Result: Michigan Open Shooting Dog Championship

Location: Ionia, Michigan

Post Date: Jun 17, 2026

Submitted By: Jim Cipponeri

Michigan Open Shooting Dog Championship: Jim Cipponeri, Jeff Haggis, Matt Basilone with Mohawk Mill Patriot, Adam DeLude (judge), Mike Tracy, Bo Brewer with Miller's Extreme Heat, Jim Stevens (judge), and Ron Williams.

The Michigan Shooting Dog Championship held a successful but challenging renewal, beginning April 13 and concluding April 19, at the Ionia Recreation Area. The course was in pristine condition thanks to the efforts of the Ionia Field Trial Committee members. Extensive haying and brush hogging were accomplished at a level that surpassed previous years, helped along by the acquisition of a new/used John Deere tractor and a large-scale upgrade in course management and farmer input.

This championship dates back to 1977 and has consistently been attended by both professional and amateur handlers since its inception. Shawn Kinkelaar has been attending for over 35 years, and the Tracy and Basilone names have appeared on entry forms since the 1980s. The Club appreciates their continued support and looks forward to their participation in years to come! Amateurs Allen Dunbar, Jeff Haggis, and Jim Cipponeri had dogs entered as well.
Unfortunately, our longtime secretary/treasurer, Joe Guzman, was not in attendance, but he has contributed in many ways while now residing in northern Michigan. Hopefully, we will see him at future Association of Michigan trials. Connie Cipponeri and Joe organized and coordinated the drawing and clerical responsibilities. Ron Williams was everywhere, manning the dog wagon and keeping things moving at each breakaway site. Mary Stevens provided doughnuts and refreshments until she was summoned back home due to the tempestuous weather conditions in Traverse City. Jeff Haggis came over from London, Canada, and not only competed but made sure the birds were watered and fed every day. He and Richard Lipski were in charge of bird planting responsibilities and deployment.

The Club was fortunate to secure the services of two fine gentlemen with years of bird dog knowledge, both as competitors and judges. Jim Stevens and Adam DeLude take their judging assignments seriously and are also pleasant to be around. Their decisions were appropriate and well-received. Their input on course layout and quail distribution was appreciated, as the extreme flooding caused major alterations to course conveyance during the running.

The 2026 Michigan Shooting Dog Champion Mohawk Mill Patriot ran in the last brace of the second day's running. He has a strong, attractive gate going and is pleasing to the eye. He started out his first part of the brace having three perfectly performed backs until his bracemate suffered an infraction and was leashed. Patriot was able to showcase his talent alone, and indeed he did! He took in all the edges he had the opportunity to traverse, doing so independently and exhibiting superb communication with his handler. His five finds were precise in location and well off his nose, high and tight at both ends. The last encounter was after a short absence to the front at the bottom of Heart Attack Hill, where, at pickup, the judges knew they had witnessed a stellar performance that would be difficult to beat. Patriot is owned by Ed and Megan McCay and was scouted by Ed.

Runner-up Miller's Extreme Heat ("Doll"), pointer female, had four picture-perfect finds and a lengthy pinpoint relocation on a small running covey. Her powerful, athletic running style was even more impressive considering the heavy downpour of rain that lasted the entire hour. Her communication with her handler was evident from start to finish, and the style on her game was impeccable. She has been a consistent winner since her derby season, when she won the Purina Top Derby of the Year Award. She is a multiple and runner-up champion for her proud owners, Kristen and Joe McHugh of Pavo, Georgia.

Ionia, Mich., April 13
Judges: Adam DeLude and Jim Stevens
MICHIGAN OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 37 Pointers and 5 Setters
Winner-MOHAWK MILL PATRIOT, F1703194, pointer male, by Indian Creek Spur-Hirollins Fantasy Girl. Ed & Megan McCay, owners; Matt Basilone, handler.
Runner-Up-MILLER'S EXTREME HEAT, F1685698, pointer female, by Just Irresistible-Miller's Bring The Heat. Kristen & Joe McHugh, owners; Mike Tracy, handler.

Judges: Andrea Cerofolini and Ron Williams
OPEN DERBY CLASSIC - 8 Pointers and 1 Setter
1st-PEEK A BULL, F1712607, pointer female, by Bully Rock-Sandspur Belle. Ernie & Karen Saniga, owners; Mike Tracy, handler.
2d-SILVER W HOT PINK, F1719740, pointer female, by Miller's Blindsider-Silver W Thunderbolt's Boom. Debbie Ozner, owner; Shawn Kinkelaar, handler.

Ron Williams Open Derby Classic Judge, cook and and dig wagon driver.