Result: 90th New England Shooting Dog Futurity

Location: East Windsor, Connecticut

Post Date: May 13, 2026

Submitted By: Margaret C. Drew

90th New England Shooting Dog Futurity (l-r): John Stoligitis (judge), Wendy Tracy Harman, Mary Tracy, Zaynah Tracy with Dunn's Step N' Out, George Tracy, Mark Janiec with Bryant's Silver Lining, Brian Sanchez, Mike Tracy with Peek A Bull, Grace Sanchez with Erin's Standing Ovation, Joe Cincotta, Thor Kain (judge), and Doug Ray.

When the New England Shooting Futurity was first proposed as a regional futurity in the 1930's, the proposal was not well received. Herbert G. Silver pushed forward and headed a group that proposed a regional futurity despite recognizing the need for more breeders. He and the group found that defining eligibility and other rules proved challenging. Despite these roadblocks, they still moved forward, and in April 1937, the first futurity was held, although in name only, as no set rules could be agreed upon for the entry of 17 derbies. However, breeders and other dog people acknowledged that a regional futurity was necessary to move the bird dog community forward, so a regional set of guidelines was established, and 21 dogs were entered. These rules and whelping dates were adhered to until 1939, when a June whelping date helped to change the venue to run in October beginning in 1941. The futurity nominations and entries remained a regional entry base for several years, expanding in the late '70s. In the '80s, a few litters from outside of New England increased futurity. By the early '90s, litters and entries were once again declining, but were followed by a surge to 50-60 entries from 35 litters in the early 2000s. During that time, a guaranteed purse of $2,000 encouraged participation. However, with the litter nominations declining, which means entries as well, this policy could not continue. The association would like to return to that position; however, litter nominations and entries are the key. Nominations for the 91st have already begun. Contact Margaret Drew now.

The Flaherty Field Trial Area is a perfect location and facility for field trials. The clubhouse displays a wall of Life Patron plaques, taxidermy of upland game, various regional historic plaques, and engraved retired trophies. In an adjacent room is a pictorial history of the construction and progress of the present clubhouse. In a second framed plaque, there are historic photos from trials with identified patrons, dogs, and the trial portrayed. This is a very nice historic piece of work. Most of the elderly participants in those photographs are much younger, and many of the people in them are no longer with us. We now need to gather photos of today's events to create another pictorial of "now." Many of the photos displayed are thanks to Truman Crowles' family and to Dick Bembenek for gathering and compiling them. Dick is also responsible for making and donating a wooden memory board of all the New England open winners from its origin in 1929, with spaces through 2028. The New England Open is most noted for its many years at the Ragged Hill Farm in Pomfret, Connecticut; however, about 10 years ago, the land was lost to field trials, and it is now run at Flaherty just prior to the futurity. The original sterling silver tray, donated by Harry and Deb Townsend, is full and now is well displayed at the Bird Dog Hall of Fame in Grand Junction, Tennessee. A trip to the museum is a must for all bird dog followers, including the walk of memory bricks as you enter the building. Plan on a few hours there, as it is an impressive display of all types of bird dog events.

The grounds at Flaherty were in excellent condition this spring. The grounds are still easily accessible for horseback and walking as a result of the road improvements made a few years back. Gravel-filled walkways and culverts over wet areas are all still functioning well. The beavers had tried to dam an area below the clubhouse by the lowest culvert; however, the state was taking the dam apart on both Thursday and Friday, so walking was not as wet. The next project will be relocating the beavers. As noted earlier, the Flaherty area has ample parking for all types of vehicles, running water, fenced areas for several horses, and ample room for staking out horses and dogs. The clubhouse has bathroom facilities and heat for colder weekends, a full kitchen, and a modern bird room. There is also a gallery wagon, which was in use during the futurity, thanks to trucks provided by Chairman Bonnetti and Smooth Carter. Drivers were Bill Bonetti, Tom Smith, and Darren Boyer. Maybe even someone I missed. The advantage of having a gallery wagon for at least part of the course is that it encourages more participation. Everyone wants to watch a bird dog work, especially if you are the owner or breeder.

The 90th New England Futurity once again used a single course for 30-minute heats, breaking away down a slight hill on the northeast side of the grounds near the wooden rails approaching the horse corrals. We then moved forward toward the open area leading to the pond, with plenty of choices for a dog to venture. After passing the traditional tree stop area, dogs are encouraged to search the wooded quail habitat to the left of the pond before reaching to the front and through the tree island. Following the tree island area, the course swings westerly, where dogs can make three choices: up the center road, to the left through an open field toward Fox Hill, or right down a wooded edge where birds were often located. At the end of this area, we are about 15 minutes to the first large culvert crossing and up the long tobacco hill. After frequent bird contact at the top of Tobacco Hill, the course makes a long cast down a hill with full cover to the culvert, where the beavers were trying to impede our fun. After crossing the culvert, the course winds through cover and trees and below the clubhouse, where folks can get to view at least a few minutes of bird dog excitement before the course finishes in the area below the starting hill and on toward the long "deerborn" area under the power lines. These final five minutes often make or break a dog, and a scout is often required. Did the derby have the desire and energy left in it to finish still hunting?!

East Windsor, Conn., April 24
Judges: Thor Kain and John Stolgitis
90TH NEW ENGLAND SHOOTING DOG FUTURITY - 19 Pointers and 5 Setters
1st-DUNN'S STEP N' OUT, F1708353, pointer male, by Touch's Malcolm Story-Treeline's Sunflower. William Dunn, owner; George Tracy, handler.
2d-BRYANT'S SILVER LINING, F1710183, pointer male, by Haney's Silver Dollar-Haney's High Price Penny. Kenton Bryant, owner; Mike Tracy, handler.
3d-PEEK A BULL, F1712607, pointer female, by Bully Rock-Sandspur Belle. Ernie Saniga & Karen Saniga, owners; Mike Tracy, handler.
4th-ERIN'S STANDING OVATION, F1716694, setter male, by Erin's Hidden Shamrock-Erin's Princess Rene. Joe Cincotta, owner; Doug Ray, handler.