Result: Texas Open Shooting Dog Championship

Location: Conway, Arkansas

Post Date: Dec 9, 2025

Submitted By: John Van Horn

Texas Open Shooting Dog Championship (l-r): Jim Lawless (judge), Zach Hilton with Haneys Juggernaut, Shawn Kinkelaar, Chris Weatherly (judge), Matt Cochran with Chelsea's Mae West, John Van Horn, and Ronnie Miller.

The Texas Open Shooting Dog Championships returned to Camp Robinson near Conway, Arkansas, November 12-15, bringing with it 38 competitors, two seasoned judges, and weather so pleasant that even the gallery dogs seemed to smile. Warm, clear skies and not a drop of rain set the tone for four days of running, conditions so ideal that several handlers were left wondering whether they should thank the trial committee or the weatherman.
Judges Jim Lawless of Sparta, Illinois, and Chris Weatherly of Grand Junction, Tennessee, cast thoughtful eyes over each brace. With coveys popping up at a rate of ten to twelve per day, both men earned every bit of their meals, clipboards, and saddle time. Though the birds were plentiful, the judges remained unflappable; some said they were as steady as a broke dog on its best day, others noted that, unlike most dogs, neither judge showed any inclination to relocate.

Claiming top honors in the Shooting Dog Championship was Haneys Juggernaut, whose 13th brace performance left little room for debate. He showed forward, purposeful hunting from start to finish, handling the grounds with confidence and style. His two covey finds were polished and professional, just the sort of work that makes judges tip their hats and handlers breathe again. By the time he reached the final stretch, spectators were whispering that Juggernaut was doing everything but signing his own championship certificate.

The runner-up ribbon went to Chelsea's Mae West, a determined female who ran in the seventh brace under the capable hands of Shawn Kinkelaar. Chelsea recorded three finds under judgment and a fourth "birds-were-here-but-wouldn't-appear-for-the-audience" encounter. Still, her race was forward, her manners impeccable, and her consistency undeniable. Kinkelaar, who also handled the champion, ended the trial with two dogs at the top; proof that sometimes lightning does strike the same handler twice.

Beyond the judges' calls, the bracemates, and the coveys that kept everyone awake in the saddle, the trial offered something more: a reminder of why people keep coming back to these grounds year after year. There's something special about a crisp morning start, a horse shifting beneath you, and the sudden eruption of wings that turns routine into excitement. It's a place where competition meets camaraderie, where rivalries fade at the tailgate, and where a good dog can turn an ordinary day into something worth talking about.

As riders headed home under another streak of perfect weather, the reflection was simple: in a world that changes fast, a good bird dog running to the front has a comforting way of staying the same. And if every November could look like this one, no one in the field trial community would complain, at least not out loud.

Conway, Ark., November 12
Judges: Jim Lawless and Chris Weatherly
TEXAS OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 33 Pointers and 5 Setters
Winner-HANEYS JUGGERNAUT, F1716275, pointer male, by Pleasant Run Samuel-Pleasant Run Sally. Chris Cagle, owner; Shawn Kinkelaar, handler.
Runner-Up-CHELSEA'S MAE WEST, F1686810, pointer female, by Chelsea's Thunder Bolt-Chelsea's Southern Chic. Ron Prewitt & Brad Sadler, owners; Shawn Kinkelaar, handler.

Ed Beverly Memorial Open Derby
But the excitement didn't end there. In a thrilling second act to the week's field trial events, the Texas Open Championship Derby kicked off with high expectations and high stakes. The competition was fierce, but only one dog could walk away with the top prize.

Red Dirt Road Mondo, an English pointer male handled by Allen Vincent, turned in a remarkable performance in the 10th brace that left no doubt about his potential. Mondo's stylish forward race was complemented by an impressive four covey finds in just 30 minutes.
The judges were particularly impressed with his sharp, consistent application to the ground and his ability to locate birds in both open and challenging terrain. By the end of his run, Mondo had firmly cemented his spot at the top, showcasing what makes Derby dogs so exciting to watch--the raw talent, energy, and promise of a future star.

Coming in second was CK Oklahoma Legacy, handled by Matt Cochran. Legacy's performance was noted for his excellent ground effort and tireless application across the field. While the dog did not land as many finds as the winner, his work on the ground showed a maturity and style beyond his years, earning him the well-deserved second-place spot.

Rounding out the placements was Hunt's Traveling Man, handled by Shawn Kinkelaar. Like his stablemate, Chelsea Mae West, Travelling Man earned his third-place ribbon thanks to his solid ground effort, though he, too, would have liked a few more covey finds to match the blazing performances of the top dogs. Still, his strong race and drive put him in contention for a top finish, reflecting the solid foundation of a promising derby contender.

As the Derby wrapped up, it was clear that the future of field trial competition is in good hands with dogs like Mondo, Legacy, and Traveling Man. Their spirited performances added an extra layer of excitement to the event, showing the bright potential of dogs still in their prime developmental years.

The Texas Open Shooting Dog Championship, with its mix of seasoned champions and up-and-coming derby dogs, was a reminder that the heart of field trial competition lies not only in the victories but also in the journey. Whether it's the thrill of watching a seasoned dog make a perfect find or the promise of a young dog still finding its footing, these events continue to be a celebration of the bond between handler and dog, and the unspoken understanding that no matter the outcome, it's always about the chase.

ED BEVERLY MEMORIAL OPEN DERBY - 23 Pointers
1st-RED DIRT ROAD MONDO, F1711695, pointer male, by Texas Wild Rex-Hard Rock April Showers. Jay McKenzie, owner; Allen Vincent, handler.
2d-CK OKLAHOMA LEGACY, F1718486, pointer male, by Whippoorwill Forever Wild-Rum's Irresistible Rose. John Tomaski, owner; Matt Cochran, handler.
3d-HUNT'S TRAVELING MAN, F1718045, pointer male, by Haney's All In-Hunt's Bella. Justin Hunt, owner; Shawn Kinkelaar, handler.

Ed Beverly Memorial Open Derby (l-r): Allen Vincent with Red Dirt Road Mondo, Harold Woodward, Jim Lawless, Chris Weatherly, John Van Horn, Bruce Sooter, and Matt Cochran with CK Oklahoma Legacy.