Judges: Ivan Clark & Cathy Kuhns
10 Starters
1st: Whiskey River's Wild Rose
2nd: Whiskey River's I'M Your Huckleberry
3rd: Hoosier Daddee Bright Star
4th: Gordon Glen's Princess Tilly
Open Derby
Judges: Ronnie Clark & Cathy Kuhns
18 Starters
1st: Prairie Star Mint Condition
2nd: Pointsetter Four Roses
3rd: Prairie Star Marshall Kane
4th: Windshear Heaven's Firebird