Result: Region 6 Amateur Shooting Dog Championship

Location: Huntingdon, Tennessee

Post Date: Mar 19, 2024

Submitted By: Lisa C. Little, Region 6 Secretary

Region 6 Amateur Shooting Dog Championship Winners (front row): Tessa Hughes, Lance Servais with Southern Ritz Lane, and David Williams with Rebel Gold. (Back row): Adam DeLude, Brian Peterson, Scott Little (judge), Joe Hughes, Keith St. John (judge), Michelle Clark, and Sean Anderson.

The Region 6 Amateur Shooting Dog Championship began competition on Friday, January 26. The Championship was hosted on the prestigious grounds of the David Williams Family in Huntingdon, Tennessee. We are thankful to the Williams Family for the continued use of the grounds for hosting trials. The Amateur Championship was blessed to have long-standing members of the field trial community, Keith St. John of South Fulton, Tennessee, and Scott Little of Woodlawn, Tennessee, as judges. Both men brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the judicial saddles. Several members of Region 6 were on hand to assist in the running of the trial, including David and Angie Williams, Michelle Clark, Phillip Barnett, John Burrow, and Lebob Stanfill.

The trial drew a field of 35 canine competitors, with the most variety of breeds that we have seen in several years. In addition to pointers and setters, we had two Vizslas and two Irish setter competitors. Handlers came from all areas of the continental United States. Those traveling long distances included Sean Anderson from Texas, Adam DeLude from Wisconsin, and Dr. Pat McInteer from Nebraska. Several members from neighboring regions also attended. Region 4 members Tim and Kris Hammons, Region 5 members Jim and Kay Lawless, Brad and Sherry Hargis, and Region 16 members Jim Hughes, Bill Mason, Brian Peterson, and Lance Servais. Region 6 members vying for the title included Amber Ashburn, Kenton Bryant, Jimmy Gentry, James Heimdal, Taylor Henley, Joe and Tessa Hughes, Hughes, Marty Moore, Buddy Morrison, Betty Shearouse, Amy and Bubba Spencer, and David Williams. It was a great time during the running and meals, getting to spend time with both new and familiar faces. We would like to thank each of these handlers for their entries.

The first day of competition was a truly beautiful weather day with cool temperatures and sunny skies. The day saw 12 competitors with 16 bird contacts. The weather changed overnight, with Saturday and Sunday being very wet and muddy. Despite the gloomy weather, birdwork continued with the two days having 16 more bird contacts. The early release bird program, along with the well-maintained grounds and feeding program that David Williams has developed, is able to maintain several coveys of quail throughout the field trial season.

We would like to congratulate the newly crowned Region 6 Champion, awarded to Southern Ritz Lane and her owners, Brian Peterson and Lance Servais. Brian handled, and Lance rode in the gallery ready to scout the 5-year-old white and orange pointer female during the 6th brace Friday afternoon. Southern Ritz Lane impressed the judges with her birdwork and a big, forward race that did not require any during her brace. Both owners reside with their wives in Cecil, Alabama, part of Region 16, and are regular competitors in Region 6.

Entering the winners' circle as the runner-up was Rebel Gold for owner and handler David Williams. Michelle Clark, David's sister, scouted Rebel Gold. The 3-year-old white and orange pointer male ran in the third brace on Friday morning. "John" was recorded by the judges to have six bird finds during his time on the ground, which impressed the judges and earned him the placement. David and his wife Angie reside in Beech Bluff, Tennessee, and are active members of Region 6. David is currently serving as a Region 6 Trustee, and Angie is the past secretary.
We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to our sponsor, Sportsman's Pride, for providing advertising in the UKC Field and $1,275.00 in gift cards for the winners. The gift cards were divided into $750 for the champion and $525 for the runner-up. In addition to the gift cards, Region 6 gave the winners merchandise from The Winners Circle, located in Shelbyville, Tennessee. The champion received a field trial bridle and rein set; the runner-up received a breast collar.

Huntingdon, Tenn., January 26
Judges: Scott Little and Keith St. John
REGION 6 AMATEUR SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 35 Entries
Winner-SOUTHERN RITZ LANE, 1687633, pointer female, by Phillips Warning Line-K H Dialing Dots. Brian Peterson & Lance Servais, owners; Brian Peterson, handler.
Runner-Up-REBEL GOLD, 1701829, pointer male, by Dominator's Rebel Heir-Rebel Maiden. David Williams, owner and handler.