1999 NARC - McCall, ID

1999 NARC Stake Info
1999 NARC Callbacks

Sunday, June 20, 1999

The 1999 National Amateur started precisely at 8:00 AM on Sunday, June 20, and Field Trial Chairman Dean Ellis was finally able to smile with relief. The hard work of the judges and the committees was all coming together.

The first test was held in a scenic basin just South of McCall. The two test dogs, AFC Plourde Honor O'Fox Hill Farm, and Super Sky Rocket, ran at 7:45 AM. Weather was clear, wind was very slight. Temperatures ranged from the 40's early morning, into the 80's later in the day.

The first test was a land double with a blind. The first bird was a dead hen pheasant, thrown from right to left, from the top of a bank, across a dirt road and a ditch with a hidden stream in the bottom, to a spot just in front of a large downed fir tree. The distance was about 140 yards; gunners did not retire. The flyer was a hen pheasant thrown in the flat; the fall was about 135 yards. The falls varied, with some landing in heavy cover (low brush) and others in the lighter grassy areas. The flyer was about 75 degrees off of the dead bird. The blind was basically run through the arc of the flyer.  Many dogs handled on the left bird, with the work gradually improving after the first thirty or so dogs. The early dogs had no wind, and the hen pheasants offered little scent in the heavy grass, wet with dew.

The left-hand memory bird had several hazards. The curvature of the sidehill would make many dogs roll right, even if sent to the left. Many ran the ridge, while others 'channeled' the creek, swimming with the current and coming up behind the mark on the throwers' side.

The line to the blind could be over, under or by the flyer because of the variation in falls. Heavy bushes on the left side proved to be a substantial hazard. With the afternoon breeze the work improved on the blind and on the marks.

A special hand for the Grounds Committee. They had mowed a path from the parking area up the ridge to the test area, and built a log bridge over the creek between the parking area and the gallery. Some dubbed it the 'Ratzlaff Memorial Highway.'

GALLERY COMMENTS:

"Expect user friendly galleries all week." (Dean Ellis, Field Trial chairman). The gallery had excellent views of the whole test throughout the day.

"Early shadows hurt the left hand mark."

"Wet hen pheasants early were a problem."

"Having to punch across the road, then the ditch, caused many handles."

"The line to the blind varied--over, under, outside or through the flyer. The hens did not fly well, and did lack consistency."

"The yellow dogs really showed well! The field was very green."

"The blind trailed up early. There were several line jobs in the first 10 dogs. (Examples: Code Blue, Gunstock's Winifox.) There were four handles in the first eight dogs on the left mark."

"The tree 'barrier behind the left mark was not the effect that the ditch was."

"The S curve at the end of the ditch would fool several dogs. They would go over the bank, into the ditch, and swim the current, then come up at the S curve, think they were coming out right, and come out on the gunners' side and behind them."

The judges suspended the test at 8:22 PM after Dog 100.  Seven dogs are left to run.   (Unofficially, resuming with the test dog at 6:30 AM!!!)  No partial callbacks were given.

Ken McCartney, Illustrator

WHICH ONE'S CURLY????

Judge's Canopy

FEARLESS LEADERS! Mick (Chief Marshal and
Jennifer (NARC President) Halverson

Monday, June 21, 1999

The clear, hot weather had gone. Monday started overcast, with temperatures in the 50's, and occasional light rain in the early morning. The judges returned to the site of Test One/Two to run the last seven dogs, starting at 7:00 and ending at 8:10. Dropped were 2, 8, 14, 18, 27, 74, 84, 93, 100,107. 36 and 90 were scratches announced on Sunday.

The next test was a water triple run in a heavy tulle pond near Cascade. The first bird, a dead hen pheasant, was thrown from right to left, landing on a dry spot just behind heavy tulles, approximately 140 yards. Bird No. 2, a dead hen mallard, was thrown also into heavy tulles, about 50 yards, with the gunners retiring behind a brush blind. The flyer, a hen mallard at about 20 yards,  was thrown to the right.  Dogs showed a tendency to cheat the tulles on the long, right-hand bird and hunt in the open meadow behind the guns. They also overran the short retired gun, also thrown into heavy tulles, and had to be handled back into the bird area.

After about 1:00 PM, the work began to improve.  The afternoon breeze came up, blowing from left to right.  This made the long bird and the center bird considerably easier.  The center bird was also made easier by the trails made in the tulles by the earlier dogs.  The dogs going for the long bird were able to wind it from the right hand side behind the guns, and the center bird was almost an into-the-wind bird for some.

There were several 'no birds,' which added time to the test.                           

GALLERY COMMENTS :

"Dogs may think they recovered the middle bird when retrieving the flyer because of the converging mark effect.  They then ignore the middle bird and try for the long one."

"Lots of praise for yesterday's first test.  The only real critique was that the gunners sometimes faced the wrong way."

"HAPPY 41st WEDDING ANNIVERSARY, MEL AND JOAN MILTON."  This is the first anniversary that they haven't been together.  Next year!!!

"Second short mark had very difficult scenting conditions.  Hard to see the dog to handle on the center bird."

"The flyer's only consistency was its inconsistency.  The location where the flyer gunners and throwers had to work did not lend itself for a good back swing or a real power throw."

""8,9, and 10 may be singles in open water."

"Tulles and cattails trail up; it's just not going fast enough."

"They wanted a six minute test, and this one's taking nine."

"The long bird winded well.  The middle bird did not wind at all."

STATISTICS FROM THE FIRST 25 DOGS:

15 handles; one pickup; three double handles; two breaks (47,53); 8 clean jobs; three no-birds; the first ten dogs handled!

From Dog 28 to Dog 107, 27 dogs had handled, some on two birds.  Two dogs broke, 47 and 53.

The test concluded at 8:25 PM, with six dogs left to run on Tuesday.  No partial callbacks were given.  The next test will be a water blind at the same location.

Tuesday, June 22, 1999

Tuesday morning in McCall was overcast, damp and cool, with heavy dew and patchy fog.  As we approached Cascade, which is about 25 miles South and 1,000 feet lower, the skies cleared.  The last six dogs were run in partly cloudy but clearing weather, temperatures in the 50's and little, if any, breeze.  The lone test dog was run at 7:30, and the test ended about 8:15 AM.  The last six dogs did not fare well, four of them having to handle. Overall, 35 of the 95 dogs handled (37%) and two broke.  83 dogs were called back.  Dogs dropped were 7, 16, 30, 40, 46, 47, 49, 53, 83 (scratched due to injury), 89, 96, 103.

The judges moved the line to the blind about 15 yards to the right of the line to the marks.   The blind was run through the marks on the previous test, with the line to the blind running behind the brush blind (used by gunners to retire on center bird in the previous series), between the center and right hand marks, across the second channel and deep into the grassy field.  A dead duck was planted by a fence post 293  yards out.  Dog No. 55 started at 9:05 AM.

The steep hill, suction from the previous marks, and the water angle threw some dogs from a good initial line.  Some early handles were needed.  Dogs were reluctant to enter the far channel, and some refused casts to do so.  The judges had the area between the first and second bodies of water scented every 15 dogs.  The quality of the work would vary depending on the wind.  While several hunted the drag back in the far field, a trail quickly formed to the bird.  The test took about six minutes per dog to complete.

The test concluded at 5:30 pm with dog #54.  Callbacks came later at HQ and 73 dogs were back for the 5th.  Ten were lost, they were:  3,11,20,22,28,34,44,50,61, and 91.  The next series will be land marks, test dog at 7:30 am.

GALLERY COMMENTS :

"A double double entry blind."

"The first test where running early was not a severe handicap."

"When the sun came out, the 'Prairie Peak' umbrella stands were hot sellers."

"Spectacular snow caps west of Cascade framed the bowl."

"The food wagon this year raised the bar."

"Most dogs did the blind well.  Remember when amateurs struggled on blinds?  THANK YOU, TRI-TRONICS!"

"25 of the 83 starters have a handle--30%"

"Waterproof judges' sheets weren't needed today."

"When can we view the line?"  (Several explanations were given, approaching instructions for tax forms in complexity.)                           

Wednesday, June 23, 1999

Dawn arrived clear and cool with little wind.  Test #5, a land triple with two retired guns and an honor, was held in a field a few mile south of McCall.  There was considerable ground fog and a heavy dew as the test materialized.  However, it burned off and warmed up rapidly as the sun rose.

Three sets of guns were positioned in a rolling, grassy pasture which had several dikes, ditches and low spots winding through it.  All birds used during the test were ducks.  A set of guns on the left angled a dead bird back to the right falling on a knoll 220 yards from the line.  Next, a set of guns nearly 180* to the right, threw another dead bird to the right,  near the base of several tall bushes, 162 yards out.  The third set was located between them, but tight to the left set.  They were on a dike to the left and shot a flyer to the right over a water filled ditch where it fell in a pasture 188 yards away.  As the dog was sent from the line, the outside guns retired.  There was an honor to the right.

Early dogs fared well without wind, but later dogs had difficulty winding the falls as variable winds did not aid them.  Most handlers took the flyer, left bird, then the right; but there were variations.  Changes in cover, winding ditches, and retired guns challenged dogs and several handled on a mark.  There were NO breaks on the honor.

The picturesque test concluded at 7:00 pm with dog number 81. In all, 19 dogs(25 percent) handled on these marks.   Later callbacks listed at headquarters and the workers party.  The following dogs were not called back for the 6th Series:  1,4,9,23,33,35,45,57,69,104 and 105 leaving 62 dogs to run the Sixth, a water blind in the area of the first series.  The first dog for series 6 will be #15.

GALLERY COMMENTS :

"Early dogs did well today, only one handled."

"Consistent flyer."

"Many "banana'd" the left mark, several others took  the channel on as well."

"Judy Spitz (Judy's Cook House) provided a wide variety of breakfasts, lunches, and snacks from daylight till dark.  Definitely one of the best in recent years.  She has been invited to do the NRC Trail this fall."

"Didn't hear anyone suprised by the callbacks. "

"Five of the ten dogs dropped during the water blind had not handled before."

"The gallery Tuesday was treated to a show by a master "Fisherbird".  A local Osprey caught repeat fish out of the water blind. 
Idaho is like that!"

"The crew four-wheeled the dew off the grass in the morning after the test dogs.  Perhaps more of an excuse to race the quads around before the start of the test.  Good time to lighten the mood."

"Mountain winds have been light and variable.  Luck will always be a factor in this game!"

"This would be a good one to win, there is no bar in the hotel!"

Thursday, June 24, 1999

SERIES 6

The day was partly sunny, mild with temps in the 60's and light variable winds.  The sixth series water blind was a "no see um" long land entry through a winding stream with strong currents.  The blind, a dead duck, was on the far left shore at the base of a bush 210 yards from the line.  The series began with dog #15.

The dogs initially had no "picture" of where to go and made the decision as they crossed the rise in front of the line.  Early handles were common.  The stream formed a series of points with receding shorelines.  There were two prominent "points".  The near one was on line and required crossing, while the far one was not.  It was difficult to keep on line as distances were short on united land areas.  Dogs could easily go out of sight and control.  It took a willing dog and diligent handler to keep the dog "on line".  A swift, cold current flowing away from the line could sweep dogs beyond control quickly.  Also, there was a pickup line to the far left and the test took approximately 5 minutes to complete.

The sixth ended at 1:00pm with dog # 13.  This difficult test took its toll on the field.  Callbacks were listed and called at the beginning of the 7th Series which began approx. an hour later at the sight of the 3rd Series.  A total of 39 dogs were called back, those that were not are: 19,21,24,25,26,32,37,38,39,42,51,56,58,63,68,73,79,
82,85,86,88,95,102.

GALLERY COMMENTS :

"Big League Blind - though not the big water we've been thinking of."

"The current and narrow channel made casting problematic."

"All of the attendees of the 99 NARC would like to wish Patty Fajen the best."

"Unlimited lateral movement made it very difficult to keep the dogs on a straight line,but gave free room for interpretation and handling."

"Those who ran early were ready and willing to pass on a few hints to those who came later.The spirit of cooperation is alive and well in the NARC trial."

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SERIES 7

It took about an hour to move back to the Cascade area for test 7.  It was windy, mostly sunny and warm with temperatures near 80*.  Number 7, a land blind, was run from atop one end of a crescent shaped ridge which curved back to the left.  The blind, a dead duck, was placed at a bush on the far side of the ridge 275 yards away.  The line to it angled along the fairly steep side hill which had patches of bushes, dead branches and the remains of a fallen dead tree which lay in pieces also on line.  A stiff wind blew across from left to right.

It was difficult to attain a good line.  The steep hill, numerous obstacles and wind distracted the dogs.  Corrections could be required in all stages - beginning, middle and end.  Most had 4-8 whistles to recover the bird.  We did have one dog that lined the blind.  The series ended at 5:00 pm with dog #43.  Series 8 will be water marks in the same general area.  Test dog at 6:30 am, first running dog  #52 at 7:00 am.

The callbacks were posted at headquarters.  The following dogs were dropped: 65 and 78.  37 remain for the 8th Series.

GALLERY COMMENTS:
 
"Good fair tests, no tricks, just go get them."

"Overall relaxed atmosphere all around, fun to be here."

"Mechanics consistently good."

"All tests technically difficult.

Friday, June 25, 1999

SERIES 8

A storm front passed thursday night followed by colder weather and stiff winds.  Dawn arrives mostly cloudy and windy with temperatures in the 30's.

Judges and workers arrived on the 8th test site to find the wind completely different.  After moving the line and setting another test, the judges rearranged the throwing order.  The 8th series, a water triple with a retired gun and honor began.

Two sets of guns were across a pond with the 3rd on the left base of a cattail peninsula.  The right gun shot a flyer to the right 150 yards away followed by the 2nd one to their left back at the shoreline.  They threw a bird flat to the left where it splashed into the cattails 174 yards out.  The last set was closer and on the left shore.  They shot and through a dead duck back to the left.  It fell in 12 in. pasture grass 109 yards from the line.  There was an honor to the right and it took about 12 minutes per dog to complete.  At 8:30 am dog #62 started the 8th series.

Overall, most  early dogs had little problem with the marks.  Later dogs had to contend with switching winds which penalized one bird but would reward another. Several missed the flyer and hunted wide and deep while others drove through the retired mark as if on a blind or tried to return to the flyer. Some had to be handled.
The Eighth ended at 4:48 p.m. with dog 54 (rerun). All participants left for the next series site where the callbacks were given. 24 dogs remained to challenge the Ninth. The thirteen lost we:10,13,15,17,29,52,54,59,60,72,81, 91 and 106.

GALLERY COMMENTS :

"Seems to be time consuming with few answers."

"Beautiful view of area, gallery had excellent view of entire test."

"Curious cows surrounded one dog during a test, then chased her.  She dodged their charge,
  grabbed the flyer and returned unscathed. (#80-Hanna)

SERIES 9

The gallery was moved to a new location near Donnelley. Upon arrival, a water quad with a delayed mark and retired awaited contestants. There were two sets on guns deep within a large pond which had grassy strips of running water beyond a stretch of swimming water. Two other guns were located on shore. One was a few yards to the left of the line and the other to their left. The first bird was the long left mark, a dead duck thrown to the right where it landed in running water 194 yards away. The long right one then shot and threw a dead duck also to the right landing in the running water 190 yards out. The close set of shore guns then shot a flying duck to the right which arched over the first two falls and sluiced it about 15-18 yds. from line. The dog was sent for it then either of the long marks. Upon return from the recovered long mark, the fourth set of guns farther down the shore shot and threw a dead duck to the right where it splashed into the pond 55 yards from line. After retuning with it, he was then sent for the remaining long mark .

A single test dog was run at about 6 pm and the first dog #75 arrived on line at 6:35 pm. It took about 15 minutes to complete. Several dogs ran , but encroaching shadows caused the test to be suspended at 8:15 pm. It will resume again Saturday am with the test dog at 7, first running dog at 7:30. (Photos and diagrams of tests 8 and 9 will be posted later)

Saturday, June 26, 1999

SERIES 9

Saturday arrived cold and partly cloudy. Temperatures were in the low 30's and there was frost on the grass and windshields. Again, only a light wind was evident.

Although test 9 was ready for a test team at 7 am, Mother Nature did not co-operate. A hanging fog over the pond obliterated the guns and judges waited for the rising sun to burn it off.

By 7:40 am, after a single test team had run, number 98 stepped to line to continue the series. The long marks were illuminated by the rising sun and dogs had a much better look at them as they fell, then the day before. The wind remained in the same direction(s) an variable.

The close shot flyer proved too much for # 6 and unfortunately, he broke. There were two switches and some handles. As previously, the two long birds presented the most problems. After an exciting wipe out flyer and the delayed bird, the two long marks  with their hip pocket configuration could become nebulous in the dogs' mind.

By 12.35 the test ended when dog 43 returned to line. (He ran out of order last because of an earlier injury.)

Participants caravan to the tenth series site a good distance away. There the callbacks were given and 15 contenders remained. Nine had been lost. They were: 6, 41, 43, 48, 67, 71, 87, 92, and 94.

GALLERY COMMENTS :

Long birds hard to see at times

The bridge and steps constructed by Gary Ratzlaff  are wonderful!

Beautiful wildflowes and scenery on long walk very pleasant.

Exciting test to watch!

SERIES 10

The tenth was a land quad with all shot flyers and two retired guns. The site was an expansive pasture which rolled down to a narrow, winding creek, then up again to a sagebrush studded hill beyond. There were strips of brush and large pine trees dotted the field. Four set of gunners were positioned within. The first set was to the far right, past a heavy brush line, they shot a flying duck to the left where it landed in sage and grass 234 yards out. The second set was to their left, across a different strip of brush. They shot a flying rooster to the right landing in grass 244 yards away. The third position was also to the left, but farther up the hill. The shot a flying rooster to the left which fell in sage and grass 200 yards away. The last set was also to their left and shot a flying rooster ridden out to the left which landed in shorter pasture grass 165 yards from line. The order was right to left, around the horn. As the dog was sent for it, the left middle and far right gunners retired to blinds behind pine trees.

Two test dogs were run and at 2:38 pm the first dog, number 101 arrived on line.

A spate of misfortunes plagued the series. There were no birds, escaped birds that seem to vanish, reruns and long hunts. Eventually it smoothed out  and all dogs were run. The mind blowing flyers, distance and sheer number of natural obstacles distracted dogs form each mark. Fragrant sagebrush and pheasants did not aid them either.

Unfortunately, one dog hunted to near heat exhaustion and had to be picked up, preventing him from becoming a finalist.

By 7 pm all had completed and all gathered deep behind the test for the awards. Each finalists was introduced and given the finalist ribbon and a red bandana for the dog printed with "1999 National Amateur Finalist" on it.

The winner was then announced as NAFC FC Candlewoods Bit O Bunny, with owner Hank Mc Neil handling.
Cameras flashed and all congratulated each other. Hank announced a victory dinner at a local establishment and invited all participants to attend. After, the crowd dwindled as the sun set and all returned to town to celebrate and prepare to return home.

GALLERY COMMENTS:

Overall a good National - Fair, tough tests, good mechanics and weather.

The dog work was outstanding.

A "clean" winner.

Good view from the gallery on most tests - interesting to watch.

1999 NARC Winner & Finalists

1999 National Amateur Champion
NAFC-FC Candlewoods Bit O Bunny
Owners: Hank and Leslie McNeil
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  

FINALISTS

Croppers River Water Black Teal, Kirk Nasbitt
AFC Black Magic Wood Fire, DeWitt Boice
FC AFC Have Handler Will Travel, R.E. Kavanagh
FC AFC Sun Valley Nugget, Harvey Peterson
FC AFC Wood Rivers Boot Scoot N Boogie, Bill Fruehling
FC AFC CFC CAFC Jazztimes Frequent Flyer, Larry Calvert
Topbrass Ascending Elijah, Judy Rasmuson
FC AFC Dust Devil's Shoot the Moon, Steve Bechtel
FC AFC Candlewoods Rebel Ridge PDQ, Lyn Wharton
FC AFC Redline Wilderness Hanna Go, Leta Rovelstad
FC AFC Trumarc's Too Hot To Handle, William Wilbanks
NAFC FC CNAFC Ebonstar Lean Mac, Sherwin Scott
Law Abiding Ezra, Judy Rasmuson

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Summary of Callbacks and Dogs Dropped by Series

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Defending Champion
1998 NAFC-FC Hattie McBunn
Owners: Lynne and Mac DuBose
of Hillsborough, North Carolina
Handled by Lynne DuBose