Result: Southeastern Open Shooting Dog Championship

Location: Lake City, Florida

Post Date: Apr 3, 2024

Submitted By: Joel Norman

Southeastern Open Shooting Dog Championship (l-r): Joel Norman (judge), Leroy Griffis, Dakota Hall, Keith St. John (judge), Mr. Chester Stokes, Mike Tracy (handler) with Bittersweet War Cry.

The 2024 Southeastern Open Shooting Dog Championship is in the books. This was the second renewal of the championship since being relocated to Mr. Chester Stokes's farm near Lake City, Florida. The trial drew 51 entries. The weather was good, and birds were plentiful. A special thanks goes to Mr. Stokes and his crew at The Farm. Mr. Stokes appreciates a good bird dog as he is an avid hunter and allows his team to compete locally. The field trial fraternity is very fortunate that Mr. Stokes would make this fabulous property available for us to enjoy. Leroy Griffis is the manager/dog trainer here and keeps things running smoothly. Leroy and Dakota (Doc) Hall shared marshaling duties, and Rylan (Stick) King handled the dog wagon. Everybody ate well, as my better half, Tina, prepared and served the lunches.

Judges this year were Keith St. John of South Fulton, Tennessee, and myself (Joel Norman). The other advertised judge, Chris Sellers, had to bow out due to a shoulder injury. It was a pleasure to judge with Mr. St. John, for he has been around this game for a long time and has had plenty of experience. The winners were mutually agreed upon.

The Winners and others
The 2024 Champion emerged in the 11th brace on Friday afternoon. Bittersweet War Cry, owned by Joe Lordi and Ralph Gillota and handled by Mike Tracy, won the stake with stylish finds at 2,19,10, and 24. The black and white pointer displayed excellent manners around game and had a good forward race, hustling every step. Panther Creek Rosie, owned by Frank Rutland and handled by Tommy Rice III, garnered runner-up. Rosie ran on the first afternoon, and she, too, had well-mannered finds at 30, 34, 40, and 45. She ran a good forward race. Two other notables, Waybetter Rebel (Tracy) and Nonami's Johnny Come Lately (Pearce), also had commendable performances and challenged the winners.

Lake City, Fla., February 22
Judges: Joel Norman and Keith St. John
SOUTHEASTERN OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 33 Pointers and 7 Setters
Winner-BITTERSWEET WAR CRY, 1674743, pointer male, by Sugarknoll War Paint-Mohawk. Joe Lordi & Ralph Gillota, owners; Mike Tracy, handler.
Runner-Up-PANTHER CREEK ROSIE, 1691574, pointer female, by Panther Creek Merlin-Pineywood's Belle Aire. Frank Rutland, owner; Tommy Rice III, handler.