2002 NARC - klamath falls, OR

2002 NARC Callbacks

2002 NARC Qualifiers

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

1.        NAFC-FC CANDLEWOOD'S RAMBLIN  MAN, L.M., Jim and Judy Powers, Sheboygan, WI
2.        CNAFC-CFC SONAR, L.M., Al McKean. Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
3.        FC-AFC WATERMARK'S BASES LOADED, L.M., Gary McIlwain, Bovey, MN
4.        AFC IRON LINES ANNIE OAKLEY, L.F., Mark Perrizo, Downey, CA
5.        FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC DB'S CRACKER OF CLUB MEAD, L.M., Donald Berard, Mohave Valley, AZ
6.        FC-AFC HIWOOD TROOPER, L.M., Roy and Jo McFall, Anchorage, AK
7.        GUNSTOCKS FAST EDDY FELSEN, L.M., Charles and Yvonne Hays, Princeton, MN
8.        FC-AFC KEVIN'S CROSS CHECK, L.F., Lowell Schwab and Gary McIlwain, Maple Grove, MN
9.        AFC HIGHLANDS DIXIE DIVA, L.F., Mike Fullerton, Prior Lake, MN
10.      SHOOT SCOOT'N PADDY, L.M., Jim and Nancy Smith, Boise, ID
11.      FC-AFC SHOWTHYME, L.F., Penny Youngblood, Dallas, TX
12.      FC-AFC CACHE LA POUDRE SYLVESTER, JH, L.M., John Goettl, Ft Collins, CO
13.      FC-AFC NORTHWIND GALE FORCE, L.F., Mark Akkola and Bill Davis, Eagle River, AK
14.      AFC PICASTAR'S DOUBLE MOUNTAIN, L.M., Ken McCartney, Cheyenne, WY
15.      AFC PLOURDE HONOR O'FOX HILL FARM, JH, L.F., Sandi McCourt, Waterford, CT
16.      FC-AFC CARBON COPY OF HORN CREEK, L.M., Frank Kashevarof, Woodenville WA
17.      KENSBRIDGE DAY TRIPPER, L.F., Nan Ruby, Florence, OR
18.      AFC POZZY'S POINTS TO PROFIT, L.M., Charles and Yvonne Hays, Princeton, MN
19.      AFC JJ'S DESIRE TO GO, L.F., J.M. and L.S. Patterson, Addison, IL
20.      FC-AFC TIGER MCBUNN, L.M., J.M. and L.K. DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
21.      FC-AFC CANDLEWOOD COURT JESTER, L.M., Mike Fullerton, Prior Lake, MN
22.      NAFC-FC FISHTRAP CALAMITY, L.F., Ray Bly, Sprague, WA
23.      AFC CAROLINA'S ELECTRIK GYSPY, L.F., Kay and Clint Joyner, Smithfield, NC
24.      FC-AFC HAWKEYE'S CANDLEWOOD SHADOW, L.M., Marvin Blount, Jr., Greenville, NC
25.      FC-AFC CALL ME YANKEE DOODLE DANDY, L.F., Northrup Larson and Rodney Glaze, Centerview, MO
26.      FC-AFC TRAILCREEK BLUE'S DACEY, L.F., Patsy Martin, LaGrange, TX
27.      FC-AFC WOOD RIVER' MAKE MY DAY, L.M., Bill and Gay Fruehling, Ketchum, ID
28.      FC-AFC MAXX'S LONE RANGER, L.M., James and Lori Mitchell, Kalispell, MT
29.      FC-AFC ADAMS ACRES CHEROKEE ROSE, L.F., John and Martha Russell, S. Hampton, NH
30.      FC-AFC FORDLAND'S BORED OUT FORD, L.M., Sam Milton, Raymond, MS
31.      FC-AFC DISTAGON, Ches.M., Bruce Mitchell and William Smith, Clayton, NJ
32.      FC-AFC DUST DEVIL'S SHOOT THE MOON, L.M., Steve Bechtel, San Francisco, CA
33.      FC-AFC HIDDEN BAY'S BMW, L.M., Don and Elaine Erickson, Stillwater, MN
34.      FC-AFC MAPLE CREEK'S MAGGIE MAY, L.F., Brad and Sonya Bowyer, LaGrange, GA
35.      FC-AFC CAERNAC'S MR NOW WISER, L.M., Mimi Kearney, Morrisville, VT
36.      DUAL CH AFC WESTWIND'S RUDY OF NORDAIS, Ches.M., Wendy Chisholm, DVM, Levant, ME
37.      FC-AFC CHICKAMAUGA CHOO CHOO, L.F., J.M. and L.K. DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
38.      HONEYCREEK'S JAMMIN JACO, Gold.M., Jeff Warren and Linda Sikorowski, Larkspur, CO
39.      FC-AFC JB'S SO RUDE, L.F., Dick and Charlotte Kaiser, Hazel Green, AL
40.      FC-AFC HI COTTON'S AT WITS END, L.F., Lanse Brown, Kalispell, MT
41.      AFC CAYMAN'S RUN POINT RED, Gold.M., Judy and Bob Benko, Red Lodge, MT
42.      FC-AFC JUST MO MONEY HONEY, L.M., Kenneth McDuff, Centreville, MS
43.      SKY WATCH LIVE WIRE, L.M., Ray Vreeland, Conklin, MI
44.      AFC CREEK ROBBER, L.M., Ken Jackson, Duvall, WA
45.      FC MIDKNIGHT SHOT IN THE DARK, MH, L.M., Diane Dangler, Tahoe City, CA
46.      FC-AFC TEDDY'S EBONSTAR JAMES, L.M., Steve and Emily Faith, Louisville, KY
47.      FC-AFC MAX MILLENNIUM, L.F., John and Cynthia Cavanaugh, Easton, PA
48.      NAFC-FC-CFC-CAFC CANDLEWOOD'S BIT O BUNNY, L.F., Henry McNeil, Jr., Philadelphia, PA
49.      HUNTING HILLS STORMY NITE, L.M., Jan and Charles Bunn, Lake Cormorant, MS
50.      FC-AFC COREYCHAD'S BLUENORTH AXLE, L.M., Donald Driggers, Robbinsville, NJ
51.      FC-AFC HONKY TONK SKYWALKER, L.M., Jerry Wickliffe, Brookshire, TX
52.      FC-AFC YELLOWSTONE'S TNT EXPLOSION, L.M, Tim and Heidi Coulson, Riverton, WY
53.      AFC VOLWOOD'S PEACHES AND CREAM, L.F., Jack and Florence Vollstedt, Junction, City, OR
54.      CNFC-CAFC CLUBMEAD'S STEEL MAGNOLIA, L.F., John and Sharon van der Lee, Calgary, AB, Canada
55.      AFC HONKY TONK OUTLAW, L.M., Jerry Wickliffe, Brookshire, TX
56.      AFC COOLWATERS WINNING TICKET, L.F., Alexandra Washburn, Palm City, FL
57.      FC-AFC GENERAL'S CALYPSO BELLE, L.F., Northrup Larson and Dave Harter, Centerview, MO
58.      AFC TOPBRASS ASCENDING ELIJAH, Gold.M., C. and B. Cleveland and Judy Rasmuson, Clinton, CT
59.      FC-AFC VOLWOOD'S MOLLIE, L.F., Jack and Florence Vollstedt, Junction City, OR
60.      LAKE PARK DUSTY, L.M., Charles Bearden, Wichita Falls, TX
61.      FC-AFC LONGSHOT BLACK TALON, LF., Robert Willow and Paul Moccairo, Watha, NC
62.      FC-AFC TRUMARC'S CHUBBY MAC, L.M., Judith Aycock, Sanger, TX
63.      AFC BAYOU BEND'S EBONSTAR PEG, L.F., Lee and Rose Jolley, Lafayette, LA
64.      FC-AFC SUMMER THYME, L.F., William Bowen, Albuquerque, NM
65.      FC-AFC BLUE WATER SPECIAL, L.M., John Pampy, Poway, CA
66.      FC-AFC FEATHER OF SWEETBRIAR, L.F., Bob and Suzanne Kennon, Baton Rouge, LA
67.      AFC SHOE STRING BUCK, L.M., Gary and Mary Ahlgren, Winters, CA
68.      FIRE N ICE'S WATCHMAN, L.M., Michael Palazzolo, Carson City, NV
69.      FC-AFC GLEN LAKE BRAVEHEART, MH, L.M., Gail and Scotty Seward, Irvine, CA
70.      FC-AFC FLASHFIRE'S RIGHT ON TARGET, MH, L.M., Karen Price, Chino Hills, CA
71.      FC-AFC KENSBRIDGE DARKLY HANDSOME, L.M., Nan Ruby, Florence, OR
72.      FC-AFC HEAVY TRAFFIC, L.M., Mel Milton, Tacoma, WA
73.      TOPBRASS ROXX THE BOAT, L.F., Michael Kammerer, Montgomery, TX
74.      NFC-AFC EAGLE RIDGE ROCKET SAM, L.M., Bill Bowen, Albuquerque, NM
75.      AFC TRUMARC'S LEAN CUISINE, L.F., Judith Aycock, Sanger, TX
76.      GREENBRIAR GOOSEBUMPS, L.M., Dave Seivert, Everly, IA
77.      FC POZZY'S IN PURSUIT, L.M., Mark Rosenblum, Monroe, NC
78.      FC-AFC JUST ASK ME, L.M., Gene Haydel, Jennings, LA
79.      JOLIE CATIN, L.F., Lee and Rose Jolley, Lafayette, LA
80.      FC-AFC HUNTING HILLS BLACK ICE, L.M., John Thomas, Rocky Point, NC
81.      FC-AFC WATERMARKS HIDDEN BAY TRAPPER, L.M., Rodney Glaze, Mesquite, TX
82.      FC-AFC YOYOU KAYTEE KK, L.F., Hillary Rogers Brooks, Camden, SC
83.      FC-AFC HUEY, MH, L.M., Steve Cote, Modesto, CA
84.      FIRE N ICE'S WHISTLIN DIXIE, L.F., Michael Palazzolo, Carson City, NV
85.      AFC-CFC NICOLL'S BANDIT, L.M., Keith Nicolls, Springboro, PA
86.      FC RIPARIAN EASYRIDER, L.M, Cliff and Jeanne Garland, Defiance, MO
87.      COUNTESS OLENSKA, L.F., John and Cindy Canvanaugh, Easton PA
88.      RAMMIN' HOT CHILI, L.F., Randy and Mindy Bohn, Reinholds, PA
89.      AFC THAT'S BETTER, L.M., Alma and Paul Lalley, Guilford, CT
90.      GUNZUP TO NO GOOD, L.F., Andrea Meisse, Rocky Point, NC
91.      ZEPHYR DACE'S VOODOO VIXEN, L.F., Patricia Martin, LaGrange, TX
92.      HAWKEYE'S SHADOW, L.M., Marvin Blount, Greenville, NC
93.      FC-AFC CAROLINA'S SMOKE ON THE WATER, L.F., Kay and Clint Joyner, Smithfield, NC
94.      AFC PIN TO WIN, L.M., David and Evelyn Hengsteler, Junction City, OR
95.      MARSH PRAIRIE QUICK PICK, L.M., Joe and Tal Broyles, Baton Rouge, LA
96.      FC-AFC REBEL WITH A CAUSE, L.M., Ernie and Tina Sullivent, Amarillo, TX
97.      WHITEY IV, L.M., Fred Kampo, Oshkosh, WI
98.      SALLY'S SOUTH PAW, L.M., Jim Dorobek, Fremont, OH
99.      FC-AFC FOX HOLLOW'S LITTLE BUDDY, L.M., Martin and Barbara Kirby, Pinckneyville, IL
100.    FIRETAIL'S LEGEND, L.M., Carol Bray and Jeff Talley, Tallahassee, FL
101.    FC-AFC LITTLE GO GATOR, L.M., Greg  Heier, Crete, NE
102.    FC-AFC TRU LINE'S TOO LE GIT, L.M., Glenda Brown, Santa Barbara, CA
103.    SKY WATCH LIVE WIRE, L.M., Ray Vreeland, Conklin, MI
104.    FC-AFC REDLINE WILDERNESS HANNA GO, L.F., Robert and Leta Rovelstad, Edgerton, WI
105.    PUFF DADDY, L.M., Frantz and Trish Herr, Mountville, PA
106.    FC-AFC TAILWIND'S TRAVELIN GYPSY, L.F., John Thomas, Rocky Point, NC
107.    FC-AFC LAW ABIDING EZRA, L.M., B. and D. Cleveland and J. Rasmuson, Clinton, CT
108.    FC JAZZTIME ALBERTAWIND V PEKISKO, L.F., Anna and Larry Calvert, Charlo, MT
109.    FC-AFC BLACKWATER RUDY, L.M., Dave Harter, Omaha, NE
110.    FC JK'S CREEKSIDE TOP PAWS PEPE, L.M., Jessie and Skip Kent, Sparta, GA
111.    FC-AFC SUN VALLEY NUGGET, L.M., Harvey and Nancy Peterson, Fall City, WA
112.    JOHNNY HANDSOME, L.M., Glenn Golden, Schodack Landing, NY
113.    AFC RIPRIAN CLASSY CHASSIS, L.F., Cliff and Jeanne Garland, Defiance, MO
114.    AFC ABANDONER OF THE FAITH, L.M., Duncan and Ellen Christie, Westport, MA
115.    CUDA'S BLUE RYDER,  L.M., Charles Tyson, Davis, CA
116.    BLUEGOOSE DOUBLE G-MAC, L.M., Michael Hasenoehrl, Redmond, WA
117.    AFC WATERMARK'S WIZARD, L.M., Fred Kampo, Oshkosh, WI
118.    FC-AFC CANDLEWOODS REBEL RIDGE PDQ, L.M., Lyn Yelton, Elkton, MD
119.    FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC JAZZTIME'S FREQUENT FLYER, L.M., Anna and Larry Calvert
120.    FC-AFC GLENHAVEN HTRS MN BARONET, Gold.M., Glenda and Richard Brown, Santa Barbara, CA
121.    HILLTOP'S BOONDOCKER, MH, Alan Catey, Missoula, MT
122.    JAZZTIME TEQUILA TALKING, L.M., Dan Bilbao, Elko, NV
123.    WINIFOX HOT SHOT, L.M., Whitney Ralph, Monson, MA
124.    FC-AFC DEWEY'S DRAKE OF MOON RIVER, L.M., Gary McIlwain and Lowell Schwab, Bovey, MN
125.    FC-AFC MORGAN LE FAE OF BUCKSHOT, L.F., Win and Susie Purtell, West Bend, WI
126.    TOP GUN HURRICANE, LM, Brian Hoffman, Omaha NE
127.    BLACKWATER RUBY II, LF, Ron and Jane Ainley, Dubuque, IA
128.    FC GIG EM' BY SURPRISE, LF, Matt and John Harris and Dudley Millikin, Andover, ME
129.    FC-CAFC BROVIC'S MOREJON'S MOXIE, LF, Roy and Susan Morejon, Freeport, ME
130.    PLEASANT RIVER BLUE WING, LF, Milly Welsh and Charles Hayden, Davidsonville, MD
131.    FC-AFC HIWOOD KLEEN SWEEP, LF, Roy and Jo McFall, Anchorage AK
132.    AFC WHERLEY'S SOUR MASH, GM, J. Mertens/R. Wherley, Elgin, IL
133.    AFC TAILWIND'S WONA BEA, LF, Don Pape, Dubuque, IA
134.    FC-AFC LARS RHYTHM N' BLUES, LM, Robert Larsen, Thompson, CT
135.    AFC LINDELL'S BLACK MAGNUM, LM, Patrick Lindell, Alexandria, MN
136.    FC-AFC CHENA RIVER RIPPLE, LF, Len Ferucci, Anchorage, AK
137.    HASTY PUDDING'S CHEVY CHASE. LM, Thomas Vaughn, Parker, CO
138.    CANDLEWOOD'S AIRBORNE ALLIE MH, LM, Tommy Parrish, Clinton, SC

Saturday, June 15, 2002

At 2 p.m. the Retriever Advisory Committee Meeting was called to order by Nelson Sills. The Convention Center at the Shilo Inn was well populated as several issues concerning the determination of Amateur status were on the agenda. On the dais also were committee members Bill Speck, Jerry Mann, Bill Daley and John Goettl.

Pete reviewed the current determination of an Amateur by reading the present information from the "Rules and Procedures" pamphlet. He then addressed the 4 recommendations to change the existing rules:

First: Recommendations as to amateur status would be would become rules to abide by and would appear as such in the Rule portion of the pamphlet.

Second was the matter of  the type of compentsation given from one to another along with what constitutes field trial or hunt test training. The goal of the training was what would be considered.

Third: Who decides who is or is not a pro. Suggested was a statement signed by an individual which states that he/she is familiar with the amateur status rules and is an amateur by admission. If fraud was discovered later, various penalties could be assessed. The determination then is removed from the Field Trial Committee.

Fourth was the issue of inappropriate relationships or associations with a pro trainer. A concept taken from pointing dog rules would replace the current recommendation. It states that amateur status is denied to any person who is a member of a household of a person who does not qualify as an amateur.

These were only recommendations that will be reviewed and presented again. ( Some present wanted the recommendations voted on  separately instead of a single vote)

A lively discussion occurred on nearly every point and the meeting went about 10 minutes overtime before 
adjourning.

After, the conference room filled with more participants for the National Amateur Retriever Club Annual meeting. 
Due to the previous meeting, it was called to order at 3:20 p.m. by President Gary Ahlgren. On the dais were members Ray Vreeland, Liz Jerome, Dean Ellis, John Russell and Charles Tyson.

Ahlgren thanked all the sponsors, then held a moment of silence for deceased participants, dogs and people since last year. The minutes, financial report and roll call followed.

The 2003 nominations for Club officers were announced as Pres, Dean Ellis, VP.'s Ray Vreeland, Liz Jerome , Charles Tyson, John Russell, Secretary-Treasurer and Wayne Bleazard. Wayne and Sherry Bleazard would be the Field Trial Co-Chairs. Judges will be Jerald Kamphius, Gary McIllwain and Glenda Brown.

After more announcements and presentations, the floor was relinquished to Co- Chief Marshal Susan King for info on the '02 trial. She gave the rotation, 1-27-54-81 and announced the first series to be a double and a blind. 
There would be no partial callbacks during the trial and the test dogs would run at 7:30; first running dog at 8.

Soon after the meeting ended with an invitation for all to attend the pre National cocktail party scheduled in the same room at 6PM.

Sunday, June 16, 2002

Tests One and Two - Land Double With Blind on Left

Sunday arrived clear, cool, temps in the upper 50's and little wind.  Although there was to be no formal caravan, there was a "pilot" car to lead participants to the site. It was a beautiful 20+ mile ride to the site, a lush valley off Hwy 140. At 7 a.m., the test set up, a double and a blind, was nearing completion. There were two mats facing  the lush green valley. A flowing creek was a short distance in front of the line and wound it's way angling back to the left. Spoils from trenching it were piled on the far bank.

To the right, about 125-140 yds from line, a set of live gunners shot a flying hen pheasant to the right. Deeper to their left, a second set of guns were positioned on the edge of a narrow tree stand about 175-190 yards out. They threw a dead hen pheasant angled back to the right. As the dog was sent, they retired behind a log blind. The left mark was thrown first, followed by the flyer. Handlers were instructed to stay on the mat when sending and not move in front of them when running. Also, they were to pick up the last mark on the left (blind) mat.

 About 40 yards directly to the left of the reitred guns was a pair of stumps on a sparsely wooded hill across a dirt road. A dead hen pheasant was planted there also about 175 to 190 yards away AFTER the dog was on his way back from the last bird. In case a dog arrived back sooner than the bird was planted, they were directed to a nearby blind until it was placed. The marks were run from the right mat and the blind from the left one. Dogs had to cross the narrow creek for all birds. (That was helpful for the dogs as it cooled them down.)

Many of the dogs "shopped" for the flyer as the falls were varied and hen pheasants had little scent. Some lost a firm mark crossing the creek and berm. The retired mark caused a few more problems. A direct line to the bird angled across the creek and a number squared it instead. Those arrived to the right, into the expansive meadow. They seemed unwilling to go back to the woods and hunted the field. Others winded the blind and hunted short. A fallen log on the way to the area also pushed them right. A switching and relatively gusty wind at times also influenced them.

The blind was the most challenging as the line to it angled into the creek (Current flowing in towards the line) then angled out on the far shore and across it again. It continued across a dirt road to the wooded hill beyond. The angles, narrow creek and wooded area on right kept handlers busy trying to hold a line. Poor initial lines demanded a quick correction and a fast dog could nearly jump across the creek and into trouble. A wind in toward the line discouraged dogs from taking the casts into the water and there were numerous refusals at times.

It took 7-8 minutes per dog and  by mid afternoon there was doubt that all 110 would run on Sunday. Toward evening the test deteriorated. There were a number of no-birds and a handle or two. That fact combined with dusk  rapidly enveloping the site,  motivated Judges to suspended the series after dog 97 ran. (There were still a few reruns to complete in the morning.) The test would resume on Tuesday morning with one test dog running at 7:30 and the first dog, 98, at 8 am.

L to R - Dennis and Mary Lou Bath & Don Driggers

Jan Bunn

Line for tests one and two

L to R - Bill Speck and Roy Pelton

Monday, June 17, 2002

Blind from top of dike

Zoom in showing planter

Dawn arrived gray, cool , breezy and with the threat of rain. As posted, The combined first and second tests had been swiftly reset and the lone test dog ran about 7:20. She was quickly followed by the first running dog, 99, at 7:45 am.

The wind had decreased since the evening before and visibility was better also. The remaining dogs seemed to fare better with only an exception or two and the test was completed shortly after 9 am when dog 110 returned to line.

In the distance, a new line tent had been erected and workers were constructing the third series, a water blind. The gallery was advised to remain at the present site where callbacks would be given.

In a few minutes announcer Dean Ellis read them. 102 were called back with 6 dropped and two scratches missing among the numbers. Those dropped: 71,75, 77, 81, 93, and 106. Scratched were: 29 and 104.

Cars were quickly moved a short distance to the edge of a wet, grassy meadow. In the distance was the new series. A rather long walk down a dike brought participants to the new site. The line  was located behind the dike which ran parallel to a winding irrigation channel. Unfortunately, the narrow dike did not permit the gallery to view much of the test and they had to observe from a good distance behind.

The line was below and behind the dike making it a "no see 'em" start for running dogs. Handlers were told they could move up once the dog crossed the top of the dike. To recover the blind, dogs had to angle over the dike and into the 30 or so foot wide channel and back up on to the grassy shore of the wet meadow.( In the distance to the right was a "decoy" gunner with a white coat  who sat in a chair.) They had to angle across it for a good distance back toward the shore of the winding channel. There they had to re enter and swim down to the bird, a hen pheasant, which lay at the shore's edge about (guess) 275 yards away. There was a stiff, switching wind, which gusted even higher during the test, from left to right or straight into the line until mid afternoon.

By 10 am, the test dogs demonstrated the pitfalls and  handlers were invited to get their dogs. The long walk to get them and return delayed the start a bit, but by 11:45 the first running dog, # 27 appeared on line. A number of dogs squared the channel and were drawn to the decoy gunner. A cast to the left, back on line, was also into or against the wind, and some hesitated to comply. Beyond, a few tried to re-enter the channel too soon which would also put them off line and difficult to see. Handlers had to direct them back to land on a tight line to the shore. After a cast or two away from the water, some slid down the distant right shore, ignoring the casts to send them back into the water for the swim to the far end of the channel. All these factors produced cast refusals and some rough work. There were a few exceptional jobs, too, despite the daunting conditions.

The test took about 6-8 mpd, depending on the work and although the estimated finish time was calculated at 7:30, it was near 8 when it finished.

The Eukanuba people were hosting a dinner for all participants in town at 6:30 and many attended the wonderful feast. About 9:30, the party animals returned to the Shilo to wait  for the callbacks. First the Judges arrived followed by Suzanne King with the list. 85 dogs would run the fourth, a land/ water triple about 20 miles away on new grounds. 17 dogs had been lost. They included:1, 7, 15, 28, 32, 34, 37, 43, 45, 50, 66, 92, 97, 98, 102, 103, and 109.

Judges (l  to r) Stan Safranski, Gary Ratzlaff 
and Pat Martin - Lunch  "Au Fresca"

Gallery observing worried handlers watching test dog

Handlers watching test dog

The lunch wagon - Good stuff!

Tuesday, June 18, 2002

 Left gun

Middle gun (deep)

Right flyer 

Land/water triple, 2 retired guns and honor

A partly cloudy sky slowly turned ugly as cars approached the site of test 4, a land/water triple with two retired guns and an honor. By the time participants wove their way deep within the expansive ranch,  drizzle became a steady rain. As a bonus, a stiff, cold wind blew from a large lake behind the dike making it seem much cooler than the low 50's. Those nasty conditions slowed the setup a bit, but by 7:23, the first test team was called to line.

In the parking and gallery area, people huddled under umbrellas or waited in their cars. The lunch wagon struggled to serve breakfast  while trying to keep the cook fires going. Happily, the deluge was not an all day affair and by late morning partly cloudy skies and warmer temps graced the site. However, the stiff, switching winds remained for the duration.

The line was up on a dike overlooking a grazed pasture that had winding irrigation canals in it. Three sets of guns were positioned in a 180 degree spread within the field. A short distance to the right were the live bird guns. They shot a flying mallard to the left where it fell in nearly bare ground only about 40 yards from line. Very deep and wide to their left stood a second set. They threw a dead duck flat to the left where it splashed into some heavier grass about 275 yards out. To the close left, a third set threw a hen pheasant angled back to the right. It arched across the 15 ft. channel and landed in the pasture grass behind a low ridge about 110 yards  from  line. When the test began the marks were down wind, but it varied somewhat during the day. The order was: long middle bird; shorter left mark; right flyer. As the dog recovered the short, tempting flyer, the other two sets of guns retired into brush or log blinds. There was an honor mat to the left of the running dog and the last bird was delivered there.  Dog 101 had come in season  over night and she was scratched.

After the test teams ran, it was another long walk from and back to the line - in the driving rain- for contestants to get their dogs. At about 8 am, the first running dog, #54 stepped boldly from the holding blind (There were at least 6 others to allow handlers to wait in on the long walk down the dike to the line.) The flyer was mesmerizing and some dogs were distracted by it's close proximity. The lines to both retired guns were somewhat tight although the distance between them was great.

The flyer produced little trouble for most dogs, but it's effects could be carried over to the retired marks. To recover the left pheasant, dogs had to angle down the dike and swim across the channel to the right of the retired station and angle across the channel again to where the bird lay. Some squared the water and ran to the left of the guns.  Early, this bird was downwind and dogs would hunt the near side convinced that was where the bird was. Some seemed to be looking for a duck and/or had trouble winding the lightly scented hen pheasant (in wet grass). Most figured out that the bird was across the channel, but some did not and had to be handled. One or two drove through it to the distant mark and also need handling.

Upon recovering it, they had to take a fairly tight line again angling back into and across the  channel, past the previous mark and deep into the flat, expansive pasture beyond. They again had to cross some water to recover the duck. The angle into the channel gave dogs a view of it's far shore of it and some squared it, channeling to the end. That put them off line to the right and a number drove far to the right and deep beyond on the opposite side of the guns. Some recovered sooner than others, but a few had to be handled back to the mark. A few also split the difference between the retired marks and hunted their way to one or another.

Although the sun came out and light improved, the switching wind made the long mark more difficult while enabling dogs to wind the shorter pheasant mark from the near side of the channel.

The test took about 7+ minutes per dog and was expected to finish about 7 pm.

Callbacks arrived quite late, about 10 pm. There were 67 dogs invited back to the fifth. Seventeen had been lost and there was one scratch. Those dropped:20, 21, 25, 27, 55, 59, 64, 65, 72, 79, 82, 83, 87, 96, 99, 108, and 110. Scratched (season) 101.

The fifth is slated to be a land quad with two shot flyers beginning with (approx) dog 81. Test dog at 7:30, first dog at 8.

Wednesday, June 19, 2002

Test 5 - Land Quad, 2 Retired Guns and an Honor

What a difference a day makes! Wednesday arrived clear and cool with little wind. The site of number five was less than 5 minutes from the Shilo Inn. Parking was available in a hilly field full of loose stone (some huge) ditches and drop offs. The view was beautiful. Getting to line was another matter. Designed for mountain goats, the hike up the steep incline to the line and gallery took either prime condition or a rest stop. Those unable to make it were ferried to the line by 4 wheelers. The wind was strong on the high hill and down jackets were very welcome.

Once on top the hill the view in all directions was magnificent. It was well worth the effort.

The test was still in preparation as participants arrived. Unfortunately, the owner of the first running dog, Sandi McCourt had fallen and painfully injured her knee. She was taken to the emergency room for treatment and work was resumed.( Later she returned with a splint and crutches - she will run last, if possible). The test was a land quad with two retired guns and an honor.

The running line was located just to the left of a dirt road and faced a sparsely covered field of grass, wild flowers and sage patches.  It was a picturesque setting for the series and the gallery, located parallel to and above it, had an awesome view. The hill descended a short distance, then rose steeply beyond. On the far hillside, three sets of guns were positioned in an in-line configuration. To the deep right a fourth set was located nearly straight away from line. All were located a good distance from line making the marks quite long.  First, the right gun threw a dead rooster angled back to the left landing  about 175+ yds (guess) from line. Next, deep to the left of them a set of live bird guns shot a flying rooster to the right (250+ yds?) . Third, the next set, closer to line, threw a dead duck to the right where it fell in some low sagebrush about 175+(?) yds out. The last mark, on the left, was a flying mallard shot to the right about 200 yards (?)away. All fell in  the sagebrush/ grassy cover. As the dog was sent for the left flyer duck, the left middle and right guns retired (both dead birds). It took 7-9 mpd to complete. There was an honor to the left of line

Shortly after 8 am each test dog was pressed into duty. King and Willow did well while Glen and Willy had to handle.

The in line triple configuration with a shorter middle mark combined with a converging dead retired bird on the far flyer tested both the dog's marking , memory and perseverance while challenging the handler to set up and direct his dog to his/her fullest advantage. Currently, all handlers took the left flyer first. Then it got dicey. Many tried for the left, shorter middle retired mark second, but  when several drove through it, others tried for the long flyer second. Both methods produced mixed results. Others tried "outside/outside" - not real successful, either. Those with the most consistently successful  results seemed to take the left flyer, middle left retired, then far right retired and long flyer last.

If dogs blew through the left retired mark, it was difficult to get them to return to it after recovering the long, very obvious flyer. Similarily, some dogs, when sent for the far right bird, would miss it and hunt their way to the far flyer. A number of handles were required to recover those birds. In some cases the dog would not handle or could not hear the whistles and a few were picked up.

By mid morning it became apparent that the test could not be completed the same day and would continue on Thursday. Because of the workers party this evening, test 5 would be suspended at 5:30 (no partial callbacks) and resume in the morning.  Rumors were that a land blind would follow the quad in the same area after it's conclusion Thursday morning.

The test was suspended at 5:30 and will resume on Thursday with dog 67. Test dog at 7:30, first running dog soon after.

Aussie visitor Julie Cramond and Bill Eckett

Gallery Test 5

(L) Gary Ahlgren and Rich Fenner 

(L) Rodney Glaze and Steve Faith

Thursday, June 20, 2002

Thursday was the last day of spring and put it's best face forward. It arrived sunny, clear and warm with temps in the low 60's. Unfortunately some of the workers were not as perky. Wednesday night's workers party had been an unmitigated success. Dinner, a band, dancing (liquid libation, of course)  and prizes were enjoyed by all. A bird throwing contest in the parking lot of the host club, The Bum Steer, after supper added to the merriment. Mike Bassett won the accuracy award, while Andy Attar took distance. A run off of the two found Bassett to be champion. (What about the one that landed on the roof?)

In spite of the revelry, test number 5 was reinstated quickly on Thursday morning with the ten or so dogs left to run in attendance. Sandi McCourt, still in full leg brace, had recovered enough to run her dog last.

The test dog ran promptly at 7:30 am with the first running dog, #67 arriving on line at 7:56. As during the previous morning, work was not a good as yesterday afternoon and about half the dogs had to handle. Number 5 ended at 9:45 with dog #84.

The new site was announced as about 1/2 hour away and call backs would be given at the current site. While caravans formed to journey to the site of Number 6 in the Poe Valley, the callbacks were announced. 51 dogs remained for the Sixth. The 17 lost to the quad were: 3, 11, 17, 24, 30, 41, 42, 48, 56, 58, 73, 74, 76, 88, 89, and 91.

Gun 1

Gun 2

Flyer

As the caravan(s) arrived, the test was forming in a large pasture with a winding stream snaking through it. The raised shore varied from raised gravel to cattail lined . Above it was  a wide expanse of cropped pasture grass.  By 11:30 a.m. a relatively short triple was ready for a test team. After the first one ran, judges mad an adjustment or two and ran the second. Satisfied, they called for the first dog. Number 9 appeared on line at 11:45 am.

The test was a land /water triple with a retired gun and shot flyer.  The line was located on top a raised shore of the cattail lined  creek. Deep on the left, across several twists of the stream a set of guns threw a dead duck flat to the left. It splashed on the bottom of the shore about 185 yards from line. Closer in and to the right a second set was positioned on top the pasture. They threw a dead hen pheasant flat to the left where it landed on the shore's bottom about 73 yards from line. Farther to the right a group of gunners shot a flying mallard to the left, across a depression. It fell in cropped pasture grass about 95 yards away and was sluiced. As the dog was sent for it the left guns retired to a blind behind a hill. The order was left, middle, right.

Number 6 got off to a rough start. The first two handled, the third had a herd of cows chase it (rerun) and number 4 got a no-bird. One or two did it, then a couple picked up. It was brutal.

To recover all the marks, dogs had to cross the cattail lined creek, which was cooling on the hot dry day. The flyer fall was clearly visible and dogs hustled to get it. Once back, only the short middle stand out guns were visible. The bird, however, lay at the base of the creek and early dogs had no wind. The creek, cattail, and rolling land distracted dogs from a firm mark. Since they had not seen it land at the bottom, perhaps their depth perception was skewed. Many of them seemed to run over it then appear on the far bank where they hunted  the pasture beyond. Once there, most were hesitant to return to the sunken creek and handles were necessary to recover the pheasant (light and different scent than the flyer duck could have caused some problem). After a hunt and perhaps a handle, memory of the long retired bird became hazy. Again, they had not seen the bird land on the bottom creek shore and those factors combined with the numerous terrain changes also caused long hunts and handles. In some cases there were double handles on the marks.

By mid afternoon, the list of dogs that had not handled so far, dropped dramatically. Number six was a real bear. Of course there were a number of very nice marks and an appreciative gallery applauded the victors.

Because of the long hunts and handles, there was doubt that the test would be completed on Thursday. However, it did finish shortly before 8 pm when #12 (cow interference rerun) returned to line. In all, approx. 33 of the 51 dogs (about 60%)  had handled (and/or picked up) on the sixth.

Callbacks were posted about 10:20 PDT and only 30 potential NAFC's remained. Those lost were: 
4, 5, 9, 10, 12, 16, 18, 19, 22, 25, 31, 33, 49, 51, 52, 53, 63, 78, 84, 94, and 95. The next test  will be back at the site 3 ranch. Starting number will be 38.

Charles Hays and Eddy on line

Gunners lair - Tony Snow with lobster dinner

Shon Garrison and announcer Dean Ellis

Lynne DuBose (L) and John Russell

Friday, June 21, 2002

Gunner (Ret)

Gunner (Ret)

Live Gunners

Test 7 - Water Triple With Two Retired Marks

A dark, foreboding sky hovered over participants about 6:30 am as they started to the site of test #7. It was back at the same ranch where the third series had been held. The weather forecast told of scattered showers and a high of about 80. However, by the time cars were parked, the clouds had dissipated and the sun soon appeared.

The site was deep within the ranch and cars traveled slowly as to not disturb the owners. Once again, the line was on a dike facing a flooded pasture of lunging and swimming water. Nearly straight out from line on the left, a gunner was stationed in a boat in the flooded field. He threw a dead duck back to the right where it splashed into the water about 110 yards from line. To his right and a bit closer in stood another gunner, also in a boat  He threw a dead duck to the right, that splashed in the grassy water about 105 yards away. On the dike to the right of the line a live gun station shot a bird flighted to the left and sluiced it as it landed in the water about 75 yards deep converging toward the middle mark. As the dog recovered the flyer, the two boat gunners retired by sitting down in  camouflaged blinds encircling the boats The order was left, middle, right flyer. It took about 12 mpd.

 At  about 8:15 the test dogs demonstrated that the birds could be hard to mark and hunts and a handle were needed to recover them. At 8:56 the first running dog, #38 boldly strode to line. When he handled on two and the next on one, handlers feared a repeat of  the #6 results. Never the less, the test continued and slowly completions outnumbered handles. Unfortunately, several of those who handled added a second handle to an earlier one. By late morning several dogs were applauded for outstanding work.

Early dogs had little wind and what there was could switch a bit. The flooded grassy cover looked quite similar and dogs could loose a firm mark when swimming to it. The short flyer was very exciting and could also distract the dogs Some, when sent for the middle bird second, passed between it and the boat, drove deep and winded the left one. Once they recovered it, It was very difficult to send them back to the middle one. A few dogs seemed to lose their mark on one or the other and swam out of the area. Those either hunted wide or had to be handled back. Later paths formed through the flooded grass but most did not lead directly to where the birds lay. One or two also switched.

One dog was taken from the holding blind after it appeared to have inhaled a fox tail (Was OK to run later.) Several no-birds were time consuming as by-dogs were needed to pick them up.

As test time improve, a water blind appeared to be the next test. It would be held in the same area  after the marks were completed.

At about 3:45 number 7 was history when dog 47 returned with her last bird. (Had 2 no-birds and had to run last).

As the next test, a single water blind was organized farther down the dike, the callbacks were given. Once again the fairly short but demanding marks had taken a toll. Only 18 dogs remained for the eighth series. The 12 dropped were: 2, 8, 14, 36, 38, 46, 54, 60, 62, 86, 90, and 100.  One handler, #67 possibly felt he would not be called back and left. A cell phone call reached him and he hurried to return to run the blind.

Test 8  - Water Blind

Site from line

Zoom view to show blind

The line for the blind was located a ways down the dike, about where the live guns had stood, and faced the water 90 degrees from the marks. It was a long land angle water entry. Two bird crates were located off the right side of the dike, just around a slight right turn. In the bottom crate were a few live ducks. Farther down the dike a decoy gunner sat in a chair with a sack of birds next to him. Since the wind was from right to left across the test, dogs could wind them from the water as they swam/lunged by.  On either side of the dike, about 30 yards from the line, two rocks were tied with red ribbons. Handlers were told they could move up to that point to handle once the dogs crossed them and entered the water(?).

The first test team tried to demonstrate the series only to be misinformed of where the bird lay. It had been planted by a boat on a rat trap in open water. After, Judges had it moved to the right shore and planted in a clump of weeds instead of open water. That proved wise since a gale force wind accompanied a storm passing in the distance. After a few more adjustments, number 8 was ready. A second test dog was then demonstrated the revised blind.  At 5:12, dog 61 braved the wind to initiate the test. (Coincidentally her name was FC-AFC Northwind Gale Force!)

To recover the bird, a dead duck, dogs had to run down the dike and enter the water about where it curved to the right. They had to parallel the shore past clumps of cattails, and weeds, occasionally quite close to the inviting shoreline and the smell of ducks resting on it. The bird lay in a protruding patch of light green cover about 200 yards from line. It took about 10 mpd

Some dogs did not like to run down the center of the dike and tried to go left where the flyer had fallen previously. Others went to the right perhaps avoiding the water ahead. Once in the water some were nudged to the left either by the strong wind or old falls. As the dogs swam farther down the shore they were drawn to it by the smell of the ducks and/or the punishing conditions and some tried to exit early.

By 8:05 the eighth ended when 57 returned to line. Happily, the departed contender had been able to compete as he returned in time.

It had been difficult to get an exact sense of the work since the view was blocked from behind the line and the gallery was too far away.

About 9:35 pm the callbacks arrived in the popcorn room of the Shilo. Three had been lost and 15 remained in contention. Those dropped: 3, 40, and 61. The ninth would be held back at "mountain goat hill" a short distance from HQ. It would be a land blind with test teams at 7:30 and first running dog shortly thereafter. Dog 105 would run first.

Gallery - Test 7

(L to R) Sandy Thorson, John Pampy, 
Bill Daley & Marilyn Fender

Saturday, June 22, 2002

Test 9 from the line

Zoom view with blind marked

Test 9 - Land Blind/Poison Bird

The big day began very promising. It was in the upper 50's, partly cloudy and little wind at 6:30 as participants traveled to the site on #9, the mountain climb to the meadow below, near HQ. There a single blind was nearly ready when contestants arrived. The line was located deep to the left of the pervious one and faced toward the old right, retired mark. A line mat was placed at the bottom of about a 3 ft. swale making it a "no-see-um start".  To recover the blind, dogs had to go up over the swale and down the undulating hill to the bird below where  the rooster pheasant lay at the base of a bush marked with a red ribbon 200 yards away.

At 7:40 the test teams began demonstrating that the dogs could roll left toward the old fall and needed a a few casts to keep them on line through the terrain. After the second team ran, judges had a poison bird gun placed on a hill to the right. He threw a dead rooster to the right and picked it up after each dog. Then they ran a third test dog and, satisfied with the results, asked for the first running dog. At 8:10 the first running dog, #105, initiated the blind.

Most dogs had several whistles to recover the bird, most nudged to the left by the old fall, hill and "no" off the poison bird. Several had handles near the blind since dogs could disappear behind surrounding bushes

Just before 9 am the ninth ended when #25 returned to line. All dogs were called back to the tenth.

Most people had been to the new site before so , once back over the mountain, most drove over on their own. Once on site, a wide land water quad was set up in an expansive pasture. The site was just off Poe road and easily accessible.

Test 10, Land/water quad - two ret.guns

The line was located in a grazed pasture that rolled slightly down to an area of islands and surrounding water. To the left, across a pond sat a flyer gunner station . They shot a flying hen pheasant to the left. It fell in pasture grass  170 yards out. Deeper, and to the right a second set od guns threw a dead pheasant across a strip of water to the land beyond. (It appeared to fall on the island in front, but did not). It landed in the pasture 190 yards away. Closer to line and again to the right, a third station shot a flying duck across the water where it landed on the far shore 126 yards from line. Very deep and to the far right a fourth set shot a flying rooster well ridden out to the left. The order was: Far right, middle left, far left, middle right. As the dog was sent for the closest flyer, only they and the left station remained out. It was a humongous test.

Once the cars were parked, test teams were called to the line. They arrived via a four wheeler decked out in an American flag and red, white and blue streamers. Willow had a 3 strand necklace of beads and seemed to enjoy the attention. At 10:25 am Glenn and Willie ran first to the strains of "Proud To Be An American " emanating from the PA system. He handled as did Susan and Willow. It took about 22-25 minutes to complete. As they and each competing team arrived on line, announcer Dean Ellis provided their names, titles, owners and handler. Contestants were allowed to view the line for a time, then requested  to ready their dogs.

At 11:25 the first running dog, #44 stepped from the holding blind.

The sheer amount of birds, shot flyers, distance and terrain made it difficult for dogs to retain a sharp memory of all four marks. The center two were quite tight to one another and a  short, "dummy" blind on the near middle left confused some dogs. The left middle fall caused hunting and handling. It's proximity to the middle right one and a switching wind wafting scent from it's crates created a difficult situation. The left one was pretty straight forward and dogs had the least amount of trouble on it. However the far right one lay across two strips of water in the pasture beyond with a retired gun station. After recovering the previous three (perhaps with a handle on one), a dog's memory could become dimmed. That, too caused hunts and a handle or two.

It was a time consuming and defining test that went well into the afternoon.  Almost all of the dogs handled on one, sometines two birds, except for three. Those were: 85,70 and 69. It took 20-25 mpd to complete the test. Unfortunately, the last dog,# 26 (earlier NB) broke and he could not become a finalist. Therefore the National was completed about 5:15 when she returned to the handler.

In a short while, the awards were made in the field.  Each finalist was introduced and presented with a chrystal champange flute and sterling silver photo frame. Then the winner, 01 NAFC-FC Candlewood's Ramblin' Man owned by Jim and Judy Powers, handled by Jim, was declared the Winner. Champagne was served the finalists and Jim and Judy invited all to a winners party at the Shilo a bit later.

L to R: Chril Calgren, Gary Ahlgren, 
Don Shaw and Gary Zellner 

Test team Glenn Gulvin, Willie and
flag draped 4 wheeler.

2002 NARC Winner & Finalists

2002 National Amateur 
Retriever Championship
June 16-22, 2002 - Klamath Falls, Oregon 

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THE WINNER IS # 70, BLM: 
01 NAFC-FC CANDLEWOOD'S RAMBLIN' MAN 
Owned by Jim and Judy Powers, Handled by Jim

 
                                                                                                                                             FINALISTS

6.      FC-AFC YELLOWSTONE'S TNT EXPLOSION, LM, Tim Coulson 
23.    FC-AFC CARBON COPY OF HORN CREEK, LM, Frank Kashevarof 
39.    SHOOT SCOOT'N PADDY, LM, Jim Smith 
44.    FC-AFC CANDLEWOODS REBEL RIDGE PDQ, LM, Lyn Yelton 
47.    RAMMIN HOT CHILI, LF, Randy Bohn 
57.    FC-AFC TEDDY'S EBONSTAR JAMES, LM, Steve Faith 
67.    FC-AFC HIDDEN BAY'S BMW, LM, Jeff Talley 
68.    FC-AFC ADAMS ACRES CHEROKEE ROSE, LF, John Russell 
69.    HAWKEYE'S SHADOW, LM, Marvin Blount 
80.    FC-AFC CANDLEWOOD COURT JESTER, LM,  Mike Fullerton 
85.    FC-AFC SUN VALLEY NUGGET, LM, Harvey Peterson 
105.  FC-AFC VOLWOOD'S MOLLIE, LF, Jack Vollstedt 
107.  FC-AFC FORDLAND'S BORED OUT FORD, LM, Sam Milton

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Summary of Callbacks and Drops in Order of the Draw

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Daily Reports of the Stake
by Mary Knapp

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For a complete report of the 2002 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]

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2001 Defending National Amateur Champion

NAFC-FC Candlewood's Ramblin' Man, L.M.
Owned by Jim and Judy Powers, Handled by Jim