2001 NARC

2001 NARC - Virginia, MN

2001 NARC Stake Info
2001 NARC Callbacks

2001 NARC Qualifiers

Qualification Requirements: A 1st place carrying five Championship points plus two additional Championship points in Amateur and Owner-Handler All-Age Stakes and in Open, Limited and Special All-Age Stakes when handled by an Amateur in AKC Member or Licensed Trials. Winners of the previous year's National Amateur Championship Stake and the Canadian National Amateur Stake are automatic qualifiers. The winners of the National Championship Stake and Canadian National Championship earn automatic qualification when handled solely by an Amateur in said Nationals.

NAFC-FC-CNAFC EBONSTAR LEAN MAC , L.M., Sherwin Scott and Patricia Shawver, Phoenix, AZ
CNAFC QUIK WINDSTORM, L.M., Dennis Voigt and Marilyn Fender, Lindsay, ON, Canada
FC-AFC HIWOOD KLEEN SWEEP , L.F., Roy and Jo McFall, Anchorage, AK
SHOWTHYME, L.F., Dennis Smith, Waco, TX
GREENBRIARS CENTERFOLD, L.F., Chad and Joe Inderman, Lubbock, TX
FC-AFC EM DEES ACE HIGH, L.M., Boyd and Jeane Skille, Anchorage, AK
FC-AFC CHET'S BAWNA MOJOA, L.M., B. Woodward and R. Graffios, Bullhead City, AZ
AFC SEATTLE BLUE, L.M., Harvey and Nancy Peterson, Fall City, WA
BUD'S MY PLEASURE, L.M., Dean and Barbara Nice, Portland, OR
THE TENNESSEE TART, L.F., Ron Kiehn, Jackson, WY
FC-AFC L AND K'S WILD N WOOLY, L.M., Maurice and Carolyn Smith, Park City, MT
AFC YELLOWSTONE'S TNT EXPLOSION, L.M., Tim and Heidi Coulson, Pavillion, WY
SURESHOTS LITTLE KNOCKOUT, L.F., Amy and Deacon Winters, Colorado Springs, CO
AFC HEAVY TRAFFIC , L.M., Mel Milton, Tacoma, WA
FC-AFC VOLWOOD'S MOLLIE, L.F., Jack and Florence Vollstedt, La Quinta, CA
FC-AFC WINDY CITY'S PERFECT ANGEL, L.F., Charles Hines III, Downers Grove, IL
AFC SCAN'S IN THE NICK OF TIME, L.F., L. and E. Lancaster and C. Hines, Ravenna, MI
AFC CALYPSO DEVIL IN THE DUST, L.F., M. Frye and K. Workman, Bellvue, CO
FC-AFC SUN VALLEY NUGGET, L.M., Harvey and Nancy Petereson, Fall City, WA
FC-AFC KENSBRIDGE DARKLY HANDSOME, L.M., Nan Ruby, Florence, OR
NAFC-FC-CFC-CAFC CANDLEWOOD'S BIT O BUNNY, L.F., Henry McNeil, Jr., Philadelphia, PA
FC-AFC CHENA RIVER CHAVEZ, L.M., Marion Stroud Swingle, Elverson PA
AFC JJ'S DESIRE TO GO, L.F., J.M. and L.S. Patterson, Addison, IL
FC-AFC WESTWINDS HEAD AND SHOULDERS, L.M., Jerald Kamphuis, West Olive, MI
FC MISS SCARLET, L.F., Marion Stroud Swingle, Elverson, PA
FC-AFC ADAMS ACRES CHEROKEE ROSE, L.F., John and Martha Russell, S. Hampton, NH
FC-AFC HAWKEYE'S CANDLEWOOD SHADOW, L.M., Marvin Blount, Jr., Greenville, NC
FC-AFC LITTLE MS. CHIEF, L.F., Terry Rotschafer, Worthington, MN
FC-AFC TULE RIVER KODIAK, L.M., Geo and June Hammond, Visalia, CA
FC-AFC TAILWINDS AUGIE B, L.M., Alanson Brown III, Kalispell, MT
AMERICAN BLACK SHARK, L.M., Bob and Karen Risk, Ft. Calhoun, NE
FC-AFC CANDLEWOODS REBEL RIDGE PDQ, L.M., Lyn Yelton, Elkton, MD
FC-AFC-CFC CODY'S CARAWAY KATE, L.F., Dr. Brad and Sonya Bowyer, LaGrange, GA
AFC BEAT THE DRUM, L.M., Margaret Brown, Monticello, GA
FC-AFC CHICKAMAUGA CHOO CHOO, L.F., J.M. and L.K. DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
FC-AFC CROW RIVER COUGAR'S BP MAGGS, L.M., Rick Van Bergen, Hugo, MN
FC-AFC FEATHER OF SWEETBRIAR, L.F., Bob and Suzanne Kennon, Baton Rouge, LA
FC-AFC MAX MILLENNIUM, L.F., John and Cynthia Cavanaugh, Easton, PA
FC-AFC GLEN LAKE BRAVEHEART, MH, L.M., Gail and Scotty Seward, Irvine, CA
AFC COREYCHAD'S BLUENORTH AXLE, L.M., Donald Driggers, Robbinsville, NJ
FC-AFC REBEL WITH A CAUSE, L.M., Ernie and Tina Sullivent, Knob Noster, MO
AFC SUMMER THYME II, L.F., William Bowen, Albuquerque, NM
FC-AFC CASTLEBAY SWEET SUCCESS, L.F., Charles Hines III, Downers Grove, IL
WATERMARK'S WIZARD, L.M., Fred Kampo, Oshkosh, WI
FC-AFC TIGER MCBUNN, L.M., J.M. and L.K. DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
FC-AFC BLACKWATER RUDY, L.M., Dave Harter, Omaha, NE
FC-AFC CAERNAC'S MR NOW WISER, L.M., Mimi Kearney, Morrisville, VT
NFC-AFC ABE'S EBONY AND IVORY, L.M., Sharon and Gary Hanvey, Marine, IL
FC-AFC HI COTTON'S AT WITS END, L.F., Lanse Brown, Kalispell, MT
TRUMARC'S CHUBBY MAC , L.M., Judith Aycock, Sanger, TX
FC-AFC FETCH'N WILLIAM HOLD'EM, L.M., Mryon and Elsie Chidester, Willis, TX
FC-AFC FIRETAIL'S THREE BARS, L.M., Marvin Blount, Jr., Greenville, NC
FC-AFC MALLARD LAKE LUCKY LEO, L.M., Gary Zellner, Scio, OR
FC-AFC HAVE HANDLER WILL TRAVEL, L.M., R.E. Kavanagh, Escalon, CA
AFC CARBON COPY OF HORN CREEK, L.M., Frank Kashevarof, Woodenville, WA
FC-AFC CANDLEWOOD'S RAMBLIN MAN, L.M., Jim & Judy Powers, Sheboygan, WI
FC-AFC HIWOOD TROOPER, L.M., Roy & Jo McFall, Anchorage, AK
FC-AFC MASTER'S CHILL FACTOR, L.F., Mel & Joan Milton, Tacoma, WA
AFC SHOE STRING BUCK, L.M., Gary & Mary Ahlgren, Winters, CA
FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC JAZZTIME'S FREQUENT FLYER, L.M., Anna and Larry Calvert, Charlo, MT
FC-AFC AUTUMN RUNS LIL' TOOTS, L.F., Irwin and Susan Purtell, West Bend, WI
FC-AFC MISTYWATER EBONY STAR, L.F., Joe Lane, Sr., West Des Moines, IA
FC-AFC TRU LINE'S TOO LE GIT, L.M., Glenda Brown, Santa Barbara, CA
CREEK ROBBER, L.M., Ken Jackson, Duvall, WA
AFC AGGIE'S SPECIAL EDITION, L.M., Les Levering, Waterbury Center, VT
FC-AFC CALUMET'S SUPER SONIC , L.M., Hal and Sharon Gierman, Morris, IL
CASE HARDENED COLORS, L.F., Joe and Connie Bietler, Medford, OR
FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC DB'S CRACKER OF CLUB MEAD, L.M., Donald Berard, Mohave, AZ
NAFC-FC FISHTRAP CALAMITY, L.F., Ray Bly, Spokane, WA
FC-AFC CASHMAN'S FAT LADY ZINGIN, L.F., J.M. and L.K. DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
FC-AFC FORDLAND'S BORED OUT FORD, L.M., Sam Milton and Jack Hollingsworth, Raymond, MS
MARAUDERS COMMANDER CANNON, L.M., Wayne Johnston, Payallup, WA
CACHE LA POUDRE IVAN, L.M., John Goettl, Ft. Collins, CO
HIGHPOINT'S PACHYDERM PARADE, L.F., Jeff and Lori Sanders, Southaven, MS
AFC SUSQUEHANNA BODY BOOTER, L.M., Richard and Elizabeth Barnes, Darlington, MD
FC DOCTOR FEELGOOD VI, L.M., Wm. and Sarah Goldstein, Florence, SC
AFC AMERICAN BLACK TALON, L.M., Robert and Karen Risk, Fort Calhoun, NE
FC-AFC DAY'S END HILLVIEW SUPER SUE, MH, L.F., Jerry Day, College Park, GA
DAKOTA'S HIGH FLYER, L.M., Dave and Glenda Seivert, Everly, IA
FC-AFC CANDLEWOOD REBEL RIDGE TNT, L.F., Lynn Yelton, Elkton, MD
DEWEY'S DRAKE OF MOON RIVER, L.M., Gary McIlwain and Lowell Schwab, Bovey, MN
AFC NORTHWIND GALE FORCE, L.F., Mark Akkola, Anchorage, AK
PIN TO WIN, L.M., David and Evelyn Hengsteler, Junction City, OR
AFC PONCHO, L.M., Danny Luttrell, Olaton, KY
FC EAGLE RIDGE ROCKET SAM, L.M., William Bowen, Albuquerque, NM
PHYLLO FARMS TERREWOOD, L.F., Claudette Klein, St. Louis, MO
FC-AFC TAILWINDS HURRICANE, L.F., Margaret Brown, Monticello, GA
LONGSHOT BLACK TALON, L.F., Robert Willow and Paul Mocciaro, Watha, NC
PEE DEE QUICK, L.M., Nancy and Lasal Banty, Rochester, NY
FC-AFC CANDLEWOODS BITS AND PIECES, L.F., Henry McNeil, Jr., Philadelphia, PA
FC-AFC HAWKEYE'S CANDLEWOOD CASEY, L.M., Don and Elaine Erickson, Stillwater, MN
WOOD RIVER'S SHOOT THE STARS, L.M., Bill and Gay Fruehling, Ketchum, ID
FC-AFC R.P.M. TIPPA, L.F., Roger and Patricia Magnusson, Onaway, MI
AFC LOOK WHAT FOLLOWED ME HOME, L.M., Stephanie Batman, LaCygne, KS
FC TRUMARC'S FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, L.M., Mark Rosenblum, Monroe, NC
AFC TEDDY'S EBONSTAR JAMES, L.M., Steve and Emily Faith, Louisville, KY
CAPTAIN GUSTO OF MADISON, L.M., Don Preston, Madison, WI
AFC SUSQUEHANNA DRIFT NETTER, L.M., Richard Barnes, Darlington, MD
FC-AFC DUST DEVIL'S SHOOT THE MOON, L.M., Steve Bechtel, San Francisco CA
LARS WING N' A PRAYER, L.M., Robert and Patricia Larsen, Thompson, CT
FC-AFC HIDDEN BAY'S BMW, L.M., Don and Elaine Erickson, Stillwater, MN
FC-AFC SOURDOUGH'S SLICK NICK, L.M.,Paul Brundige, Memphis, TN
FC-AFC JAZZTIME'S COAL BLACK CINDER, L.F., Doug Bardsley, Pocatello, ID
FC-AFC CUCAMONGA'S THUNDERBOLT, L.M., Jewell and Robert Easter, Orange, CA
FC-AFC RHYTHM AND BLUEZ,Robert and Nancy Fraser, Brighton, MI
THATS BETTER, L.M., Alma and Paul Lalley, Guilford, CT
AFC HONKY TONK OUTLAW, L.M., Jerry Wickliffe, Brookshire, TX
LEAP OF FAITH LUKE, L.M., Bill Bowen, Albuquerque, NM
FC MURPHY ISN'T BROWN SHE'S BLACK, L.F.,Paul and Jackie Shidla, Rogers, MN
AFC ABE'S MAGIC MAGGIE, L.F., Vince, Weik, Anoka, MN
AFC REVILO'S MISTER WILLIE, L.M., Corky Krollman, Hibbing, MN
TRUMARC'S LEAN CUISINE, L.F., Judith Aycock, Sanger, TX
DUTCHMAN GOLD MIDNITE EVE, L.F., Steve and Emily Faith, Louisville, KY
AFC TROUBLESOME JONES, L.M.,Richard and Charlotte Kaiser, Hazel Green, AL
BILL'S LITTLE MISS DANGEROUS, L.F., Mike Loggins, Turpin, OK
AFC SPLASHDOWN TEXAS TWO STEPPER, G.F., Jim and Kathy Pickering, Social Circle, GA
NFC-AFC CROPPER'S RIVER WATER BLACK TEAL, L.F., M. Boatright and K. Naisbitt, Reno, NV
NFC MAXX'S SURPRISE , L.M., Sherwin Scott, Phoenix, AZ
FC-AFC CANDLEWOOD COURT JESTER, L.M., Mike Fullerton, Prior Lake, MN
HIGHLAND'S DIXIE DIVA, L.F., Mike Fullerton, Prior Lake, MN
AFC OLE FROM ALASKA, L.M., Kenneth Jackson, Duvall, WA
AFC PLOURDE HONOR O'FOX HILL FARM, JH, L.F., Sandi McCourt, Waterford, CT
FC-CAFC HI LO JACK, L.M., Raymond Breault, Pascoag, RI
WINDY CITY'S GUNSLINGER, L.M., Charles Hines III, Downers Grove, IL
FC-AFC WATERMARK'S BASES LOADED, L.M., Gary McIlwain, Bovey, MN
AFC PICASTAR'S DOUBLE MOUNTAIN, L.M., Ken McCartney, Wellington, CO

Saturday, June 16, 2001

Saturday Meetings
This is a condensed version of the meetings. A full report will appear in the August issue of Retriever Field Trial News.

The Saturday meetings began with the Retriever Advisory Committee Meeting at 2 p.m. Bill Speck, Nelson Sills and Pete Simonds reported on Committee activity. The following considerations were addressed;

Bill Speck explained that the AKC had been working on retaining the Public Lands used for training and trialing that the USFWS are trying to close to all the field dog performance sports. Letters had been sent to all field event clubs concerning feed back on the problem, but no responses were returned. Later, PeteSimonds suggested that clubs in jepordy of losing land should contact Bill Speck.)

The hard copy judges directory has been discontinued with the info now on the web instead. (However, later Pete Simonds said a hard copy would probably be preferable for judges selction committees and those concerned should contact Bll Speck.)

The previously narrowly passed "hunting the area of a previous fall" was readdressed with new language proposed to clarify the siuation. More by the Fall National.

Lastly the definition of a professional was once again brought before the committee due to questions of practices which some considered suspect as being "professional" behavior. After some discussion, various suggestions were considered for the future, including a paragraph on the Judges affirmation sheet where a person attests to the fact he/she is not a professional. This would lay the foundation for sactions if later investigation proved otherwise.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
After a short recesss, the National Amateur Meeting began. After, the minutes, rollcall and distributed financial statement, the 2002 proposed officers slate was presented. They were:

Gary Ahlgren, Pres.; Dean Ellis, V. Pres, Zone Reps: Ray Vreeland, Liz Jerome and Charles Tyson. All were elected.

The 2002 National Amateur Stake will be held at the 15. 000 acre Running Y Ranch in Klamath Falls, OR. Judges are: Stan Safranski, Pat Martin and Gary Retzlaff. FT Chairman is Charles Tyson.

Liz Jerome than announced 5 '01 scratches : 55, 76, 94, 97 and 107. Rotation for the stake is 1, 27, 55 and 82.

The first series is a double held in the horse pasture at the minnesota Iron Ridge Club grounds. Test dogs at 7:30 a.m.

Sunday, June 21, 2001

Test 1- Land Double

Sunday morning arrived mostly cloudy and calm with temperatures in the low 40's. It was about a half an hour drive from HQ to the grounds. The caravan left the Elementary school gathering place promptly at 6:45 a.m. It took only a few minutes for them to arrive at the site - the horse pasture at the Minnesota Iron Range Club grounds.

The test was nearly ready as the vehicles were parked. It was a straight up double (no retired guns) in a rolling, grassy field with a flooded area or two, compliments of recent deluges which had swept the area. The first set of guns was located deep to the right. They shot twice and threw a dead rooster pheasant flat to the right where it landed in medium high pasture grass 240 yards from line. The second set, a live flyer station was located closer in toward the line and shot a flying rooster ridden out to the left. It fell in the same type of cover about 150 yards out. There was no wind early (but lots of bugs).

Later, the sun arrived bringing a switching wind and hoards of icky tent caterpillars (army worms) that decorated jeans, chairs, trees and anything else in their path.

The test dogs ran promptly at 7:30 and both did well on the picturesque and do-able series. After, Dean Ellis invited Sherwin Scott and "Maxx" (who had been scratched earlier) to the line. Dean then summarized Maxx's amazing career as a competitor and producer. It was an emotional tribute the pair. After, Maxx was showcased as he ran honorary first dog. Shortly after 8 a.m., dog one appeared on line. It took 4-5 minutes per dog to complete.

The line was located on a small knoll facing two small berm type hills a short distance away. The path to the flier was down, then up and over the left hill. Beyond was a small body of water, then another gentle gentle slope where the bird lay on the flat . Dogs would lose sight of the mark while handling the terrain. Some also appeared to square the water a bit. Once in the area, most had to "shop" for the flier. Later dogs had paths and growing scent to contend with, but most recovered it in a workman like manner.

The "line" to the right, dead mark was through a slot formed by the tip of a hill on the left and a stand of trees on the right. A number of dogs appeared to avoid the slot and crossed the hill instead. (The gunners were semi retired as they sat down once their bird was thrown, so dogs were unable to see them when first sent.) Since the bird was in line with the right side of the slot, some that crossed the hill appeared to be confused and hunted between the guns or short of them. Later dogs had path to guide them to the fall area once past the hill. While there were a number of hunts and "dings", there were very few who failed to complete.

By about 2 p.m., an announcement was made that no other test would be run today. The series ended about 4:30 with the test dogs scheduled to run at 7:30 a.m. on Monday. Test two was rumored to be combination Water/Land blind starting with dog 27. Call backs were given on site and only 3 dogs had been lost. They were numbers 1, 18 and 39. 102 remained for the second.

Handlers viewing the line

Hostess Wagon

Monday, June 18, 2001

Test 2 and 3 from line

Zoom in view of 2 and 3

Monday began cloudy with intermittent light rain, a slight wind and temperatures in the mid 50's. There was a 70% chance for rain throughout the day, some as thunderstorms. The test was organized promptly and by 7:30, contestants were invited to view the line. The second (and third?) series was a land blind on the right and a water blind on the left set deep within the same horse pasture as the previous day. However, the new line had been moved to the deep right of the marks. It was on a grassy hill which sloped down ot a pond containing a broad point (mowed) which protruded into the water from the right. There was also a water channel which flowed into the pond from the right .

To recover the right blind, a dead rooster, dogs had to angle down the slope, tight to the heavy cover and cross the channel exiting on the far shore to the right of a pair of evergreen trees. They then had to drive up the hill to the bird which lay about 250+ yards form line marked by a small bush. Once back on line, the handler moved to a line on the left for the water blind. When sent, dogs ad to take a tight line parallel to the heavy cover on the left, cross the channel (small bay on left to the broad point. The line continued across the middle of the point and back into a bay beyond. From there, the dog swam/lunged to the shore beyond, hen drove the hill to the dead rooster. It was also marked by a small bush about 200 yards away. A variable wind blew from left to right across the test.

Shortly after, the test dogs demonstrated the various pitfalls of the series that took about 8 minutes to complete. About 8 a.m., the first contestant, #27 arrived on line.

When sent for the land blind, some wanted to go "fat" into the water while others went a bit to the right. Those needed early corrections. Once beyond the water, some dogs appeared to be pushed to the right, especially when the wind rose. If they did not take corrective casts, they kept progressing to the right, well off line. A few ducked into the tree line deep behind the bird and were out of sight for a time.

The water blind presented a number of nerve wracking challenges. When sent, some dogs were attracted to the brush on the left where they could quickly disappear, while others went to the right, close to the line for the previous blind. A number of dogs opted for an "out to sea" route. All needed immediate correction. Once in the water, they had to parallel the shore of a small bay on the right to the base of the broad point. Since the line was over the center, they had to cross it "fat", then bail off the backside, into another bay beyond. Some exited early and would not leave the point, refusing the casts to do so, angling back to the right instead. (A wind from left to right meant a cast into it.) Others seemed unwilling to get up on the point and just barely crossed the tip.A few ducked to the right and went out of sight, running down the right shore. Once on the far shore, a cast or two was needed to recover the bird.

Test completion time was roughly 8:30 p.m. CDST. Call backs Call backs listed 92 back for the fourth. Ten were lost.Those were: 2,24,33,45,52,67,69,80,85 and 101. Test 4 will be a water triple near the Club grounds. #56 is the next starting dog

After test completion, a retirement party for FC-AFC Days End Hillviews Super Sue MH was hosted by owner Jerry Day at Headquarters. The guest of honor througholy enjoyed the attention (and the snacks!)

Roy Pelton, Ken Andrews and Bill Speck

John Russell, Steve Faith and Andy Attar

Rick Van Bergen and Bob Sabbann

Dick's Roadkill Grill (Lunchwagon!)

Tuesday, June 19, 2001

Test 4 - Water Triple

It was clear, cool and breezy with temperatures in the low 50's as early contestants left Headquarters. The fourth series, a water triple with retired gun, was south of the MIR clubhouse, and across the road. Vehicles were quickly parked in the somewhat wet field as the test was forming.

The line faced a grassy field that had a flowing, cattail framed creek winding through it perpendicular to the line .
To the left was a marshy area that ended as the land rolled up to a tree line. To the right, the land above the creek bank was fairly flat, grass covered and expansive. The middle mark was shot first. It was located on the flat, above the creek bank. There a pair of guns shot and threw a dead duck a good distance to the left, across the creek where it landed in the tules about 160 yards from line. To the leftt, across the creek and against the brush/tree line a second set of guns shot and threw a dead duck back to the right, parallel to the brush. It landed in the taller cover about 160 yards away. The third station was deep to the right, and not tight to the middle guns. They shot a flying drake well ridden out to the right, landing in pasture grass 150 yards out. As the dog was sent for it, the left guns retired into the brush/tree line behind them. The order was: middle, left, right flyer. There was also on honor mat to the left of the running line. A variable wind, sometimes quite strong, angled back from left to right across the test. (Early it was a down wind test)

At 7:30, the rising sun cast a glare over the site and judges delayed the test dogs for about 15 minutes. Later, both had hunts on the middle bird, but did not handle. Shortly after 8 a.m., the first running dog, #56 appeared on line and did well. It took roughly eight minutes to complete.

Long and varied flyers caused dogs to "shop" before locating their mark. Later, drag back and blown feathers distracted dogs from their bird. Most handlers tried to pick up the middle mark second, as it was the shortest and possibly the most difficult. Only a few dogs took the true line to it - which was a grueling trek through water (some swimming) hummocks, tules and muck. More, however, opted to cross the narrow stream
a short distance in front of the line, then stay on top the grassy bank, drive past the guns and hunt the field beyond. A few tried to return to the flyer, but most hunted for a while, then worked their way down to the tules to recover the bird. By mid morning the wind had switched just enough to enable dogs to wind the bird while hunting to the deep right of the middle guns. The retired right mark seem to present the least challenge. Dogs would cross the creek, drive the hill and check the tree/brush line. If they were left, the would find the retired guns and hunt up the bird. Those arriving to the right could wind it.

By Mid afternoon, it remained sunny and windy with temperatures in the 70's. Work remained much the same for the balance of the series. About 8 p.m., strorm clouds and lightning appeared on the horizon and there was concern that the test would have to be suspended. However, it held off long enough to run the last few dogs, the final one at 8:45 p.m. Then it hit.

Because of the late finish, call backs will not be available until late today or early tomorrow.( As of 10:15 they are not posted) The fifth series will be held at the MIR clubgrounds . Callbacks later revealed 17 dogs dropped They were:4, 20, 31, 35, 40, 46, 47, 48, 57, 62, 74, 86, 89, 90, 96, 106, and 108. Seventy-five remained for the Fifth Series - a land quad.

(L) Lyn Yelton and Elaine Erickson

The Gunner's Lair

Pros getting a bird's eye view of test 4

(L) Pat Lamantia, Mary Howley and Gary McIllwain

Wednesday, June 20, 2001

Test 5 - Land Double-Double

After last night's storms, Wednesday began clear, cool, with little wind and temperatures in the mid 50's. Although clear early, more rain was forecast for the afternoon.

Site five was on the Minnesota Iron Range Club grounds, a short way down the road from the clubhouse and was billed as a land "Double-Double" with a walk-up and an honor.

The line was on top a small mound that faced a flat randomly mowed, grassy field containing several large bushes and a group of mounds located on the far left. There were four sets of guns positioned in the field in nearly a180 degree spread. On the far left, a live flyer station shot a flying rooster to the right. It landed about 135 yards away. A good distance away and deep to their right, a second set was atop the mounds. They threw a dead duck flat to the right where it fell on the flat below, 160 yards from line. To their right, and closer to the line, a (middle right) station stood next to a large bush and threw a dead rooster flat to the right, only about 113 yards out. The far right station was a relatively short distance and a bit closer to line on their right. They simulated a flyer by having three guns fire two shots and throw a dead duck back to the right. It fell about 103 yards away. There was an honor mat to the right of the running mat and a fallen fir tree (15+ feet ?) had been laid parallel to and about 15 yards in front off the line as an obstacle to the short, right middle mark.

Judges explained that the test consisted of a Double-Double as there would be two separate sets of marks thrown to comprise the test. Handlers would walk up to the line and be given a brief period to "sit" their dogs before judges signaled for the marks. The first pair would be the right, middle first; then the far left flyer. As the dog retrieved the flyer, the short guns retired behind the bush and the left middle and far right gunners appeared from behind the mound and bush respectively, where they were were concealed as the first birds went down. (Once back on line with the flyer, judges again signaled for the other two marks. The left middle threw first, followed by the far right, simulated flyer. The handler was given a number prior to sending on each double. After the dog recovered the far right bird, handlers were left with their choice of the remaining two.

Shortly before 8 a.m., both test dogs recovered the birds cleanly. It took about 6+ minutes to complete. About 8:15, the first running dog, #8 appeared on line. The fast paced test gave dogs only brief views of each mark. The flyer distracted dogs from a good look at the short retired bird. That fact combined with another two falls after, dimmed dog's memories of the two middle marks. Early dogs had downwind conditions and less scent. Later a variable wind angled back across the test.

Contestants recovered the outside bird first, some hunting the various flyer falls. They then faced the decision of which bird to take next. A number tried for the short right, middle retired one next. A number of dogs blew through it and recoverd the left middle one instead while others hunted wide and deep or lined past it as if on a blind. A good number had to be handled to it. Some took the left middle one third, hoping to avoid the previous predicament, but that also proved unreliable and handles resulted.

After the first gun change, Judge Steve Parker had the dubious honor of being serenaded with "Happy Birthday" by the crowd in celebration of his special day.

By early afternoon, building scent and breezy conditions aided dogs and work improved. However of the first 60 dogs to run, 20 had handled. The test was expected to be completed prior to the workers party scheduled for HQ at 6:30 p.m. Call backs arrived during the party and there were 55 numbers invited to the sixth. Unfortunately, 20 had been lost. They were: 5, 10, 25, 32, 34, 35, 38, 41, 50, 51, 58, 59, 64, 72(77 was originally reported as dropped instead of 72- sorry) 79, 82, 83, 88, 100, and 102. The seventh would be a water triple at the MIR grounds. Test dogs, 7:30 a.m., first running dog, #11.

Judges: (l -r) Gary Ahlgren, Jim Dorobek, Steve Parker
and Ron Ainley - Driver of R. Halstad's "mule"

Line for Test 5

Gallery - Test 5

(L) Ron Ainley, Fred and Monica C

Thursday, June 21, 2001

Test 6 - Water Triple

A pleasantly cool, partly sunny day dawned Thursday. Temperatures were in the mid 50's and NO rain was forecast. The 22 mile trip from Hibbing to Virginia was lush and green with summer foliage except for deciduous tees, bare as winter from the effects of ravenous tent caterpillars. They must have found delphiniums less tasty as numerous patches of blue, pink and white ones peppered roadsides.

The site for test 6 was located behind the MIR clubhouse and final preparations were made as participants arrived about 7 a.m.

The series was a water triple with a retired gun station. The line was on the left end of a long , medium sized, cattail edged pond that had a number of points and a group of duck decoys resting in a small bay near the far shore. A gravel road encircled the pond about 3/4 of the the way. The first gun station was located to the deep right on the far shore of the pond. They threw a dead rooster pheasant flat to the left where it fell in fairly tall cover 210 yds from line. A second set stood much closer to the line on the far left, across a small slough, on top a gentle slope. They threw a dead duck flat to the right that fell in shorter, sparse cover 125 yards away. The third, flyer station was also across the pond, nearly equidistant between the left and right marks, but deeper and also on the crest of a slope rising form the pond. They shot a flying duck to the left that fell in the grassy cover nearly 165 yards out. The order was right retired; left; middle flyer. As the dog was sent for the flyer, the far right guns retired into the woods behind them. The judges allowed a few seconds for readying the running dog before calling for the birds. (Contestants did not signal when ready.)

By 7:30 the test dogs were called to demonstrate the test. The first one did well while the second handled on the retired bird. It took nearly 10 minutes to complete. A bit of cover grooming was needed before the first competing dog ran as the second test dog hit a hidden stump near a tree on the left and was rolled. After the grass was trimmed around it, dogs could see the hazard and avoid it.

At 8 a.m., the first running dog, # 11 stepped up to try the marks. To recover the exciting flyer, dogs had to slice into the end of the pond, then drive up the hill to the fall. There was a winding gravel road between the shore an fall area. Some dogs stayed on the road until they arrived on the right side of the station. Most recovered and worked their way over to the bird with either a hook or moderate hunt. Others "shopped" a bit before finding their flyer - one or two nearly to the retired bird area. Dogs were then sent for the close left mark. There was little trouble on that bird, and only short hunts usually occurred. The far, retired mark proved the most difficult. To recover it, dogs had to angle into and cross the pond staying close to the far shore for a good distance. The pond had formidable cattails lining it and dogs had to decide when they could exit the water. Those exiting early could be tempted to return to the flyer - which a number did - and had to be handled to the fall. Others treated the retired mark as a channel blind and swam all the way down the middle of the pond an disappeared into the thick cover at the far end. There they hunted unseen, a few for a considerable time, until they reappeared either on the right shore or left area of the fall. Some visited the guns, then figured out where the bird should be. Since it was a pheasant, it was not easy to wind and perhaps dogs were expecting another duck since they had two previously. A few drove the distance nearly to the fall, then made a sharp left, going up the hill away from the bird and near the flyer guns.

From the starting dog, #11 through #99, 10 had handled and there was a pick up along with a number of hard, long hunts - usually on the retired mark. Shortly after 1:30 p.m., an announcement was made the this would be the only test of the day. Estimated finish time was 5:30 +.

Callbacks arrived quite promptly and only 39 potential NAFC's remained. The 16 dropped were: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 14, 21, 26, 37, 53, 61, 63, 70, 71, 78 and 98. Dog 22 would initiate the 7th series. The seventh and eighth would be a land blind and a water blind in the clubhouse area. Test dogs at 6:30 a.m. - first running dog at 7 a.m.

The MIR Club House

Jerry Day and "Retiree" Super Sue

Steve Bechtel and "Shooter"

(L) Jan Bunn, Gary McIllwain, Dennis Bath and Jim Dorobek

Friday, June 22, 2001

Test 7 Water Blind - Test 8 Land Blind

Once again contestants woke up to clear, cool weather. Temperatures were in the lower 40's and there was no breeze. Patchy fog was expected, but there was none in Hibbing at 5 a.m. While traveling toward Virginia, patches of fog became more frequent and, upon arrival, the club grounds was socked in with pea soup thick fog. A 6:30 test dog quickly became history. However, the fog burned off by about 7 a.m. and revealed a double blind in a field southwest of the clubhouse.

The line was located on top a hill overlooking an undulating, grassy field to the left and the shoreline of a large lake to the right. There was a dirt road winding its way through the field on the left while a set of decoys rested a bit offshore on the right. One set of guns was located in the far left field. On the right shore a set of live bird gunners were positioned. The scenario was: The handler arrived on line and was given a few seconds to settle his dog before the judges called for the left, dry pop. Handler was given a number and had to recover the water blind first.( Dark spot near shore past point.) When he delivered the bird, Judges again waited a short time for the dog to settle before calling for the right guns to shoot a flying duck to the right where it splashed in the decoys possibly 40 yards out Again the handler was given a number and the dog sent to retrieve it. Once back at the line, handlers were on their own to recover the land blind (Indicated by planter at stake seen above right gunners heads.) The land blind was a duck planted before the test began and the water blind a rooster placed on a shoreline hummock. Test dogs ran about 7:10 with the first competing dog, #22 on line at 7:45 a.m.

To recover the water blind, dogs had to angle down the hill and enter the water in front of the live guns. The line was close to the shore, touched a point then continued into the swimming/lunging bay beyond. The pheasant was about 207 yards deep. It was difficult to keep the dogs on line as suction from the dry pop pulled them left. It was also uncomfortable to pass close to the gunners and skim the shoreline on the right. As they arrived at the point, a swirling, intermittent wind wafted scent over the water and a number took a quick left behind it where they could easily disappear into the thick cover. Those that did usually appeared near the planted land blind and handlers frantically tried to cast them back into the water. Some succeeded, but at least 4 did not.

On the land blind, the flyer provided additional suction back to the right, however, many dogs remembered the dry pop and flared left when sent for it. Some see-sawed between the attractions, a few refusing whistles that could put them back on line. Both blinds produced a profusion of handles and, combined, took about 10-11 minutes to complete. Tests eight and nine were completed about 2:25 p.m. and participants were directed to a field across the road they arrived from to wait for the callbacks and view Test 9, a water triple.

Call backs came promptly and 26 dogs remained to try the ninth, an in line water triple with a long retired gun
Those dropped were: 17, 19, 23, 30, 42, 66, 81, 92, 99, 103, 104, 105, and 109. Dog #44 would begin.

Test 9 - Water Triple with Retired Gun

It was hot, breezy and sunny as participants arrived at site nine. The test was in place and ready to go. Right after the callbacks came, announcer Bob Sabbann quickly called for the test dogs, but contestants had been held by the traffic committee until after the callbacks were announced as parking was tight and it would be hard to exit once in. Unaware of the situation, Judges had him announce "handlers to the line" Some came running, while others quickly tried to park. Soon all returned to "normal" and about 3 p.m., test dogs demonstrated that they were able to complete the test without handling. It took about 16 minutes to complete.

The line was located on a dirt road that faced an irregular pond studded with islands, points and penninsulas. Three sets of guns were positioned in line on the far shore. All throws were to the left and the order was: left, retired bird; middle mark, right flyer. All were ducks. The far left bird fell near the shore line about 250 yards away. The middle bird was 150 yds. + and the flyer, 100 yards. The flyer was thrown 90 degrees out from the guns and fell in weedy water.

The test began about 3:30 with dog #44 and the first four or five dogs completed it with a moderate hunt or two. The test could not be completed before dark and was suspended with 13 dogs left to run. It will resume on Saturday morning - one test dog at 7:30, first running dog at 8 a.m. No partial call backs would be given.

The "Road Kill" Crew

Steve Faith and "James"

Saturday, June 23, 2001

Test 10 - Land Quad with 3 shot flyers and 2 retired guns

It was probably a restless night for the remaining contestants wondering what today would bring while the ones already run speculating about the call backs. Saturday arrived on schedule with temperatures in the mid 50's, clear skies and a light wind. Sunny, hot weather was forecast for the final day.

At 7 a.m., the site was ready for the final 13 contestants. work was very similar to the previous day. A few dogs had hunts and one or two handles before the test was completed about 11 a.m. Callbacks were given on site and those still in contention were organized into a caravan for the 11 mile ride to Buhl, site of test 10. There were 15 potential NAFC's to run the 10th. They were: 7, 13, 28, 29, 44, 54, 56, 60, 65, 72, 73, 84, 87, 95, and 110. Those lost included: 8, 15, 16, 22, 36, 43, 49, 68, 75, 91 and 93,.

It took a while to organize and move the caravan, however the tenth site was ready well before contestants and judges arrived. It was a land quad with two shot flyers and two retired guns. The line faced a swampy bog surrounded by rolling hills and a high wooded knoll near the middle of the old cattail, and fallen tree swamp. A ditch paralleled the line (unseen) about 1/2 way to the center knoll. Beyond, the land rose to undulating hills covered with pasture type grass - fairly thick and high.

Four sets of guns were positioned around the swamp. The far left one was quite deep. They shot a flying rooster, well ridden out to the right. It fell in the grass 350 yds from line. A second set to their right were on top the high knoll. They threw a dead duck to the left that landed in the bog below them about 175 yds out. To their right and quite deep on the far hillside, another set shot a flying rooster well ridden out to the left. It fell in light green grass near the bottom of the hill 275 yards away. The last set was to the near right of the line on the right side of a channel that divided the bog for a grassy flat. They shot a flying duck flat to the left. It landed in the marshy, thick cover 80 yards from line. (Distances subject to verification later) The order was around the clock, left to right. When the dog was sent for the right flyer, the center knoll and left guns retired to bushes near them. It took at least 10 minutes to complete.

As soon as the contestants were parked, test dogs were called to the line. When the first one handled on 3 of the 4 marks, the mood became somber. However, when the second one recovered all without handling, attitudes brightened considerably! The first dog #72 arrived on line at 2:30 p.m. Contestants picked up the right flyer then took either the retired knoll bird or the right/middle flyer. The far left one was always last.

Dogs had to fight their way through the tangled, mucky bog for all 4 birds and it became a test of courage, stamina and desire. It was easy to get lost on all birds and varied flyer falls did not help. Dogs had to have a pretty good idea where the birds fell and be able to skillfully hunt them up. A number of dogs hunted one or more falls and there a handle or two and, unfortunately, one pick up.

By 5:30 p.m., the 2001 stake became history when dog # 60 returned with her last bird. (Photos will follow later.) The crowd caravaned back to the clubhouse for the awards. There, committees were thanked, the finalists introduced and the winner announced. Jim and Judy Powers (Jim handling) had won with FC AFC Candlewoods Ramblin Man ! Hugs, handshakes and congrats followed. Jim and Judy then announced party at HQ to celebrate.

Purina Reps: (L to R) Bob West,
Kurt Sundquist and Steve Remspecker

10th Series line w/ Sandi McCourt and "Honor"

Photographer Ken Andrews "doing his thing"

Eukenuba Rep, Roy Pelton

2001 NARC Winner & Finalists

AND THE WINNER IS.........

FC-AFC CANDLEWOOD'S RAMBLIN MAN
Owned by Jim and Judy Powers - Handled by Jim

(L to R) Judges Gary Ahlgren, Jim Dorobek, Jim and Judy and Judge Steve Parker

FINALISTS

FC-AFC Dust Devil's Shoot The Moon, BLM Owner/Handler Steve Bechtel
FC-AFC Cashman's Fat Lady Zinging BLF, Owner: JM & LK DuBose/Handler Mac DuBose
FC-AFC Carbon Copy Of Horn Creek, BLM, Owner/Handler Frank Kashevarof
FC-AFC-CFC HI LO Jack, BLM, Owner/Handler Ray Breault
FC-AFC Teddy's Ebonstar James, YLM, Owners: Steve & Emily Faith: Handled By SteveFC Miss Scarlet, BLF, Owners: Clint & Kippy Swingle, Handled By Clint
FC-AFC Castlebay Sweet Success, BLF, Owned /Handled By Charles Hines III
FC- AFC Hawkeye's Candlewood Shadow, BLM, Owned and Handled By Marvin Blount, Jr.
FC-AFC Kensbridge Darkly Handsome, BLM, Owned / Handled by Nan Ruby
FC-AFC Tiger Mc Bunn, BLM, Owned by JM & LK DuBose, Handled By Mac DuBose
NFC-AFC Cropper's River Water Black Teal, BLF, Owned by M. Boatright and Kirk Naisbitt/ Handled by Kirk
FC-AFC Plourde Honor O'Fox Hill Farm, BLF, Owner/Handler Sandi McCourt
FC-AFC Candlewood Court Jester, BLM, Owner/Handler Mike Fullerton

Information Regarding the 2001 National Amateur Championship Stake
Summary of Callbacks and Drops by Series

Daily Reports of the Stake
by Mary Knapp

For a complete report of the National Amateur, subscribe to The Retriever News, N8W22195 Johnson Dr., Ste. 105, Waukesha, WI 53186. Voice: 262-278-4201, Fax: 262-278-4204, email: [email protected]

2000 Defending National Amateur Retriever Champion
1995-2000 NAFC-FC-1998-1999 CNAFC Ebonstar Lean Mac

Owned by Sherwin Scott and Patricia Shawver,
Handled by Sherwin Scott