Result: Ozark and Arkansas Open Shooting Dog Championships

Location: Conway, Arkansas

Post Date: Feb 24, 2026

Submitted By: Steve Messick

Ozark Open Shooting Dog Championship (l-r): Shawn Kinkelaar, Johnny Taylor, Virgil Moore with Chelsea's Mae West, Jay McKenzie, Jon Davis (judge), Levi Taylor with CS Four Season's Gunner, Doug Ray, and Joyce Taylor.

It's December in Arkansas, and the test of great shooting dogs comes to the state to test their best! First on the bill is the Ozark Shooting Dog Championship, which kicks off the test. Advertised judges Dr. Laura Miller and Kaj Larson were unable to make the trip from Kansas because of an ice storm that hit that state. I was fortunate to secure top bird dog man Jon Davis to join me to look at some of the best. Once again, Shawn Kinkelaar claimed top honors with Chelsea's Mae West. Mae is no stranger to the winners' circle, and she turned in one of the best performances that I've witnessed at camp in years. She owned it from the start. She was found twice in her hour on bevies of quail. Her manners were perfect. Her hour on the ground was like a tremendous machine; I'll remember it for years to come. She is owned by Ron Prewitt, Hudson, and Brad Sadler of the Carolinas. Pushing the winner was another performance by CS Four Season's Gunner, piloted by the most capable Doug Ray. Much like the winner, his race was one of strength and determination. He was awarded the two perfect finds of the field type. Gunner is owned by Mr. Tony Gibson and Hall of Famer Harold Ray. It was truly enjoyable to witness these two performances!

Next on the bill was the true test for youngsters. The Arkansas Derby Classic has produced many future champions. I'm sure these will carry on the tradition. The winner was a strong young dog in Cadron Creek Sam for owners Dr. Jim Mills, oilman Steve Lightle, and Dr. Natalie McDonald. Allen Vincent is their man, and truly a good one. Both winners had two finds each and races beyond their years. Their future will be long and of worth.

The Arkansas Open Shooting Dog completes the trio; it's the oldest of all trials held at Camp Robinson, and the history is worth writing about. The judges were Ken Chenoweth from Buffalo, Missouri, and Molly Ward of Booneville, Arkansas. Ken is a trainer of German Shorthairs, and Molly campaigns Brittanys. They are very attentive and on top of the action, and a welcome part of the trial. Shawn Kinkelaar took the daily double, claiming champion and runner-up. In the top spot was Laura Pergolizzi for owners Nicole Lombardi and Doug Swingley. The female scorched the ground and impressed all with quality bird work; she's tough, no doubt. Dr. Debbie Ozner is the owner of runner-up Silver W Wildflower. Debbie's dogs are always in the hunt, no matter where she is. She too ran a very competitive race and was picture-perfect on her game. I want to thank all the handlers and owners who attend these premier trials each year. It's truly a pleasure to see them all.

Mr. Chuck Stretz was missed this year. I heard Chuck was going to enjoy the coming years with a fishing rod and shotgun! Chuck and Marla were always a pleasure to be around, and I thank you both for all the support you given me. The ham will be waiting anytime you get the urge! Roger Martin is a very important part of my life. His friendship is always true. Thanks, Rod, for all your help! Camp Robinson was always the place to be in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and even some years in the 2000s. Camp was a running dog grounds; it was made for spectators. You could see a dog fly, and it took that kind of dog to win here. As of late, it's challenging to see a dog; the spring burning is not as important as it should be. The sweet gums have become a damn good crop, but three good years of spring burning the entire place in a row would be the facelift needed to make her shine again. I remember Max Kammelocher making a statement in the 90s, saying he was convinced that the habitat was the best there was anywhere--knee-high cover, food plots everywhere, great game and fish, and employees that had pride in their stride. Sweat was their middle name; none had college degrees, but common knowledge was their teacher. Thanks to all of you from the past! The group in charge of the birds made an improvement by changing bird suppliers, and I thank them for the effort. Good luck to all the field trialers across the country, and the door is always open to join us each December! Finally, a great big thank you to Mr. Greg Blair and Purina for all the support they give to the sporting dog game; we couldn't do it without you!

Conway, Ark., December 3
Judges: Jon Davis and Steve Messick
OZARK OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 56 Pointers
Winner-CHELSEA'S MAE WEST, F1686810, pointer female, by Chelsea's Thunder Bolt-Chelsea's Southern Chic. Ron Prewitt & Brad Sadler, owners; Shawn Kinkelaar, handler.
Runner-Up-CS FOUR SEASON'S GUNNER, F1701374, pointer male, by Dominator's Ghost Rider-Piney Woods Gal. Tony Gibson & Harold Ray, owners; Doug Ray, handler.

Arkansas Open Shooting Dog Championship (l-r): Judge Ken Chenoweth (judge), Shawn Kinkelaar, Virgil Moore with Laura Pergolizzi, Harold Gearhart with Silver W Wildflower, and Molly Ward (judge).

Judges: Ken Chenoweth and Molly Ward
ARKANSAS OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 58 Pointers
Winner-LAURA PERGOLIZZI, F1705950, pointer female, by Chelsea's Thunder Bolt-Buche's Elhew Rebel. Nicole Lombardi & Doug Swingley, owners; Shawn Kinkelaar, handler.
Runner-Up-SILVER W WILDFLOWER, F1711106, pointer female, by Elhew Sinbad-Silver W Free Spirit. Debbie Ozner, owner; Shawn Kinkelaar, handler.

Judges: Steve Messick and Joyce Taylor
ARKANSAS DERBY CLASSIC - 25 Pointers
1st-CADRON CREEK SAM, F1711691, pointer male, by Texas Wild Rex-Hard Rock April Showers. James Mills & Steve Lightle, owners; Allen Vincent, handler.
2d-HALE'S SOUTHERN FLYER, F1727725, pointer female, by Haney's Silver Dollar-Hale's High Flyer. Dr. Jeffrey Hale, owner; Shawn Kinkelaar, handler.

Arkansas Derby Classic (l-r): Joyce Taylor (judge), Harold Gearhart with Cadron Creek Sam, Ronnie Miller, Dr. Jeff Hale with Hale's Southern Flyer, Dr. Debbie Ozner, and Shawn Kinkelaar.