Result: International Amateur Woodcock Championship

Location: Guys Mills, Pennsylvania

Post Date: Oct 17, 2023

Submitted By: Russ Richardson

On March 25-26, 2023, 12 pointers and 16 setters competed for the International Amateur Woodcock Championship in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. The Black Ash Field Trial Club hosted the event using the courses on State Game Lands #69. Birds were moved on all the courses, and the judges had many clean dogs from which to choose.

The Black Ash Field Trial Club would like to thank the judges, Scott Forman and Bob Kays, for this trial. To find two more knowledgeable and experienced judges to adjudicate the trial would be a tall task. They were alert, energetic, and engaged. Their decision was received without any unrest.

Purina is to be thanked as well for a wonderful dinner put on by Dave and Barb Ralph. Many thanks to all those who made the evening so enjoyable. Thanks also to all the amateur handlers who graced us with their presence on our grounds. To share the pursuit of wild birds with such wonderful dogs is a gift. Every handler should be proud of their charges; the judges commented on the fine quality of the dogs they watched over the three days.

Named champion was Coal Camp's Annie, a setter female owned by Jim Humphrey and handled by Adam Thomas, both of Kentucky. Annie ran in the 6th brace on course No. 1. The judges commented that her ground race was energetic and purposeful; she was looking for birds! She scored twice on woodcock with fine manners and an attractive style. The judges also commented on the way her race was 'in tune' with Adam; she was hunting for the handler with strong drive and independence. Her finds came some time apart, demonstrating her desire to hunt the whole hour. It was a championship performance, for sure.

Runner-up honors were awarded to Double Deuce Zeke, handled by Doug McMillen of Pennsylvania. Zeke is no stranger to the winner's circle, and he demonstrated why this is so again. He runs with purposeful determination and strength. He is on a mission to find birds, and there was no doubt about that again. He ran in the 12th brace on course No. 3 and dug up a woodcock where no other dog had, deep and to the front where only the strongest dogs get to. He nailed a second towards the end of his brace to make a point. Mature and determined were words the judges used to describe his effort. He would not be denied and stuck with it the whole hour.

The dog the judges had closest to the winners was Grouse Trails Warrior Cat, John Mckellop's fine young female. She is fast, snappy, and just a pleasure to watch run. She nailed a woodcock with beautiful style and perfect manners.

Guys Mills, Pa., March 25
Judges: Scott Forman and Bob Kays
INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR WOODCOCK CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 12 Pointers and 16 Setters
Winner-COAL CAMP'S ANNIE, 1687566, setter female, by Full Blast-Herbie's Asta La Vista. Jim Humphrey, owner; Adam Thomas, handler.
Runner-Up-DOUBLE DEUCE ZEKE, 1673940, pointer male, by Double Deuce Peter-Funseeker's Holiday. Douglas E. McMillen Jr., owner and handler.