Result: Grand Valley Bird Dog Club

Location: Highland, Michigan

Post Date: Nov 14, 2025

Submitted By: Jim Cipponeri

The Grand Valley Club kicked off the Fall season with a combined U. S. Complete/Horseback trial at the Highland Silo Course. These historic grounds went through an extensive maintenance plan this summer, which included a much-needed burn and brush hogging program conducted by field trial volunteers and employees from the state of Michigan. Ray Fahlsing, Field Trial liaison and DNR supervisor, also implemented the use of the Department of Natural Resources Forester unit to clear-cut major portions of overgrown habitat.
Released quail were plentiful and strong flyers, which resulted in abundant bird work. Several woodcock were observed, but only one was pointed. The weather was warm and mostly sunny except for a brief shower on Sunday morning.

The Club is fortunate to have members who consistently help out at every trial we run at Highland. Connie Cipponeri helped with the drawing, along with filling out the judges' books. Special recognition to our friend of over 40 years, Paul Tutro. Paul picked up and delivered birds and donuts, both a necessity at our trial. He also planted birds, loaned out his horse, and supplied water buckets for the horses and dogs. Ron and Maria Sposita provided a feast of Italian Beef Braciole on Saturday and Marco's Pizza on Sunday, especially enjoyed by Dave Fletcher, our club member who recently celebrated his 90th birthday!

Everyone in attendance enjoyed the presence of Andrea Cerefolini and Cecelia Lezzani, who traveled all the way from Aiken, South Carolina. Andrea resided in our state before settling in South Carolina, where he and Cecillia own "Magnolia Shadows Equestrian Resort." They love visiting here in late summer and traditionally attend two or three of our events each year. Andrea judged the entire U. S. Complete trial and ran in the horseback stakes. Thanks to all the judges, participants, and spectators who came out and enjoyed a great weekend.

Highland, Mich., September 19
Judges: Andrea Cerefolini and Jim Cipponeri
OPEN PUPPY - 2 Pointer, 5 Setters, and 3 Brittanys
1st-SUNRISE DOUBLE BARRELL STAR, F1721031, setter male, by Sunrise Star-Mias Star. Dr. George Najor, owner and handler.
2d-COUNTRY GIRL, F1720939, pointer female, by The Treasure Chest-Mohawk Mill For Real. Les Bressler, owner; Christy Helmes, handler.
3d-HAYWOOD'S PRINCESS ECLIPSE, unreg., Brittany female, breeding not given. Steve McKalko, owner; John Capocci, handler.

Judges: Andrea Cerefolini and Tom Vanecek
OPEN SHOOTING DOG - 11 Pointers, 1 Setter, and 1 Brittany
1st-BACKWOODS WILD FIRE BLAZE, F1691395, pointer male, by Erin's Wild Justice-Hollywood Hot'n'tot. Justin Mason, owner; Mark Hughes, handler.
2d-CHRISTYS KAYLEE GIRL, R331522, Brittany female, breeding not given. Christy Helmes, handler.
3d-HIFIVES ROLLING STONE, F1701648, pointer male, by Titanium's Hammer-Hifive's Allisin. J. P. Jones, owner and handler.

Judges: Andrea Cerefolini and Jim Cipponeri
OPEN DERBY - 4 Pointers and 3 Setters
1st-EVAN'S FULL THROTTLE, F1713964, pointer female, by Double Deuce Zeke-Braggabull. Evan Smith, owner; Mark Hughes, handler.
2d-JUNI JONES, F1714645, pointer female, by Hifives Rolling Stone-Speed Dialing Kaia. J. P. Jones, owner and handler.
3d-CERULEAN STONE, unreg., pointer male, by Hifives Rolling Stone-Speed Dialing Kaia. Tim Perschke, owner; Mark Hughes, handler.

Judges: Bill Branham and Mike Zack
OPEN SHOOTING DOG - 6 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st-WINDFALL LAST STAND, F1705328, pointer male, by Knight's Last Chipster-Windfall Queen of Soul. Joe Guzman, owner and handler.
2d-WINDFALL MACKINAW STRAIGHTS, F1701992, pointer male, by Knight's Last Chipster-Windfall Queen of Soul. Joe Guzman, owner and handler.
3d-HANEY'S HAMMERIN HANK, F1706891, pointer male, by Haney's All In-Haney's Two Dozen Roses. Jim & Connie Cipponeri, owners; Jim Cipponeri, handler.

Judges: Jim Cipponeri and Ron Sposita
OPEN DERBY - 4 Pointers, 1 Setter, and 1 Brittany
1st-MODOC'S LEGACY PIA, F1708529, pointer female, by Miller's Blindsider-Miss Clinique. Andrea Cerofolini, owner; Cecelia Lezzani, handler.
2d-COUNTRY GIRL, F1720939, pointer female, by The Treasure Chest-Mohawk Mill For Real. Les Bressler, owner; Christy Helmes, handler.
3d-MOONDANCE PRIMETIME, F1711247, pointer male, by Amarugia Elhew Heir Strike-Moondance Hit Lady Kate. Ron Williams, owner; J. P. Jones, handler.