Event: Members Memorial 2023
Result: Associated Field Trial Clubs of Florida

Location: Punta Gorda, Florida

Post Date: Jan 16, 2024

Submitted By: Petie Brown

Members Memorial All-Age Winners (l-r): Larry Yager with Myakka Freddie Freeloader, Beth Brown with Myakka Maxed Out, and Justin Muzynski with Holopaw's Rear Axel. (Standing): Eva, Greg Poole, Daniel Linehan, Judith Hamilton, and Carol Muzynski.

Welcome weather conditions for Southwest Florida greeted our first trial of the season. Sure, there were more mosquitoes than quail, but Joe Hicks was keeping count, and we had a good show of 13 coveys for the All-Age and Derby. Not all the bird work was stellar and not all the quail were under the dogs' noses, but there were plenty of birds around. As always with wild birds, they will try to sneak away when possible, and it was noted that a dog might point in one direction, and the birds were making a loop and putting on their track shoes, giving the dog the old "run around." Thankfully, the grounds were dry where needed, with plenty of water for the dogs.

Many thanks to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FFWC) for having the grounds so presentable, including the feed plots and burn and timbered areas. Landmarks for the last 70-plus years look vastly different to the benefit of those with all-age dogs. The courses, while marked, had not been driven on during early training, and a keen eye was needed for marshaling in some areas. That said, the helpfulness of all was so appreciated as we kicked off our season in typical "big field trial family style."

As mentioned earlier, while plenty of birds were seen, not all the birdwork was stellar due to wily birds, even with some very experienced dogs, and conditioning was a factor for other entrants, as expected for the first trial of the season. The first and last braces of the day had more favorable scent and temperature conditions, while the late morning and mid-afternoon entries were recognized for their fortitude and ability to keep a solid run going. The judge's decisions were well placed, and we thank them for their time in the saddle accommodating our first trial.

Saturday morning's first place, second brace, went to Holopaw's Rear Axel, with "Alex" laying down a solid all-age run, listening to Justin Muzynski and trying his best to produce. Myakka Maxed Out placed second late morning with another big run and one unproductive, which was suspicious for a dog not known for being unproductive. Myakka Freddie Freeloader braced with Alex, ran big and was in all the right places, taking third place for owner and handler Beth Brown.

Saturday afternoon's Derby set off at 3 p.m. We were thankful for the small number of entries that allowed for a later/cooler start and time for a leisurely lunch and prep for the evening's festivities. Mattiel, owned and handled beautifully for Judith Hamilton, taking first place. We were all excited about Mattiel's performances last season, and she didn't disappoint; well done. Second and third place went to Myakka Abby Road and Holopaws Big Bad John, littermates owned and handled by Petie Brown and Justin Muzynski, respectively. It was exciting to see the growth and maturity of these two big-running, responsive dogs that handled well together.

Sunday morning started with some early pickups, making for an early start of the second brace. The birds were scarce after the first brace, with the conditions growing warmer, and placements were primarily based on the dogs' run, working the right areas, and checking in when needed. First place went to Holopaw's Mack, a young pointer in his prime whose handler, Justin Muzynski, might not have seen his dog backing at pickup. Mack's bracemate went on point right before pickup, and Mack immediately backed. Justin called for his dog but was not able to see him at that moment, and Mack left the back to join Justin. Second and third place went to Judith Hamilton's Higby Rilo and Higby Getaway, respectively. Thank you, Purina, for your sponsorship.

Punta Gorda, Fla., October 28
Judges: Judith Hamilton and Daniel Linehan
OPEN ALL-AGE - 10 Pointers and 1 Setter
1st-HOLOPAW'S REAR AXEL, 1690238, pointer male, by Holopaw's Axel-Hot Digity Dot. Ken & Justin Muzynski, owners; Justin Muzynski, handler.
2d-MYAKKA MAXED OUT, 1670323, pointer male, by Elhew G Force-Myakka Hey Jude. Beth Brown, owner and handler.
3d-MYAKKA FREDDIE FREELOADER, 1654682, pointer male, by Funseeker's Rebel Tex-Nacho Myakka Miley. Beth Brown, owner and handler.

Members Memorial Derby Winners (l-r): Justin Muzynski with Holopaws Big Bad John, Petie Brown with Myakka Abby Road, and Judith Hamilton with Higby Mattiel. (Standing): Carol Muzynski, Daniel Linehan, and Greg Poole.

Judges: Beth Brown and Daniel Linehan
OPEN DERBY - 4 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st-HIGBY MATTIEL, 1699678, pointer female, by Panola Bacon-Higby Bon Hiver. Judith Hamilton, owner and handler.
2d-MYAKKA ABBY ROAD, 1702966, pointer female, by Myakka Freddie Freeloader-Myakka Rebel. Petie Brown, owner and handler.
3d-HOLOPAWS BIG BAD JOHN, 1703930, pointer male, by Myakka Freddie Freeloader-Myakka Rebel. Ken & Justin Muzynski, owners; Mustin Muzynski, handler.

Members Memorial Shooting Dog Winners (l-r): Daniel Linehan with Higby Getaway, Judith Hamilton with Higby Rilo, and Guppy with Holopaw's Mack. (Standing): Greg Poole, Beth Brown, Carol and Justin Muzynski.

Judges: Beth Brown and Petie Brown
OPEN SHOOTING DOG - 6 Pointers and 1 Setter
1st-HOLOPAW'S MACK, 1690237, pointer male, by Holopaw's Axel-Hot Digity Dot. Ken & Justin Muzynski, owners; Justin Muzynski, handler.
2d-HIGBY RILO, 1659529, pointer female, by Chasehill Little Bud-Shaula. Judith Hamilton, owner and handler.
3d-HIGBY GETAWAY, 1653084, setter male, by Specter-Higby Ruby. Judith Hamilton, owner and handler.

Judith Hamilton flushing.