2008 CNRC

2008 CNRC Callbacks

Summary of Callbacks and Drops by Series
Note: Dogs no longer in contention will appear in gray text with series dropped

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Pre-trial Activities
The Sunpoke Hunting Retriever Club, host of this year’s National stake, operates from Fredericton, New Brunswick. Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick, is located about 60 miles inland from the Bay of Fundy on the beautiful Saint John River. All test sites will be within 45 minutes of headquarters; the Ramada Inn. Most of the test will be in the Minto area on reclaimed strip mining sites which have created hundreds of spring fed ponds.

The NRCC meetings, chaired by Jim Ling the incoming president under the watchful eye of Marg Murray, our NRCC Secretary Treasurer approved several important items of business. Notably the National Amateur for 2009 was approved for the Regina Retriever Club from July 20 to 25. The judges will be Ron Graham, Joe Renouf and Dennis Voigt. The National Open for 2009 was approved for the Pine Ridge Retriever Club from September 14 to 19. The judges for the Open will be Larry Baker, Wes Place and Dan Yeomans.

The opening banquet was held on Saturday evening at the Ramada Inn. Participants, judges, club members, sponsors and invited guests enjoyed an evening of fellowship and a great meal. Supper was a buffet of fresh Atlantic salmon, a hip of beef and all the “fixin’s”. The four major sponsors Winchester, Purina, Eukanuba and Tri-tronics were ably represented. John Sharpe (Eukanuba), Lauralee Camilleri (Purina) and John Sinclair (Tri-tronics) spent much of the evening greeting old friends and making new ones. The participants, NRCC and host clubs are extremely grateful for the support from our major sponsors. All four are leaders in their industries and hopefully all field trailers will, in turn, support them. Lauralee and the two Johns were put to work by the club, helping to distribute handlers’ packages.

Judge Ernie Rose, Purina Rep Lauralee Camilleri,
Judge Al Arnold, & Judge Jim Swanson

Joe Renouf acted as Master of Ceremonies and being the ultimate entertainer he is, kept the evening moving along in an entertaining and humorous fashion. Dave and Jane Thompson did an excellent Calcutta and ensured that all pockets were empty before the evening ended. FT Treasurer, Pam Dunn was on hand to manage the proceeds. Head table guests were John Sellick (FT Marshall) and Leonora, Dan Yeomans (FT Chairman) and Debbie, Jim Ling (NRCC President elect), Marg Murray (NRCC Secretary), judges Jim Swanson, Ernie Rose and Al Arnold, Dwain McLean (CKC Director), Nelson Spencer (President of SHRC) and Joanne Spencer (FT Secretary).

Special thanks was given to Norm and Sheri Hamilton, the landowners who will host the first two series of the National.

The starting dog was determined by draw and it was announced that dog # 2, FTCH AFTCH Gahonk’s Ain’t He Handy would have the honour of starting Series 1. Only one scratch, dog #16 Riveroak Turn Me Loose, has been reported to date. Vetting of bitches is scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Handlers were advised that the caravan would form up on Monday morning at 6:00 AM. Tropical storm Hanna passed through the area on Saturday evening and Sunday morning leaving us with three inches of rain; the good news is that by Monday morning she will have left us well in her wake and without severe damage.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Wow, 5:00 AM sure comes early! We were all up about that time to air and water dogs and prepare for an exciting first day of the National. The caravan left HQ exactly at 6:30 AM as promised, leading us to the land site at Durham Bridge, with Traffic Chairman Jerry Choate in the lead. Traffic and grounds are under the direction of Jerry with John Gaunce and Nelson Spencer in support. Our marshalls, John Sellick and Ken Eagles, had their instructions from the judges and were ready with Test 1 when we arrived. The weather was cool and breezy; skies were mixed clouds and sun. The temperature is expected to rise to 20 C by afternoon.

Test 1 - Land Triple

Joe Renouf called the Honorary Test Dog, FTCH AFTCH Dakota’s Quickdraw, MH to the line at 7:45 AM. The two official test dogs, Topbrass Turbo Diesel (Dan Yeomans) and AFTCH Hi Waters Devil In Disguise (Fred Saulnier) did excellent jobs. The first running dog, FTCH AFTCH Gahonk’s Ain’t He Handy came to the line at 8:10 AM; the 2008 National Open was underway!

The first test was a stand out triple in an uncut hay field which had a number of low lying swales with golden rod and long grass for cover. The long center mark was 235 yards from the line. The shooting order was center, left and right with the short right bird about 80 yards from the line. The left bird was 145 yards. The short bird was a rooster pheasant and the other two were ducks.

Test 1

The dogs generally did well on this test and took about six minutes to complete it. There were 53 dogs to start the test, dogs 12, 16 and 48 having been scratched. Jane Thompson, Gun Captain was up to the challenge and provided three sets of six excellent gunners to throw in the series; Pam and Derrick Dunn, Lorie Anderson, Jerry Choate, Pete Squires, Mac Dunfield, John Sharpe (Eukanuba), Lauralee Camilleri (Purina), Bruce Macdonald, Marg Murray (NRCC), Pierre Mathieu, Marilyn MacDonald, Ray Smith, Mike Luepkes, Donald Martin, Fiona MacKay, Nelson Spencer and John Clarke.

The last dog to run the test, #1, FTCH Pekisko’s Ataraxia, completed at 1:00 PM. The judges invited all 53 dogs to run Test 2 with dog #14 starting (Bronte Creek’s Loving Jazz, MH)

Test 2 - Land Blind

Test 2 was a land blind of 225 yards through the marks of Test 1.

Test 2

The two test dogs did creditable jobs and the judges called for the first dog at 2:00 PM. Blind planters for this test were Stan Hughes, Derek Dunn and Peter Squires. The test ran smoothly and the work was generally very good with many dogs lining the blind or requiring only one or two whistles.

Test 2 was completed by 4:30 PM and the judges called all 53 dogs back for the third series. The judges have been reasonable with their tests and lenient with the call backs which is much appreciated by all of the contestants. Testing ended for the day with the announcement that dog #26, Picture Perfect III, MH will start the next test.

We would like to express our thanks to Eukanuba, Purina and Tri-Tronics for their support throughout the day.

Diagram of tests 1 & 2

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

We were up early again with the cavalcade leaving HQ at 6:30 AM for the club’s property in Minto; about a 40 minute drive. The temperature was 12 C and the skies were clear although rain showers are threatening for afternoon. Did I mention that Eukanuba is our featured major sponsor for yesterday and today? Our thanks to Eukanuba and John Sharpe!

Test 3 - Water Double

Prior to our arrival at the site, the Equipment Committee of Dan Yeomans and Albert Coles had all the equipment in place for Test 3. The test dogs, AFTCH Devil In Disguise and FTCH AFTCH Tazmaraz Of Hi Waters (Fred Saulnier) ran at 7:45 am. Both dogs handled which is not a good omen of things to come! It was announced that dog #3 FTCH AFTCH FC L and L Black Tie Affair had scratched.

The first running dog, #26 Picture Perfect III MH came to the line at 8:15 AM. The wind was generally from the west but swung to south east by midday. The test was a water double . The left bird was 270 yards from the line, through two ponds and over a point and then back onto the land. The guns retired after throwing the bird to the left. The second bird was to the left, 135 yards from the line and through a small pond. This bird was also thrown left.

Test 3

Test 3 - close of up right guns

The competitors, judges, handlers and gallery enjoyed an excellent breakfast and lunch catered by Keith and Alvenia St Amande (Noel’s Ark). Marlene Saulnier and Diane Renouf of the Hospitality Committee ensured that the judges and workers near the line were properly cared for.

The long right hand retired bird proved to be extremely difficult for many dogs. There were several long hunts, five pick ups and 14 handles. By mid afternoon the rain we had been promised, started. The last dog, #25, FTCH AFTCH Jaybar’s Madison Avenue completed at 4:00 PM. The judges adjourned the proceedings for the day to allow time to get to the Workers’ Party at 7:00 PM, which was appreciated by all. Callbacks will be posted this evening.

To assist those that are “keeping score” at home, the pick ups were #’s 35, 41, 47, 2 and 18. The handles were #’s 29, 30, 36, 37, 42, 43, 52, 53, 54, 1, 7, 15, 17 and 24.

Diagram of test 3

The callbacks for Test 4 are #’s 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 55, and 56. Dog #37 will start Test 4.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Everyone enjoyed a relaxed evening and an excellent turkey dinner at the Ramada at the Tuesday evening Worker's Party. Joe Renouf was the emcee and Joanne and Nelson Spencer presented gifts to the workers from the Club. Lauralee Camilleri for Purina and John Sharpe for Eukanuba were on to present sponsor’s gifts as well. Fred and Marlene Saulnier (Auction Committee) had an array of first class items to auction and the bidding was high. Bidding closed on about one-half of the silent auction items during the evening. Lorie Anderson (Corporate Fund Raising) and Pam Dunn (Treasurer) were on hand to help with administration.

Did you know? Our Statistician, Ann Steer, tells us that the oldest dog entered in the National is #41 FTCH AFTCH Abaco’s Esprit Goombay Smash, MH (22/04/98) and the youngest is #4 Stormy Creek’s MIA (13/02/07). The owners are Jim Liviskie and David Yeo respectively.

Test 4 - Water Blind

The site for Test 4 was in the same location as for Test 3. The morning dawned cool and clear with the temperature at 9 C. The wind was from the west and would be on the handlers’ backs for the test. The wind picked up as the morning progressed. The test dogs were Fred Saulnier and “Sky” and Jim Ling with AFTCH Eba’s Cash Investment. They ran the test at 7:40 AM and both delivered solid performances. The first running dog, # 37 Baypoint’s Canadian Classic came to the line at 7:50 AM.

Test 4

Diagram of Test 4

The test would take about three minutes for each dog to complete. The blind was 205 yards long with the running line on a ridge behind the short mark in Test 3. There was an angle entry into the first pond before traversing it and then about 100 yards of land before entering the larger second pond. There were a number of excellent jobs and two or three dogs lined it.

The test concluded at 11:00 AM and the Marshall, John Sellick, announced the call backs. Dogs called back were #s 50, 51, 53, 55, 56, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36, 38, 39, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 49. There will be 36 dogs to Test 5 with dog #50, FTCH AFTCH Fifth Avenue’s Mighty Maximum starting.

Test 5 - Land Triple w/ honor

The site for Test 5 was about a five minute drive to the far side of Minto. When the cavalcade arrived the equipment crew and marshalls had the test organized. The test was to be a land triple with one retired gun and an honor. The wind was mainly from the north east and the test faced to the west. The temperature was 18 C and the sky was clear with broken clouds. The wind made it feel much colder.

The shooting order was center (260 yards, thrown left and retired), left (190 yards, thrown left) and lastly, right (170 yards, thrown back left). From the running line, the dogs went down hill into a valley with a small pond in front of the left gun, and then uphill. The cover was light with patches of ground cover and scrub birch trees. The long middle bird was thrown almost to the crest of the hill.

Test 5

Diagram of Test 5

The test dogs, Pierre Mathieu with Sage’s Sassy Waterdog and Jim Ling with “Cash” ran at 1:00 PM; both did well on the test. The test took about five minutes per dog. The first running dog, # 50 ran at 1:20 PM. The dogs generally did well on the test. There were only two handles, #’s 24 and 28. Dog # 45 was withdrawn because of a medical problem. The judges ended the testing for the day at 5:15 PM and all participants were invited to attend a BBQ at Dan and Debbie Yeoman’s home, hosted by the Ontario professions trainers; Kevin Cheff and Linda Shlemkevich, Dan and Gloria Devos, Chuck Dygos, Allan Haggerty and Sandi Bond, Pierre Mathieu, Don Little, David and Jane Thompson and Lorne Langevin. Call backs will be posted at the BBQ.

Call backs for Test 6 are dogs # 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36, 38, 39, 42, 43, 44, 46, 49, 50, 51, 53, 55 and 56. Starting dog will be # 6 RPM Hard As A Rock.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

We stayed abed a little later than usual this morning having lost our dog in Test 4. yesterday. The temperature was only 2 C at 6:30 AM and the windshield needed scrapping!

Everyone had appetizers, drinks and a fine meal compliments of the Ontario pros….thanks guys. Our featured major sponsor today is Purina and the participants, judges, workers and gallery all enjoyed breakfast hosted by Purina at the trial site.

Test 6 - Land blind

The test site was only one hundred yards from the site of yesterday’s Test 5. The test was a land blind with a shot poisoned bird on the left and a hanging poisoned bird on the right. Again, the line to the blind was through a small pond which was about 50 yards from the running line. The blind was 272 yards long; it was 135 yards to the poisoned bird gunner and 200 yards to the hanging bird. The hanging bird was 40 yards from the straight line to the blind. The wind, from the west, blew the scent of the hanging bird across the line to the blind. The test faced to the south.

Test 6

Diagram of Test 6

Test dogs, Sassy with Pierre Mathieu and Cash with Jim Ling, ran the blind at 7:50 AM. The judges Jim Swanson, Al Arnold and Ernie Rose, instructed the marshall, John Sellick, to call dog # 6, RPM Hard As A Rock, to the line at 8:15 AM. The sixth series was underway!

The blind proved to be a good test of handling ability; all dogs avoided the thrown poisoned bird but several got to the tree where the bird was hanging. The last dog ran at 10:40 AM. There were no pickups.

Twenty-six dogs are called back for Test 7; they are #’s 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 17, 19, 20, 22, 25, 28, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36, 38, 42, 43, 46, 50, 53, 55 and 56. Dog # 19 will start the next test.

Test 7 - Water triple with honour

We had a short move to a cat-tail lined pond , the site of Test 7. The club was well organized and the set-up crew was again ready and waiting for us with roads and paths cut, gallery areas established and all necessary equipment in place. Jane Thompson diligently searched for gunners, selecting only the best men and women for the task.

Our test dogs were again Cash (Jim Ling) and Sassy (this time handled by Joe Renouf since Pierre was gunning). The test dogs started at 12:15 PM and both did the test well. The first working dog, # 19 FTCH AFTCH Buckshot’s Rock Your World, came to the line at 12:45 PM. The test seemed to average about nine minutes per dog.

The test was an in-line water triple, with all three birds up the right side of the pond with all of the birds thrown left. The long gun, thrown first, was 245 yards from the line; the middle, second bird was 150 yards and the go bird was 100 yards. The first and second guns retired after throwing. Dogs were required to honour after running the test. The wind blew lightly from the right, and across the pond. Skies were clear and the temperature had risen to 18 C.

Test 7

Diagram of Test 7

Generally, work on this test was good; there were three handles, dogs # 9, 43 and 55. There were three pick ups, dogs # 4, 11 and 56. Dog # 10 broke on honour after hammering the marks. The last dog ran at 6:00 PM and the testing for the day was completed. Call backs will be posted this evening at the “Maritime Night” dinner sponsored by Eukanuba.

Dogs called back for Test 8 are #’s 6, 8, 17, 19, 20, 22, 25, 28, 31, 32, 34, 36, 38, 42, 46, 50, 53 and 55. Starting dog is #28.

The Ontario Pros - hosts of the "Maritime Night" dinner

Friday, September 12, 2008

We all enjoyed a great party at HQ last evening, a lobster dinner (with seconds) and all that goes with it. After dinner, John Sharpe and Nelson Spencer officiated at a draw for lots of Eukanuba merchandise. Fred and Marlene Saulnier followed up with a live auction and the closing of the silent auction items. Lorie Anderson did a great job as the auctioneer.

Our featured major sponsor for the day is Purina. Again Purina was kind enough to host breakfast for all in attendance. Diane Renouf continued to keep the judges and marshalls fed and content.

When we left Dan and Debbie Yeomans’ this morning the temperature at 6:00 AM was 4 C. The sun rose to show us clear skies with a light wind from the south west. The forecast was for possible light showers this afternoon. Our thanks to Debbie and Dan for putting up with those of us camping on their property and of course for hosting the party on Wednesday evening. Our thanks also to Dennis Voigt for providing some of the photos used in our reports.

Test 8 - Water Blind

The site for Test 8 was the same pond used for yesterday’s water triple (Test 7). The running line was moved about ten yards to the right. The blind was 245 yards long, down the left side of the pond. The bird was on a float board. On leaving the line the dogs had to descend a steep bank, cross about 100 yards of land and enter the water. There was a scented point to pass through and the route then passed a bay and paralleled the shore to reach the blind which was on a small point.

Test 8

Diagram of Test 8

The test dogs were AFTCH Grouse Of Drake Bay (Larry Anderson) and FTCH AFTCH She:Kon Kawera Hon:Tsi (Jim Green) They started at 8:00 AM. Both dogs were helpful in demonstrating the hazards in the test. The first working dog, # 28 Laird’s Cynful Elegance came to the line at 8:25 AM.

Generally the work was good on this blind. On average about ten or twelve whistles were required; there were three dogs that required only five whistles. There was one pick up, dog #55. The last dog ran at 10:25 AM.

The 15 dogs invited to Test 9, a land quad are #’s 6, 8, 17, 19, 20, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 36, 42, 46, 50 and 53. As we marked our programs with the call backs, I’m reminded what a great job Mark Astle and his committee did in producing a first-class catalogue.

Test 9 - Land Quad with 2 Retired Gunners

The move to the new site required only a five minute drive. Chairman Dan Yeomans and his club mates were ready when we arrived. The test was a land quad with two retired gunners, guns 1 and 2. Gun 1 was 400 yards from the line, thrown left to right, with the wind, before retiring. Gun 2 was to the right of Gun 1, 225 yards from the line and thrown left into a marshy area, before retiring. Gun station 3 was to the right of Gun 1 and thrown left, into the wind. Station 4 was to the left of station 2, and thrown right and uphill. Both Marks 3 and 4 were 160 yards long. The test faces east and the wind blew from the left across and away from the line, swinging from time to time and picking up as the afternoon progressed. The site was in a sparsely covered valley or bowl with birch trees covering the right slope of the valley where Gunner 2, retired. The long bird was on the left slope of the valley and extremely hard for the dogs to locate. The test would prove to be a challenge for the 15 remaining competitors!

Test 9

Diagram of Test 9

Test dogs were Cash with Jim Ling and Grouse with Larry Anderson. Cash retrieved all four birds without a handle and Grouse handled on the short retired bird. The test dogs started at 12:20 PM.

The first running dog was #36, FTCH AFTCH Pilkington Casper Of Mt. Granit; he started at 12:55 PM. The test was extremely difficult and despite the valiant efforts of the dogs, some had long hunts before retrieving the retired birds. The last dog completed at 4:05 PM. There were four or five good/excellent jobs and six dogs handled, dogs # 36, 53, 50, 6, 28 and 22. The judges retired to HQ to review their records and to determine which dogs would be called to Test 10.

The finalists in the 2008 National Retriever Championship are:

#6 - R.P.M.Hard As A Rock
#8 - FTCH AFTCH Sally’s South Paw
#17 - FTCH Watermarks All Riled Up
#19 - FTCH AFTCH Buckshot’s Rock Your World
#25 - FTCH AFTCH Jaybar’s Madison Avenue
#31 - NAFTCH FTCH AFTCH FC AFC Prairiemarsh Madness
#34 - FTCH AFTCH Mjolnir’s Daisy Mae
#46 - FTCH AFTCH FC AFC Miss T, MH
#50 - FTCH AFTCH Fifth Avenue’s Mighty Maximus

Dog # 8 will start the last series.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

2008 CNRC Winner & Finalists

2008 Canadian National Retriever Championship
September 8-13, 2008 | Fredricton, New Brunswick

Hosted by the Sunpoke Hunting Retriever Club

The winner is...

#31, NFTCH-NAFTCH-FC-AFC
Prairiemarsh Madness, LM
Owner - Dennis Voigt and Fiona McKay;
Handler - Dennis Voigt

Finalists

    #6 - R.P.M.Hard As A Rock, LM, Owner William Hoyt, Handler Chuck Dygos
    #8 - FTCH AFTCH Sally’s South Paw, LM, Owner Jim Dorobek, Handler Kevin Cheff
    #17 - FTCH Watermarks All Riled Up, Owners Jim & Sheila Andrew, Handler Chuck Dygos
    #19 - FTCH AFTCH Buckshot’s Rock Your World, LM, Owners Alma Lalley & Judy Rasmuson, Handler Kevin Cheff
    #25 - FTCH AFTCH Jaybar’s Madison Avenue, LF, Owner Diana Howard, Handler Dan DeVos
    #34 - FTCH AFTCH Mjolnir’s Daisy Mae, LF, Owner Peter Martin, Handler David Thompson
    #46 - FTCH AFTCH FC AFC Miss T, MH, LF, Owner/Handler Pete Plourde
    #50 - FTCH AFTCH Fifth Avenue’s Mighty Maximus, LM, Owner/Handler Bruce MacDonald

Stake information

For a complete report of the 2008 Canadian National Championship, subscribe to the Retriever News, N8W22195 Johnson Dr., Ste. 105, Waukesha, WI 53186. Voice: 262-278-4201, Fax: 262-278-4204. e-mail:[email protected]

Report, drawings, and photos by Bev and Betty Fowler with assistance from Jim Hiscock

2007 Defending National Champion

'06 & '07 NFTCH Bigguns Big Chill, LF
Owner Murray Murphy, Handler Chuck Dygos