— News from 2009 —

TOOTSIE HURDLE TRIALS

Blue Mountain,Miss.—December 30, 2009 found the conclusion of both the Tootsie Hurdle OpenAll-Age and Derby Classic at the Hell Creek Wildlife Management Area in Blue Mountain, Miss

Miller’s Happy Jack, pointer male owned and handled by Gary Lester of Gracey, Ky., was honored with the top placement. Second was Touch’s Green River, pointer male owned and handled by Keith Wright of Covington, Ind. Rounding out the placements was Thunder Snowy, pointer female owned
by Doug Arthur of Eads, Tenn., and handled by Steve Hurdle. The All-Age attracted 41 competitors.

Occupying the judicial saddles for the Open Stake were Dr. Jerry Champion of Hueytown, Ala., and Don May of Birmingham, Ala.

In the companion Derby, Coldwater Warrior, pointer male owned by Gary McKibben of Hernando, Miss., and handled by Weldon Bennett, was named
the winner. The Show Stopper, pointer female owned by Bill Walker of Oxford, Miss., and handled by Wade Griffin, annexed second. Third place was
Livingston’s Jill, pointer female owned and handled by Mark Haynes of Brownsville, Tenn. The Derby competitors ran under the judicial eyes of Doug
Arthur of Eads, Tenn., and Ed Stevens of Decatur, Ohio. There were 19 Derbies entered.

— Karen Hurdle

M. F. FERGUSON SHOOTING DOG CLASSIC

Ardmore, Okla. —Topping the field of 34 dogs in the M. F. Ferguson Classic at the Lake Murray venue, Ardmore, Okla., was Trailrider’s Delight, pointer female owned by Mike Faherty of Liberty Hill, Tex., and handled by Frank Ford. Earning second was Quail Alley Rose, pointer female owned by Ken Raney of Richardson, Tex., and also handled by Frank Ford. Third was Bar P Hotshot, pointer male owned by Brad Calkins of Englewood, Colo., and handled by Chuck Taylor.

Twenty-five dogs competed n the Northwest Oklahoma Derby Classic. Named first was Blackrock’s Widowmaker, pointer female owned by Ken Lane and handled by Virgil Moore. Our Gang Petey, pointer male owned by Dan Hensley and handled by Terry Smith, placed second. Reed’s Rockin Miranda, pointer female owned by Gregory Reed of Moore, Okla., and handled by Gary Hill, was third.

Judging both stakes were Dan Wisely of Powderly, Tex., and Conrad Plevnic of Terrell, Tex.

— C.W. (Chuck) Taylor

REGION 3 AMATEUR ALL-AGE CHAMPIONSHIP

Hoffman, N. C.—Forty-one dogs were drawn and 38 competed over the prestigious Robert Gordon Field Trial Grounds in Hoffman, N. C. The trial began
as advertised on December 17. The weather was to become a prime concern during the weekend as a severe winter storm pushed up the East Coast, dumping
up to two feet of snow over much of North Carolina and Virginia. The bad weather really never materialized at Hoffman during the trial; however, many of the participants’ homes were affected, causing the three scratches. After three days of running, judges Tommy Stargell of Scottsville, Va., and Garland Priddy of Terry, Miss., named Mohawk Mill Blaze champion and Rain Crow Beau runner-up. Mohawk Mill Blaze, a two year old pointer male scored twice on coveys and handled course 6 (the new loop) superbly for owner Gary Winall of Powhaten, Va. Rain Crow Beau ran in the third brace on Friday morning, covering parts of the second and third courses. Owned by G. B. Hatcher of Clinton, N.C. Beau carded three finds and a back for handler Sammy Giddens of Raleigh, N.C. It was a great win for two young dogs.

It was a great weekend, good fellowship, good performances and certainly, many good memories.

— Jim Jones

TOOTSIE HURDLE TRIALS

Blue Mtn., Miss.—The post-Christmas running of the Toostie Hurdle trials commenced December 28 at Hell Creek Area. Forty-one dogs have been drawn for the Open All-Age, and another 19 for the Open Derby.

Judges are Dr. Jerry Champion of Hueytown, Ala., and Don May of Birmingham, Ala.

ATLANTIC COAST OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Hoffman, N. C. —The Atlantic Coast Open Shooting Dog Championship ran December 8-12 at Hoffman, N. C. Forty-two dogs were drawn to compete.

The winner was Erin’s Dancing Queen, pointer female owned by Tom Downs of West Grove, Pa. Runner-up was The Insider, setter male owned by John Fort of Camden, S. C. Both dogs were handled by Luke Eisenhart.

In the companion Open Derby (26 entries), first was Erin’s Little Soldier, pointer male owned by Bob Leet of Kalamazoo, Mich., handled by Luke Eisenhart. Second was Cassique’s Blue Ridge, pointer female owned by Fred and Bernie Rowan of Atlanta, Ga., and handled by Harold Ray. Third was Prime Suspect, pointer male handled by Mike Hester.

Judges for both stakes were Paul Gadd of Newton, N. C., and Brian Sullivan of Sumter, S. C.

— Dr.W. C. Sanderson

BUCK-TUCK TRIALS

Conway,Ark.—The Buck-Tuck Open stakes attracted 50 dogs for the Open All-Age and 16 for the Open Derby.Winner of the Open All-Age was Elhew Sinbad, pointer male owned by Rob Butler of LaGrange, Ky., and Stan Howton of Bainbridge, Ga., and handled by Andy Daugherty. Sinbad had two finds. Second was Three Ten to Yuma, pointer male owned by Dr. Robert G. Cook of Kenosha,Wis., and handled by Randy Anderson. Third was Miller’s Happy Jack, pointer male owned and handled by Gary Lester of Gracey, Ky. Both Yuma and Jack had one find each.

In the Derby, the winner was Lester’s Bodacious, pointer male owned and handled by Gary Lester. Second was Snowgoose, pointer female owned by David T. O’Connor of Bullard, Tex., and handled by Allen Vincent. Third was Lester’s Tom Cruise, pointer male owned and handled by Gary Lester.

The trial was held at the Camp Robinson Area near Conway, Ark. Judges were Buster Tucker of Berea, Ky., and Harold Woodward of Livonia, Ark.

— John Sayre

FERGUSON SHOOTING DOG CLASSIC

Ardmore, Okla.—The M. F. Ferguson Open Shooting Dog Classic has drawn 34 dogs for the running at Ardmore, Okla. The companion Derby has a fine entry of 25.

Judges are Col. Dan Wisely of Paris, Tex., and Conrad Plevnic of Terrell, Tex. Dan Wisley stepped in for advertised judge EdWild who regrettably suffered a stroke.

— C.W. Taylor

FITCH FARMS-GALENA PLANTATION TRIALS

Holly Springs, Miss.—The 2009 running of the Fitch Farms-Galena Plantation trial at Holly Springs, Miss., attracted 38 for the Open All-Age.

Thunder Snowy, pointer female owned Doug Arthur of Eads, Tenn., and handled by Steve Hurdle, was named to first. Second was Amarige, pointer male owned by Dr. Fred Corder of Corinth, Miss., and handled by Randy Downs. Third was Hytest Sky Master, setter male owned by Mary Beth Esser and handled by Ray Warren.

Lester’s White Out was named first in the Derby for Gary Lester of Gracey, Ky. Hendrix’s Headline, owned and handled by Burke Hendrix of Hernando, Miss., placed second. Third was Sir Eaton, owned by Sonny Childers, Richard Tollison and Hoyle Eaton, and handled by the latter.

Judges were Michael G. Shears of Franklin, Tenn., and John Thompson of Camilla, Ga.

— Lisa Cole

NATIONAL AMATEUR SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Patrick, S. C.—The National Amateur Shooting Dog Championsip drew 45 dogs, the running starting on December 10 at Patrick, S. C., and concluding on December 14.

Judges were John Ray Kimbrell of Fort Mill, S. C., and Larry Cox of Randleman, N. C.

Eli Richardson won the stake with John Stolgitis’ pointer male Chasehill Little Bud. Runner-up was Calico's Catch N Release, pointer male, with Frank Henderson handling. Both dogs had multiple finds.

— Linda Hunt

REGION 6 AMATEUR ALL-AGE CHAMPIONSHIP

Huntingdon, Tenn.—The Region 6 Amateur All-Age Championship hosted by the Carroll County Club at Huntingdon, Tenn., drew 54 dogs, all but eight going to the line. The winner was Lester’s Snowatch. The pointer male owned by Gary Lester of Gracey, Ky., has been on a streak this fall, winning or placing in any number of high class events, including the Rend Lake Open All-Age and winning the recent Quail Championship Invitational and the Kentucky Quail Classic. Runner-up was Game Maker, pointer male owned and handled by Dr. Fred Corder of Corinth, Miss.

Judges were Mac Conyers of Halls, Tenn., and Greg St. John of So. Fulton, Tenn.

As noted, eight dogs were withdrawn, and the trial ended a half a day earlier than anticipated.

— Jim Atchison

UNITED STATES OPEN TRIALS

Catherine, Ala.—The United States Open Derby and All-Age Championship were held at Shell Creek Plantation in Catherine, Ala. The winner of the Derby was Real Survivor, pointer male for owner David T. O’Connor of Bullard, Tex., and handler Steve Hurdle. Ike Todd took second with Lester’s White Out, owned and handled by Gary Lester. Steve Hurdle handled third place Game Plan, pointer male owned by Burke and Guy Hendrix of Hernando, Miss.

After a callback brace in rainy weather Saturday morning, the judges named Poison as the All-Age Champion for handler and owners Eddie Sholar and Tommy Davis. Runner-up was Shell Creek Coin, owned by David O’Connor and handled by Steve Hurdle.

BENTON COUNTY (MISS.) TRIALS

Michigan City, Miss.—The Benton County Open stakes were held at Whippoorwill Farm, Michigan City, Miss. The Open All-Age drew 21 dogs for Judges Burke Hendrix and Gary McKibben of Hernando, Miss. First was Whippoorwill Radiance, pointer female owned by Dr. Jack D. Huffman and handled by Larry Huffman. Second was Strut, pointer male owned by Eddie Sholar of Leesburg, Ga., and Tommy Davis of Albany, Ga., and handled by Tommy. Third was Whippoorwill Firebox, pointer female owned by Earl Connolly of Memphis, Tenn., and handled by Larry Huffman.

The Open Derby drew six dogs for Judges Gary McKibben and Lefty Henry. First was Hendrix’s Headline, pointer male owned by Burke and Guy Hendrix; second was Whippoorwill Wild Night, pointer male owned by Dr. Jack Huffman, and third was Whippoorwill Spec, also owned by Dr. Huffman.

— Piper Huffman

BLACKBELT TRIALS

Leesburg, Ga.—The 2009 chapter of the Blackbelt trials at Leesburg, Ga., a National Championship qualifying trial, concluded on December 3 after losing one day to rain.Winning the trial was Strut, owned by Eddie Sholar of Leesburg, Ga., and Tommy Davis of Albany, Ga., and handled by the latter.
Second was House’s Apache River, owned by Bill Goolsby and Dr. Reuben C. Richardson of Montgomery, Ala., and handled by Billy Wayne Morton.
Placed third was Shadow Oak Bo, owned by N. G. “Butch” Houston and Dr. John Dorminy of Nashville, Ga., and handled by Robin Gates.

Brian Peterson and Mike Wrenn judged the 59 entries. The stake was held at Coney Lake Plantation in Leesburg, Ga. The companion Derby was not run due to lack of entries.

— Heather Klinck

BUCK-TUCK OPEN ALL-AGE

Conway,Ark.—The Buck-Tuck Open All-Age Stake has drawn 50 dogs, and its companion Open Derby drew 16. The trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, December 14, at Camp Robinson, Conway, Ark.

Judging both stakes are Buster Tucker of Berea, Ky., and Harold Woodward of Vilonia, Ark.

— John Sayre

KENTUCKY QUAIL CLASSIC

Paducah, Ky.—The 2009 running of the Kentucky Quail Classic proved to be a good renewal, in terms of entry (52 dogs) and the winners named. Lester’s Snowatch came back after winning the Quail Championship Invitational to take first in the Classic. Snowatch is owned and handled by Gary Lester of Gracey, Ky., and was credited with four finds. Second was Push the Limit, pointer male owned by Ric Peterson of Gilbert, Ariz., and handled by Randy Anderson. Limit had one find in a gusty rainy hour. Game Maker, owned by Dr. Fred Corder of Corinth, Miss., and handled by Randy Downs, claimed third. The pointer male had three finds.

This was only the third time in the 46 years of the Invitational and Quail Classic that a dog has won both legs of this competition. Oklahoma Paladin Pache, handled by the late Bud Daugherty for W. D. Coddington, did it in 1974, and House’s Rain Cloud accomplished the feat in 1996.

In the Derby, 21 dogs were entered and 20 competed. First was Lester’s Skyy, pointer male owend by Gary Lester. Second was B B’s Big Bonus, owned
by Bill Bruce of Hopkinsville, Ky., and handled by Ray Warren. Third was Lester’s Tom Cruise, also owned by Gary Lester.

— John P. Russell

OZARK OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Conway, Ark.—Trainer Shawn Kinkelaar took all the marbles at the 2009 Ozark Open Shooting Dog Championship held at Camp Robinson near Conway, Ark. In a 69-dog stake, for the second time, Elhew Hannabell and her son, Covey Rise’s Offlee Amazin, captured the championship and runner-up titles, respectively. Hanna is owned by the Drs. Thomas and Robin Morgan of Holly Springs, Miss. The Morgans and Gary Hertz of Bismarck, N.D., co-own Amazin. Three finds and a smooth, consistent ground race earned Hanna top honors, closely contested by Amazin which also had three finds and a similar race.

Judges for the stake and the companion Derby were David Lewis of Spiro, Okla., and Jon Davis of Greenbrier, Ark.

There were a number of promising candidates in the 20-dog Derby. There were contestants that rendered excellent races and those that scored on game in their heat. First was Spider Bite Rip, pointer male handled by Dean Lord and co-owned by Lord and Jennifer Wade. Sequoyah’s Playing Too, pointer
female, took second for handler Terry Smith and owner Mitch Spurlock of Searcy, Ark. Third was Casino Gal, pointer female handled by Scott Miller and owned by Ronald Litle of Greenfield, Mo. The three winners all were shown on game.

— Peg Herriage

REGION 6 AMATEUR ALL-AGE CHAMPIONSHIP

Huntingdon, Tenn.—The Region 6AmateurAll-Age Championshiop commenced December 10 at Huntington, Tenn., hosted by the Carroll County Field Trial Club. The 2009 running has drawn 54 dogs.

Judges areMac Conyers of Halls, Tenn., and Greg St. John of South Fulton, Tenn., who stepped in for the advertised judge, Bobby McAlexander of Holly Springs, Miss. Barring any delays, the running should be completed by noon, December 14.

— Jim Atchison

SOUTH CAROLINA OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Patrick, S. C.—Judges Dwight Smith of Norwood, N. C., and JohnnyAtkinson ofMarion, S. C., named five-year-old white and black ticked setter male The Insider, owned by John Fort of Camden, S. C., as champion of the South Carolina Open Shooting Dog Championship. Luke Eisenhart handled Insider.
Named runner-up was Mohawk Mill Dana, seven-year-old pointer female owned by Tom Downs ofWest Grove, Pa., and also handled by Eisenhart.

Fifty-seven dogs competed in the Championship held over the H. Cooper Black Field Trial Grounds in the sandhills near Patrick, S. C.

— GilbertWebber

BLACKBELT TRIALS

Leesburg, Ga.—The 2009 chapter of the Blackbelt trials at Leesburg, Ga., attracted a field of 59 for the Open all-Age. The Derby was cancelled for lack of entries.

Judges are Mike Wrenn of Greenville, S. C., and Brian Peterson of Montgomery, Ala. The trial was due to be completed on December 2, but a weather system from the Gulf may change that.

— Heather Klinck

CALIFORNIA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Jamestown, Cal. —the Oakdale Bird Dog Club hosted another successful renewal of the California Open All-Age and Shooting Dog Championships at Jamestown, Cal. The program began with the Derby which attracted an entry of 19.

The California All-Age drew 28, and the winner was Highground Jax Jabba, setter male owned by Charles and Kara Kunde of Fossil, Ore., and handled by Lori Steinshouer. Runner-up was Idaho’s Clean Sweep, pointer male owned by Steve Jones of Oregon City, Ore., and handled by Sheldon Twer.

Judges for the All-Age were Gary Cowell of Lancaster, Mo., and John Keel of Oakdale, Cal.

The Shooting Dog Championship was won by Stinson’s Kickapoo, setter male owned by Dr. Hal Meyer of Kingsburg, Cal., and handled by Twer. Runner-up was Saddle Up Non Believers, pointer female owned and handled by Sean Kelly of Auburn, Cal. Judges for the second feature were Gary Cowell and Terry Erickson of Laguna Hills, Cal. Fog delayed the running, but we were able to finish in time to get the judges home for Thanksgiving.

On a grim note, Torben Hansen of Reno, Nev., sustained serious injuries in a horse accident, cracking several ribs and damaging vertebrae. He was hospitalized but has been released. Dr. Charlies Hjerpe of Davis, Cal., was also involved in a horse accident, striking his head, but he recovered sufficiently to handle his dog the following day.

— Sheldon Twer

CENTRAL CAROLINA FIELD TRIAL CLUB

Hoffman, N. C.—The Central Carolina Field Trial Club concluded the running of our OpenAll-Age Stake, a National Championship qualifier, in mid-November. Judges Alex and Eric Mauck namedWhite’s Solid Reward the winner with Lefty Henry handling for owners John and Susan Ivester of Huntersville, N. C. Second was Home Boy for handler Mack Hilliard and owners Johnny Atkinson, Ray Joye, Jeff Walker and Charlie Timmerman of Marion, S. C. Third was Mohawk Mill Ride for owner/handler Gary Winall of Powhatan,Va. The decisions were well received.

— John Ivester

KENTUCKY QUAIL CLASSIC

Paducah, Ky.—The Kentucky Quail Classic, sponsored by West Kentucky FTC, commenced December 1 at the West Kentucky WMA near Paducah, Ky.

The All-Age Classic drew 52 contenders, and the companion Derby, 21.

Judges are Tim Hammons of Berea, Ky., and Jaydie Rayfield of Mt. Pleasant, S. C.

— Jim Atchison

QUAIL CHAMPIONSHIP INVITATIONAL

Paducah, Ky.—The prestigious Quail Championship Invitational began Saturday morning, November 28, at theWest Kentucky Wildlife Management Area near Paducah, Ky. Named winner on Monday, November 30, was Lester’s Snowatch, pointer male owned and handled by Gary Lester of Gracey, Ky. Runner-up was South’s Late Night, pointer male owned by Dr. David Dickey of Augusta, Ga., and handled by Rick Furney. Also called back for the championship finals were Patriote, pointer male now in the ownership of Gary and Sally Lockee of LaGrange, Tenn., and handled by Colvin Davis, and B B’s Pike, pointer male owned by Bill Bruce of Hopkinsville, Ky., and Pete Reiman of Campbell Hill, Ill., and handled by RayWarren.

Judges for this renewal were Weldon Bennett of Huntingdon, Tenn., Jim N.White of Bowling Green, Ky., and Dr. Hunter Wilcox of Lumberton, N. J.

Good weather prevailed for the two and a half days of running.

— Jim Atchison

INDIANTOWN GAP TRIALS

Petersburg, Pa.—The Indiantown Gap trials were held at the Keystone Bird Dog Trust grounds near Petersburg, Pa., on November 10-15. Featured stakes were the Keystone Open Shooting Dog Championship and theYankee Open Derby Classic.

The winner of the 40-dog Keystone Open Shooting Dog Championship was the defending champion, Roland Kane’s Buffalo Creek, coming seven-year-old pointer male. Runner-up was Klee’s Handsome Hank, three-year-old pointer male owned by Roger and Susan Duerksen of Pittsburgh, Pa. Mike Tracy handled both winners.

Three pointer males swept the 12-dogYankee Derby Classic. Ross Callaway’s Caladen’s Rail Hawk was the winner. He was handled by George Tracy. Second went to Buffalo Bull, owned by Karen and Ernie Saniga and Harry Blaine. Andrea Clark’s Coosawhatchie Chief was third. Mike Tracy handled the second and third place dogs.

Judges for both stakes were Dave Hughes of Grampian, Pa., and R. B. Powell of nearby Lewistown, Pa., who filled in when

Keith Severin became ill at the last moment.We wish him a speedy recovery.

— Ernie Saniga

REGION 1 AMATEUR ALL-AGE CHAMPIONSHIP

Glastonbury, Conn.—Chasehill Little Bud was named champion over a small but elite field of 12 pointers and setters at the Region 1 Amateur All-Age Championship held Sunday, November 22, at The Meadows. Bud is owned by John Stolgitis of Ashaway, R. I., and was handled by Elias Richardson of Uxbridge, Mass. Runner-up was Great River Magnum, pointer male owned and handled by Brian Sanchez of Central Islip, N.Y.

Judges were Jeff Smith of Loudon, N. H., and Dave O'Brien of Marlborough, Conn.

— Janice Gregory

REGION 5 AMATEUR ALL-AGE CHAMPIONSHIP

Grovespring,Mo.—The Region 5AmateurAll-Age Championship was held November 20-22 at the Sportsman’s Field Trial Grounds in Grovespring, Mo. Lester’s Snowatch, handled by owner Gary Lester of Gracey, Ky., was named champion following his eight-find performance on the third hour course. Runner-up was Small’s Storm Cloud, which also ran on the third hour and had three finds and a good finish. Storm Cloud is owned and handled by Mike Small of Evansville, Ind.

Judges for the Championship were Leland Fischer of Jefferson City, Mo., and Charlie Beeler of Lancaster, Mo. The grounds were in excellent shape and birds were seen throughout the grounds. Thirty-six entries were drawn, competitors coming from nine states. The Region 5 committee would like to thank all who participated in the trial over a nice weekend.

— Ken Teague

REGION 8 OPEN ALL-AGE

Ardmore, Okla.—The Region 8 Open All-Age was held at the Lake Murray grounds near Ardmore, Okla. The results, from a field of 45 entries, were as follows: 1st—Barshoe Busy, pointer female owned by Tom Faller of Springfield, Ill., and Lee R. West of Edmond, Okla., and handed by Andy Daughtery; 2d—Top Crude, pointer male owned by Dr. Douglas Guthrie and Ray Black of Waco, Tex., and handled by AllenVincent; 3d—Capital’s HighYield, pointer male owned by Capital Kennels of Guthrie, Okla., and a handled by Randy Anderson.Another notable contender was Deebone Jake, owned by Dee Nix
of Fletcher, Okla., and handled by Gary Hill. Only the hypothetical coin toss kept him from the list of placements.

The trial and trial grounds are in excellent condition and hands. Jim Michaletz and Mike Griffin did a commendable job of hosting the event. I would suggest that these grounds, with the help of Quail Unlimited, are a stellar example of the type of cover that bobwhite quail enjoy in southern Oklahoma. The trial was brimming with bird contacts, and the coveys were large and respectable flyers.

Conrad Plevnic drove the dog wagon and is doomed by his expertise to do so for awhile. The hospitality was wonderful! These folks are a definite asset to the field trial community in Oklahoma, as well as the country, and should be commended for their work and drive.

—Tom Nygard

GARDEN STATE SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Lacey Township—Erin’s Backstreet Affair, pointer female owned by Tom Downs of West Grove, Pa., and handled by Luke Eisenhart, has won the Garden State Open Shooting Dog Championship. Runner-up was Fazan’s Stress Free, setter male owned by George Fazan of Somerville, N. J., and handled by Matt Basilone. Both dogs had multiple finds over the Greenwood Tract in Lacey.

— Lloyd Miller

JAYHAWK OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Eureka, Kan.—The Jayhawk Open Shooting Dog Championship was contested November 10 on the Oliver Ranch in Eureka, Kan. This was a new venue for this major stake and we could not be happier to have had the opportunity to run this Championship on these wonderful grounds.We owe a great deal of gratitude to the Oliver Family for allowing us to use their wonderful property.

The trial, unfortunately, was cut short due to a day of heavy rain and a day of three and a half inches of snow. The dog wagon and the horses could not cross the creek due to high water. The judges, for concern of all those involved, called it quits.

Sixty-five dogs were drawn for the championship running; however, only fifty made it to the line. Emerging as the winner was pointer male Covey Rise’s Offlee Amazin, owned by Drs. Thomas and Robin Morgan of Holly Spring,Miss., and handled by Shawn Kinkelaar. Amazin ran on course No. 1 like he owned it and had four perfect and well spaced finds. Amazin’s bracemate, Ninnescah Davis, took the runner-up spot for Dr. Richard Steckley of Wichita, Kan., and handler Chuck Stretz. Davis also had an outstanding hour. He was not as strong as his bracemate on the ground but ran a beautiful up front race and was found standing five times. Thank you to all who attended.

—Wes Vickers

KENTUCKY OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Berea, Ky.—The Kentucky Open Shooting Dog Championship concluded on Saturday, November 14, at noon. A gratifying field of 55 was drawn and all competed. Casey Creek Remote Control, pointer male, emerged the winner for owners Buster and Pam Tucker of Berea, Ky. Buster handled and Pam scouted “Mo” to his first title. Zumbro Molly Mae, pointer female owned by Dale Winhorst of Osseo, Wis., and handled by Travis Gellhaus, was named runner-up. The winner and runner-up each recorded three finds.

Judges for the Championship were Bob Craig of Hatchechubbee, Ala., and Bucky Street of Auburn, Ala.

The Open Derby drew 15 dogs, with 12 actually competing. Upon conclusionWindtalker was named the winner for owner Pat Mattingly of Louisville, Ky., and handler Stacy Perkins. Second was Agem Boone, owned and handled by Bob Craig. First Class Silver Colt was handled by his owner, Vernon Vance of Winchester, Ky., to the third place position. Judges for the Derby were Dr. Kristine Hammons of Berea, Ky., and Billy Gerwin of Berry, Ky.

— Harvie Pendergest

NATIONAL AMATEUR INVITATIONAL SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Grovespring, Mo.—Named winner of the National Amateur Shooting Dog Invitational Championship was Class Act Special, white and liver pointer male owned by Sandy and Neil Walker of Leslie, Ga., and handled by Neil. Runner-up was Westfall’s Bel Express, white and liver pointer female owned and handled by Richard Lewis of Ashland, Mo. The new champion was a strong winner.

Judges Pat Sheehan of Jacksonville, Ill., and Sean Derrig of Bannockburn, Ill., had two more braces on standby and called for Bridges Lake Pat (Tim Moore) and R J’s Hardcopy (Neil Walker), but chose not to run Ben’s Blue (Toby Tobiassen) and Moss Hill Magic (Brian Spear).

— Linda Hunt

REGION 17 WALKING SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Piedmont, Kan—The Region 17 Amateur Walking Shooting Dog Championship was concluded with the naming of pointer female Delaware River Jackpot as champion and setter male Tommy Rocket as runner-up. Jackpot, owned by Jim Corpening of Rossville, Kan., and Kevin Gatzemeyer of Valley Falls, Kan., and handled by Corpening, had a great race, three finds and an unproductive. Rocket, owned and handled by Paul Roederer of Haven, Kan., also had a nice race and three finds.

The trial was held on beautiful Flint Hills grounds at Piedmont, Kan., and was adjudicated by Tommy Woods of Adair, Okla., and Dr. Charlie Sackett of Liberty, Kan.Wild and liberated birds were available and as many as eight wild coveys were moved by the 28 starters.

The Wichita Bird Dog Club did an outstanding job hosting the event.

— Paul Roederer

GRAND NATIONAL GROUSE CHAMPIONSHIP

Marienville, Pa.—The 67th running of the Grand National Grouse Championship was concluded November 7 at noon over courses at the Allegheny National Forest grounds near Marienville, Pa. It was a year of kindly weather, plentiful bird populations and great performances from the field of 73 starters. The winner, Full Tilt, setter female owned by GNG President Richard Brenneman of PortMatilda, Pa., handled by Dave Hughes, set aside all others which competed in the Championship with a sterling performance. Runner-up was Long Gone Madison, setter female in the string of Dave Hughes, owned by Arthur D. Hyde III of Bronxville, N.Y.

Judges Dr. Roger McPherson of Shippenville, Pa., and Ray Gorman of Colebrook, N. H., reported they had at least ten dogs in the Championship starting field that, on another occasion, could have merited a champion or runner-up title.

— Dave Fletcher

KENTUCKY OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Berea, Ky.—The 2009 running—the 30th renewal—of the Kentucky Open Shooting Dog Championship has drawn 55 dogs to the Central Kentucky Wildlife Management Area near Richmond and Berea, Ky. An additional 14 dogs have been named for the Derby.

Judges for this year’s running are Bob Craig of Hatchechubbee, Ala., and Bill “Buck” Street of Auburn, Ala.

—Vernon Vance

LEE COUNTY (GA.) TRIALS

Leesburg, Ga.—Lester’s Cobra has won the 2009 Lee County Open All-Age for Larron Copeland of Bronwood, Ga., with a sparkling four-find race. Second was Distant Shadow for Robin Gates and owners Jed Dempsey of Palm City, Fla., and Tom Nygard of Bozeman, Mont. Third was South’s Late Night for Rick Furney and Dr. David Dickey of Augusta, Ga. Both dogs rendered strong performances.

Judges Don Price of Jacksonville, Fla., and Fred Rayl of Sylvester, Ga., watched attentively 53 entries including one setter. Conditions varied from rainy and cool to very hot over the running which commenced at Coney Lake Plantation on October 26.

—Tom Word

OKLAHOMA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Inola, Okla.—The 2009 Oklahoma Open Championship “came down to the wire” when the winner emerged in the final brace of the stake to claim the title.

Named winner by Judges Jamie Brightwell of Sapulpa, Okla., and David Lewis of Spiro, Okla., was Heyu Two Pete, white and liver pointer male owned by Preston and Patty Trimble of Norman, Okla., and handled by AllenVincent. The same owner-handler team was featured twice in the winners’ circle when Whippoorwill Hot Dame was named runner-up. A few days earlier, Hot Dame was named first place winner of the Inola Open All-Age.

The 2009 renewal at the McFarlin-Ingersoll Ranch near Inola, Okla., drew a field of 36 dogs; 34 actually started when two dogs — House’s Snake Bite and Texas Nimrod — were withdrawn due to health concerns.

— Dr. Dorwin Hawthorne

SOUTHWEST MISSOURI OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Grovespring, Mo.—One of the largest entries, 70 dogs, competed in the Southwest Missouri Open Shooting Dog Championship. Covey Rises’s Offlee Amazin, pointer male owned by Drs. Thomas and Robin Morgan of Holly Springs, Miss., and Gary Hertz of Bismarck, N. D., emerged as the winner after six days of running. Under the whistle of Shawn Kinkelaar, “Braxton” scored three perfect finds in his powerful hour and was still going strong as time was called.

The final brace of the stake produced the runner-up, Ninnescah Nicole, handled by Chuck Stretz, which also had three finds. She did a nice job on the ground, just not as strong as the winner. The pointer female is owned by Dr. Richard Steckley of Wichita, Kan.

Judges were Gary Young of Lawton, Okla., and Dr. Lou Qualtiere of Saskatoon, Sask., who also looked at 25 Derbies. Ridge Creek Cody, setter male handled by Kinkelaar for owner Larry Brutger of St. Cloud, Minn., took top honors with two finds.

Second and third places were won by young dogs handled by Scott Miller and owned by Ronald Litle of Greenfield, Mo. No Money, pointer male, had one find and was named second. Casino Gal, pointer female, had one find for third.

There was a one-day delay in the running due to tremendous rainfall; beautiful fall weather returned for the final days.

— Peg Herriage

SUNSHINE OPEN ALL-AGE

Lake City, Fla.—The Sunshine Open All-Age Classic was completed November 5 at Chinquapin Farm near Lake City, Fla. Phantom’s Last Dime, owned by Larry Carter, Larry Lee and R. O. Berryhill, handled by Robin Gates, earned first. White’s Solid Reward, owned by John Ivester of Huntersville, N. C., handled by Lefty Henry, was second.WhyWait, owned by Mike Moses of Lake City, Fla., handled by Robin Gates, was third.

The judges were Jim Tande of Park Rapids, Minn., and Bobby Dubose of Baker, Fla.

AMERICAN FIELD QUAIL FUTURITY

Inola, Okla.—The 105th running of the American Field Quail Futurity was held at the McFarlin-Ingersoll Ranch near Inola, Okla. The winner, Real Survivor, rendered two fine efforts, his second appearance an extremely strong, forward effort to secure the top spot in this breeders’ classic. The white and orange pointer male is owned by David T. O’Connor of Bullard, Tex., bred by Bill Hunt of Stanton, Tenn., and was handled by Steve Hurdle. Second was Conecuh Station’s Black Rock, pointer male owned by Tony Gibson of Union Springs, Ala., bred by Harold Ridgeway of Chelsea, Ala., also handled by Hurdle. Third was San Jacinto Windstorm, owned by Lester C. Shepard of Conroe, Tex. The pointer male was bred by Virginia Lyons of Hutto, Tex., and handled in this stake by Allen Vincent. Fourth was awarded to Game Plan, pointer male owned by Guy and Burke Hendrix of Holly Springs, Miss., and handled by Hurdle, who also bred the litter.

Judges for this renewal were the seasoned Leland Fischer of Jefferson City, Mo., and Collier F. Smith of Hurtsboro, Ala.

INOLA OPEN TRIALS

Inola, Okla.—The Inola Open Derby andAll-Age Stakes were again contested over theMcFarlin-Ingersoll Ranch in northeast Oklahoma, the juvenile stake attracting 18 Derbies, and the All-Age 41 dogs. Praireland Bo emerged as the winner of the Derby. The pointer male is owned by Dr. Robert G. Cook of Kenosha, Wis., and was handed by Randy Anderson. Conecuh Station Black Rock was second. He is in the ownership of Tony Gibson of Union Springs, Ala. Salty Dog Bullet, also a pointer male, was third. Salty Dog is owned and handled by Jeff Fraser of Teton Village,Wyo.

Fine performances were turned in by the three all-age winners.Whippoorwill Hot Dame claimed first for Preston and Patty Trimble of Norman, Okla., and handler Allen Vincent. Barshoe Busy, the 2008 Oklahoma Open Champion, was named to second for owners Tom Faller of Springfield, Ill., and Lee R.West of Edmond, Okla. Handler was Andy Daugherty. Thunder House, owned by Doug Arthur of Eads, Tenn., and handled by Steve Hurdle, rounded out the placements.

One day of running in the All-Age was lost to inclement weather. Judges for both stakes were Virgil Moore of Canyon, Tex., and Gary Ward of Chelsea, Okla.

— Dr. Dorwin Hawthorne

NBHA NATIONAL AMATEUR INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Baldwin City, Kan.—The NBHA National Amateur Invitational Championship held forth on Tallgrass Farms in beautiful eastern Kansas with a gratifying entry of the top NBHA amateur handled dogs from the 2008-2009 field trial season.

Judges Paul Roederer and Roger Duncan named Wild Covey Heatwave, powerful pointer male co-owned by Jason Kemna and Tony King of Missouri, champion after a well executed four-find performance. Tony handled while Jason scouted their charge to the balanced hour of edge running. Tim Penn’s winning setter male Penrosa Knox was named runner-up with a reaching five find effort that came in the next to last brace of the trial.

Numerous coveys of wild birds were moved along with liberated birds along the wildlife haven that is Scott Crawford’s Tallgrass. A large and appreciative gallery watched the proceedings as handlers came from as far away as Texas, Oklahoma and southern Illinois to compete. All entries had multiple opportunities on birds making for exciting braces throughout.

— Doug Meyer

NORTH AMERICANWOODCOCK CHAMPIONSHIP

Havelock, N. B.—Topping the field of eight pointers and 16 setters in the North American Woodcock Championship was Oscaloosa Allie Cat, white and chestnut setter female owned by Jason Banks of Wilmore, Ky., and handled by Dave Hughes. Named runner-up was Long Gone Madison, white, black and tan setter female owned by Arthur Hyde III of Bronxville, N.Y., and also handled by Dave Hughes. Jim Wade of Ammon, New Brunswick and Keith Burgess of Smithfield, New Brunswick occupied the judicial saddles for this renewal.

— Mike Jackson

NORTH AMERICANWOODCOCK FUTURITY

Havelock, N. B.—Placed first in the North American Woodcock Futurity was Long Gone Buckwheat, setter male owned by Lloyd Murray and Todd Kolter and handled by Dave Hughes. Second was Cairds Siding Wynot Riley, pointer male owned by Robert Little and handled by Tom Wilkins. Rocky Point Lilly, setter female owned by Steve Swauger and handled by Dave Hughes, earned third. The fourth place dog was Rocky Road Big Allez, setter male owned by William Kirnie and handled by Dave Hughes.

The judges were Joe Dahl of Bangor, Me., and Russell Robinson of St. John, N. B.

— Mike Jackson

OKLAHOMA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Inola, Okla.—The Oklahoma Open Championship is No. 3 in a series of stakes that started October 26 at the McFarlin-Ingersoll Ranch near Inola, Okla. Preceding were the Inola stakes and the American Field Quail Futurity. The Oklahoma Open Championship attracted 36 entries, and commenced Monday afternoon, November 2.

Judges for this fixture are Jamie Brightwell of Sapulpa, Okla., and David Lewis of Spiro, Okla.

— Dr. Dorwin Hawthorne

REND LAKE OPEN TRIALS

Broughton, Ill.—The Rend Lake Open stakes were held at Jim and Peg Fornear’s Outland Ranch near Broughton, Ill., commencing November 2. The Open All-Age drew a field of 31, and Lester’s Snowatch, pointer male owned and handled by Gary P. Lester of Gracey, Ky., was named the first place winner. Second was Quester, pointer male owned by Jim Fornear and handled by Ray Warren. Third was House’sWhite Rain, pointer male owned and handled by Joe Don House of Clinton, Ky.

The Derby drew a 28-dog lineup, and Gary Lester was back in the winners’ circle with pointer male Miller’s Atomic Rain. Second was Crouse’s Unforgettable, pointer female owned by Jim and Mike Crouse of Dixon, Ky., and handled by Mike Crouse. Third was Lester’s Tom Cruise, pointer male owned and handled by Gary Lester.

Mr. Jim Fornear, who suffered a serious injury last fall, is back at Outland Ranch and he joined the field trial contingent for the noon luncheons and after-running socials.

Judges for the 2009 renewal were Steve Gill of Jefferson City, Mo., and Ken Teague of Springfield, Mo.

— Gary P. Baird

INOLA OPEN ALL-AGE TRIALS

Inola, Okla.—The Inola Open is the first of three all-age stakes slated for the McFarlin-Ingersoll Ranch near Inola, Okla. Following this fixture is the American Field Quail Futurity and the Oklahoma Open Championship.

The Inola Open drew 41 entries, and the companion Derby, 18. Judges are Virgil Moore of Canyon, Tex., and Gary C.Ward of Claremore, Okla.

— Dr. D. E. Hawthorne

INTERNATIONAL AMATEURWOODCOCK CHAMPIONSHIP

Woodstock, N. B.—The International Amateur Woodcock Championship at Woodstock, New Brunswick attracted a field of 29 contenders.

Judges were Ray Gorman of Colebrook, N. H., and Roger McPherson of Shippenville, Pa. The winner was Bog Brook Wilma, setter female owned and handled by Thom M. Richardson ofWhitefield, N. H. Runner-up was True Patriot, setter male owned and handled by Kellie Short of Buxton, Me.

— Linda Hunt

MID-AMERICA CHAMPIONSHIP

Vinita, Okla.—The Mid-America Championship program began October 10 with the one-hour Dr. Minor E. Gordon Derby Classic following a one day rain delay. Out of the 12 pointers entered, Mayo’s Silver Cloud, owned by Harold Mayo of Hamlin, Tex., and handled by Randy Anderson, was crowned with the top honor.Walk The Walk, owned by Don Stroble of Mechanicsburg, Pa., and handled by Anderson, was named second.Westfall’s Cutting Edge was placed third and is owned and handled by RyanWestfall.

The Championship began on October 11 with 40 dogs entered. The 2009 champion is Prairieland Pride which won the title with a very nice race and two exceptional finds. He is owned by Dr. Robert Cook of Kenosha,Wis., and was handled by Randy Anderson. Runner-up was Westfall’s Black Ice which had an excellent race and a find he held for some time. He is owned by Bill Westfall of Missouri; Ryan Westfall handled him to the placement.

— Jon Humphrey

NEW ENGLAND FUTURITY

EastWindsor, Conn.—The New Englad Futurity drew a field of 27 starters. The winner was Erin’s Dog Soldier, pointer male owned by Bill and Daretta Bruchey of Port Deposit, Md. Second was Bittersweet Alibi, pointer male owned by Ralph Gillota of Medina, Ohio. Third was Erin’s Little Soldier, pointer male owned by Bob Leet of Kalamazoo, Mich. All three were handled by Luke Eisenhart. Fourth was Coosawhatchie Chief, pointer male owned by Andrea Clark of Ridgeland, S. C., and handled by Mike Tracy.

Judges were Jeff Smith and Jim Emerson.

— Margaret Drew

OHIO-PENNSYLVANIA OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Harpster, Ohio—The 2009 Ohio-Pennsylvania Open Shooting Dog Championship was a success, wrapping up more than 50 years of field trialing at Killdeer Plains with an entry of 44 dogs in the Championship and 18 in the Derby. Luke Eisenhart made the most of this final trial at Killdeer Plains, sweeping all the placements.

Winning the Championship was The Insider, white and black setter male owned by John Fort of Camden, S. C. Runner-up was Erin’s Backstreet Affair, pointer female owned by Thomas Downs of West Grove, Pa.

The Derby winners were: 1st–Erin’s Dog Soldier, pointer male owned by William and Daretta Bruchey of Fort Deposit, Md.; 2d—Erin’s Lady Luck, pointer female; and 3d—Bittersweet Alibi, pointer owned by Ralph Gillota of Medina, Ohio.

Judges for the finalé were Dr. Jim Jarvis and and Jim White of Bowling Green, Ky.

The trial ended October 24. No one wanted to leave knowing that it was a final farewell to these grounds.

— Randy Hopkins

REGION 17 AMATEUR ALL-AGE CHAMPIONSHIP

Dexter, Kan.—The beautiful Radcliff Ranch at Dexter, Kan., was the venue again this year for the running of this 2009 Championship which concluded on Sunday, October 25. Thirty dogs were drawn with twenty handlers from six states.

Barshoe Pugnacious, pointer female owned and handled by John Harmon of Austin, Tex., was named champion. “Pug” ran a pleasing forward all-age race and had two wild covey finds. Runner-up honors went to Bocomo Black Belle, pointer female owned and handled by Jay Lewis of Ashland, Mo., which also had a big race and one find.

Judges were Bill Nedeau of Osage City, Kan., and Preston Trimble of Norman, Okla.

— DonW. Beauchamp

SUNFLOWER OPEN ALL-AGE CHAMPIONSHIP

Yates Center, Kan.—Thirty-nine dogs were drawn and ran in the Sunflower Open All-Age Championship at Yates Center, Kan.

Judges Bill Stubblefield of Paragould, Ark., and Lynn Bennett of Balko, Okla., chose High View Hank, pointer male owned by Bill Compton of Tulsa, Okla., and handled by Andy Daugherty, as the champion. Thunder Snowy, pointer female owned by Doug Arthur of Eads, Tenn., and handled by Steve Hurdle, earned runner-up.

A point of interest: Highview Hank won the American Field Quail Futurity in 2008, and Thunder Snowy was the Quail Futurity winner in 2007!

In the companion Open Derby, 16 dogs were drawn and competed.

— C.W. “Bud” Moore

NATIONAL AMATEUR PHEASANT CHAMPIONSHIP

Harpster, Ohio—The 2009 edition of the National Amateur Pheasant Championship attracted a field of 44 starters to the Killdeer Plains grounds near Harpster, Ohio. Judges John Milton of Jacksonville, Fla., and Brian Sullivan of Dillon, S. C., presided. Their winner was Erin’s Bad River, white and orange pointer male owned and handled by Sean Derrig of Bannockburn, Ill., who swept all the ringneck stakes this fall at Killdeer Plains, starting with the American Field Pheasant Futurity, and both open championships—the International Pheasant and National Open Pheasant Championships.

Runner-up wasWhite’s Solid Reward, white and liver pointer male owned by John and Sue Ivester of Huntersville, N. C., and handled by John Ivester.

— Linda Hunt, Secy.

NEW ENGLAND OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Pomfret, Conn.—Chasehill Little Bud, pointer male owned and handled by John Stolgitis of Ashaway, R. I., was named champion out of a field of 36 at the 81st New England Open Championship held October 18-21 at Harry Townshend’s Ragged Hill Farm, Pomfret, Conn.

Runner-up was Serious Threat, pointer male owned by Greg and Maggie Strausbaugh of Mifflinburg, Pa., and handled by Mike Tracy.

Judges were Richard Giuliano of Hope, R. I., and Dom Preite of Franklinville, N. J.

— Janice Gregory

NORTHEASTERN OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

East Windsor, Conn.—The Northeastern Open Shooting Dog Championship was held October 12-15 at the John E. Flaherty Field Trial Area in East Windsor, Conn. The weather was cooperative for the most part, a bit chilly, some showers on Tuesday and late Thursday afternoon, but good bird dog weather. Sixty-two of the finest dogs competed for the title under the watchful and experienced eyes of Judges Sherry Ray Ebert of Mott, N. D., and Vincent Ballester of Simpsonville, S. C.

Both the champion and runner-up came from the 16th brace and went head to head with perfect bird work and a great ground race.

Judges named Lawless Lady, white and liver pointer female owned by Jane Donze of Kenneth Square, Pa., and handled by Mike Tracy, champion. Lawless Lady had nine perfect finds, four backs and a fast ground race. Runner-up was Erin’s BackstreetAffair, mostly white and liver pointer female owned by Tom Downs ofWest Grove, Pa., and handled by Luke Eisenhart. Backstreet Affair ran a ground-eating race with nine perfect finds and one back. There was not very much to separate these two dogs; both did an excellent job.

— Stacey Goodie

OHIO PHEASANT CHAMPIONSHIPS

Harpster, Ohio— The International Pheasant Championship followed on the heels of the 76th running of the American Field Pheasant Futurity, commencing Wednesday afternoon, October 7, with an entry of 26 pointers. Winning the title was Erin’s Tin Solider, the defending champion that won the stake in 2008. The white and black pointer male is owned and handled by Sean Derrig of Bannockburn, Ill. Runner-up wasWhite’s Solid Ben, pointer male owned by John and Sue Ivester of Hunters-ville, N. C., and handled by Lefty Henry.

In the Open Derby which drew eighteen, first was Cedaroak Jack, pointer male owned and handled by Tom Honecker of Findlay, Ohio. Second was Erin’s Kentucky Gambler, which placed second in the preceding Futurity, owned and handled by Sean Derrig. Derrig was back with the third place dog — pointer male Erin’s Stoney River.

Judges for these stakes were Bill Klenner of Belleville, Mich., and RogerWatson of Evansville, Ind.

In the National Open Pheasant Championship, Derby-age Erin’s Stoney River emerged victorious, topping a field of 24 other pointers. Runner-up was Amarige, pointer male owned by Dr. Fred Corder of Corinth, Miss., and handled by Randy Downs.

Judges were Mason Ashburn of Trenton, Tenn., and Earl Connolly of Memphis.

— Randy Hopkins

INTERNATIONAL PHEASANT CHAMPIONSHIP

Harpster, Ohio—The 2009 renewal of the International Pheasant Championship commenced October 7 at the Killdeer Plains Area near Harpster, Ohio. The stake has drawn 26 dogs, and another 18 were entered in the companion Derby.

Judges are Bill Klenner of Belleville, Mich., and RogerWatson of Evansville, Ind.

— Randy Hopkins

MID-AMERICA CHAMPIONSHIP

Vinita, Okla. —The drawing for the Mid-America Championship was held on October 7 with 39 pointers and one setter drawn in the Championship. Twelve Derbies were entered in the Dr. M. E. Gordon Classic.

The weather appears to be favorable with lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s. The quail hatch is reported to be above average.

An unavoidable civic duty has required a judging change. Sonny Childers of Ashland, Miss., will replace Ben Adams of Hopkinsville, Ky. The other judge, John D. Seawright of Bigelow, Ark., will judge as planned.

— Jon Humphrey

NATIONAL AMATEUR CHUKAR SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Payette, Ida.—Topping the field of 18 entries in the National Amateur Chukar Shooting Dog Championship was Levi’s Painted Strike, pointer male owned by Bridget Ledington of Nampa, Ida., and Jim Ledington of Eagle, Ida., and handled by Bridget. Runner-up was Painted Nickel Jake, pointer male owned by Jim and Martha Ledington and handled by Jim Darin Hintze of Ivins, Utah and Rich Robertson of Payette, Ida., judged the stake.

— Linda Hunt

NATIONAL AMATEUR PHEASANT CHAMPIONSHIP

Harpster, Ohio—Forty-four dogs were drawn for the National Amateur Pheasant Championship at the Killdeer Plains Area in Ohio.

Judges presiding for the 77th renewal of the ringneck classic are John D. Milton of Jacksonville, Fla., and Brian Sullivan of Dillon, S.C. Reporter is Randy Hopkins of Ashville, Ohio.

— Linda Hunt,

NATIONAL AMATEUR PHEASANT SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Baldwinsville, N. Y.—Thirty-seven dogs competed in the National Amateur Pheasant Shooting Dog Championship at Baldwinsville, N.Y.Winning the stake with six pheasant finds and one unproductive was Ben’s Blue, pointer male owned by Ben Tobiassen of Manning, S.C., and Toby Tobiassen of Catskill, N.Y., and handled by Toby. Runner-up wasWaybetter Jade, pointer female that had two finds, three backs and one unproductive for owners Collin and Carl Bishop of Punxsutawney, Pa. Carl Bishop handled Jade.

The judges were Robert Ecker of Hazleton, Pa., and Roger Dvorak of Elkton, Md.

— Regis Linn

NATIONAL PHEASANT CHAMPIONSHIP

Harpster, Ohio—Entries in the National Pheasant Championship were drawn Monday evening, October 5, following that for the American Field Pheasant Futurity and the International Pheasant Championship and Derby. The titular stake drew a field of 25 for Judges Mason Ashburn of Trenton, Tenn., and Earl Connolly of Memphis. Given the schedule experiences no delays, this ringneck classic should be concluded Sunday, October 11.

— Randy Hopkins

NATIONAL PRAIRIE CHICKEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Wisconsin Rapids,Wis.—Winner of the National Prairie Chicken Shooting Dog Championship is Centerpiece, white and liver pointer male owned and handled by Frank LaNasa of Isanti, Minn. Named runner-up was Hawthorn Big Shooter, pointer male owned by Dan Miller and Jim Tande of Park Rapids, Minn., and handled by Tande. The Championship had 69 dogs.

The companion Derby drew 29. The winners were: 1st—Little Miss Sunshine, pointer female owned and handled by Frank LaNasa; 2d—Houston’s Blackjack, setter male handled by Frank LaNasa, owned by Dr. Paul Hauge of Centuria, Wis., and Frank LaNasa; 3d—Homemade, pointer female owned and handled by Frank LaNasa.

Judges were Bobby Hartwig and Scope Renfroe, both from Union Springs, Ala.

— Chris Mathan

SEVENTY-SIXTH PHEASANT FUTURITY

Harpster, Ohio—The final chapter of major circuit field trial competition at the popular Killdeer Plains WMA near Harpster, Ohio commenced with the conduct of the American Field Pheasant Futurity, the 76th renewal. A field of 26 starters was drawn for this finalé.

The winner emerged in Erin’s Foolish Pride, handsome white and orange pointer male owned, bred and handled by Sean Derrig of Bannockburn, Ill. Pride rendered a strongly directed forward effort in his thirty-minute bid, complemented by a commendable find on pheasant. Second was Erin’s Kentucky Gambler, also owned, bred and handled by Derrig. The young white and black pointer male also offered a strong effort with two finds, one on pheasant and the second on quail. Third was Phillips Storm Line, owned, bred and handled by Nathan Phillips of Crandall, Ind. Storm Line had bird work on quail. The second and third place winners were bracemates.

Weather overall for the ringneck breeders’ classic was favorable, temperatures in the 50s.Windy conditions the second morning affected the dogs competing in that segment.

Judges for this renewal were Dan Long of Perrysville, Ohio, and Robert L. Napier ofWinchester, Ky.

CENTRAL ALBERTA PRAIRIE CLASSICS

Consort, Alberta—Strut’s RamblingMan, pointer male owned by Rick Steen ofVernon, British Columbia, and handled byMike Jordan in Rick’s absence, won the CentralAlberta Pointer and Setter Club’s inauguralAlberta PrairieAll-Age Classic. “Cole” had two good finds that took a penetrating effort in the bluffs, and a strong ground race. Light Rail claimed runner-up honors. Handled by Shannon Nygard of Bozeman, Mont., and scouted by her owner, Tom Nygard, the pointer female ran a big race that included wonderful handling as well as covering the hunting objectives.

The Alberta Prairie Shooting Dog Classic was won by High Powered Gasoline, pointer female owned and handled by Ron Bender of Bethjune, Sask. “Suzie’s” single find in a tight draw and fine ground pattern for the hour cemented the victory. Runner-up honors went to Lone Mountain Magique, setter female owned and handled by Sean Kelly of Cardston, Alberta.

This was the inaugural running of the Central Alberta Pointer and Setter Club’s Alberta Prairie All-Age and Shooting Dog Classics. Coordinators Paul Falkowski and Sig Guggenmoos are to be commended for a job well done under adverse conditions. The reported shortage of birds in Central Alberta was put to rest with several good pieces of dog work as well as many birds being ridden up by members of the gallery. The dogs had a more difficult time, however, as the wind was howling (30-50 mph) and the grounds were dry.We had a wind/rain storm Saturday night.

Regardless of the weather, a good time was had by all.

—Tom Nygard

FORTY-SIXTH NATIONAL SHOOTING DOG FUTURITY

Baldwinsville, N.Y.—The 46th renewal of the National Shooting Dog Futurity drew a quality 25-dog starting field. Judges John Ray Kimbrell and John Malone presided. Fierce weather conditions caused cancellation of one brace and a re-run of that brace at the end of the schedule.

First place went to Erin’s Little Soldier, pointer male owned by Bob Leet of Kalamazoo, Mich., bred by Sean Derrig of Bannockburn, Ill., and handled by Luke Eisenhart to a stellar five pheasant-find, front-running performance. Luke Eisenhart took second with Maple Valley Cowgirl, pointer female owned by Merv and Arlene Eisenhart of Spring Grove, Pa., from a litter bred by Jeff Gilbertson of Acampo, Cal. Cowgirl had four outstanding pheasant finds plus a back.

Coosawhatchie Chief, pointer male owned by AndreaW. Clark of Ridgeland, S. C., bred by George C. Tracy and handled by Mike Tracy, was third with a strong forward race, two pheasant finds and an unproductive. Fourth was Buffalo Bull, pointer male owned by Ernie and Karen Saniga of Nottingham, Pa., bred by Roger Dvorak of Elkton, Md., and also handled by Mike Tracy to a classy forward race, a pair of pheasant finds and an unproductive.

Several others challenged for recognition.

— Mike Husenits

NATIONAL AMATEUR GROUSE CHAMPIONSHIP

Meredith, Mich.—The National Amateur Grouse Championship drew an entry of 50 dogs, 49 of which competed at the Gladwin Refuge near Meredith, Mich. Named champion by Judges Chuck Langstaff of Lansing, Mich., and Ron Levitan of Milford, Mich., was Hifive’s Wrangler, pointer female owned by Dan Ross of Traverse City,Mich., and handled by Dave Hawk ofAthens, Ohio. Runner-up was Dun Roven’s Explorer, setter female owned by Sean McKellip and Rich Hollister of Roscommon, Mich., handled by Sean McKellip.

The trial had a fantastic turnout with participants from New Hampshire toMinnesota, south to Kentucky.Wonderful weather prevailed and birds were plentiful on every course, every day. A full report to follow from Russ Gingras of Fife Lake, Mich.

— BobWheelock

NATIONAL AMATEUR PHEASANT SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Baldwinsville, N. Y.—The National Amateur Pheasant Shooting Dog Championship, following on the heels of the National Pheasant Shooting Dog Championship and the National Shooting Dog Futurity at the Three Rivers GMA near Baldwinsville, N. Y., has drawn 37 dogs for the running.

Judges for this ringneck fixture are Robert Ecker of Hazleton, Pa., and Roger Dvorak of Elkton, Md.

— Mary Ann Schreck

NATIONAL PHEASANT SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Baldwinsville, N.Y.—Phillips High Line, white and orange pointer male owned by Bob Leet of Kalamazoo, Mich., and handled by Luke Eisenhart, was named winner of the National Pheasant Shooting Dog Championship at the conclusion of the running on Saturday, September 26.

Hifalutin, white and liver pointer female owned by Dr. Roger and Susan Duerksen of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Brian Sanchez of Long Island, N.Y., and handled by Mike Tracy, earned the runner-up spot.

Judges for the popular pheasant classic were Rocky Homesley of Cherryville, N. C., and Dave O’Brien of Marlborough, Conn.

Overall, great weather prevailed for the trial. Chris and Peter Del Collo will file a full report.

— Mary Ann Schreck, Treas.

NATIONAL PRAIRIE CHICKEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIPS

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.—The twin bill National Amateur and National Open Prairie Chicken Shooting Dog Championships have attracted banner entries for the 2009 renewals at the Buena Vista March grounds near Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. The Amateur fixture drew 68 contenders and the Open, 69! There are also 29 Derbies slated to run.

The Amateur portion concluded September 30. The new champion is Ihrke’sWinchester, pointer male owned and handled by Dr. George Ihrke of Buckley, Ill. Runner-up was Grouse Feather Trooper, setter male owned and handled by Dr. Allen Dunbar of Green Bay,Wis.

Judges were Bart Goodson of Tallahassee, Fla., and Gary S.Winall of Powhatan, Va.

— Linda Hunt,

REGION 9 AMATEUR & IDAHO OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIPS

American Falls, Ida.—Topping 27 other contenders in the Region 9 Amateur Shooting Dog Championship was Fly Boy, seven-year-old German Shorthair male owned and handled by Emmett Burns of Meridian, Ida. Boy ran a nicely patterned, forward, driving race and had a mannerly stop to flush on a sharptail grouse and one clean find on another. A worthy runner-up was ten-year-old setter male Our Friend Rowdy, handled by David Noell of Billings, Mont., to a strong, forward race to the right places and a clean find at 7 on a sharptail.

In the 20-dog Idaho Open Shooting Dog Championship, Full Force Buck, five-year-old pointer male owned by JohnW. Evans of Phillipsburg, Mo., and handled by son-in-law Dennis Hidalgo, claimed the title by his solid brace and two clean finds on sharptail and Hungary partridge. Painted Nickel Jake, coming three-year-old pointer male owned by Jim and Martha Ledington of Eagle, Ida., and handled by Jim, was a strong runner-up for his stimulating race and one clean find on a sharptail.

The three Everton Derby Classic winners were placed on race. First was Bronco Springs Priscilla, setter female owned and handled by Bill Owen of Santa Barbara, Cal. Second was won byWest Mountain Sunny Days, pointer female owned and handled by Kim Sampson of Payson, Utah. Bill also won third with his setter female Bronco Springs Trouble.

The advertised judges made the decisions—Frank Bright of Boise, Ida., and Mike Hansing of Syracuse, Utah in the Region 9 Championship; Harold Chadwick of Grantsville, Utah and GlenWiese of Layton, Utah in the Idaho Championship; John Mandell of Gallatin Gateway, Mont., and Tim Fullerton of Rigby, Ida., in the Everton Derby Classic.

— GlenWiese

BROOMHILL TRIALS

Broomhill, Man.—The concluding stakes at Broomhill, Manitoba were wrapped up by September 19, concluding the Canadian prairie program.

The John S. Gates Memorial Derby drew eight dogs. The winner was Neely’s Hot Pepper, pointer female owned and handled by John Neely of Albany, Ga. Runner-up was Quickmarksman’s Fortune, pointer male owned by Larry S. Earls of Blacksburg, S. C., and handled by Hunter Gates.

The Pelican Open All-Age had 26 dogs. First was Rester’s Perfect Storm, pointer male owned by Jack Harang of Metarie, La., and handled by Robin Gates. Second was In the Shadow, pointer male owned by Carl Bowman of Louisville, Ky., and handled by Robin Gates. Named to third was Distant Shadow, owned by Jed Dempsey of Palm City, Fla., and Tom Nygard of Bozeman, Mont., and handled by Robin Gates.

There were eight in the Pelican Derby. First was Quickmarksman’s Fortune, owned by Larry Earls, handled by Hunter Gates. Second was Shadow’s Perfection, owned and handled by John Neely, and third was Neely’s NewYork, also owned and handled by John Neely.

The weather during the John S. Gates Derby and the Pelican trials was very warm, but birds continued to be plentiful.

— Chris Mathan

NATIONAL AMATEUR CHICKEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Mortlach, Sask.Fifty dogs were drawn to compete in the NationalAmateur Chicken Championship at Mortlach, Sask. Named champion was Miller’s On Line, pointer male owned and handled by Mike Furney of Chipley, Fla. Dubose’s Spot, pointer male owned and handled by Bobby Dubose of Baker, Fla., earned the runner-up spot.

John P. Russell and Jim N.White of Bowling Green, Ky., were the judges.

The earlier Region 14AmateurAll-Age Championship attracted an entry of 48 dogs. The winner wasWhite’s Solid Reward, pointer male owned and handled by John Ivester of Huntersville, N. C. Runner-up was Prairie Crude, white and black pointer male owned by Shawn Conover and handled by Glenn Conover of Vaughn, Mont.

Judges were Tom Nygard of Bozeman, Mont., and Jim N.White.

— Linda Hunt

NATIONAL AMATEUR GROUSE CHAMPIONSHIP

Meredith, Mich.—The 2009 running of the NationalAmateur Grouse Championship, hosted by the MichiganAmateur Field Trial Club, attracted 51 entries from Minnesota to New Hampshire and south to Kentucky to the Gladwin Refuge at Meredith, Mich. The running commenced September 24.

Judges are Charles Langstaff of Lansing, Mich., and Ron Levitan of Milford, Mich. Reporter is Russ Gingras of Fife Lake, Mich.

— BobWheelock

NATIONAL PHEASANT SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Baldwinsville, N.Y.—The 53rd running of the National Pheasant Shooting Dog Championship commenced September 23 at the Three Rivers GMA near Baldwinsville, N. Y. The popular ringneck stake has drawn an even 50 entries for Judges Rocky Homesley of Cherryville, N. C., and Dave O’Brien of Marlborough, Conn. Peter and Chris Del Collo of Newtown Square, Pa., are reporting. Barring any undue delays, the winners should be announced on Sunday, September 27.

The National Shooting Dog Futurity is scheduled to begin Monday, September 28.

— Mary Ann Schreck

NORTH DAKOTA TRIALS

Columbus, N. D.—The finalé of the 2009 Dakota prairie stakes program was concluded Sunday, September 20, at Columbus, N. D.

The D. E. Hawthorne All-Age Classic (62 entries) was won by Poison, white and orange pointer male owned by Eddie Sholar of Leesburg, Ga., and Tommy Davis and handled by Tommy. Poison had three finds. Second was Barshoe Osama Ben, white and liver pointer male owned by Robert G. Gum of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Lee R. West of Edmond, Okla., and handled by Allen Vincent. Ben was credited with one find. Third was L J Confidential, white and orange pointer male owned by Earl J. Connolly of Memphis, Tenn., and handled by Steve Hurdle, also with one find, and an unproductive.

The Derby drew 23, and the winner was Shadow’s Restless Wind, pointer female owned by C. W. “Bud” Moore of Toronto, Kan., and handled by Gary Hill. Second was Whippoorwill Wild Speck, pointer female owned by Dr. Jack D. Huffman of Michigan City, Miss., and handled by Larry Huffman. Third was Kylee’s Rising Star, Irish setter handled by Gary Hill. The Derby winners were placed on class.

Judges for both stakes were Lynn Oxendine of Joplin, Mo., and Greg St. John of South Fulton, Tenn.

NORTH DAKOTA TRIALS

Columbus, N. D.—The all-age trials at Columbus, N. D., have attracted banner entries for the four-stake program. The North Dakota Classic drew 58 dogs. The winner was Heyu Two Pete, pointer male owned by Preston and Patty Trimble of Norman, Okla., and handled by Allen Vincent. Second was Soggy Bottom Reward, owned by Fred and T. Jack Robinson of Dayton, Tenn., and handled by BillyWayne Morton. Third was Lester’s Storm, owned by Drs. Ron and Davey Deal of Macon, Ga., and handled by Lee Phillips.

Fourteen dogs were drawn for the companion Derby which was won by Smith’s All In, pointer male owned by A. Mack Smith ofYuba City, Cal., and handled by Tommy Davis. Second wasWhippoorwillWild Night, pointer male owned by Dr. Jack D. Huffman of Michigan City, Miss., and handled by Larry Huffman. Third was San JacintoWindstorm, owned by Lester Shepard of Conroe, Tex. and handled by Allen Vincent.

Judges were Hank Jansen of St. Charles, Mo., and Kendall Schmidt of Defiance, Mo.

The D. E. Hawthorne Border Classic drew 62 dogs, and the companion Derby, 23. Judges are Greg St. John of South Fulton, Tenn., and Lynn Oxendine of Joplin, Mo.

REGION 19 AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Region 19Amateur Shooting Dog Championship drew a fine entry of 32 dogs for the running at the Namekagon Barrens near Danbury, Wis. The winner emerged in Hideaway’s Tall Boy, pointer male owned and handled by Todd Babbel of Omaha, Neb. Runner-up was Touch’s Approve, also a pointer male, owned and handled by Dr. George Ihrke of Buckley, Ill.

Judges for this renewal were Jerry Kolter of Sandstone, Minn., and Ian F. MacTavis ofWoodbury,Wis.

The Region 19AmateurAll-Age Championship returned to the Douglas County Wildlife Area near Solon Springs,Wis., for the 2009 renewal. Twenty-four dogs were drawn. The winner was Centerpiece, white and liver pointer male owned and handled by Frank LaNasa of Isanti, Minn. Runner-up was Erin’s Stoney River, white and orange pointer male owned and handled by Sean Derrig of Bannockburn, Ill.

Judges were Todd Manns of River Falls,Wis., and Rob Tomczak of Elk Mound,Wis.

— Frank LaNasa

SOUTHWESTERN TRIALS

Trail City, S. D.—The Southwestern trials returned again to Trail City, S. D., where the Derby drew 24 dogs. First place was Chinquapin Troubadour, pointer male handled by Slade Sykes and owned by E. L. “Ted” Baker of Lake City, Fla. Second was Chinquapin Dot, pointer female, also handled by Slade Sykes and owned by Ted Baker. Third was Law Abiding, pointer male handled by Tom Shenker and owned by Eddie Sholar of Leesburg, Ga.

There were 44 contenders in the All-Age Championship. Both the champion, Lester’s Storm, and the runner-up, Chickasaw Bud, were handled by Lee Phillips. They are owned by Drs. Ron and Davey Deal of Macon, Ga.

Judges for both stakes were Tommy Mock of Blakely, Ga., and Jadie Rayfield of Mt. Pleasant, S. C.

— Kathy Priddy

MANITOBA TRIALS

Broomhill,Man.—TheManitoba Championship drew 26 contenders and started September 14. Judges wereMike Cheely of Fayetteville, Ga., and William Smith of Moscow, Tenn. Conditions were hot and humid. Many good performances were seen with an abundance of birds pointed and moved during the trial.

The winner was Patriote, five-year-old pointer male owned by Nolan Ledbetter of Roswell, Ga., and handled by Colvin Davis. Runnerup was last year’s John S. Gates Memorial Derby winner, Quicksilver Becrux, owned by Rick Stallings of Montgomery, Ala., and handled by Colvin Davis. Patriote won his laurels with a tremendous prairie ground race complemented with two prairie all-age finds. Quicksilver Becrux also had two finds and an exceptional ground effort.

The Manitoba Championship is the oldest all-age championship held on the Canadian prairies, first run in 1902. In the earlier Broomhill OpenAll-Age, which startedAugust 26, 26 dogs started. Judges were Larry and Karen Jones, Tilston,Manitoba.

The winners were: first, Patriote, owned by Nolan Ledbetter, handled by Colvin Davis; second, Broadway Drifter, owned by Tommy Hamilton, handled by Robin Gates; third, Distant Shadow, owned by Tom Nygard of Bozeman, Mont., and Jed Dempsey of Palm City, Fla., handled by Robin Gates.

The Broomhill Derby drew 10 dogs. The judges were Larry and Karen Jones. The winner was Quickmarksman Fortune, owned by Larry Earls of Blacksburg, S. C., and handled by Robin Gates. Second was Shadow in Blue, owned by Carl Bowman of Louisville, Ky., and handled by Hunter Gates, and named to third was Flatwood Shadow, owned by John Boren of Martinsville, Ind., and handled by Hunter Gates.

— Chris Mathan

SULLIVAN OPEN ALL-AGE STAKE

Stoughton, Sask.—The Sullivan OpenAll-Age followed on the heels of the Border International Championship at Stoughton, Sask. The All-Age drew 29 and the Derby, 6.

The Open All-Age winner was Thunder House, pointer male owned by Doug Arthur of Eads, Tenn., and handled by Steve Hurdle. High Noon Bob, pointer male owned by Gary and Becky Futch and Franze and Karen Rowland of Statesboro, Ga., was named to second. Bob was handled by Rick Furney. Thunder House had one find; Bob had two. Third was House’s Snake Bite, pointer male owned by Tom Faller of Springfield, Ill., and handled by Daugherty. Snake Bite was placed on class.

In the Open Derby, the winner was Game Plan, pointer male owned by Guy and Burke Hendrix of Hernando,Miss., and handled by Steve Hurdle. Second was The Irish Storm, also a pointer male owned by James P. Finn, Jr. of Lincoln Park,Mich., and handled by Larry “Fuz” Smith. Named to third was Panther Creek Snowhite, owned by Frank Rutland of Fitzpatrick, Ala., and handled by Hurdle.

Judges were Clint Blyth of Fleming, Saskatchewan and Colin Kennedy of Calgary, Alberta.

— John Sayre

ALL-AMERICA OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Carson, N. D.—Sixty-two entries competed in this year’s renewal of the All-America Open Shooting Dog Championship concluded on September 4 at Carson, N. D. Named winner was Elhew Hannabell, white and black pointer female owned by Drs. Robin and Thomas Morgan of Holly Springs, Miss., and handled by Shawn Kinkelaar. Runner-up honors went to Merrihill’s Carolina, white and black pointer female owned by Bill Merrifield of Kinsman, Ohio, and also handled by Kinkelaar.

Judges were Sheldon Twer of Oakdale, Cal., and Gary Cowell of Lancaster, Mo.

The trial featured excellent weather, especially in the mornings. The afternoons were warm, but not as warm as in past renewals. Birds were moved in every brace, making it a quality trial. JasonWilliams will report in detail at a later date.

— Gerry MacKenzie

DAKOTA-SASKATCHEWAN OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Kensal, N. D.—Covey Rise’s Offlee Amazin, owned by Drs. Robin and Thomas Morgan of Holly Springs, Miss., and Gary Hertz of Carson, N. D., claimed the Dakota-Saskatchewan Open Shooting Dog Championship title at Kensal, N. D. The pointer male was handled by Shawn Kinkelaar. Runner-up was Hytest SpyMaster, setter male owned byMary Beth Esser of Oconomowoc,Wis., and handled by Jim Tande. The stake drew an entry of 30 dogs.

Thirteen dogs competed in the companion Open Derby, which was won by Four Rivers Crusader, pointer female owned by Scott Shrum and Shannon Smith ofWest Paducah, Ky., and handled by Kinkelaar. Second was Jackpines Savage, pointer male owned by ToddManns of River Falls, Wis., and handled by Kinkelaar. Third was Ms. Hitech Wiifii, pointer female owned by Lyle Hansen of Billings, Mont., and Bill Holtan, and handled by the latter.

Birds were plentiful, but tough, windy conditions over the three days of running mitigated against a great deal of bird work.

Judges were Jim Michaletz of Goodman, Mo., and Doug Meyer of Tonganoxie, Kan.

— Doug Meyer

DOMINION CHAMPIONSHIP

Mortlach, Sask.—The Dominion Championship drew 53 dogs. Presiding for the stake were brothersAlexMauck of Sandy, Ore., and Eric Mauck of Boring, Ore.

Topping the field was Clovis Point Chism, white and orange pointer male owned by Mike Furney of Chipley, Fla., and handled by Rick Furney. House’s Snake Bite, white and lemon pointer male owned by Tom Faller of Springfield, Ill., and handled by Andy Daugherty, was named runner-up.

— Doug Vaughn

NORTH DAKOTA TRIALS

Columbus, N. D.—The North Dakota Classics have drawn banner entries for the 2009 renewals at Columbus, N. D. The North Dakota Open Derby has a field of 14, and the All-Age Classic drew 58. The Border Derby has 23, and the Border D. E. Hawthorne Classic attracted 62 competitors.

The trial began September 9.

—Allen Vincent

NATIONAL AMATEUR CHICKEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Mortlach, Sask.—The National Amateur Chicken Championship, scheduled to follow on the heels of the Region 14 Amateur All-Age Championship, has received a gratifying entry of 50 dogs! The Region 14 has a record 48 dogs.

Judges for the Region 14 are Tom Nygard of Bozeman, Mont., and Jim N.White of Bowling Green, Ky., who will join John P. Russell of Bowling Green for the National Amateur Chicken stake.

— Linda Hunt

SASKATCHEWAN TRIALS

Mortlach, Sask.—The twin titular program at Mortlach, Sask., began on scheduleAugust 27, the Saskatchewan Open Championship attracting a fine entry of 59 dogs. Named winner was PhillipsWhite Twist, pointer male owned by N. G. Houston of Nashville, Ga., and handled by Robin Gates. Prairieland Pride, pointer male owned by Robert G. Cook of Kenosha,Wis., and handled by Randy Anderson, was runner-up.

The companion Derby (13 entries) was won by Neely’s NewYork, owned by John Neely and handled by Hunter Gates. Earning second was S F Citizenjim, owned and handled by Larry Smith. Third was Flatwood Shadow, owned by John Boren and handled by Robin Gates.

Most of the Derby winners ran under challenging conditions on Tuesday, September 1, when the temperature reached 94°.

Judging the Saskatchewan stakes were Garland Priddy of Terry, Miss., and Dr. Lou Qualtiere of Saskatoon, Sask.

— Doug Vaughn

ALL-AMERICA PRAIRIE CHAMPIONSHIP

Kennebec, S. D.—The 93rd running of the All-America Open Prairie Championship was concluded August 26 at the Madsen Ranch and Lower Brule Sioux Nation near Kennebec, S. D. Pointer female Mac’s Memphis May was named champion for the second year in a row after a stellar performance for handler BillyWayneMorton and owner Phil Tomlinson of Columbus, Ga. Runner-up honors went to IceAMatic, pointer male owned by Eddie Sholar of Leesburg, Ga., and handled by Tom Shenker.

Torben Hansen of Reno, Nev., and Lamar Childers of Grayson, Ga., judged the 40 entries in the Championship.

The R. A. Weber Open Derby drew 22 entries and was won by Law Abiding, handled by Tom Shenker and also owned by Eddie Sholar. Second was Erin’sWar Creek, owned and handled by Sean Derrig of Bannockburn, Ill. Chinquapin Dot, owned by Chinquapin Farms and handled by Slade Sykes, was third. BillyWayne Morton joined Torben Hansen to judge the Derby.

The Leon Covington OpenAll-Age was won by Chickasaw Patriot, owned by Drs. Ron and Davey Deal and handled by Lee Phillips. Morton’s Sudden Impact, co-owned by Charles and Ruth Morton and handled by Charles, placed second. Third was Morton’sWired Up, handled by Charles Morton and owned by the Mortons and Cody McLean. Slade Sykes and Torben Hansen evaluated the junior all-age stake contenders

— Dr. Ron Deal

MONTANA OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

Circle, Mont.—The Montana Open Shooting Dog Championship drew 43 dogs with a strong amateur contingent and was concluded Saturday, August 29. Hawthorne Kate, pointer female owned by Jim Tande and DanMiller of Park Rapids,Minn., and handled by Jim Tande, was declared the champion. Nella Running Tab, owned by Vagas Mathiesen of Seward, Neb., and handled by Shawn Kinkelaar, was named the runner-up.

Judges were Dave Noell of Billings, Mont., and Harold Ray ofWaynesboro, Ga. A full report will follow.

NORTHERN STATES TRIALS

After a one-year hiatus, the Northern States United States Chicken Championship returned to the major circuit field trial scene at Kennebec, S. D. The United States stake followed on the heels of theAll-America Championship, attracting an entry of 36 dogs. The winner emerged in Strut, white and liver pointer male owned and handled by Tommy Davis. Runner-up was Bust N Out, pointer male handled by Rich Robertson for Gerald R. Hignite of Elizabethtown,
Ky.

The Derby drew 12 contenders, and the winner was Erin’s River Road, pointer male owned and handled by Scott Jordan ofWhite Bear Lake,Minn. Second was Erin’sWhiskey River, pointer male owned and handled by Sean Derrig of Bannockburn, Ill., and third was awarded to Chinquapin Dot, owned by Chinquapin Farms and handled by Slade Sykes.

Judges for both stakes were Dr. Pat McInteer of Falls City, Neb., and GaryYoung of Lawton, Okla.

— Scott Jordan

REGION 14 AMATEUR SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSIP

Circle, Mont.—The Region 14 Amateur Shooting Dog Championship drew a whopping 65 dogs. Named champion from this large field was Heard Hill’s Queen Mary, pointer female handled by John Neely of Albany, Ga. Runner-up was Bridges Lake Pat, pointer female handled by Tim Moore of Colquitt, Ga.

Five different breeds competed in this renewal.

SOUTHWESTERN CHAMPIONSHIP

Trail City, S. D.—The Southwestern Championship at Trail City, S. D., has drawn 44 contenders and the companion Open Derby has 24 hopefuls.

Judges for the 2009 renewal are Tommy Mock of Blakely, Ga., and Jadie Rayfield of Mt. Pleasant, S. C.

— Kathy Priddy

ALL-AMERICA PRAIRIE CHAMPIONSHIP

Kennebec, S. D.—The All-America Prairie Championship program commenced August 22 at Kennebec, S. D. The Leon Covington Open All-Age (for first year dogs) attracted an entry of six; the R. A.Weber Derby has 22, and the All-America Open Championship has a gratifying entry of 40 dogs.

Handlers competing include: Slade Sykes, Tom Shenker, Lee Phillips, Tommy Davis, Judd Carlton, Sean Derrig, Rich Robertson, Jamie Daniels, Sean Kelly, Tracy Haines, Charles Morton, BillyWayne Morton, Jim Tande, Larry Smith and Mac Smith.

JAYHAWK OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

The Jayhawk Open Shooting Dog Championship will visit a new venue for the 2009 renewal. It was moved from theWestfall Ranch in Longton, Kan., to the Highland Ranch in Cassoday, Kan., for the 2008 running. It has been decided to again move it to the Oliver Ranch in Eureka, Kan., due to the lack of facilities at the Highland Ranch.

The Oliver Ranch is a well known venue that is more suited for this major Championship. Mr. Bill Oliver was gracious enough to allow us to use his beautiful ranch and we all are very greatfull to Mr. Oliver and his family. This venue has better access to lodgings for the handlers and owners and the dog wagon can move about the ranch with better ease. In addition, birds will be more plentiful.

I also want to thank Scott Johnson and the other Brittany clubs that have used this ranch for years for welcoming the Jayhawk Championship.
We will do anything we can to work with the other clubs to improve and enhance these grounds.

—Wes Vickers