2005 NARC

2005 NARC - Virginia, MN

2005 NARC Callbacks

2005 NARC Qualifiers

'04 NAFC-FC Chickamauga Choo Choo, L.F., J.M. and L.K. DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
FC-AFC Carbon Copy Of Horn Creek, L.M., Frank Kashevarof, Woodenville, WA
FC-AFC Dan's Tangent, L.M., Dan Jones, Milton, WA
'04 CNAFC-CFC-FC Melmerby's Maggie Mae, L.F., Joe Renouf, New Glasgow, NS
FC-AFC Volwood's Peaches And Cream, L.F., Jack Vollstedt, LaQuinta, CA
FC-AFC Volwood's Mollie, L.F., Jack Vollstedt, LaQuinta, CA
FC-AFC Hiwood Kleen Sweep, L.F., Roy and Jo McFall, Anchorage, AK
'03 NFC-AFC Five Star General Patton, L.M., Deb Bredeson and Elly Muth, Sussex, WI
FC-AFC Tangata Manu, L.M., Bradley and Diane Clow, Casper, WY
FC-AFC Creek Robber, L.M., Ken Jackson, Duvall, WA
AFC Clubmead's Road Warrior, L.M., Frank Kashevarof, Woodenville, WA
FC-AFC Nick Of Time Lone Ranger, L.M., L. Lancaster and C. Hines, Hinsdale, IL
'04 NFC-AFC Dewey's Drake Of Moon River, L.M., G. McIlwain and L. Schwab, Bovey, MN
FC-AFC Watermark's Wizard, L.M., Fred Kampo, Oshkosh, WI
FC-AFC R.P.M. Xena, L.F., Roger and Pat Magnusson, Onaway, MI
AFC UFO, L.F., Wayne and Sherry Bleazard, Murray, UT
FC-AFC Pin Oaks Black Powder Maggie, L.F., David Fowler, Dodd City, TX
'03 NAFC-FC Adams Acres Cherokee Rose, L.F., John and Martha Russell, S. Hampton, NH
FC-AFC Windy City's Secret Signal, L.F., L. Lancaster and C. Hines, Hinsdale, IL
CFC-CAFC Justin Time Zoe's Nine-One-One, L.F., Jerry and Barb Younglove, Metamora, MI
'02 NFC-AFC Cashman's Fast Lady Zingin, L.F., J.M. and L.K. DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
Sureshot's Little Party Girl, L.F., Amy Hunt, Colorado Springs, CO
FC-AFC World Famous Tellipath, L.F., Ryan Gelardi, Woodland, CA
AFC Prairie Peak Circuit Burner, L.F., Esther McCartney, Wellington, CO
FC-AFC Espirt's Power Play, L.M., Martha and John Russell, S. Hampton, NH
AFC Sky Watch Live Wire, L.M., Ray Vreeland, Conklin, MI
FC-AFC Jaybars Westshore Beau, L.M., Jerald Kampius, West Olive, MI
AFC Watermarks Big Sky Pink, L.F., Maurice Smith and Mary Tatum, Park City, MT
FC-AFC Plourde Honor O'Fox Hill Farm, JH, L.F., Sandi McCourt, Waterford, CT
Remmington's Duk Dawg, L.F., Linda Johnson, Joliet, MT
AFC Show Me The Money II, L.M., Michael Loggins, Turpin, OK
TKO'S Wing And A Prayer, L.F., N. Larsen and J. Nelson, Centerview, MO
AFC Kayscreek PDQ, L.M., Ken Payne, West Point, UT
AFC Ida Red's Uncloudy Day, Gold.F., Jim and Kathy Pickering, Mansfield, GA
FC-AFC Pleasant River Blue Wing, MH, L.F., Milly Welsh and Charles Hayden, Davidsonville, MD
AFC Jolie Catin, L.F., Lee and Rose Jolley, Lafayette, LA
FC-AFC Longshot Black Talon, L.F., Robert Willow and Paul Mocciano, Watha, NC
FC-AFC Fordland's Bored Out Ford, L.M., Sam Milton, Raymond, MS
AFC Phyllo Farms Terrewood, L.F., Claudette Klein, St. Louis, MO
FC-AFC Tequila Sunrise IX, L.F., Cecily Dunlap and Lori Oliver, Winnetke, IL
AFC-FTCH-AFTCH TNT's Mr Peabody Prairiemarsh, L.M., John and Janice Gunn, Abbotsford, BC
FC-AFC Shoe String Buck, L.M., Gary and Mary Ahlgren, Winters, CA
FC-AFC Good Ideas Whoa Nellie, L.F., Ken Neil and Brenda Little, Jupiter, FL
FC-AFC Yellowstone's Dust Devil, L.M., Glenda Brown, Santa Barbara, CA
FC-AFC RSK's Smooth Sailing, L.M., Vicki Worthington, Homer Glen, IL
AFC South Bay's New York Titan, L.M., Gerard Troha, Sayville, NY
AFC Dr. Copper PHD, MH, L.F., Wayne Dodson, Thomasville, GA
FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC Salty Paws Missle Toe, L.F., Roy and Susan Morejohn, Freeport, ME
FC-AFC Cuda's Blue Ryder, MH, L.M., Charles Tyson, Davis, CA
FC-AFC M And M's Buns Of Steel, L.F., Margaret and Mitchel Brown, Monticello, GA
Wood River's Air Apparent, L.M., Bill and Gay Fruehling, Ketchum, ID
Harney Hill Huskey, L.M., Gordon Powers, Garden Grove, CA
AFC Oak Branch's Duchess Of Jiv, L.F., Peter and Theresa Marcellus, Flower Mound, TX
FC-AFC Penmark's Mountain King, L.M., Penny Youngblood and Susan Spalter, Dallas, TX
AFC The Julia Hendrix Experience, L.F., Gary and Mary Ahlgren, Winters, CA
Ventura's Best Move, L.M., Tony and Janice Snow, LaConner, WA
AFC Valley Home Prime Time, L.M., J. Gerhold and A. Lohr, Oakdale, CA
Waterborn's Gypsy Rose, L.F., Don Simpson and Carol Bedolla, Ronan, MT
Portland's Muddy Waters, L.M. Edward Bodziuch, Portland, OR
Pacific Rim's Nage Spirit, L.F., Shonene and James Garrison, Portland, OR
FC Magnum's Judge-Em, L.M., Gary Zellner and Peter Ketola, Scio, OR
B And J's Run-Around-Sue, L.F., Robert and Joanne Crabb, Tacoma, WA
FC-AFC Rammin Hot Chili, L.F., Randy and Mindy Bohn, Reinholds, PA
FC-AFC Lars Wing N' A Prayer, L.M., Robert and Patricia Larsen, Thompson, CT
FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC He's Czar Nicholas, L.M., Norm Elder, Cartier, MB
Cosmic Blue Genes, L.M., Barbara and Roger Young, Nyssa, OR
FC-AFC Raisa Little Tarnation Baby, L.M., Edward Fullerton, Kingwood, TX
FC-AFC Morgan Le Fae Of Buckshot, L.F., Win and Susie Purtell, West Bend, WI
FC-AFC Lars WIng N' A Prayer, L.M., Robert and Patricia Larsen, Thompson, CT
FC-AFC M and M's Buns Of Steel, L.F., Margaret and Mitchel Brown, Monticello, GA
FC-AFC-OTCH Law Abiding Ezra, L.M., B. and D. Cleveland, and J. Rasmuson, Clinton, CT
FC-AFC Riverside's Raggedy Ann, L.F., Linda and Gary Noga, Bonham, TX
AFC Lake Park In Pursuit, L.M., Charles Bearden, Wichita Falls, TX
AFC Big Sky's Red Planet, L.M., Maury Smith, Park City, MT
Two Toes Out The Door, L.M., Nicholas Uithol, Jenison, MI
Coolwaters Ice Tiger, L.M., William Wertz, Buena Vista, GA
FC-AFC Wingsetters Gem-N-I, L.F., Steven Kompf, Novato, CA
AFC Rammin Sweet Candy, L.F., Randy and Mindy Bohn, Reinholds, PA
FC-AFC Blackwter Ruby II, L.F., Ron and Jane Ainley, Dubuque, IA
FC-CFC Days End Northern Express, L.F. Jane and Mark Sutter, Lilburn, GA
Shooters Sugar Cookie, L.F., Joan Conover and Nick Elam, Jr., Smithfield, VA
FC-AFC Tiger McBunn, L.M., J.M. and L.K. DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
FC-AFC Comstocks Bodacious, L.M., John and Anne Marshall, Addison, ME
Riparian Gone With The Wind, L.F., Paul and Martha Blank, Foristell, MO
AFC Wild Wings Hurricane Storm, L.M., Jimmie Darnell, Campbell, MO
FC-AFC JJ's Desire To Go, L.F., L.M. and L.S. Patterson, Addison, IL
FC-AFC Meba's Mischief, L.F., R. Hanssen and C. Klein, Webster Groves, MO
It's All Over Now Baby Blue, L.M., Kip Kemp, Pontotoc, MS
Coolwaters Ready To Go, L.M., Alexandra Washburn, Oxford ,MS
Cimarron River Tule, L.F., James Askew, Tacoma, WA
Small Craft Advisory, L.M., G. Unger and E. Dixon, Newport, NC
FC-AFC Hawkeye's Shadow, L.M., Marvin Blount, Greenville, NC
FC-AFC Pin Oaks Rip Curl, L.M., M. and P. Baumer, McKinney, TX
Arcadia's Say Goodnight Gracie, L.F., Tim and Nancy West, Arcadia, OK
FC-AFC Gunstocks Fast Eddy Felsen, L.M., Charles and Yvonne Hays, Princeton, MN
AFC Candlewood Show Me The Money, L.M., Earl Gilman, Winona, MN
Arcadia's He's A Cracker, L.M., Tim and Nancy West, Arcadia, OK
FC The Man In Black, L.M., Kip Kemp, Pontotoc, MS
Midnight Ranger XXIX, L.M., Pat and Charlene Nicholls, Sparks, NV
Snaps Doughboy, L.M., Carol and Loren Morehouse, Warrensburg, MO
AFC Pozzy's Points To Profit, L.M., Charles and Yvonne Hays, Princeton, MN
FC Teal McKenzie II, L.F., Glenn and Christine Lokay, Stuart, FL
Caernac's Ms Absolute Wiser, L.F., Mimi Kearney, Morrisville, VT
Coolwater;'s Makin' Trax, L.F., Alexandra Washburn, Oxford, MS
AFC Sky Hy's Husker Power, L.M., Theodore Shih, Golden, CO
Colt Forty-Five II, L.M., M. Daniels and S. Gierman, Morris, IL
Rockliffs Shoot For The Blue, L.M., Paul and Sally Foster, Medford, OR
Red Cedar's Maxamillion, L.M., Peter Hayes, Colfax, WI
Jaybar Click On, L.M., Barb and Jerry Younglove, Metamora, MI
Timshal, L.F., John Ball and Ann Devino, Renton, WA
AFC Sasseville Getum Quick, L.M., Dick and Mary Dallesasse, Mayville, WI
FC-AFC Trumarc's Pudgie Mac, L.M., Michael Kammerer, Montgomery, TX
FC-AFC Showthyme, L.F., Penny Youngblood, Dallas, TX
Bigwoods Lost River Jake, L.M., Bill and Lorna Kolstad, Ontario, CA
Waterborn's Super Jock, L.M., Don Simpson and Carol Bedolla, Newport Beach, CA
AFC Marauders Commander Cannon, L.M, Wayne Johnston, Puyallup, WA
Blue Earths Hurry Sundown, L.M., John Terraciano, Billings, MT
FC-AFC-CFC Countryside Tecate, L.F., John and Anne Marshall, Addison, ME
Cotes Du Rhone, L.M., John and Martha Russell, South Hampton, NH
Black Magic's Rocky Mtn High, L.M., Lorraine Boice, Longmont, CO
1AFC Buckshots Scar Face, L.M., Dorothy Metcalf, Oxford, MD
AFC Bluegoose Double G-Mac, L.M., Mike Hasenoehrl, Bend, OR
Pure Labs Affirmative Action, L.M., P. and D. Goodale, Eugene, OR
Wheezer Retreezer, L.M., Robert Johnson, Madison, WI
Greenwing Bright Eyes, L.F., Craig Stonesifer DVM, Dover, DE
Hurricane's Express Courier, Ches.M., John Ackerman, Novelty, OH
AFC Hiwood Jaguar, L.M., Roy and Jo McFall, Anchorage, AK
FC AFC Maxim Bonnie Yada Yada, Mary Bixby, Soldotna, AK

2005 NARC Stake Info

DATE: June 19-26, 2005

ENTRY FEE: $250.00

LOCATON: Property in and around Virginia and Hibbing, MN

ENTRIES CLOSE: June 13, 2005

RETRIEVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS MEETING ON SATURDAY JUNE 18, 2005 STARTING AT 1:30 P.M.

National Participants take note - at the Saturday Cocktail Party there will be a dress code:

Coats for Gentlemen
Cocktail Dresses for Ladies

CLUB OFFICERS:

Liz Jerome, President, Minnetrista, MN
Charles Tyson , 1st VP, Davis, CA
Wayne Bleazard 2nd VP, Murray, UT
Mark Rosenblum, 3rd VP, Monroe, NC
Ron Ainley, 4th VP, Dubuque, IA

JUDGES:

Bob Willow, Eastern Time Zone
Kevin Scoval, Mountain Time Zone
Linda Erwin, Pacific Time Zone

FIELD TRIAL HEADQUARTERS: Hibbing Park Hotel - Hibbing, MN (218) 262-3481

FIELD TRIAL COMMITTEE:

Gary McIlwain, Chairman, Bovey, MN
Charles Tyson, Davis, CA
Elizabeth Jerome, Minnetrista, MN
Wayne Bleazard, Murray, UT
Mark Rosenblum, Monroe, NC
Ron Ainley, Dubuque, IA
John Russell, Malden, MA

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS:

SPECIAL:

Charles & Yvonne Hays, Princeton, MN
Richard Grams, Virginia, MN
Fred Kampo, Oshkosh, WI

MARSHALS:

Rick Van Bergen, Hugo, MN
Dick Dallassasse, Mayville, WI

HOSTESS:

Lorraine Sarek, Cook, MN
Linda Tobler, Blaine, MN

GUNS: Dennis Bath, Belleville, IL

TRAFFIC:

Carl Ruffalo, Rochester, MN
Fred Cundari, Cochrane, WI

GROUNDS:

Robert Haapala, Virginia, MN
Gordy Dahl, Virginia, MN

GAME STEWARD:

Ron Ainley, Dubuque, IA
Jim Duffy, Hastings, MN

BIRD THROWERS:

Dave Rorem, Int'l Falls, MN
Rick Stawski, Milaca, MN

MERCHANDISE:

Elizabeth Jerome, Minnetrista, MN
Jeanine Towle, Ramsey, MN

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Headquarters: Hibbing Park Hotel - Hibbing, MN (218) 262-3481
Chisholm Inn & Suites - Chisholm, MN (877) 255-3156
Super 8 Motel - Hibbing, MN (218) 263-8982
Days Inn (Formerly Holiday Inn) - Eveleth, MN (218) 744-2703
Ski View - Virginia, MN (218) 741-8918
Lodge at Giant's Ridge - Biwabik, MN (877) 442-6877 or (218) 865-7170
o Ask for special NARC rate - $79.00 - Must reserve by June 6th or shortly thereafter for rate
Mitchell - Tappan Bed & Breakfast, 2125 4th Ave. East, Hibbing, MN (218) 262-3862 (say you are with retriever trial)

Campgrounds:

West Two Rivers Reservoir Campground - Mt Iron, MN (218) 735-8831 or (218) 735-8890
Mesaba Co-op Park - Hibbing, MN (218) 262-1350
Sherwood Forest Campground - Gilbert, MN (800) 403-1803

AIRLINES:
MPLS NW direct to Hibbing, MN

Flights into Minneapolis - St. Paul Int'l Airport are about 3 1/2 hours from Field Trial Headquarters. Flight into Duluth are about 1 1/2 hours from Field Trial Headquarters.

TRANSPORTATION RENTALS:

Enterprise: (800) 325-8007
Budget: (800) 527-0700
Thrifty: (800) 367-2277
Avis: (800) 331-1212
Hertz: (800) 654-3131
National: (800) 227-7368
NOTE: Rental options may be limited at Hibbing.

TOURIST INFORMATION:
    Iron Trail Convention & Visitors Bureau
    PO Box 559
    Eveleth MN 55734
    (218) 744-2441

TRAINING GROUNDS:
Areas will be provided in packets at Headquarters. This is nesting time in MN. Special permits for training sites are provided in packets. Training on other lands without a permit will be in violation of state laws.

MEETINGS:
    Saturday June 18, 2005 at Hibbing Park Hotel
    9:00 AM    Officers
    11:00 AM    Field Trial Committee
    3:00 NARC    Annual Meeting
    4:00 Committee    Chairpersons and Members

OFFICIAL VETERINARIAN:
    Fran Smith, DVM

COCKTAIL PARTY:
    Saturday June 18, 2005 - 6:00 PM, Hibbing Park Hotel, Hibbing, MN

WORKERS PARTY:
    Wednesday June 22, 2005, Iron World Pavilion, Iron World History Center, Chisholm, M

FOOD:
    Food truck will be on the grounds.

SCRATCH POLICY:
    Entry fees for scratches will be refunded in full for a bitch in season prior and during the running of the trial. Appropriate veterinarian certificate for sick or injured dog, or extenuating circumstances approved by the field trial committee.

TRAINING BIRDS:
    Ducks and Pheasants will be available from:

        Larry and Kiley Buettner
        2515 480th Street
        Webb, IA 51366
        (712) 838-4890

    Birds will be ordered by June 7, 2005. Late qualifiers call ASAP to order. Pre-ordered birds not picked up will result in forfeiture of monies deposited. Hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
    Price: Pheasants: $8.00 hens, $10.00 roosters. Mallards: $8.50

Saturday, June 18, 2005

On Saturday, most participants have arrived, test set ups are complete and numerous meetings associated with running the stake are convened. Those concerning most participants are the Retriever Advisory Committee and the National Amateur Retriever Club Annual Membership Meeting. The first began at 1:30 p.m. in the Whispering Pines room at Headquarters,the Park Hibbing Motel and was followed at 3 p.m. by the Annual Membership meeting. What follows is an abbreviated report of the main topics . More will appear in the August Retriever News report.

Retriever Advisory Committee members were Pete Simonds, Nelson Sills, John Goettl, Bill Speck, Jerry Mann, Robert Young and Charles Kneifel.

Bill Speck began by announcing that Gordon Heldebrandt had resigned and he would be filling in until a new person took over - which would be shortly.

Pete Simonds was then called upon to discuss some new proposals and review several previous ones.

1. The necessity of Performance people on AKC trial Boards to judge misconduct cases.

2. The need for AKC rule changes to allow electronic entries.

3. The large entry problem in the All Age Stakes. Recommendations were:

More conflicting Trials

Stimulate more new clubs by speeding up AKC recognition of such

Allow trial clubs to give 3 trials per year

Mandatory restricted stakes were also visited as a solution.

4. Robo Ducks should be banned at Field Trials

5. Junior Handler provision should be approved.

Pros and cons of the above proposals were discussed. After a show of hands poll indicated that most present approved of the recommendations.

The National Amateur Meeting began at 3 p.m. On the dais were Officers: Liz Jerome, John Russell, Ron Ainley, Wayne Bleazard, and Charles Tyson along with FTC Gary McIllwain, Rick Van Bergen, Dick Dallesasse and '06 FT. Chair Suzanne King.

After the opening , Liz Jerome introduced special guest Dr .Laurent Tiret, the French veterinarian who had recently identified the genetic marker for Labrador myopathy (Centronuculear myopathy), a recessive trait. He explained how it had been isolated, how it was inherited, and symptoms of affected animals. He said that it was now possible to identify know carriers by using a simple cheek swab and sending it to his clinic for examination. That knowledge could be used as a tool for the betterment of the breed. He and Marilyn Fender had kits available for those interested. More info can be found on WRC in the library or on Dr. Tiret's web site www.labradorcnm.com.

After, Judges were presented with bronze sculptures and all Sponsors acknowledged.

Mac and Lynne DuBose were then presented with a Chris Chantland portrait of their 2004 NAFC Chickamauga Choo Choo.

The 2006 Slate of officers were approved and include:

President - Charles Tyson

VP' - Wayne Bleazard

VP - Mark Rosenblum

VP - Ron Ainley

VP - Susan King

Suzanne King, FT Chair for the 2006 stake announced it would be held at Klamath Falls; HQ, the Red Lion Inn and Judges would be Don Driggers, Lee Jolley and Brad Clow.

After several more announcements, Gordon Powers - 89 years old and a contestant - popped a balloon from a cluster of 111 to determine the starting number within. It was dog #96, Charles Tyson with Ryder!

Test dogs run at 7:30, first running dog at 8 a.m. Gun changes and rotation are the same: 96-12-40-68. (No description of what the first test was given)

Four scratches were announced: 10, 31, 65 and 91.

In closing, Liz invited all to the 6 p.m. cocktail party.

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Test 1 From Line

Closeup of Gun Stations

Sunday arrived clear and mild with temps in the upper 50's. The caravan left on time, and arrived at Gary McIllwains land off hwy 169 about 6:30 a.m. After a brief parking snafu, the test dogs were called to line shortly after 7:30. One handled while the other just hunted. It took about 5 mpd to complete. Two additional scratches were announced. They were 68 and 110. The starting dog, number 96 arrived on line at 8 a.m.

The test, a double with a retired long gun on the left, was set in a rolling pasture type field with the tip of a channel on the near right and a winding dirt road on the left. A heavy tree line was a short distance behind them.The line was on the top of a slope overlooking the test. There were separate holding blinds for male and female canine competitors and marshals were careful to insure each was occupied by the proper sex.

The left, retired mark was located on the far side of the dirt road. A set of three guns shot twice while throwing a dead rooster pheasant at a sharp angle back to the right. It fell across parallel and close to the tree line about 185 yards from line. Closer in and a good distance to their right, a set of guns shot a flying rooster to the right. It landed in 10-16" mixed pasture grass about 130 yards away. The order was left- dead;right, flyer. A soft breeze blew into the line from right to left.

The flyer caused some hunting, but most recovered it will little difficulty. However, those that did not take the piece of water could be deflected from their original mark The retired mark was in the shadows for early dogs and not that easy to see. Several had trouble with it. While some winded it, others had a fickle switching breeze and ran past the bird, unable to wind it. Dogs had to make a decision on which side to pass a stand of brush at the bottom of the hill. Those that went right appeared less likely to be successful. Handlers quickly adopted a left preference. Dogs influenced by wind and/or cover, not having a firm mark, hunted deep past the fall. A few threatened to switch, possibly winding feathers from the shot flyers that were blowing between the marks. Others methodically hunted it up after breaking down to the far left of flyer guns.

By noon, 44 dogs had run and there were 9 handles, including 2 pick-ups. (20%)

The afternoon became hot and windy with temperatures rising to the low 90's. A switching wind would penalize dogs on one mark while aiding on the other. Work seemed a bit better in the afternoon.

By about 5:10 p.m (CDT). the third test ended when #88, a rerun, returned to line. In all 18 dogs of the 106 starters had handled and there were some substantial hunts also.

Workers began setting up a blind (s?) in the same area. However, about 5:30 an announcement was made that there would be no other test today.- welcome news to man and beast alike. Test dogs will run at 7:30 a.m. on Monday. It is probably going to be the blind(s) that were planned earlier. Judges announces that call back would be posted later at HQ. (As soon as they are available, they will be posted here) The starting dog for #2 will be dog 12, or the next running dog after.

Callbacks came about dark, There are 97 invited to run the second series Six were scratched leaving dogs 40, 49, 56, 84, 97, 98, 103, and 111 lost to the first.

Announcer Gary Sorenson

Hostess Merchandise Tent

Handlers Viewing Line

L to R: Pat Lamantia -Purina; Jerry Mann,
AKC and Roy Pelton, Purina

Monday, June 20, 2005

Test Two Close up (Planters standing at blind)

Test 2 From Line Mat

During the evening, strong storms passed through the area. It was still overcast and threatening as dawn arrived. Upon arrival the grounds, already wet, were absolutely saturated. It was mild with temps in the 60's and little breeze. Since Test 2 was scheduled for the same area near Buhl, there was no caravan

At 7:30 a double land blind was nearly ready for the tests dogs to try. The previous line had been moved a few yards to the right and the blinds were placed toward the tree line. The lines to both were tight to the brush/fir tree near the bottom of the hill. The short one lay at the base of it on the left while the long one passed it on the right, crossed the dirt road in two places and terminated at the base of a tree on the tree line. Both blinds were rooster pheasants and marked by a red ribbon on the tree where were planted. The short one was about 100 yards ; the long one, nearly 200. A short distance from the line, on the path to both blinds,a pile of birch logs were stacked. A light to moderate switching wind blew toward the line from left to right

Handlers were instructed that the dog must be on the mat for sending; once you leave the blind you are on your own; you can move up to the birch log pile to handle and you could not move in an intimidating manner toward the dog if he stopped.

At 7:30, test dogs tried the series demonstrating the hazards. By 8 a.m. the line was cleared and the first dog, number 12 stepped from the blind.

Not everyone was successful in getting their dog over the log pile. Some went toward the previous flyer while others tried to return to the retired mark. A side hill line and curving road made a straight line difficult to maintain. Another small brush pile at the bottom of the hill could also deflect dogs. Most recovered the short left one with 1-4 whistles - some virtually lined it.

After retrieving the short one, some dogs seemed hesitant to pass close to the bush again and flared right Since the line was through the cover to the left of it, running down the road or squaring the cover across it was not a wise option. A few dogs did not seem to get the blind "picture and it too numerous casts to arrive at the bird.

The test took about 4 minutes per dog and was completed at 2:05 p.m.after dog# 11 returned.

Callbacks came relatively fast as Test 4, a water blind with a dry pop was organized. 89 dogs remained in competition - 8 had been lost. They were: 6, 17, 24, 33, 59, 64, 74, and 100.

TEST 3 - WATER BLIND WITH A DRY SHOT

Test 3 From line

Test 3 from hill across road - at bush to far left.

The line tent was moved down the hill to the left and across the road. It faced a field that sloped down to a pond. A short distance from the line a dirt road ran parallel it. Across the road, on the right was a high ridge behind which a dog could disappear . Beyond it, on the right, at the edge of the shore a single gunner fired a dry pop and sat down. Handlers were told they had to send their dog from the mat and could move up to the near side of the road to handle.

By 2:50, the test dogs illustrated the series. It took about 5-6 minutes to complete. The first running dog #41 appeared at about 3:12 .

The line to the blind went over the road, just to the left of the ridge and down to the water. As the dog went past (or over) the ridge, he clearly saw the gunner. The line continued well to the left of the gunner and into the water. Beyond was an island on the right and a point on the left. Once past those two obstacles, the dog had to drive up the far shore to the blind, a rooster planted in front of a small bush marked with red about 185 or more yards away.

Some went too far right, lured by the dry pop, while others went left, trying to take the water "fat". Both were off line and early correction was needed. On the right, a dog could disappear around the mound/ridge on the far edge of the road. That was also possible on the island. It had heavy cover and if a dog refused a cast, he could reappear to the far right. Once over the island the dog had to re enter the water,go over a point and back ito the water o the far shore. A number tried to run the shore instead of bailing back nto the water

The Judges decided to run until dark since they could not finish the test on Monday. At 9:05 p.m, the third was suspended after dog # 21 returned. There are 15 dogs to run in the morning. Dog 22 will start and no partial callbacks were given.

Gallery - Test 2

Line Tent - Test 2

Carl Ruffalo, Charlie Hays and Fred Kampo (L to R)

Dave Rorem and Gary McIlwain (L to R)

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Tuesday arrived sunny and warm with temps an the mid 60's at 7 a.m. The second series had an early start. The test dog rant at 6:45 with the first running dog, #22 appearing at 7 a.m. The series was well lit by a rising sun, but the handlers were in the shade (early). However the work was quite similar to the previous day even though there was little wind. (By the way, I forgot to mention yesterday that the test was a walk-up. As soon as the handler arrived on line, guns said "guns up" and the dry shot was fired.) The remaining dogs were run quickly and test 3 was over when dog 21 returned to line.

Down the road, a water triple was being created as judges reviewed their call backs.

Callbacks came quickly and 75 dogs remained for the fourth - 14 had been dropped. They were: 1, 11, 16, 35, 39, 43, 55, 61, 69, 85, 92, 99, 101 and 107. Sadly, Chicka, Ford and Czar were among them.

FOURTH SERIES WATER TRIPLE WITH AN HONOR

Test 4 - Water triple with 2 retired guns

Close up of retired gun marks

The line for the Fourth series water triple was st on top of a sloping shore that faced a large body of technical water below. The first set of guns were on a curving peninsula on the left (in the pond). They shot twice and threw a dead duck sharply back to the right.It landed in medium tall grass about 210 yards from line .A second set was located to their right, on the upper slope on the far shore. They shot once and threw a dead duck to the left - it fell on the grassy slope nearly 175 yards out The third set was also on the far shore but a good distance to their right. They shot a flying duck angled back to the left. It fell in fairly tall grass about 100 yards away. As the dog was sent for the flyer, the other two guns retired to brushy blinds near them The order was: Left, Middle, right. A light, changing wind blew acoss the test from left to right.

The test dogs were called to line at 9:25 a.m. Both handled on the left mark. After letting participants view the line, the first running dog, #71 appeared on line at 9:55 a.m. The test took about 10 minutes to complete and there was an honor on the left.

All birds caused some difficulty, but the left retired mark was the most troublesome. Early handlers took the middle bird first, probably because it was shorter and dogs could possibly wind it if they went deep on the left mark. However after 19 dogs had run, 12 had handled while 4 in the group clean work.. They were the ones who took the left bird before the middle mark. Wind and ability may have been part of their success, but later handlers seemed to pick up on the trend and more dogs became successful. A few dogs went into the "no man's land" between the marks, but most recovered on their own.

About 5 p.m. it became apparent there was little hope of completing the fourth in one day but Judges had not given a cut off time. Later an announcement was made that the last dog would be #41. The other 18 would run tomorrow. Test dog at 6:45 and first running dog, #42, at 7 a.m. No partial callbacks were given.. Up to this point, 19 dogs handled on the 4th and none have broken on the honor. Number 41 completed at 8:05 p.m.

Lunch Wagon

Linda Patterson

Chris Ledford and "Hog"

John and Martha Russell viewing test

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Wednesday began refreshingly cool with bright sunlight and nearly no wind. Temps were in the upper 50's but quickly rose during the morning. Gunners were already positioned in the field at 6:30 and the test dog called to line at about 6:45. Unfortunately she handled on both retired marks, causing some alarm to those handlers left to run. After help was need for her to find the bird, retuning handlers marched back to the parking area like a legion of the "darned". Something was definitely different this morning. The middle position threw several birds to scent the area after the dog returned. That took a bit of time so the first running dog #42 arrived on line at 7:15 a.m.

Several of the earlier dogs had difficulty on the middle mark - either loose hunts or handles. The previous day there were hunts but few, if any, handles on it. At 10:10 a.m., the last dog # 67 completed the fourth.

A move down the road back to the previous area began in earnest. Callback came shortly and 12 dogs had not been invited back. They were: 7, 18, 30, 42, 44, 73, 78, 79, 80, 87, 90, and 93. Sixty two potential NARC's remained. Sadly, dog 96 scratched due to an injury the previous day.

Test 5 from line

Test 5 close up (planter at bird)

The test five site faced the end of a double fingered pond with a peninsula protruding from the left between them. It curved in toward the line to the right. A set of guns were positioned toward the end of the of the peninsula. They shot and threw a dead duck to the left where it splashed in the pond, close to the far shore, about 75 yards from line.The test had two running mats on line. On the right, a dog honored for a dog on the left who retrieves the "poison' type mark. As the one dog retrieved, the honoring one returned to the holding blind until the dog recovered the bird. Next, he came out of the holding blind and picked up the blind - a dead duck 200+ yards away marked by a bush - and delivered it on the left mat. The process then began all over again.

Test dogs were called to line at 11:40 a.m. Both had numerous whistles to recover the blind. One illustrated that it was possible to go out of sight behind a mound on the left. The first running dog stepped to line at about 11:35 a.m. It took about 5 mpd. It was hot and breezy for the rest of the afternoon.

The line to the blind was down the slope then along a side hill of a relatively high mound on the left. The strip of land between the ponds was just to the right of the highest part of the mound.It tempted dogs to run down it, back toward the gun station. Beyond the land rose up to the blind . All suction - old mark, guns, wind, and slope was to the right. An over handle to the left could send the dog behind the mound. The wind angled in toward the line from left to right and was quite gusty at times. Some dogs had trouble winding the blind and care was needed to make sure they were "put on it" when in the area or they might need extra whistles.

A number of dogs needed early correction as they started toward the bird or flared to the left It was difficult to hold the side hill angle past the mound as some tried to drive up it while others thought they should go in the water. The test went quickly (Worker's party at 6 p.m.) and was completed by 3:15 when the by dog came to line. Callbacks came after a relatively short wait. Fifty nine dogs survived to run the sixth. The three dropped were: 66, 75 and 88.

When the callbacks were posted at Headquarters a note mentioned that the 6th series would be held in the "horse pasture" area adjacent to the Minnesota Iron Rage Retriever Club Grounds.Test dogs will run at 7:30; first running dog, #9 at 8 a.m. The type of test was not divulged, however rumor implied a set of land marks.

"Road Kill Grill" Gourmets

Gunner Headquarters

Thursday, June 23, 2005

Test 6 - Land Water Quad

Test 6 Land Water Quad -2 Flyers

Two Retired, 1 Semi Retired Guns

Wednesday's storms did not materialize and Thursday arrive partly cloudy and warm - in the mid 60's at 6:30 a.m. - and light winds. It took about 30 minutes for the caravan to reach the new site near the Iron Range grounds. The forecast was for temps in the 90's and preparations were being made at the new site to keep dogs cool.

The test was a land/water quad with two shot flyers, two retired and 1 semi retired gun stations. The four were positioned around a pond that had a spring fed creek flowing into it from the right. The line was stationed an top a rise and faced the wider, left end of the pond. A line of undulating mounds transversed the field in front of the pond from near left to farther right. There were several decoys in the narrow right end of the pond. One set of guns was located deep to the left . They shot twice and threw a dead duck over the narrow creek to the left. It fell in medium/tall grass about 208 yards away. To the left and deeper, another set threw a dead duck to the left also. It fell at the base of a tree in the same type of cover about 225 yards out. again, to the left and considerably closer a set of three guns shot a flyer well ridden to the left. It landed in fairly tall grass . past a strip of orange flowers 130 yards from line. To the near left of the line, another set of guns shot a flyer nearly straight back into the pond where it splashed in the water only 70 yards out. The order was: Right middle long bird, left middle flyer, far right dead mark, close left flyer. As the dog was sent, the two right stations retired to trees behind them while the left middle ones sat down. A tree in front of them produced a semi retired effect.

Several large water pans were placed in the holding blinds, and a tent installed over them. Another tent a short distance from line held a large kiddie pool filled with ice and shallow water - just in case....

The test took a bit longer than usual so the test dogs were called to line about 8:00 a.m. Both handled on the test. A glum herd of handlers silently viewed the impending carnage and departed to prepare for it.

The first dog, # 9 arrived on line at 8:34 only to get a no-bird (and mixed emotions probably). The undulating ground, water configuration, four marks, and two flyers - one close - really rattled the dog's marking concentration. The two right marks were especially difficult. The far one landed across the creek and those that arrived on the side were the gunners stood did not seem to want to cross it. Those arriving on the far side appeared to have difficulty winding it and, after a hunt, would threaten to switch to the middle, right on. A few handled OK, but others would not. Combined with the blistering heat, they might have been to hot to scent the bird. Since the lines between the left middle guns and right middle mark was tight some, when sent for the right middle mark, flared to the left or right to avoid the problem. A few continued on, deep of the RM bird and had to be handled, others either went back to the flyer or ran through it. Most recovered the flyers with minimal problems, but some had difficulty with the LM one. The series took about 10 minutes to complete. and the wind blew from left to right angling in, across the site

Of the first 14 running dogs there were 6 clean jobs, 6 pick-ups and 2 handles. Judges were winning this test!

By mid morning the work improved and a number of good jobs occured in a sequence. Some handlers took the marks as two doubles, picking the left flyers first then the two retired marks. It did not seem to matter as far as success was concerned as training methods differ. Usually they selected the long, RM bird last.

Feathers from the shot flyer drifted into and across the pond to the right. Later dogs appeared drawn to them and they could deflect them from their mark.

By mid afternoon an announcement was made that this would be the only test for the day and that the raffle would be held at the Minnesota Iron Range clubhouse following the series. Also, callbacks would be posted later this evening a Headquarters. No info was given as to the first test on Friday nor starting time or dog number. However a water blind was the rumor.

Callbacks came about 9:30 p.m. Thirty-nine remained for the seventh. Twenty had been lost, they were: 5, 8, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28, 29, 45, 51, 58, 62, 67, 81, 82, 94, and 109. Starting dog is #32. The test is a water blind (or 2) and will be held at Dave Furin's land. Caravan at 6:30; test dogs at 7:30; first running dog at 8 a.m.

Judges L to R: Bob Willow, Kevin Scoval, Linda Erwin

Eukanuba's Burke Earley with Hostesses

Drake cooling off

L to R- Bill Schrader and Joe Harp

Friday, June 24, 2005

Storms passed through the area with a reported tornado a few miles from HQ.last night. In spite of that, Friday dawned clear and cool without the opressing humidty of previous days. It was in the mid 60's with a fresh breeze as the much smaller caravan travelled the 10 minute trip to Dave Furin's property off 169.

TEST 7 - WATER BLIND

Test 7 Water Blind From Line

Water Blind - close up

Off the road there was a large pond with a number of points, a spit and small islands. The Seventh test was a water blind along the right, irregular shoreline. The line was located just off the near side of the road with a hay bale behind it for handlers to use while directing their dogs. The shoreline was covered with recently mowed grass, but the far end, where the blind lay, had patches of uncut cover.

The line to the blind angled down a gentle slope to a finger of swimming water, then over the base of a spit into the water behind. It continued trough the swimming water a short distance to a point (actually the curving shoreline) . From there it was back into the water and over another point into a cove. Once through the cove, the dog arrived at the far shore where the blind, a dead duck was planted in front of a red marked bush 240 yards from line. There were 1 or 2 decoys in every piece of eater and 5 laying on the spit.Since it took a while to manicure the site the first test dog arrived on line at 7:45 a.m., the second at 7:53. It took about 5 mpd to complete. The first running dog, #23 ran at 8:15.

Dogs seemed to either want to enter the water "fat" or head toward the land on the right of the pond. That produced a number of early corrections. Some stopped to check the decoys on the spit and were quicly ordered to continue on. Most handlers blew whistles to put dogs on and drive the off the points. Some did continue on their own, however. The work was very similar throughout the series and it ended with dog #26 at 11:25 a.m.

Callbacks came quickly and only two dogs had been lost. They were 14 and 23. Thirty-seven happy handlers were invited back

TEST 8 - WATER QUAD WITH TWO RETIRED GUNS

Test 8 - Left - Guns in white

Test 8 - Right

The eighth was quickly assembled and was ready for a test dog by 12:42,It was a quad consisting of an in line, indented triple across the same pond, but run from far up the right shore, with a flying hen pheasant to the right of the line. .

The first of the three across the water was located on the deep left, They threw a dead duck flat to the right that fell in grassy cover about 230 yards away. Closer in and to their right, a second set threw a dead duck to the right, over a slip of water where it landed on a curving spit of land about 210 yards from line. Deep to their right a third set (3) of guns shot twice and threw a dead duck flat and far to the right. It also landed in te grassy cover of the far shore, well over 300 yards away. On the near shore, a short distance to the right of the line Gunners shot a flying hen pheasant angled back to the left. It landed in fairly tall grass only 75 yards away. The order was: far right middle mark; short left middle spit bird;far left mark;short right flying hen pheasant. As the dog was sent for the flyer, the far left and far right gunners retired. Test dogs provided a mixed bag of information. The first handled on two while the second did well on all. At 1:19 the first running dog #46 stepped to line.

Early handlers tried to take the test in the same order as the successful test dog Flyer, Far right, left middle and far left.). That did not work well and all options were implemented. After the first five handled on one or two birds, Most decided the best chance was flyer, short left middle, far left, far right middle. That proved more successful and the sixth dog completed without handling.

The Flyer was no "gimmie" either. Wide, varied falls and a hen pheasants proved difficult for many and there were a number of fairly long hunts.Time spent doing so could dim a dog's memory of the 3 across the pond. Some started for the spit bird but drove through or past it. A few winded it but some did not , hunting wide and loose. Others were drawn to a rock on the right shore of the strip of land and arrived up wind of it.Those that drove deep could recover one of the long retired marks instead. Others put on long, wide out of sight hunts. It was nerve wracking for handlers and interesting for observers. Those having a clean job were given a round of applause. It took about 14 mpd and could not be completed today.

After dog 34 ran, the eighth was suspended for the day at 9:20 p.m There are 5 dogs left to run in the morning. Test dog will run at 6:45, first running dog, #36 at 7 a.m. No partial callbacks were given. Twelve of the 32 that had run had handled or picked up and there were a number of long, loose hunts. Number 8 was exacting a toll.

Gallery Test 7

L to R: Craig Stonesifer and Bob Lindgren

Lynne Du Bose, Burke Earley and Jimmie Darnell

L to R: Kate Rosenblum and Connie Cleveland

Saturday, June 25, 2005

Saturday arrived picture perfect for the grand finale of the National Amateur Stake. It was in the high 40' s with clear skies at 5 a.m. Temperatures were forecast for the low 80's with partly cloudy skies.

The test had been reset by 6:30 a.m. for the last 5 dogs of the 8th series. At 6:48 the lone test dog ran demonstrated that despite glare from a rising sun in the handlers fac4e, the test was much the same as the previous day. Two variables were little wind and the far right. guns were in the shadows.

At 7:04, the first running dog appeared on line and produced good work. The other three did similar work,- sadly, the last dog picked up.

As the ninth was forming in a field deep to the left of the eighth, call backs were announced. There had been another deep cut, only 17 dogs remained to vie for the title. The 20 lost were: 3, 9, 12, 15, 26, 34, 41, 46, 47, 48, 50, 52, 54, 57, 71, 72, 89, 102, 104 and 106.

TEST 9- LAND QUAD WITH TWO RETIRED GUNS

Test 9 - 2 left marks

Test 9- 2 right marks

Test 9 - Two retired marks closer

The line was located on top a 4-5' mound and faced a fairly flat, grassy field with tall grass and bushes randomly spaced. Four sets of guns stood in an inline configuration at, about a 180 degree spread. To the far left stood a set of flyer guns. they shot a flying duck to the left where it fell in the grass about 200 yards away. To their right and about the same distance a second set threw a dead duck back to the left. It also landed in the grass about 200 yards deep. To their right and also about the same distance away, a third set threw a dead duck to the right, also landing in tall grass a bit over 200 yard out. The fourth set stood a short distance to the right of the line and threw a dead hen pheasant back to the left, only 40 yard away. The order was: left middle, right middle, flyer, short mark. As the dog was sent for the short bird, the two middle guns retired.

Test dogs were called to line 8:33. They demonstrated that the equidistant middle marks could be confusing.The first running dog, #77 arrived at 9 a.m. and did a good job. It took nearly 10 mpd to complete.

The short right mark distracted dogs from holding a firm mark on the other three. Varied flyer falls produced some hunting also.Bushes located in the field verge very similar in size and distance so dogs could become uncertain as to where they had stood. A number hunted the "no-man's land" between before either recovering on or the other or handling. Most handlers took the flyer second then either of the middle retired marks (Some dogs self selected) By 11;30, the last dog, #76 completed the ninth. Four had handled and one picked up.

TEST 10, WATER QUAD WITH 3 SHOT FLYERS

Test 10 Right

Middle Marks

Retired Mark

A move was made back to Gary McIllwain's property where a Water Quad with three flyers was being constructed. Callbacks came promptly and 14 possible NAFC's remained. Those lost were; 36, 86 and 95. First running dog was either 4 or 37 - a debate followed - 37 won. Test dogs came to line at12:40.There was art least one handle on the series. Four sets of gunners were positioned in a grassy field that sloped down to 3 ponds with a strip of land between each and back up beyond.. The shortest on was on the near side of the left pond. They shot a flying duck to the left where it splashed into the pond 80 yards from line. A second set was to their deep right. They shot a flying rooster to the left where it fell into the grass 210 yards out. Somewhat deeper, and also to the right, a third group shot a flying hen pheasant that arched over a gravel road and landed into the grassy field 190 yards away. The fourth set was stationed far to the right, on the end of an oval pond. They threw a dead duck to the left where it landed on the grassy shore nearly 230 yards away. As dogs were sent for any bird, they retired into the brush behind them. The order was: Middle right flyer, far right dead duck, middle left flyer, short left flyer. It took about 14 minutes to complete.

As the test dogs and each succeeding team came to line, Announcer Gary Sorenson proclained their name, title(s), owner and handler.

The test had a spread of 180 degrees. The three flyer stations diverted dogs from the far right retired mark.Varied falls caused wide hunts. The left middle bird could be reached without crossing any water. Surprisingly, the first 3 dogs produced good quads. In all, only one dog handled on the demanding marks.

The 10th went into the books after dog 32 returned to line about 4:15. The awards ceremony was held on the grounds and after introducing the finalists, Gary McIllwain announced the winner as #108 FC FTCH Days End Northern Express, Owned by J. and M. Sutter, handled by Jane Sutter. Everyone toasted the winner and finalist with champagne before heading "home". A party would follow later at Headquarters.

2005 NARC Winner & Finalists

THE WINNER IS:

108. FC FTCH Day's End Northern Express, LF,
Owners J / M Sutter, Handler, Jane Sutter

Shown with Judges (L to R) Bob Willow, Kevin Scoval and Linda Erwin

Finalists

2. FC AFC NFTCH AFTCH TNT's Mr. Peabody Prairiemarsh, LM, Owners J/J Gunn, Handler,John Gunn

4. FC AFC OTCH Law Abiding Ezra, LM, Owners C / C Cleveland, Handler,Connie Cleveland

32. AFC Cosmic Blue Genes, LM, Owners B / R Yound, Handler, Barbara Young

37. FC AFC Clubmeads Road Warrior, LM, Owners F / C Kashevarof, Handler Frank Kashevarof

38. FC AFC CFC CAFC Salty Paws Missle Toe, LF, Owners R / S Morejohn, Handler Roy Morejohn

53, FC AFC Volwood's Peaches and Cream, LF, Owners J / F Vollstedt, Handler Jack Vollstedt

60. Weezer Retreezer, LM, Owner, Robt. Johnson, Handler Bob Johnson

63. Waterborns Gypsy Rose, LF, Owners, D Simpson/C Bedolla, Handler, Don Simpson

70. FC AFC Carbon Copy Of Horn Creek, LM, Owner, Frank Kashervarof, Handler, Frank Kashevarof

76. Red Cedar's Maxamillion, LM, Owner Peter Hays, Handler, Pete Hays

77. Greenwing Bright Eyes, LF, Owner, Craig Stonesifer DVM, Handler, Craig Stonesifer

83. FC AFC Plourde Honor O'Fox Hill Farm, LF, Owner, Sandi McCourt, Handler, Sandi McCourt

105. NFC AFC Five Star General Patton, LM, Owners Debra Bredeson and Elly Muth

Daily Reports of the Stake
By Mary Knapp

For a complete report on the 2005 National Amateur Championship subscribe to The Retriever News, N8W22195 Johnson Dr., Ste. 105, Waukesha, WI 53186. Voice: 262-278-4201, Fax: 262-278-4204. Email: [email protected]

2004 Defending National Amateur Champion

NAFC FC Chickamauga Choo Choo
Handler Lynne Du Bose