2000 NRC

2000 NRC - Ardmore, OK

2000 NRC Stake Info
2000 NRC Callbacks

2000 NRC Qualifiers

   1.    FC-AFC Croppers River Water Black Teal, L.F., Marilyn Boatright and Kirk Naisbitt
   2.    FC-AFC Dust Devil's Shoot The Moon, L.M., Steve Bechtel
   3.    FC Justin Time Zoe, L.F., Scott Anderson
   4.    FC Clubmead's Head Over Heels, L.M., Ronald Kiehn
   5.    FC-AFC Wood River's Boot Scoot'n Boogie, L.M., Bill and Gay Fruehling
   6.    FC-AFC Riparian Mariah, L.F., Cliff and Jeanne Garland
   7.    FC-CFC Charge To The Max, L.M., Harry Siegel
   8.    FC-AFC Tule River Kodiak, L.M., George and June Hammond
   9.    NAFC-FC-CNAFC Ebonstar Lean Mac, L.M., Sherwin Scott and Patricia Shawver
10.   FC-AFC Trumarc's Mackie Max, L.M., Michael Kammerer
11.   FC-AFC Kensbridge Darkly Handsome, L.M., Nan Ruby
12.   FC-AFC Chena River Wild Lady, L.F., Ann Rauff
13.   FC-AFC Code Blue, L.M., J.J. Heneghan
14.   FC Diamond D'S Klondike, L.M., Susan Kennedy, MD
15.   FC-AFC Hi Cotton's At Wits Ends, L.F., Lanse Brown
16.   FC-AFC Hidden Bay's BMW, L.M., Don and Elaine Erickson
17.   FC Maxx's Surprise, L.M., Sherwin Scott
18.   FC-AFC Cashman's Fat Lady Zingin, L.F., J.M. and L.K. DuBose
19.   FC Gig 'Em By Surprise, L.F., Matt and John Harris and Dudley Millikin
20.   NFC-AFC Lucyana's Fast Willie, L.M., Laura and John Parrott
21.   FC JK's Creekside Top Paws Pepe, L.M., Jessie and Skip Kent
22.   FC Hunters Marsh Abi, L.F., A.C. Ray
23.   FC-AFC Hawkeye's Candlewood Shadow, L.M., Marvin Blount, Jr.
24.   FC Trumarc's In Pursuit Again, L.M., John Larkin
25.   FC-AFC Sourdough's Slick Nick, L.M., Paul Brundige
26.   FC-AFC Max Millennium, L.F., John and Cindy Cavanaugh
27.   FC-AFC Valtor's O.C. Pete, L.M., Joe and Gretchen Augustyn
28.   FC-AFC Just Mo Money Honey, L.M., Kenneth McDuff
29.   NAFC-FC Candlewood's Bit O Bunny, L.F., Henry and Leslie McNeil
30.   FC-AFC Candlewoods Rebel Ridge PDQ, L.M., Lyn Wharton
31.   FC Candlewoods Autumn Run Vince, L.M., Debbie and Brian King
32.   FC-AFC JB's So Rude, L.F., Richard and Charlotte Kaiser
33.   FC-CFC-CAFC El Nino, L.M., Blair Down
34.   FC-AFC Carr-Lab Bonus II, L.M., Barbara Cross
35.   FC-AFC Caernac's Mr Now Wiser, L.M., Mimi Kearney
36.   CFC-CAFC Dippomarsh Madonna, L.F., Harry Loyens and Al Arnold
37.   FC-AFC Em Dees Ace High, L.M., Jean and Boyd Skille
38.   FC-AFC Hiwood Kleen Sweep, L.F., Roy and Jo McFall
39.   FC-AFC Morgan Le Fae Of Buckshot, L.F., Win and Susie Purtell
40.   FC-AFC Candlewood Rebel Ridge TNT, L.F., Madelyn Wharton
41.   FC-CFC Carr-Lab Rogue, L.M., Sydney Gardave, Caledon East, ON, Canada
42.   FC-AFC Yellowstone's TNT Explosion, L.M., Tim and Heidi Coulson, Pavillion, WY
43.   Zoe Of Diamond Ridge, L.F., Gary Bechtel, San Francisco, CA
44.   FC-AFC Mistywater Ebony Star, L.F., Joe Lane, West Des Moines, IA
45.   FC Free Spirit Par Shooter, L.M., Bruce Peterson and Don Boumeester, Hudson, WI
46.   FC Maxamillion Of Green Acres, L.M., Don Nindorf, Superior, WI
47.   FC-AFC Rebel With A Cause, L.M., Ernie and Tina Sullivent, Knob Nester, MO
48.   FC Fargo II, L.M., Jane Schmidt and Jerry Patopea, Junction City, OR
49.   FC-AFC Mallard Lake Lucky Leo, L.M., Gary Zellner, Scio, OR
50.   FC Miss Scarlet, L.F., Marion Stroud Swingle, Elverson, PA
51.   FC-AFC Roughwaters Snap Crackle Pop, L.F., Monty Wulf
52.   CFC Windsor's Royal Puck, L.M., David Williamson
53.   FC Sugarfoot's Lazy "M" Gator, L.F., Peter and Kathleen Krisak
54.   Tequila Sunrise IX, L.F., Cecily Dunlap
55.   FC-AFC Tailwinds Travelin Gypsy, L.F., John Thomas
56.   FC-AFC Candlewoods Ramblin Man, L.M., Jim and Judy Powers
57.   FC Comstock Fireball, L.M., Ted McCue
58.   FC Candlewoods Rita ReynoldsS, L.F., Mary Howley and Sue Reynolds
59.   FC-CNFC-CAFC Greenwing's Chances Are Slim, L.M., Gene Anderson
60.   Dancer, L.F., Fran and Karen DeNyse
61.   FC Show-Biz Liz, L.F., Suzanne and John Henderson
62.   CNAFC Quik Windstorm, L.M., Dennis Voigt and Marilyn Fender
63.   FC-AFC Redline Wilderness Hanna Go, L.F., Robert and Leta Rovelstad
64.   FC Smith's Blew By You, L.M., Brad and Beth Harman
65.   FC-AFC Sun Valley Nugget, L.M., Harvey and Nancy Peterson
66.   FC-AFC Texas WB Cocky Two Stepper, L.M., Pat McGonagill
67.   FC Dublin's Irish Mist, L.M., Tom and Nancy O'Brien
68.   FC Southwind Nighthawk, L.M., Phil Clifton
69.   FC-AFC Cody's Caraway Kate, L.F., Dr. Brad and Sonya Bowyer
70.   FC Hunting Hills Black Ice, L.M., John Thomas, Jr.
71.   FC-AFC Chickamunga Choo Choo, L.F., J.M. and L.K. DuBose
72.   FC Lonestar's Scarlett Of Tara, L.F., Russ Weiss
73.   FC-AFC Feather Of Sweetbriar, L.F., Bob and Suzanne Kennon
74.   FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC DB'S Cracker Of Club Mead, L.M., Donald Berard
75.   FC-AFC Topbrass Rowdy Yates, L.M., Joseph and Tal Broyles
76.   FC Doctor Feel Good VI, L.M., Wm. and Sarah Goldstein
77.   FC-AFC Windy City's Perfect Angel, L.F., Charles Hines III
78.   FC CK'S Little Rascal, L.M., Mike Dolan and Robert Poole
79.   FC Kirby's Iron Mike, L.M., Gene Kirby
80.   FC Trumarc's Four Wheel Drive, L.M., Mark Rosenblum
81.   AFC KC'S Mad Maxmillion, L.M., Newt and Karen Cropper
82.   FC-AFC Coldwater Cork, L.M., Tom Kilgore and Oscar Brewer
83.   Showthyme, L.F., Dennis Smith
84.   FC-AFC Adams Acres Cherokee Rose, L.F., John and Martha Russell
85.   FC-AFC Tailwinds Augie B., L.M., Alanson Brown III
86.   FC-AFC Hawkeye's Riparian, L.M., Elaine and Don Erickson
87.   FC-AFC Day's End Hillview Super Sue, MH, L.F., Jerry Day
88.   FC Brantley's Lean Chena, L.F., Jeff and Brantley Perloff
89.   FC-AFC Tiger McBunn, L.M., J.M. and L.K. DuBose
90.   Mr. Magic IV, L.M., Dave Hemminger
91.   FC-AFC Dust Devil's Quantum Leap, L.F., Steve Bechtel
92.   FC North Of The Border, L.M., Michael Kammerer

Saturday, November 11, 2000

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SATURDAY MEETINGS
Retriever Advisory Meeting
Most of the meeting was dedicated to voting on the rule change proposals concerning various minor, moderate and serious faults. These changes had been discussed at several previous National meetings and published in the "Retriever News" on several occasions. Here they were again briefly reviewed prior to each club delegate casting votes for or against each proposal. (A numbers of clubs had sent their ballot instead of voting at the meeting - none chose to change their written vote, which was allowed.)

Afterwards Chairman Pete Simonds explained that the votes will be tallied and certified before the results are released in the near future.

Prior to adjournment Joe Broyles asked to whom the new AKC video on gunner safety had to be shown - live bird gunners, popping gunners, the Trial committee ? AKC VP Bill Speck replied that all gunners should be shown the video prior to their gunning an event. How and when was up to the discretion of each club. Perhaps the club's annual meeting would be appropriate. He also said there was no change in the age restriction for gunners/poppers. Mary Knapp asked that in lieu of the video, would AKC (Speck) accept a hunter safety certificate instead. He said he had no objection to that. Shortly after, the meeting was adjourned.

National Retriever Club Annual Meeting

Immediately after the Advisory meeting, the Annual NRC meeting began in the same room at the Dornick Hills Country Club. Highlights included the election of the 2001 slate of Officers. They are:

            President - Clint Joyner
            Vice President - Jackie Mertens
            Secretary/Treasurer - Larry Wharton

            Reps;
            Grayson Kelley
            Bill Daley
            Jim Cope
            Stan Safranski

Later, 2001 FT Chairman Grayson Kelley announced the the stake would be held in Cheraw, SC from November 11-17, 2001 on much of the same grounds as the 1997 stake had been held. Judges are: Barbara Butcher - Cross, Linden Strandberg, and Dewitt Boice. Chief Marshal is Dr. Bill Goldstein.

Auburn Animal Sports medicine representative Dr. Rob Gillette thanked the organization for donations, explained the various research project in progress and offered to help those having questions or concerns about related canine health problems. He was then followed by Deborah Lynch from the AKC Canine Health foundation who provided some additional information on research in progress and offered all a chance to receive newsletter mailings. She also promised to send reports to the Retriever News for publication.

Shortly after, the meeting adjourned with an invite for all to attend the upcoming cocktail party at 7 p.m.

Sunday, November 12, 2000

<<Back

Tests 1 & 2 - Land Double With retired Gunner and a Blind

Sunday began with temps in the 40's and a light rain. The first site was located at the Sea Ranch, about 5-10 minutes from HQ. Cloudy skies delayed dawn and the first test dog ran about 7:15, a half hour later than announced. The test was a wide spread land double with a retired gun and a blind run from on top a hill. Terrain was rolling pasture with some rain filled ruts and depressions.

The first mark was deep to the left of the line, about 200+ yards. It was a dead hen pheasant thrown angled back to the right where it fell into a patch of medium cover. The down wind fall was well placed as it lay at the end of a stand of trees with a 3-4 slope behind it. The flyer was then shot on the far right, nearly straight out from the line. It was also a hen pheasant thrown left and landed about 185 yards away in mixed pasture grass. As the dog was sent, the left guns retired to a blind The blind lay deep to the right of the flyer guns at the edge of a tree line. It, too was a dead hen pheasant at least 250 (?) yards away. The line was not tight to the guns, but went though a set of small trees to the right.

Early dogs had poor lighting conditions and there were several handles although the first dog did well. Terrain deflected dogs from their way to the marks. The left, retired mark could only be winded fro the deep left most of the day. A number of dogs broke right and drove the pasture hill instead and there was a good deal of hunting on that mark. A small rise behind the fall and down wind conditions added to the difficulty. As usual, mixed flyer falls and challenging terrain also produced hunts and a handle or two. Sporadically, the rain would cease and there would be a bright, nearly sunny period (short). Dog work improved somewhat with better lighting conditions and scent build up.

Because of poor light early and late, the combined test could not be completed on Sunday. The series was suspended at 5:13 after dog 52 ran; nine dogs remained to finish Monday morning. Number 53 would be first to run and no partial call backs would be given.

Callbacks will be given immediately after the series is completed. The third test will be a water triple with two retired guns and will consist of two dead pheasants and a flyer duck . It will be held on the Judd Little ranch and will begin with dog #83.

Judges ( Lto R) Chuck Kimbrel, Dave Vega

John Thomas (L) and Gene Anderson

"Pressbox" - (L) Marilyn Fender,
(R) Vicki Lamb and Jan Anderson

Pick up point

Monday, November 13, 2000

Test 3 - Water Triple, Two Retired Guns

Monday morning arrived frost covered and clear with temperatures about 20 degrees. A handful of spectators were at the suspended Sunday tests before dawn. A solitary test dog ran about 7a.m. in marginal light. The sun rose swiftly and by the first running dog, #53, it illuminated the site. The remaining nine were run by 8:15 a.m. and all dogs were called back to the third, a water triple at Judd Little's ranch about 10 minutes north.

The line was in a pasture which rolled gently down to a group of ponds below. Beyond them, the land rolled back up. The first set of guns were to the left, high on the far hill. They threw a dead hen pheasant flat to the left where it fell in medium pasture grass about 300+ yards from the line. A second set was located in, closer to the line, to the right of the first set. They were stationed on a point of land protruding from the far left side of a small pond. They threw another dead hen pheasant flat to the right, across the water to the far shore. It landed on a grass covered strip of land about 175 yd. away. The strip divided the previous pond from another, much larger one. to the right. The third, flyer station guns were located on the near side of this larger pond, a good distance farther to the right. They shot a flying mallard angled back to the left an sluiced it after it landed in the water about 190 yds. from line. As the dog was sent for the flyer, the two dead bird stations retired to brush blinds near them. The order was: left, middle, right. The wind angled back from left to right across the test. The dogs were run just before 9 a.m. and each clearly illustrated the hazards.

The shot flyer converged with the difficult middle mark and distracted dog's attention. A few tried to pick up the middle mark second, but when it proved unsuccessful, later handlers tried to recover the outside marks first. This was only moderately successful. There was a large expanse of grass covered hill between the left and middle mark. A number of dogs were attracted to this "alley" and arrived at the long left mark behind the guns. Others took a good line, but went between the guns and mark. Both had to shop for the perhaps unexpected pheasant. A few handled.

The most challenging bird was the middle one. It's placement lured dogs into channeling down the water between gunners and mark. The wind prevented them from scenting the the pheasant on the shore a short distance to the right. Handlers tried to send their dogs right, down the spit of land where the bird lay, but dogs seemed unwilling to do that, opting for the water instead. Once on the far shore, they hunted behind the guns in a widening and fruitless search. By mid afternoon, only about a half dozen dogs had completed the series without handling on one of the retired marks.

After dog 45 ran, the test was suspended as light was rapidly failing (5:20 p.m.). Thirty five dogs remained to run on Tuesday morning. The marks had been unforgiving. There were three pick-ups, several double handles and all but 7 or 8 dogs had handled on one of the marks. No partial call backs were given and the test was due to resume at 7 a.m. Tuesday. The Fourth, a water blind, would follow on the same property.

Joyce Williams and Hugh Arthur

Handlers Viewing Line

(L to R) Mac McGee, Mac DuBose, Ira Hodson

Lanse Brown (L) and Paul Sletten

Tuesday, November 14, 2000

Third Finish & Fourth Series

Tuesday arrived clear and chilly with frosty cover. Temperatures were in the 30's with little wind. Once at the test site, the wind rose and switched right to left across to straight downwind. Dog 45 resumed the 8 -9 minute triple about 7 a.m. after a test dog was run. The work appeared a bit better than Monday's , however there were 4 additional pick ups and some handles. The test was completed just before noon and as Judges determined call backs, a long entry water blind from the same area was organized.

Soon call backs arrived leaving 69 dogs in contention. Sixteen had been lost to the first 3 series (70 & 74 were scratches). Those dropped were: 10, 26, 27, 29, 33, 36, 46, 57, 60, 61, 63, 72, 77, 78, 81 and 82. Starting dog for the fourth series was #17.

Test 4 From Line

Test 4 - Close Up To Show Detail

The line for the blind utilized the pick up mat which lay to the right of the running mat from series 3. To recover the bird, a dead mallard, dogs had to angle back down the hill and into the same pond used for the middle

mark last series. However, the line exited to the left of the gunner's blind then up the hill, across a water filled ditch to where the bird lay - at the base of a bush between two small trees. The distance was about 300 yards and it took 3-4 minutes to complete. For the most part, the wind angled back from right to left. Some dogs tried to return to an old fall while others preferred not to get wet. Early corrections were needed. Once in the water, handlers had to direct their dogs to skim behind the old retired gun blind. Since it was large and thick, dogs could easily go out of sight for a bit of time. Those that did, could hunt the old scent and/or appear deep

behind it well off line. Some drove the hill, ignoring whistles while others failed to hear whistles while in the narrow water filled ditch.

It appeared that they would complete the 4th today and announced call backs would be posted later at Headquarters. It was rumored that the 5th would be a land quad at the Sea Ranch.

As predicted, the fourth was completed by dark. Callbacks came later and 60 dogs were invited to the fifth.
Nine more had been lost. They were: 12, 17, 20, 21, 39, 41, 45, 50 and 62.

The scheduled land quad would contain one retired gun and a flying rooster. Dog 38 would run first.

(L to R) Dennis Bath, Tony Snow & Jim Cope

(L to R) Gary Lockee, Ginger Cope & John McAssey

Bill Schrader/Stepper (L) - Merry Lake/Klondike

(L) Jan Schrader and Mary Lou Vega

Wednesday, November 15, 2000

Fifth Series

The following info was called in by Marilyn Fender and Ken Andrews.)

Wednesday arrived cloudy with temperatures in the 30's and a sharp, strong, switching wind which made it seem considerably colder. The fifth, a land quad was set up at the Sea Ranch. It took a bit of time to organize and was an altered version of the one constructed during set-ups. The field was an expansive, rolling pasture with a dirt road within.

The marks were nearly 180 degrees across . The first bird down was the right middle mark. It was a dead cock pheasant thrown back to the right about 300 yards away. The left middle guns then threw a dead hen pheasant back to the right. It was about 275 yards deep and converged with the previous mark. Next, on the left, a set of guns threw a dead duck to the left, across a road where it landed in pasture grass 225 yards away. The last bird, a shot flying rooster was a good distance to the right. It was angled sharply back to the right approx. 150 yards from line. As the dog was sent for it, the right middle gunners retired to a blind which completely enclosed them. The wind was strong, and came crosswind or downwind throughout the day.

It took a bit of time to set up so the first running dog, #38 appeared on line about 8 a.m.

To see all the birds go down, most handlers had to move their dogs, especially for the right flyer. The two middle marks converged and were relatively close - especially since the right one retired. The far left on was thrown across a road, at times into the wind, and there were a number of no-birds when they blew back toward the guns. Throughout the day dogs had trouble on all of the birds. Early dogs had difficulty with the retired mark (left middle), but by afternoon the wind had switched and work became better on it. Instead, the right middle, nearly a "gimme" in the a.m., became the problem due to the wind a low light. There were hard hunts and a few handles on each.

The left bird was across the dirt road and dogs would square it, throwing their mark off and hunt behind them To be successful, dogs would have to run right down the road, and traditional training discouraged that. By day's end, approx. 11 dogs had handled on a bird in two tests. The 31 "clean" ( no handles) dogs on Tuesday had also dwindled.

Because of no birds and long hunts, the series could not be completed by dark. At times only 5 dogs were run in an hour. After #30 ran, the test was suspended for the day. It would begin at 7 a.m. on Thursday. There were 5 dogs left to run and no partial call backs were given.

It was rumored that the sixth series would be a land blind in the same area.

Thursday, November 16, 2000

Finish 5th, 6th and Start 7th

Thursday's weather was sunny, windy and milder than Wednesday. The five remaining dogs completed the fifth about 8:30 a.m. The Quad had taken a toll - 45 dogs remained. Fifteen more had been lost. They were: 6, 11, 15, 17, 18, 19, 28, 30, 42, 51, 52, 53, 67, 75, and 86. The sixth would be initiated by dog # 71.

Sixth Series - Land /Water Blind

By shortly after 9 a.m. the Sixth series, an approx. 300 yd. land/water blind was ready to run. The line was located on top of a hill and had a long entry - about 100 yds- then continued (parallel) along the running, marshy shoreline with some swimming water (about 100 yds.) to the land beyond. There it continued for another 100 yds over rising terrain (tree studded). The handler was allowed to move up to a ribbon so he could see the dog go down the hill and (hopefully) enter the water below. (Water unseen from line) A strong wind switched from down to crosswind . Trees, wind and terrain made it difficult to keep dogs on line ( However it was reported that Lean Mac had only 1 whistle!) Number Six went relatively quick and was completed by 12:30 p.m. Afterwards callbacks listed only 37 dogs back to the Seventh - a land (some water) triple in the same area. Eight had succumbed to the sixth. They were: 3, 4, 5, 40, 58, 64, 84 and 85.

Seventh Series - Land Triple

Again, it was not necessary to move so the test was set up in good time. Dog 87 would be first to run. The test utilized some of the land from the previous test. The series contained a shot flying mallard and a retired gun. The first bird down, a dead drake, was on the right. It was thrown left where it landed on the line to the previous blind about 225 yds from the line splashing into a marshy area. The second mark was in the middle . Gunners were on top of a hill which had a steep bank with gullies running through it. They threw a dead cock rooster flat toward the right. It fell behind a room sized patch of cattails 250 yards away. The last mark was on the left. It was a flying hen mallard angled sharply back where it fell on land, across a road about 225 yards from line (no swim). As the dog was sent for it, the middle pheasant mark guns retired.

The flyer, angled sharply back caused some hunting and dimmed dog's memory of the other two. The right mark lay on line to the previous series There was a good deal of terrain (dike) where the dog could lose sight of the mark and become confused as to where it really was.. Since it was thrown left and the middle mark right, the middle ground between the two could tempt dogs to hunt behind the gun. A switching or downwind did not make it any easier. The most difficult mark, of course, was the long middle retired pheasant. To recover it, dogs had to go through two ponds and over a dike from one to another. There they went out of sight for a period of time and could reappear well off line. If the dog stayed in the water they could find the bird. Dogs that skirted to the left and drove up the hill were usually lost. There they seemed to be unable to hear the whistles and could not be handled to the bird. At times a glare from the water made the marks difficult to see. Generally, handlers took the outside birds first.

Lean Mac provided unintentional entertainment during his turn. After being released to retrieve, Judges decided to call a no-bird and rerun him. Maxx, perhaps slightly deaf and intent on the retrieve, just continued hunting. Handler Mike Lardy tried everything - voice, "body language", etc. to get him back before finally succeeding. Later, when he finally completed his series, a wing covered his eyes and he headed toward the gallery and other places trying to locate Mike. On the way he offered his bird to several people on the gallery path before finally making his way back to Mike.

The demanding triple took 12-15 minutes per dog and could not be completed by dusk. The test was suspended after #37 ran and will resume at 7 a.m Friday. So far only a few dogs had done it fairly well.

Friday, November 17, 2000

End of 7th And The 8th Series

Eighth Series Water Blind with Poison Bird

Friday morning was again sunny, windy and quite cold with temperatures around 27 degrees. The remaining 20+ dogs completed by about noon. With a few exceptions work was not too good this morning either. At this point 3 dogs were mentioned as in good shape, They were; Maxx, Prize and PDQ (Quick). Callbacks came fairly soon and only 26 potential National Champions remained. Those lost were: 1, 2, 8, 22, 44, 49, 55, 56, 59, 68, and 83. Starting dog for the 8th series would be #24.

The stake was moves north, back to Hwy 53, West of Judd Little' s ranch. There a long entry water blind with a poison bird was constructed. It was about 250 - 300 yards long with the first 100 yards leading to the water. Once in the water, the dogs had to cross a scented point, re enter the water and parallel the shore to land beyond. About 60-70 yards back on land, a dead mallard lay in the grass marked by a "portable" bush. On land to the right, about halfway past the line a poison bird - a dead pheasant was thrown to the right (away from the line) before the dog ran. It took about 5 minutes per dog. (Originally a flyer had been shot angled back toward the line to the blind for the first test dog. For the second it was shot away from that line. Both dogs were instructed to pick up the bird after recovering the blind. After they ran, judges decided to go with a dead bird thrown away from the line and dogs would not pick it up. The blind was nearly downwind. Early work was variable. Later some dogs were tempted to hunt the scented point, only one or two wanted to retrieve the poison bird. A real danger was running water on the right. Several had serious or fatal results when they were unable to hear whistles there. Unfortunately, Maxx was one of them. Suspected hearing problems surfaced again when Maxx appeared not to hear and kept on going - completely out of the test.

The series was completed and call backs listed only 19 dogs in contention. Those lost were: 14, 16, 23, 32, 38, 65 and 71. The ninth will be water marks with two retired guns and 1 flyer back at the Sea Ranch. Test dogs at 7:30 a.m. with the first running dog, #43 at 8 a.m.

Saturday, November 18, 2000

9th and 10th Series

Although the weather forecast predicted temperatures in the 30's with snow and sleet, thankfully it had not arrived by noon when the 9th completed. The ninth had evolved into a land/water quad with two retired guns instead of the triple which was expected. It was located again at the Sea Ranch, a good distance from the previous site.( Not sure, but starting dog could be #47).

Ninth Series - Land/Water Quad

The first bird down was a dead pheasant. It was thrown to the right and was the longest mark at about 260 yards. It fell deep of an irregular pond. To recover it successfully, dogs would have to remain in the water through a channel past a point and into big water. The second mark was a flyer to the left, closer to line and on a hill. It was also thrown right. The third station, also toward the left, then threw a dead bird to the right which landed very tight to the back of the flyer guns. The last mark was a dead bird thrown to the left only 30 - 40 yards from the handler. As the dog was sent for it the first and third gun stations retired.

Only one dogs stayed in the water for the long retired mark - Prize. Others exited at various distances and many "shopped" for the bird. Some had to handle to it. One or two recovered the deeper, dead bird first. After the short bird, handlers seem to try for the flyer second (with varying success) the one deep behind it next and the long swim , distant pheasant last. The test began around 8 a.m. and completed near noon.

Callbacks came swiftly and 15 potential champions remained. They are: 7, 13, 25, 34, 35, 37, 43, 47, 48, 54, 69, 73, 76, 79 and 80. Those lost: 24, 31, 66 and 87. Number 10 is rumored to be a land triple with two shot flyers.

Series 10 - Land Quad - Two Shot Flyers

The tenth was a land quad with one duck flyer, one pheasant flyer two dead pheasants retired. Right.. short retired by woods. thrown to left about 150 yds; middle right... duck flyer thrown to right...220 yds;... and on left is a pheasant flyer thrown to right at about 250 yards. Then between those two.. and not visible on the photo is a retired at 345 yards... way out there..rolling hills.. low cover...run from on top of hill over where the earlier seventh series had been run.

Long walk to the 10th

Line - Ninth Series

2000 NRC Winner & Finalists

2000 National Retriever Championship Stake
The Winner Is #35

FC Maxx's Surprise, LM

Owner by Sherwin Scott, Handled by Mike Lardy

The Finalists

7. FC Miss Scarlet, LF Owned by Clint & Kippy Swingle/ Handler Ed Forry
13. FC AFC Riparian Mariah, LF Owned by Cliff & Jeanne Garland/ Handler Bill Eckett
25. FC Lonestar's Scarlet of Tara, LF Owner, Russ Weiss/ Handler Bill Eckett
34. FC AFC Dust Devil's Shoot The Moon, LM Owner, Steve Bechtel/ Handler Bill Totten
37. FC CFC Charge To The Max, LM Owner, Harry Siegel/ Handler Bach Doar
43. 96/99 NAFC FC CFC CAFC Candlewood's Bit O Bunny, LF Owner Henry McNeil/Handler Wayne Curtis
47. FC Hunting Hills Black Ice, LM Owner John Thomas, Jr./ Handler Merry Lake
48. FC AFC CFC CAFC DB's Cracker of Club Mead, LM Owner Donald Berard/Handler Eric Fangsrud
54. FC AFC Chickamauga Choo Choo, LF Owner JM & LK DuBose/ Handler Lynne DuBose
69. FC AFC Coldwater Cork, LM Owners Tom Kilgore & Oscar Brewer/Handler Mike Lardy
73. FC AFC Candlewoods Ramblin Man, LM Owners Jim & Judy Powers/Handler Mike Lardy
76. FC AFC Wood River's Boot Scoot'N Boogie, LM Owners Bill & Gay Fruehling/Handler Don Remein
79. FC AFC Hawkeye's Candlewood Shadow, LM Owner/Handler Marvin Blount
80. FC AFC Redline Wilderness Hannah Go, LF Owners Robert & Leta Rovelstad/Mike Lardy

Day by Day at the 2000 National Open Retriever Championship
Saturday-Tuesday reports by Mary Knapp, Wednesday-Through Saturday posted from information provided by Marilyn Fender and Ken Andrews

For a complete report of the 2000 National Open 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]

Defending Champion
1999 NFC-AFC Croppers River Water Black Teal

Owned by Marilyn Boatright and Kirk Naisbitt
Handled by Bill Sargenti