Result: Southeastern Open Shooting Dog Championship

Location: Lake City, Florida

Post Date: Apr 25, 2023

Submitted By: Joel Norman

The 2023 Southeastern Open Shooting Dog Championship drew the largest number of entries in recent history. The move South to "The Farm," near Lake City, Fla., did not affect the entries. These grounds more than meet the requirements needed to run a Championship. The trial was also held earlier than in the past. This year it commenced on February 22 to conclude before the Masters Open Shooting Dog Championship. This year's judges were advertised as Buck and Lynn Heard from Moultrie, Ga. Unfortunately, due to a death in the family, Lynn had to be replaced before the beginning of the trial. We were fortunate to recruit Mr. Barry Stumbo of Versailles, Ky., to fill in. Both judges have a long history with bird dogs, trials, and horses and the capabilities to sort it all out.

We were fortunate to have Mr. Chester Stokes offer his grounds for running this trial. He has owned these grounds for several decades, making them the epitome of a shooting dog to display his wares. Native wiregrass and understory with scattered Longleaf and Slash Pine on gentle rolling topography is the backdrop for the contestants to perform. Mr. "C," as most call him, also provided the trial with a dog truck, driver, and marshals. Thanks to Joe Hicks, Leroy Griffiss, and Rylan "Stick" King for keeping things running smoothly.

Weather conditions tested dogs, horses, and handlers. Highs were in the upper 80s throughout the trial. These birds are hunted and know how to survive. Unproductives daily in the same areas suggest these birds were getting out of the way. Several coveys were seen getting up and moving early. Nonetheless, there were many good performances to sort through.

The first brace of the second day produced our champion, Nonami's Johnny Come Lately, owned by Ted Turner and handled by Ray Pearce, had a back at 5 and a good stylish find at 15. He put on a clinic on the ground. He took advantage of every opportunity these grounds offered to run a consistent forward open shooting dog race. No scouting was needed, and he always showed up to the front.

Absolute Dominator, owned by Johnny and Joyce Taylor and handled by Doug Ray, garnered the runner-up spot. Dominator had finds at 10, 20, and 26 with a good race. Many dogs challenged the winners; two, in particular, were Nella Belgian Brew with Tommy Rice and Miller's Extreme Heat handled by Mike Tracy.

Lake City, Fla., February 22
Judges: Buck Heard and Barry Stumbo
SOUTHEASTERN OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 61 Pointers and 7 Setters
Winner-NONAMI'S JOHNNY COME LATELY, 1694190, pointer male, by Ransom-Pinewood's Jenny Bell. R. E. Turner; Ray Pearce, handler.
Runner-Up-ABSOLUTE DOMINATOR, 1686566, pointer male, by Erin's Redrum-Pearl Again. Johnny & Joyce Taylor, owners; Doug Ray, handler.

Southeastern Open Shooting Dog Championship (from left): Barry Stumbo (judge), Ray Pearce, John Hicks, Shon Powell with Nonami's Johnny Come Lately, Doug Ray, Payton Gunby with Absolute Dominator, Joe Hicks, Buck Heard (judge), Chester Stokes, Rylan King, and Leroy Griffis.