2000 NARC - Cheboygan, MI

2000 NARC Stake Info
2000 NARC Callbacks

Saturday, June 17, 2000

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SATURDAY RAC AND NARC MEETINGS
The Retriever Advisory Committee revisited the rule clarifications concerning certain "faults" which have been distributed to Clubs and published in the RFTN twice. In response to input, there have been some revisions.  These prompted some discussion and controversy. Prior to the vote at the November meeting, AKC agreed to publish the changes on their web site for all to consider before voting. The site address is akc.org

The RAC meeting was followed by the National Amateur Retriever Club Annual meeting. A brief summary follows:

There are 2 dogs scratched, #12. AFC Hardlabors Do It Nikki and #38, FC-AFC-CFC Ryans Bud of Columbia Basin.

The first test will be a double and a blind.

The 2001 Stake will be held in Virginia Minnesota with the Minnesota Iron Range Club hosting it. Judges are: East - Jim Dorobek, Mountain- Steve Parker and West - John Poer. Field Trial Chairman is Gary McIllwain.

2001 NARC Officers are:

    President - Rick Van Bergen
    Vice President - Gary Ahlgren
    2nd VP -  Dean Ellis
    3rd VP - Ray Vreeland
    4th VP - Elizabeth Jerome

Also, one of the contestants here has been taken seriously ill with an aneurysm. Please include Karon Weber Richardson in your thoughts for a speedy and complete recovery

Sunday, June 18, 2000

Tests 1 & 2

Sunday morning was cool and cloudy (upper 40's) with a threat of rain. The first two tests; a combined land double and a blind  were at the LeGrande Bison ranch about 40 minutes south of Cheboygan.

The line faced a long, fairly narrow bowl and was located on a shallow slope. The first set of guns was on the right  fern covered sloping side of the bowl. They threw a dead hen pheasant back to the left. It landed in the ferns about 130 yards out. A second set was located on the left side of the bowl, somewhat deeper. They shot a flying hen pheasant flat to the right where it fell in grassy cover amidst widely spaced small (3'- 4') pine trees 150+ yds. form the line. When the dog was sent for the flyer, the right guns retired to a line of trees a short distance behind them.

The blind was deep between the converging marks, about 180-200 yards away and was marked with a red stick. The bird, a dead hen pheasant was planted as the dog returned with the last mark.

Early dogs had cloudy skies that hampered visibility of the falls. Several dead fall logs lay in front of the line That, along with the slope, and a wide sparse patch of blackberry stalks deflected dogs from the varied flyer falls. Throughout the day there was a good deal of "shopping" to find the faint scented hens. The similar sized pines and dark background made a pinpoint mark challenging.

The line to the retired fall angled down the slope, through the blackberry stalks and across a dirt road which curved to the right, just past the mark and to the right of the blind. Some dogs paralleled the near side of the road and arrived at the blind area, while others squared the road and visited the retired gunners in the woods. Most recovered after varying hunts, but a few did not and were handled and/or picked up.

The blind was very "do-able" and a number lined it. Some had trouble on the end and were "boxed" around before recovering it.

By early afternoon it was sunny and warm, paths formed, and as scent and wind built the work improved. Comments from the gallery were that it was a good opening series for a National Amateur. They also had a nice view from a hill behind the line.

The test took approx. 7 MPD and ended about 8:30 p.m. Callbacks came about 10:15 and listed 95 dogs for Test 3, a water triple at Magnussons Tuesday. Those lost (excluding scratches) are: 9, 57, 76, 91 and 100. Dog number 25 ,FC-AFC Trumarc's Super Pursuit is scheduled to begin the series.

It was also reported that Karon Richardson was flown to Peoria for additional treatment and/or surgery. Harvry Peterson is handling her two dogs.

The LeGrande Ranch Barn

Contestants viewing line at gun change

Gallery- mid afternoon

Food truck - Buffalo robes to left

Monday, June 19, 2000

Test 3

Monday began with overcast skies which turned to showers en route to Test Three, a water triple at the Magnusson property, several miles farther down the road from the LeGrande Ranch. The site faced a series of man made "technical" type ponds surrounded by a rolling, grassy shoreline. Several ponds had cattails in and/or near the shore.

The line was located atop a gentle slope overlooking the site. A set of two guns were stationed to the left. They threw a dead hen pheasant flat to the right where it landed in grassy cover just above the shoreline about 130+ yd. deep. Another pair of guns stood to the near right, nearly straight out from the line. They threw a dead duck angled back from the near shore across a small bay to base of the shore beyond. It splashed into a stand of cattails about 30 yards from line. Lastly, a group of guns located between them shot a flying duck flat to the left. It landed either on the side of a grassy, rolling shore or splashed into a flooded area near the bank about 125-135 yards away. Ducks landing in the water were sluiced. As the dog was sent for the first bird, the left guns retired to a stand of trees behind them. (When the test dogs ran,  both outside birds were retired, but when neither test dog could do it without handling the short one was not retired .) The birds were well placed and challenging and the gallery had a fine view of the marks.

The left bird converged with the flyer mark and some dogs seemed confused as to which they wanted. Some selected out the short right one first with varying degrees of success. Varied flyer falls produced numerous hunts and the draw of the left mark was tempting to a few. When sent, some split the difference and arrived between the two - usually they recovered the flyer as scent from the duck kept them in the area. Many hunted the hill above the fall and several went out of sight for a period of time.  When sent for the short bird a number over ran it. Some recovered on their own while others required handling. Those that had selected the short bird first usually tried for the flyer next where the same pitfalls awaited them. Angles in and out of the swimming water ponds and across land strips also nudged dogs off a straight line to the marks.

The left, retired mark was close to the shore and was a hen pheasant, wet from the rain. Dogs would charge up the slope, pass the bird and hunt deep beyond, often out of sight. Some paid a visit to the retired gunners and were out of sight in the woods for quite a while. Others seemed to wind the bird, make game, then leave the area - perhaps expecting another duck. Many recovered it on their own, but a few tried to return to the flyer or appeared unable to locate it and requiring handling. In the first rotation of #'s 25-50 there were several handles and pick-ups. That  trend lessened later somewhat when switching winds and more scent aided dogs.

A light, intermittent rain continued well into the afternoon until about 3 p.m. when skies cleared and temperatures rose into the 70's.

The 7-9 minute test was extended by no birds and and pick-up dogs for the former. ETA appeared to be well after 8 p.m. and  there was some doubt if it would be completed on Monday. Again, if it could not be completed, no partial call backs would be given. If it did complete, call backs would be quite late.

A rumor circulated that if #3 was not completed, a water blind would run at the same site on Tuesday. If it did complete, the stake would return to the LeGrande farms instead. Test four would begin with dog # 50.

Welcome news arrived. Karon Richardson had undergone surgery and was doing well although more would be needed later. Unwelcome news was that the McIllwain's brand new PT Cruiser had hit a deer and would need extensive repairs.

Test three was suspended at 8 p.m. after dog 15 had run with 10 left to run Tuesday morning. (Dog 14 had a no bird and will not run until Tues. a.m.) Test dog will run at 7:30 a.m. with the first running dog (16)  at 8 a.m.

The site rumor proved false as a caravan is scheduled to leave site three after completion for a different area. 
As promised, no partial call backs were given.

Gallery - Test Three

Jack Volllstedt and Mike Walsh with Mollie

Jerry Younglove (L) and Roger Herpolsheimer (R)

Gallery View of Test Three

Tuesday, June 20, 2000

Tuesday arrived clear and sunny with temperatures in the 50's. The remainder of the third series was completed by 9:45, but callbacks were not given until the caravan arrived at the LeGrande ranch, site of series four. It had ended with number 22, FC AFC Caernac's Mr Now Wiser as he had two no-birds.

As the finally preparations were made for the new series, announcer Dean Ellis provided the callbacks. Eighty-four would challenge the fourth. Those dropped: 3, 18, 24, 32, 33, 39, 53, 55, 73, and 97.

Test 4 - Water Blind

The fourth was a water blind with a long angle entry into a grassy pond from on top a steep hill. At it's base was a curving, dike road which had been scented part way down it on the right edge. The bird, a dead hen mallard lay in front of a distant mound of dirt, about 200 yards from line. A switching wind angled from left to right or right to left across the test. The test dogs ran shortly before 11 a.m. and both did fairly well. By 11:04 dog 50 appeared on line to initiate the fourth which took about 5-6 minutes to complete

Dogs would build momentum running down the steep hill and onto the dirt dike road at the bottom left with a grassy pond to the right. There was a low stump on the side hill directly on line. At the base, the line was through a small bay, then back on to the road. The road was online for a good distance (15+ yds?) but the line kept going straight, into the water, where the road curved. Some dogs would have preferred to to remain on the road while others wanted to go "fat" into the right hand water. There was a stump in the water to the right just off shore, which was about  where the dogs should enter the water. At that point they could also wind the scented shore. Some needed a whistle or two to get wet. Others took a big "over" and had to be cast left to be back on line. Once on line, most swam to the far shore of the dike with only minor adjustments. The land beyond was rough, mucky and had brush pile just to the right of the dike's backside. There dogs would lose their line trying to work their way through the cover and mud.

Early dogs appeared to do surprisingly well with perhaps one in five having some difficulty. By 2 p.m. clouds had returned and a few sprinkles fell. After about a dozen had run, a scent trail and path had formed from the far side of the distant dike to the bird. Once to that point dogs would drive to recover the bird.

Series four was hampered by strong winds and driving rain during mid and late afternoon. Dog work remained fairly similar to that prior to the storm. Call backs came after dark and 76 dogs remained in contention. Seven more had been lost. They were: 2, 10, 21, 31, 47, 59, 71, and 84.

Series Five will be held in the same gerneral area as test 4 at the LeGrande ranch. Dog 75 will start. The test will consist of marks, probably land.

Photographer Ken Andrews

Hummer Helper Woody Wlodarczyk

Gallery- Fourth Series

Paul Brundige (L) and Joe Harp

Wednesday, June 21, 2000

Test 5 - A land Quad With Two Retired guns

The rain had ended overnight but skies remained threatening. It was in the mid- sixties and humid as test 5 formed an a rolling field at the LeGrand Ranch. It was dubbed the "coffin" field because of a formation deep within it. Slowly a land triple with two retired guns emerged. At first glance it appeared the "coffin" title might apply to the test as well.

Judges readjusted the gun stations, order of throws and moved a stand of 10(?) silhouette goose decoys from far right to far left between or after test dogs ran. The order of the throws were: Far right retired-dead duck angled back right, 385 yards our; middle right retired- dead duck angled back  right a bit 160(?) yds. away; middle left flyer - a shot flying rooster thrown right about 180 yds(?) and left mark- a dead rooster angled back right about 150(?) yards.  The wind angled back across the test from left to right.  Because of the humidity , 4 marks and possible long hunts, judges scrapped the honor they had originally included.

The test began shortly after 8 a.m. with dog #75 and took about 12 to 15 minutes to complete. Because there were 76 dogs to run, it is doubtful that the test will be completed today.

Handlers took the marks in various ways and some dogs "selected "on their own. It appeared the most successful ones took the outside birds first, then the middle ones.  The flyer pheasants were difficult to wind and hunts could diminish memory of the others. Some blew through one mark and another and were reluctant to handle back into the fall. While the test dogs were moderately successful, when the decoys were moved from right to left, it opened up the right area (no "slot" between them and the middle mark line). Dogs pushed far right to avoid the close line between the right middle and far one, drove up to the woods and became lost

It is reported that out of the first 25 dogs, 4 picked up, 6 double handled, and only 3 did it without handling. Lyn Wharton and Dyna were one of them! Unfortunately, one dog, Chickamauga Choo Choo went down in the heat and needed serious attention. Hopefully she will be OK.

The test was suspended after dog 50 had run. No partial call backs were given and there are 20 left to run in the morning. It will be a long night for some - the "coffin" field is taking a toll.

Terri Veach watching "Ophra"

Marilyn Fender, reporter (aka Lois Lane)

Judges (L to R) Dick Dallesasse, Suzanne King, Terry Olson

Part of the LeGrande herd

Thursday, June 22, 2000

Tests 5 & 6

Thursday arrive cooler and wet. The continuation of the fifth was run in the rain for the first few dogs. Later it became mostly cloudy and cool.  Chickamauga Choo Choo had recovered nicely overnight and was her old self.

Dogs seemed to fare better than yesterday, perhaps it was the temperature or the moisture that aided them.  The fifth finished up about mid-day and callbacks came a bit later. The "Coffin" valley test was prophetic for the 31 lost. Forty five were called back to try the sixth. Those dropped were: 3, 6, 11, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 23, 27, 29, 30, 34, 35, 45, 48, 65, 68, 70, 72, 74, 75, 78, 80, 82, 86, 88, 92, 96, 98, and 99. Sadly, Quick and Eba fell victim to the fifth.

It took a bit of time to set up the Sixth series, a land blind crossing the lines to the previous series marks and people took time to discuss recent events.. The Workers party was held  last evening on the ranch grounds and featured a humongous buffalo rump roast with all the trimmings. Le Grande owner, Harry Peterson had produced the buffalo meat for the daily burgers and  party roast. In the past few days he had also conducted tours of the ranch and his buffalo herd for stake participants. He has a fascinating operation.

Test Six - Land Blind With A Cold Honor

By about 2 p.m. the sixth was ready and dog #16 initiated the 4-5 minute test. It was an approx. 400 yard land blind run from the left side of the previous series, across at least 3 mark lines back up to the top ot the valley somewhat in the vicinity of the long retired mark. It also included a "cold" honor where the running dog honored while the previous dog picked up a mark. He would then run the mark, a dead bird thrown by a pair of guns about 75 yards from line toward the line to the blind. (some wondered if this would constitute the land honor).

The blind, a dead pheasant, was placed between two large trees which gave handlers a "goal-Post" landmark. The line ran past a huge spread of goose decoys left standing from the previous series. One dog lined the blind and there were numerous impressive performances. The most difficult part seemed to be the end as dogs were influenced by wind and terrain. Again, the gallery had a good view of the series. Judges had camo holding blinds placed in front of the gallery so no white coats could be seen

Dogs seemed to do quite well on this concept and the test progressed smoothly. There was talk of a water blind to be started today after the land blind concludes, but this was not certain.

The test concluded about 5:30 p.m. and judges decided not to start another today. Only one dog, # 16 was missing when the call backs were posted.  Forty-four would challenge the seventh. The next test, possibly a water blind, will begin Friday morning. Caravans will leave from the Wal-Mart parking lot at 6:15 for workers and 6:30 for contestants . Again, test dogs are scheduled for 7:30 - first running dog at 8 a.m.

Announcer Dean Ellis

Judge Suzanne King

Masochists viewing line

Camouflaged sixth series gallery -No white jackets!

Friday, June 23, 2000

Test 7 - Land/Water Blind

Test Six - Land Blind With A Cold Honor

The Seventh series was a land/water "no see-um" beginning blind with a dry pop on the left. A dead bird lay behind the popper guns about 25 feet  from them. Across he water another dead bird lay on the bank and dogs had to swim past both of them, then cross a heavily scented point beyond brush pile a short distance in front of the line made a good initial line difficult. Dogs had to pass the dead bird hazards and re-enter water twice before recovering the bird which lay on land.  Dog #37 initiated the test which took about 6-7 MPD and was completed by 12:45 p.m.  Again, dogs perhaps did a bit better than expected, but attrition was now factoring into the equation.

The callbacks arrived with only 33 numbers listed. Eleven had succumbed to the series. Those lost were: 25, 40, 44, 46, 51, 56, 63, 66, 67, 77, and 95.

Saturday, June 24, 2000

The eighth series was completed by late morning. It had  been very difficult and  and a number of causalities were apparent. Several had handled on two birds while others had now handled in two series. The "body count" callbacks listed only 20 remaining for the ninth. Thirteen had been lost to the Quad. Those dropped were: 1, 5, 15, 26, 41, 42, 52, 54, 58, 60, 61, 83, and 87. 

The entourage moved back to the LeGrande ranch for the ninth series, a water triple with a retired boat bird.

Ninth Series Water Triple

The triple was in  the grassy pond were the fourth series water blind was held. The line was set on the side of a steep hill (So steep that a "shelf " had been shoveled out for the line.) The farthest bird (ret.) was approx. 180 yards, the other only about 85 yds. All were dead ducks thrown angled back to the right. The simulated flyer guns stood on the road at the bottom of the hill, while the other two were in boats. The farthest boat retired as the dog recovered the first bird.

After completion, unfortunately a few more dogs were lost. They were: 4, 28, 69, 85, and 89. Sadly, Decker was among them.

By mid afternoon the tension was building and  there was speculation about a winner within the remaining 15 contenders . The entourage moved again within the ranch for the tenth, a land triple with two flyers and a retired gun.                           

Tenth Series - Land Triple, 2 Shot Flyers and Retired Gun

The two shot flyers were ducks while the retired bird was a dead pheasant. The left mark was approx. 175 yds, the center  200 yds and the right one 180 yards. As each dog arrived on line, Dean Ellis announced their names, titles and owner(s)/ handler.

The excitement of two shot flyers along with the difficulty of winding a dead pheasant after, caused a bit of "shopping", but it is reported that only one dog handled on the series.  Ann Rauff had a flyer which was not dead and flew away with "Pricey " in hot pursuit. Judges called a no-bird, but Pricey would not abandon her pursuit and eventually returned proudly with her prize! (She was given a rerun and ran last)

The final series ended by early evening and the winner NAFC-FC-CNAFC EBONSTAR LEAN MAC was congratulated by all.  Soon after, Sherwin announced a victory party at a local establishment and the crowd slowly dispersed. Once again, the best of the best had emerged from the grueling Stake

2000 NARC Winner & Finalists

THE WINNER
#36, LM NAFC-FC-CNAFC EBONSTAR LEAN  MAC
Owned by Sherwin Scott and Patricia Shawver
Handled By Sherwin Scott

(L to R)  Judge Dick Dallesasse, Owners Sherwin Scott & Patricia Shawver, Judges Suzanne King and Terry Olson  

Finalists

7. NAFC-FC Candlewoods Bit O Bunny, LF, Owned and Handled by Hank McNeil
22. FC-AFC Caernac's Mr. Now Wiser  LM, Owned and Handled by Mimi Kearney
36. NAFC-FC-CNAFC Ebonstar Lean Mac, LM Owned by Sherwin Scott and Patricia Shawver, Handled by S. Scott
37. FC-AFC Hawkeye's Candlewood Shadow, LM, Owned and Handled by Marvin Blount, Jr.
43. FC-AFC Sun Valley Nugget, LM, Owned by Harvey and Nancy Peterson, Handled by Harvey Peterson
49. FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC Jazztimes Frequent Flyer, LM Owned by Anna and Larry Calvert, Handled by Larry Calvert
50. FC-AFC Hi Cotton's At Wits End, LF Owned and Handled by Alanson Brown III
62. NAFC-FC Fishtrap Calamity, LF Owned and Handled by Ray Bly
64. FC-AFC Adams Acres Cherokee Rose, LF Owned by John and Martha Russell, Handled by John Russell
79. FC-AFC Chena River Wild Lady, LF, Owned and Handled by Ann Rauff
81. Cosmic Kate, LF, Owned by Karon Richardson and Handled by Harvey Peterson
90. AFC Hawkeye's Candlewood Casey, LM, Owned by Don and Elaine Erickson and Handled by Don Erickson
93. FC-AFC Chickamauga Choo Choo, LF, Owned by J.M. & L.K. Du Bose and Handled by Lynne DuBose
94. FC-AFC Greenwing No Moon, LF, Owned and Handled by Craig Stonesifer
101. FC-AFC Feather of Sweetbriar, LF, Owned by Bob and Suzanne Kennon and Handled by Bob Kennon, Jr.

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2000 National Amateur Championship Stake
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Summary of Callbacks and Dogs Dropped by Series
2000 National Amateur Retriever Championship Stake Information

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For a more detailed report, see the August issue of Retriever Field Trial News

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Defending National Champion
1999-96 NAFC-FC Candlewood's Bit O Bunny

Owners: Henry S. & Leslie McNeil of Philadelphia, PA
Handled by Hank McNeil