Result: Grand National Grouse and Woodcock Invitational Championship

Location: Philipsburg, Pennsylvania

Post Date: Jul 1, 2026

Submitted By: Jessica Hollister

Grand National Grouse and Woodcock Invitational Championship (front, l-r): Marc Forman with Resin and Bill McFadden and Lindsey Saetre with Mohawk Mill Good Advice. (Second row, l-r): Craig Merlington (judge), Jeff Keller, Tom Fruchey (GNG President), Joe Cammisa (GNG Invitational Secretary), Eric Munden (judge), John Stolgitis, and Tim Kaufman.

The 2026 renewal of the Grand National Invitational Grouse and Woodcock Championship proved to be an enjoyable and competitive week in the woods, as well as showmanship of hard work. The Invitational began a day prior to the running, April 7, when handlers, judges, and all were welcomed for a dinner sponsored and provided by Eric and Lindsey Saetre in honor of last year's runner-up champion, Northwoods Cedar. Dinner was prepared by John Stolgitis, which included mussels, as well as delicious sides. This year's Grand National Invitational Grouse and Woodcock Championship was held at the beautiful Black Moshannon State Forest in central Pennsylvania. The land is a diverse landscape, offering perfect cover for birds and wildlife, a mix of northern hardwood forests, conifer stands, and wetland habitats, which is what makes it such classic grouse and woodcock country and the location for this year's Championship. I have been honored to report on the events I witnessed this year. While it indeed was hard work, I am grateful to be part of this year's Grand National Invitational Grouse and Woodcock Championship.

The Running
Brace 1, 7:48 a.m.
The championship started under chilly conditions with frost still covering the ground. The first brace of the championship was led off with Chasehill Snoop Dog handled by John Stolgitis, and Northwoods Cedar handled by Eric Saetre. Chasehill Snoop Dog established a wide, forward race early, holding the front with a confident application. After an initial stand at 20, where Snoop went still, Stolgitis went into flush; however, after looking, no bird was found. Snoop continued with purpose, and after searching for 10 more minutes, his bell went silent. In went Stolgitis to flush; a woodcock was located, rewarding persistence with a bird and a nice run. Northwoods Cedar worked at a closer pace at times before reaching out to a wide front run. The cold temperatures caused both dogs' bells to freeze, adding a layer of challenge for handlers and the gallery to locate dogs, yet both dogs and trainers handled and worked the conditions commendably and quickly.

Brace 2, 9:06 a.m.
As temperatures rose and frost thawed across the terrain, the first day's braces continued. The second brace was sent off with Ralphy's Chasehill Rip and Stan The Man, handled both by Brian Ralph and Tom Fruchey. Ralphy's Chasehill Rip delivered a strong, forward race, showing intent and responsiveness while extending nicely to the front. Stan The Man held a closer but forward run, seemingly enjoying his run through the cover. Stan's bell went silent during the brace; however, despite search from Fruchey, no bird was found. Both dogs worked through the course smoothly, covering objectives well, though birds proved elusive despite a thorough effort from both sides.
Brace 3, 10:26 a.m.
As the morning continued and weather slowly became warmer, the third brace of the day announced by Jeff Keller was off with handlers Tammy Chaffee and Richard Hollister. This brace showed consistent effort from both competitors. Springpond Rockin Sidney, handled by Tammy Chaffee, had a put-together, forward race and was located on point by Chaffee, demonstrating composure, though a bird could not be produced here. Back Creek Lucy, handled by Richard Hollister, delivered a balanced performance, mixing check-ins with wide forward casts. Lucy moved forward nicely, while hitting all necessary objectives through the course. Sidney maintained a strong drive, while both dogs covered the course effectively.

Brace 4, 11:41 a.m.
The day continued to the final brace before lunch. Handlers John Stolgitis and Tammy Chaffee with Mohawk Mill Good Advice and Snyder's Fireside Ed rushed to the course. Good Advice performed a polished race, moving forward with reach and purpose. At 35, Good Advice's bell went silent. Stolgitis swiftly produced a woodcock during the flush. Good Advice held point with excellent manners and was backed appropriately by Fireside Ed, highlighting a well-trained and composed performance by both dogs. Snyder's Fireside Ed ran with intent through the course and added a productive woodcock find in the brace at 24. Ed went still, and Chaffee went into search. After moments of looking, Chaffee went to reposition, upsprung a woodcock with slight movement, and fired her gun. Both dogs went on to finish the brace strong.

Brace 5, 1:07 p.m.
After a short lunch provided by Steve Snyder in honor of last year's champion, Snyder's Fireside Ed, the gallery and handlers were quick to get back to the field. Mohawk Mill Miss You, handled by John Stolgitis, ran a strong, forward race, making effective casts through the cover. Lake Effect Ali, handled by Tim Kaufman, worked diligently as the day began to warm, showing determination and continuing to push forward. Both dogs shared a stand early in the brace, at 15, with Lake Effect Ali taking the lead with good manners; however, after a search from Kaufman, no bird was found. Both dogs went on to finish the hour strong, actively searching through the grounds.

Brace 6, 2:29 p.m.
The second-to-last brace of the day continued with Chasehill Poison Ivy and Resin. Led by John Stolgitis and Marc Forman, it proved to be an exciting brace to follow. Poison Ivy started with a forward, energetic race, showing speed and intent before being disconnected from the handler at around the 15-minute mark. Continuing with the brace, Resin, handled by Marc Forman, delivered a solid performance. Running to the front with purpose, Resin actively searched the cover and handled it well throughout. Resin had a stand at 25, with no bird put to flight despite best search efforts from Forman. Resin finished the brace strongly with a well-earned woodcock find at the 40-minute mark. Resin's bell went silent, and the handler went into search, displaying excellent manners and composure while on point, an effort that would prove significant as the trial progressed.

Brace 7, 4:04 p.m.
The final brace of the evening concluded with Jordan Pharris handling Birdogn True Confidence and Mark Hughes handling Millers Dusty Version. Birdogn True Confidence maintained a forward race, making strong casts and responding well to handling. Millers Dusty Version, handled by Mark Hughes, matched his bracemate with a hard-hunting, forward effort, consistently applying herself in all the right areas. While both dogs actively searched to the front and wide, no birds could be unveiled.

The day concluded with a warm and welcoming dinner of smoked brisket, ribs, and mac and cheese at the cabin, generously supported by Purina and prepared by Bonfire BBQ, with announcements recognizing the day's efforts by Joe Cammisa. The dog of the day was awarded to Resin, handled by Marc Forman, by judges Craig Merlington and Eric Munden. After cleaning up and congratulations, everyone headed home, excited for what the next two days will have in store.

Brace 1, 7:49 a.m.
The next day began just after the sun had risen, and while not as chilly as the day prior, the morning started out with a chill. Once again, with the brace announced by Jeff Keller, the dogs were set loose in hopes of finding a bird, with Tammy Chaffee handling Snyder's Fireside Ed and John Stolgitis handling Mohawk Mill Miss You. Both led off on a comfortable note with Mohawk Mill Miss You, hunting forward at a steady pace, actively searching through cover. Miss You's bell went silent, and Stolgitis was unable to raise a bird for her. Snyder's Fireside Ed delivered a reliable effort, consistently working to stay engaged and forward.

Brace 2, 9:06 a.m.
As the day continued, temperatures wasted no time in rising. Chasehill Poison Ivy was set to be the bracemate on this course, but handler Stolgitis elected not to run. Lake Effect Ali, handled by Tim Kaufman, worked attentively, making thoughtful casts and responding well to commands. A standstill at the 40-minute mark demonstrated composure during point, yet despite Kaufman's best efforts, no bird was located.

Brace 3, 10:26 a.m.
The third brace of the day with Resin handled by Marc Forman and Birdogn True Confidence handled by Jordan Pharris continues. Resin continued to show excellent form as the day prior and actively searched to the front, looking through cover. Resin was able to show excellent application with two well-handled stands; throughout his run, however, each time despite Forman's searches, no bird was produced. However, Resin held a steady, beautiful point. Birdogn True Confidence delivered a wide, forward race and showed steadiness when backing, reflecting strong training and composure. Both dogs finished strong with beautiful runs despite the lack of birds.

Brace 4, 11:45 a.m.
The Invitational's fourth brace of the day was with Millers Dusty Version and Springpond Rockin Sidney just before noon. Millers Dusty Version produced one of the more memorable efforts of the day, locating a woodcock deep off trail at 30 and demonstrating confidence and bird sense. Handler, judge, and I rushed over to watch the beautiful and well-mannered find, where she was rewarded with a woodcock. After this find, she continued to search far and wide. While searching deep, she became too far from the gallery. At about 10, before the end of her run, her handler called for the tracking collar and found her standing point on a woodcock. Even though she was no longer in contention, Dusty displayed a strong, eventful performance, with a strong potential future. Springpond Rockin Sidney continued through the brace and went still at the 40-minute mark. Chaffee went into flush, and after constant looking from both dog and handler, they were able to achieve a woodcock find. Sidney showed a composed find, with determination, and was able to finish the brace strongly.

Brace 5, 1:16 p.m.
After once again a speedy cookout, provided by Steve Snyder in honor of last year's champion, the event wasted no time getting back into action. Chasehill Snoop Dog, handled by John Stolgitis, and Ralphy's Chasehill Rip, handled by Brian Ralph, turned in similar, high-quality races for the fifth brace of the day. Both held forward, energetic, and well-handled runs, covering ground with purpose even as birds remained scarce. It was magnificent to watch both dogs dash through the course with ease and with similar wide front runs.

Brace 6, 2:33 p.m.
The temperatures continued to rise, and it was very hot for these final braces, yet the dogs breezed by and managed outstandingly. Back Creek Lucy, handled by Richard Hollister, and Northwoods Cedar, handled by Eric Saetre, were set off for the sixth brace of the evening. Back Creek Lucy handled the warmer conditions well, mixing closer efforts of search with extended casts while maintaining a forward presence and finishing strong. Once again hitting her marks and searching with intent, despite the lack of birds. Northwoods Cedar started at a measured pace through the rising heat before expanding into a wider race, demonstrating adaptability and perseverance through the heat. At the 15, Cedar's bell went silent, and once again handler, judge, and I darted into watch the point. While Saetre actively searched, Cedar performed still and well manners; however, no bird was found. Cedar continued to a wide run and, later in the brace, slightly disconnected from the gallery and handler.

Brace 7, Final Brace
The last brace of the day was set with Stan The Man handled by Tom Fuchey, and Mohawk Mill Good Advice, handled by John Slolgitis. Both dogs displayed a steady forward race and were well matched as a pair. Good Advice held an early stand at the 10-minute mark. Good Advice held a solid, composed form, while Stan The Man held the back. After searching from Stolgitis, and no bird was located, both dogs continued on to finish the brace with forward, wide runs.

Callback Announcements
Following the day's running, participants gathered once again to enjoy a barbecue dinner generously provided by The Grand National Club and prepared by Joe Cammisa and Brian Ralph. The evening concluded with Joe Cammisa announcing the Dog of the Day, awarded to Springpond Rockin Sidney, and the callbacks for the last day of the championship.
The selected callbacks were Springpond Rockin Sidney, handled by Tammy Chaffee, and Mohawk Mill Good Advice, handled by John Stolgitis, for the first brace. The second brace was announced for Resin, handled by Marc Forman, and Snyder's Fireside Ed, handled by Tammy Chaffee, with Ralphy's Chasehill Rip and Chasehill Snoop Dog for reserve. On April 10, the finalists were invited back for one more chance to prove their strength to the judges. Brace 1, 7:59 a.m.

The final first brace of the championship was sent off with two top contestants, who, over the course of two days, impressed the judges with their abilities. Springpond Rockin Sidney and Mohawk Mill Good Advice were off, with both dogs beginning at a closer range as they settled into the course. Around the 10-minute mark, Good Advice came to a composed point, though no bird was found despite a search from Stolgitis. Good Advice displayed stunning form and proper manner during the point; however, with no reward. As the brace developed, both dogs moved forward with purpose, covering ground in a steady manner. Near the 50-minute mark, both dogs stood on point, with Good Advice taking the lead. Both showed good manners, though again no bird could be located. Finishing with a consistent, polished effort, both Sidney and Good Advice continued to work diligently alongside the remainder of the brace, hitting all the necessary cover.

Brace 2, 9:24 a.m.
The final and anticipated brace of the championship had arrived with Snyder's Fireside Ed and Resin. Both dogs broke away with Resin quickly establishing a strong forward race. Snyder's Fireside Ed worked hard and diligently as he worked through the cover in search of a bird, with a wide run. Showing excellent handling and responsiveness, Resin maintained position to the front while actively searching the cover with intent. At approximately 30, Resin's bell fell silent, and he was found standing with exceptional style and confidence. The handler flushed a woodcock in great time, and Resin remained steady, displaying outstanding manners on the bird. This well-executed find, combined with a consistent and forward performance, helped secure Resin's place as the 2026 Champion. Fireside Ed contributed a steady effort, with intent, working through the course with determination alongside a great performance from his bracemate.

The 2026 championship was marked by strong performances and the ability of both dogs and handlers to adapt to changing conditions. With the support of dedicated sponsors such as Greg Blair, Purina, Garmin, Patrick Bowman, Eric Munden, and Steve Snyder, and the efforts of all involved, the event once again highlighted the tradition and excellence of grouse and woodcock field trial competition.
The day ended with two braces as the judges had made their final decisions, not needing to see any more. After Tom Fruchey recognized 2026 judges Craig Merlington and Eric Munden, the final was announced. Joe Cammisa announced the 2026 winners--Mohawk Mill Good Advice, handled by John Stolgitis and owned by Bill McFadden, as runner-up, and Resin, handled by Marc Forman and owned by Kevin Lahoda, as the 2026 Grand National Grouse & Woodcock Champion. Both dogs showed an outstanding performance with beautiful form throughout the three days of hard hunting.

Philipsburg, Pa., April 8
Judges: Craig Merlington and Eric Munden
GRAND NATIONAL GROUSE AND WOODCOCK INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP One-Hour Heats on Consecutive days; One-Hour Finals] - 8 Pointers and 6 Setters
Winner-RESIN, F1696519, setter male, by Ponderosa Mac-Hunter's Flight Risk. Kevin Lahoda, owner; Marc Forman, handler.
Runner-Up-MOHAWK MILL GOOD ADVICE, F1685480, pointer male, by Stoney Run's Buddy-Hirollins Fancy Lady. William & Karen McFadden, owners; John Stolgitis, handler.

Grand National Grouse and Woodcock Invitational Championship Competitors (front, l-r): Joe Cammisa (GNG Invitational Secretary), John Stolgitis, Brian Ralph, Mark Hughes, Steve Graham, Tammy Chaffee, Craig Merlington (judge), Bill McFadden, Rich Hollister, and Owen Cuomo. (Second row, l-r): Marc Forman, Brian Ralph, Eric Saetre, Jordan Pharris, Tom Fruchey, Roger Johnson, Leeann Parnell, Tim Kauffman, and Eric Munden (judge).