2003 NARC - McCall, ID

2003 NARC Callbacks

2003 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. NAFTCH PRAIREMARSH MADNESS, L.M., Dennis Voigt and Fiona McKay, Lindsay, ON, Canada
       3. FC RUDYDUCK'S VALENTINE, L.F., Michael and Mary Nelson, Salt Lake City, UT
       4. FC-AFC VOLWOOD'S PEACHES AND CREAM, L.F., Jack Vollstedt, Laquinta, CA
       5. FC-AFC HIWOOD KLEEN SWEEP, L.F., Roy and Jo Mcfall, Anchorage, AK
       6. FC-AFC CREEK ROBBER, L.M., Ken Jackson, Duvall, WA
       7. AFC FREERIDIN WOWIE ZOWIE, L.M., Ted Shih, Golden, CO
       8. FC-AFC TUCK OF GLENFIDDICH, L.M., A.M. and Mary Thompson, Alma, WI
       9. NFC-AFC CASHMAN'S FAT LADY ZINGIN, L.F., J.M. and L.K. DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
      10. FC-AFC MAX MILLENNIUM, L.F., John and Cynthia Cavanaugh, Easton, PA
      11. FC-AFC VOLWOOD'S MOLLIE, L.F., Jack Vollstedt, Laquinta, CA
      12. FC-AFC GUNSTOCKS FAST EDDY FELSEN, L.M., Chas. and Yvonne Hays, Princeton, MN
      13. AFC WORLD FAMOUS TELLIPATH, L.F., Ryan and Sal Gelardi, Woodland, CA
      14. FC-AFC FORDLAND'S BORED OUT FORD, L.M., Sam Milton, Raymond, MS
      15. AFC PICASTAR'S DOUBLE MOUNTAIN, L.M., Ken McCartney, Cheyenne, WY
      16. AFC BIG SKY'S RED PLANET, L.M., Maury Smith, Park City, MT
      17. FC-AFC TEQUILA SUNRISE IX, L.F., Cecily Dunlap and Lori Oliver, Winnetke, IL
      18. FC-AFC CASTLEBAY'S SWEET SUCCESS, L.F., Charles Hines III, Downers Grove, IL
      19. AFC VOLWOOD'S HOOLIGAN, L.M., Glenn and Robin Gulvin, Modesto, CA
      20. AFC CAROLINA'S ELECTRIK GYPSY, L.F., Kay and Clint Joyner, Smithfield, NC
      21. FC-AFC CANDLEWOOD'S RITA REYNOLDS, L.F., Mary Howley and Sue Reynolds, Portage, WI
      22. FC-AFC DISTAGON, Ches.M., Bruce Mitchell and Wm. Smith, Clayton, NJ
      23. FC-AFC R.P.M. XENA, L.F., Roger and Pat Magnusson, Onaway, MI
      24. FC-AFC POZZY'S IN PURSUIT, L.M., Mark Rosenblum, Monroe, NC
      25. FC TEAL MCKENZIE II, L.M., Glenn and Christine Lokay, Stuart, FL
      26. AFC LIL BIT'S PINOT NOIR, L.F., Holly and Victor Garcia, Bartonville, TX
      27. FC-AFC HI COTTON'S AT WITS END, L.F., Lanse Brown, Kalispell, MT
      28. FC-AFC WOOD RIVER'S MAKE MY DAY, L.M., Bill and Gay Fruehling, Ketchum, ID
      29. FC-AFC PEE DEE QUICK, L.M., Nancy and Lasal Banty, Rochester, NY
      30. FC-AFC ADAMS ACRES CHEROKEE ROSE, L.F., John and Martha Russell, S. Hampton, NH
      31. FC-AFC DUST DEVIL'S SHOOT THE MOON, L.M., Steve Bechtel, San Francisco, CA
      32. TWO CREEKS BLUEBELL, L.F., Ed Labanara, Bainbridge Island, WA
      33. FC-AFC COREYCHAD'S BLUENORTH AXLE, L.M., Donald Driggers, Robbinsville, NJ
      34. DUST DEVIL LAST SPARK, L.M., Tim and Heidi Coulson, Riverton, WY
      35. FC-AFC CARBON COPY OF HORN CREEK, L.M., Frank Kashevarof, Woodenville, WA
      36. FC-AFC RAMMIN' HOT CHILI, L.F., Randy and Mindy Bohn, Reinholds, PA
      37. FC-AFC MAPLE CREEK'S MAGGIE MAY, L.F., Brad and Sonya Bowyer, LaGrange, GA
      38. AFC SKY WATCH LIVE WIRE, L.M., Ray Vreeland, Conklin, MI
      39. WINDY CITY'S SECRET SIGNAL, L.F., L. Lancaster/C. Hines, Downers Grove, IL
      40. FC-AFC COUNTESS OLENSKA, L.F., John and Cindy Cavanaugh, Easton, PA
      41. FC-AFC FEATHER OF SWEETBRIAR, L.F., Bob and Suzanne Kennon, Baton Rouge, LA
      42. FC-AFC FLASHFIRE'S RIGHT ON TARGET, L.M., Karen Price, Chino Hills, CA
      43. FC-AFC CHICKAMAUGA CHOO CHOO, L.F., J.M. and L.K. DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
      44. AFC THAT'S BETTER, L.M., Alma and Paul Lalley, Guilford, CT
      45. FC MACKS LITTLE MAGIC, L.F., Wendell and Kay Williams, Dickinson, TX
      46. FC-AFC WATERMARK'S HIDDEN BAY TRAPPER, L.M., Rodney Glaze, Mike and Tiffany Stiglich, Mesquite,TX
      47. FC-AFC WATERMARK'S WIZARD, L.M., Fred Kampo, Oshkosh, WI
      48. FC-AFC BAYOU BEND'S EBONSTAR PEG, L.F., F. Lee and Rose Jolley, Lafayette, LA
      49. FC-AFC LAW ABIDING EZRA, L.M., B. and D. Cleveland and J. Rasmuson, Clinton, CT
      50. LUCYANA'S JK NOT WILLIE, L.M., Jessie Kent, Sparta, GA
      51. FC-AFC HONKY TONK SKYWALKER, L.M., Jerry and Lynda Wickliffe, Pattison, TX
      52. TOPBRASS PAWSABILITY, Gold.F., Jackie Mertens, Elgin, IL
      53. AFC FIRETAIL'S LEGEND, L.M., Carol Bray and Jeff Talley, Tallahassee, FL
      54. FC-AFC VALTOR'S O.C. PETE, L.M., Joe and Gretchen Augustyn, Claremont, CA
      55. YELLOWSTONES DUST DEVIL, L.M., Glenda Brown, Santa Barbara, CA
      56. FC-AFC YELLOWSTONE'S TNT EXPLOSION, L.M., Tim and Heidi Coulson, Riverton, WY
      57. AFC FIRE N ICE'S WATCHMAN, L.M., Michael Palazzolo, Carson City, NV
      58. AFC FIRE N ICE'S WHISTLIN DIXIE, L.F., Michael Palazzolo, Carson City, NV
      59. FC-AFC BLUE WATER SPECIAL, L.M., John Pampy, Poway, CA
      60. TNT'S EXPLOSION, Gold.M., John and Janice Gunn, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
      61. FC-AFC NORTHWIND GALE FORCE, L.F., Mark Akkola and Bill Davis, Bellevue, WA
      62. FC-AFC IRON LINES ANNIE OAKLEY, L.F., Mark Perrizo, Downey, CA
      63. NFC-AFC EAGLE RIDGE ROCKET SAM, L.M., Bill Bowen, Albuquerque, NM
      64. FC-AFC MORGAN LE FAE OF BUCKSHOT, L.F., Win and Susan Purtell, West Bend, WI
      65. AFC WATERMARKS HAVOC, L.M., Creg Jones, Bellaire, TX
      66. AFC DUTCHMAN GOLD MIDNITE EVE, L.F., Steve and Emily Faith, Louisville, KY
      67. AFC JOLIE CATIN, L.F., Lee and Rose Jolley, Lafayette, LA
      68. CHARLES OF MAPLE CREEK, L.M., Brad and Sonya Bowyer, LaGrange, GA
      69. AFC WHITEY IV, L.M., Fred Kampo, Oshkosh, WI
      70. FC-AFC TRUMARC'S FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, L.M., Mark Rosenblum, Monroe, NC
      71. CARRONADE'S LADY KATHERINE, L.F., Mike Judas, Maquon, IL
      72. FC-AFC GLEN LAKE BRAVEHEART, MH, L.M., Gail and Scotty Seward, Irvine, CA
      73. ACCUMARKS BLAZING STRIKER, L.F., Larry Morgan, Brighton, CO
      74. FOX HOLLOW'S CUT N RUN, L.M., Martin Kirby, Pinckneyville, IL
      75. FC-AFC CHENA RIVER WILD LADY, L.F., Ann Rauff, Portland, OR
      76. ARAN ISLAND'S MR. ROONEY, L.M., Patrick Martin, Butler, PA
      77. TAPPER JAKE, L.M., George Francis, Chesterfield, VA
      78. FC-AFC HUNTING HILLS BLACK ICE, L.M., John Thomas, Rocky Point, NC
      79. FC-AFC CACHE LA POURDE SYLVESTER, L.M., John Goettl, Ft. Collins, CO
      80. NICK OF TIME LONE RANGER, L.M., E. and L. Lancaster and C. Hines, Downres Grove, IL
      81. FC-AFC TEDDY'S EBONSTAR JAMES, L.M., Steve and Emily Faith, Louisville, KY
      82. CANDLEWOOD'S SUPER STRIKER, L.M., Jim Alexander, Dallas, TX
      83. FC-AFC HAWKEYE'S SHADOW, L.M., Marvin Blount, Greenville, NC
      84. PRAIRIE PEAK CIRCUIT BURNER, L.F., Esther McCartney, Wellington, CO
      85. WIDGEON'S LEAVE 'EM WEEPIN', L.M., Todd Scheuble, Webster, MN
      86. FC-AFC TIGER MCBUNN, L.M., J.M. and L.K. DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
      87. FC TRUMARC'S PUDGIE MAC, L.M., Michael Kammerer, Montgomery, TX
      88. COMSTOCKS BODACIOUS, L.M., John and Anne Marshall, Addison, ME
      89. FC-AFC WATERMARK'S THE BOSS, L.M., Mary Tatum, DVM, Houston, TX
      90. AFC SCAN'S IN THE NICK OF TIME, L.F., L. and E. Lancaster and C. Hines, Ravenna, MI
      91. AFC TAILWINDS WONA BEA, L.F., Don Pape, Dubuque, IA
      92. FC-AFC JB'S SO RUDE, L.F., Richard and Charlotte Kaiser, Hazel Green, AL
      93. FC-AFC KENSBRIDGE DARKLY HANDSOME, L.M., Nan Ruby, Florence, OR
      94. BLACKSTAR SCOOBY DOO, L.M., Steve Robben, Victoria, KS
      95. AFC AGGIE'S SPECIAL EDITION, L.M., Les Levering, Waterbury Center, VT
      96. REBEL RIDGE UP ALL NITE, L.F., Eric and Kelly Altom, Eaton, OH
      97. AFC TIPPECANOE'S TYLER, L.M., George and Marian Wamsley, Winamac, IN
      98. FC-AFC HAWKEYE'S CANDLEWOOD SHADOW, L.M., Marvin Blount, Greenville, NC
      99. AFC PUFF DADDY, L.M., Frantz and Trish Herr, Mountville, PA
     100. AFC CUDA'S BLUE RYDER, L.M., Charles Tyson, Davis, CA
     101. FC-AFC TRUMARC'S LEAN CUISINE, L.F., Judith Aycock, Sanger, TX
     102. ESPRIT'S POWER PLAY, L.M., Martha and John Russell, S. Hampton, NH
     103. ATTA-BOY, L.M., Barton Clark, Harrington, DE
     104. AUTUMN RUN'S DE SUPER TARA, L.F., Warren and Susan Exo, Verona, WI
     105. WAGTAILS RARE INDIGO, L.M., Dennis Mitchell, Yankton, SD
     106. AFC WINIFOX HOT SHOT, L.M., Whitney Ralph, Monson, MA
     107. AFC PLOURDE HONOR O'FOX HILL FARM, JH, L.F., Sandi McCourt, Waterford, CT
     108. FC-AFC MIDKNIGHT SHOT IN THE DARK, MH, L.M., Diane Green, Tahoe City, CA
     109. AFC CALYPSO DEVIL IN THE DUST, L.F., Marvin Frye and Kadi Workman, Bellvue, CO
     110. FC-AFC SUMMER THYME II, L.F., William Bowen, Albuquerque, NM
     111. FC-AFC YOYOU KAYTEE KK, L.F., Hillary Roger Brooks, Camden, SC
     112. FC RSK'S SMOOTH SAILING, L.M., Vicki Worthington, Lockport, IL
     113. JAYBARS WESTSHORE BEAU, L.M., Jerald Kampius, West Olive, MI
     114. AFC SHOOT SCOOT'N PADDY, L.M., Jim and Nancy Smith, Boise, ID
     115. FC BLACKWATER RUBY II, L.F., Ron and Jane Ainley, Duqubue, IA
     116. FC SALLY'S POWER DRIVE, L.M., Jenny Grasse, Annandale, NJ
     117. FC HIGH TECH CEO, L.M., Jim Wrenn, Ed and Linda Haskins, Raleigh, NC
     118. WINIFOX SCREAM'N YELLA ZONKER, L.M., Ken Neil and Brenda Little, Jupiter, FL
     119. FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC NICOLL'S BANDIT, L.M., Keith Nicolls, Springboro, PA
     120. FC-AFC ROUGHWATER'S SNAP CRACKLE POP, L.F., Monty Wulf, Blair, NE
     121. WINGSETTERS GEM-N-I, L.F., Steven Kompft, Novato, CA
     122. AFC ABSAROKA SIOUX NOT AFRAID, L.F., Joe Skaggs, Emigrant, MT

2003 NARC Stake Info

Date: June 15-21, 2003
Entry Fee: $200.00
Location: Property in and around McCall, Idaho  
NOTE :  There will be no pre-National training for 30 days prior to the National Amateur in the two following counties - Adams and Valley.
Entries Close: John Russell (see him for dates)
Club Officers: Dean L. Ellis, President, Boise, ID; Ray Vreeland, 1st VP, Conklin, MI; Elizabeth Jerome, 2nd VP, Minnetrista, MN; Charles Tyson, 3rd VP, Davis, CA; Wayne Bleazard, 4th VP, Murray, UT
Judges: Jerry Kamphius, Eastern Time Zone; Gary McIlwain, Central Time Zone; Glenda Brown, Mountain Time Zone
Field Trial Headquarters: Holiday Inn, McCall, Idaho. (This motel is under construction right now, so reservations should be made at 1-208-634-4700)
Field Trial Committee: Wayne and Sherry Bleazard, Co-Chairman, Murray, UT; John Russell, South Hampton, NH; Garry Ratzlaff, Pocatello, ID; Elizabeth Jerome, Minnetrista, MN; Dean Ellis, Meridian, ID; Tim Coulson, Riverton, WY; Ray Vreeland, Conklin, MI; Charles Tyson, Davis, CA
Committee Chairpersons:
Special Committee -- Ted Miller, Boise ID; Dan Bilboa, Elko NV; Bill Fruehling, Ketchum, ID; Linda Harger, Boise, ID
Marshals -- Garry Ratzlaff, Pocatello, ID; Tim Coulson, Riverton, WY
Hostess -- Sarah McAssey, Boise, ID; Missy Goettl, Ft. Collins, CO
Guns -- John McAssey, Boise, ID; Eugene L. (Swede) Anderson, Denver, CO; Dick Fenner, Fairfield, CA
Traffic -- Linda Browne, Ronan, MT; Brad Clow Casper, WY
Grounds -- Chris Merrill, Boise, ID; Tevis Vance, Pocatello, ID
Merchandise -- Robin Christensen, Hailey, ID; Hook Taylor, Ketchum, ID
Game Stewards -- Vernon Presswood, Eagle, ID; Chris Brown, Midvale, UT
Announcers -- Tom Cox, McCammon, ID; Dean Ellis, Boise, ID
Bird Throwers -- Richard Pumphrey, Gooding, ID; Steve Parker, McCammon, ID
Website Designer -- Carolyn Tompkins, http://home.att.net/~animalcracker

Accommodations:

Headquarters:
Holiday Inn NEW BUILDING - NOT YET OPEN - FOR RESERVATIONS CALL: 1-208-634-4700

Standard double Room  -  $89.00          King or Queen Double   -   $98.00
Double King Suite  - $125.00                Luxury Jacuzzi  - $175.00
                                       All rates plus tax

One time charge of $20.00 per dog in room plus a $100.00 deposit, refundable upon check out
if no damage incurred. NO CRATES ALLOWED IN ROOMS.

Please mention the National Amateur event for these pecial rates.

This is an entirely non-smoking motel

Best Western Motel                       Super 8 Lodge                                   Woodsmen Motel & Restaurant
415 North 3rd Street                       303 South 3rd Street                           402 North 3rd
McCall, ID 83638                            McCall, ID 83638                               McCall, ID 83638
1-208-634-6300                              1-208-634-4637 PH & FAX                  1-208-634-7671
1-800-528-1234                              1-800-800-8000                                 1-888-578-2658
FAX 1-208-634-2967                                                                               www.woodsmanmotelcafe.com
Pets Welcome                                                                                                                 Pets Welcome

The Scandia Inn Motel                       Brundage Bungalows                        Hotel McCall
401 North 3rd                                   306 West Lake St (Hwy 55)               1101 North 3rd Street
McCall, ID 83638                              McCall, ID 83638                              McCall, ID 83638
1-208-634-7394                                 1-208-634-8573                                1-208-634-8105
No pets in room

Campgrounds:

Pondorosa Campground               Lakeview Village                                McCall Campground
1-208-634-2164                               1-208-634-2164                                 1-208-634-5165

Early reservations are recommended at all motels and campgrounds as this is a resort town and other activities will be ongoing. Also please mention you are associated with the National Amateur Club and Trial that is being held in McCall.

Airlines:

Passengers arriving in Boise by air are approximately 2 1/2 hours from headquarters. Boise is an international airport and is serviced by the major airlines: UNITED, DELTA, NORTHWEST, SOUTHWEST, HORIZON. Some private aircraft can be accommodated at the McCall airport.

Transportation Rentals:

Persons arriving in Boise are approximately 2 1/2 hours from FT Headquarters in McCall. Boise is served by the following major car rentals. Early reservations of station wagons or vans is highly recommended.

HERTZ            208-383-3100    800-654-3131
NATIONAL      208-383-3210    800-227-7368
AVIS               800-452-1506
BUDGET         208-383-3090
DOLLAR          208-345-9727

Tourist Info:

McCall Chamber Of Commerce  208-634-7631
1001 State
McCall ID 83635

Saturday, June 14, 2003

Retriever Advisory Committee

National Amateur Retriever Club Officers

Early in the morning various training groups left their motel for pre selected training areas. Each night there would be a draw for the numerous areas available. Groups could occupy one for a half day so another could use it in the afternoon.

The workers/handlers packets were available at HQ, the Holiday Inn by 9 a.m., but many did not claim theirs until after returning from training.  After shopping for garments emblazoned with the National Amateur logo and buying raffle tickets, lunch was on the agenda. By 2 p.m., most had found the McCall school complex, a short distance from most motels and arrived to attend the two 
scheduled meetings.

At 2:07 p.m., the Retriever Advisory Committee opened their meeting. On the dais were members, Nelson Sills, John Goettl, Bill Speck and Jerry Mann. Pete Simonds could not attend.

Bill announced that all the recommendations voted on last year would take effect on Jan 1, 2004. 
He also said that the registration snafu AKC encountered was taken care of.

The new rule change recommendations presented last year were then read and discussed 
Several were old rules, no longer valid, while others were controversial. (See July RFTN for full information). However the neoprene vest for dogs was not supported by the committee.

The meeting was adjourned at 3 p.m . A shot intermission followed to allow time for any others to attend the NARC Annual Meeting.

Holiday Inn- Headquarters

Main Street, McCall ID

By 3:22, the Gymnasium was filled again and the meeting called to order by President Dean Ellis. Also on the dais were John Russell, Ray Vreeland, Charles Tyson, Liz Jerome and Wayne and Sherry Bleazard.

After the usual reports and roll call, a moment of silence was held for those  who had passed away during the year. After, Dean Ellis thanked our Sponsors and supporters,  Official Sponsor Nestle Purina.  Sponsors Iams, Tri Tronics, Kent Cartridges, Deerskin Mfg and Chris Chantland for their wonderful contributions. Patrons Dogtra and Retriever Journal were also acknowledged for their contributions.

The nominating committee then presented it's 2004 slate of Officers:

    Pres.  Ray Vreeland 
    VP's  Elizabeth Jerome, Charles Tyson, Wayne Bleazard and Mark Rosenblum. 
    Secretary/Treasurer John Russell

Ray Vreeland then announced that the 2004 stake would be held at Batavia, NY .Chairman would be Mark Rosenblum and HQ was the Holiday Inn at Batavia. Judges are Mitch Patterson, Tim Coulson and Gary Zellner.

After the current Judges , were introduced, Jerry Kamphius, Gary McIllwain and Glenda Brown, Gary Ratzlaff gave pertinent info on the upcoming stake. Rotation was 1-26-52 and 78, then back to 1, count 5 running dogs and start with the 6th.

First test dog at 7:30, 3 holding blinds, handler on mat to send for and receive all birds. 
There were 2 scratches: 1 and 61. The first test would be a double

The floor was then given to Chris Chantland, official artist who presented a portrait of Ram to the Powers.

Shortly after, about 4:07, the meeting was adjourned with an invitation for all to attend the cocktail party slated for 6:30 at the McCall Golf Club.

Sunday, June 15, 2003

Test 1 from the line

Close up of left flyer and right retired marks

A cool clear morning welcomed the 2003 National Amateur Stake. It was in the mid 50's with a light breeze. The caravans left on time, traveling south on 55 to Maki road eventually arriving at the site of a previous National test.

The first series was a land double with a shorter, retired mark

 The line faced a rolling, irrigated pasture with a winding dirt winding through it. The land was above the road that had a 6-8' irrigation ditch paralleling it on the near side. Once over the road, there was rolling terrain, ditches and patches of water. Deep to the left , about 208 yards away stood a set of live bird gunners.  They shot a live hen pheasant ridden out well to the left where it landed in medium pasture grass..

Well to their right and closer to line, a second set of gunners were placed in front of a tree and brush cluster. They threw a dead pheasant across a small water filled ditch. It also landed in medium pasture grass nearly 148 yards away. The order was : dead bird (r), flier(L). Both were nearly down wind early.

Test dogs arrived at 7:30 and both handled on the right, retired mark. The first dog, #2 ( 1 was a scratch) came to line at 8:02.

The line to the flyer was full of cover changes, ditches and the road. All these factors urged dogs to square some of them, thus throwing them to the right, away from the well ridden out bird. Just beyond the dike road was a heavier patch of cover that also threw them to the right. The hen pheasant had little scent and dogs hunted long and hard at times. A switching wind could aid or hinder the dog, too. Some hunted to the right of the guns in an inviting meadow area. There were a number of handles  by dog #40.

The retired bird had it's pitfalls also. The line to it was also through the water filled ditch, over the road and down through a patch of heavy cover and a small but deep patch of water. Beyond was a small patch of heavy cover. The bird lay beyond it in lighter cover. However, dogs were tempted to avoid the cover and water and go to the right. There they could wind the holding blind were the guns hid. They would hunt there any the heavier cover around them or go to an inviting meadow to the deep right. Most eventually hunted their way to it, but a couple went to the far left and appeared to be on their way to a switch, or hunted the no-man's land between. Those, too, needed a handle. The test averaged about 8 MPG and the ETA was expected to be around 8 p.m.

By 2 p.m. it was evident the judges had the situation well under control.

Work varied throughout the afternoon, however in the early evening a spate of extended, out of area hunts, handles and  several no birds slowed progress and the ETA was revised to about 9:15 - 9:30. Luckily it would remain light enough to finish at that time.

The test ended with dog 105 (a no bird) at 9:10 p.m. Callbacks would be very late. 
In all, about 27 dogs had handled (not including one that had handled without success on a sunken bird - he was scored to the first time he was in the fall area.)

Later, callbacks  posted included 90 of the 103 starters, 13 had been lost to the demanding opening series. They were: 14, 17, 26, 35, 42, 45, 60, 70, 81, 83, 85, 86, and 90.

Monday would host a double series; 2 and 3. It would be held in the same area with a test dog at 7:30, first running dog, #26, at 8 a.m.

Ken's Gossip and Goodies - Day One

Gallery Test 1 

"Princess" Judge Glenda Brown

Monday, June 16, 2003

Test 2 - Water blind from line

Test  3 - Land Blind from line 

Test 2- Blind close up (planter standing)

Test 3 blind close up (planter standing)

Another clear, bright day greeted participants. It was in the mid fifty's with little wind. A haze hung over the meadows creating a heavy dew . A nearly full, pearlescent moon hovered in the sky over the silhouetted mountains beneath

The tests , # 2 and #3 were a pair of blinds. The left was a water blind; the right designated a land blind set up in the same field used for the previous marks. The line rested on top the same hill, a bit to the right. The left one was run first. Handlers were told they could only move laterally, not forward.

Again, test dogs arrived on line at 7:30 with the first running dog, #27 appearing at 8 a.m. Variable winds angled from left to right across the blinds. At first there was nearly no wind and the birds hard to scent. Handlers boxed their entrants around it until they could wind it. Later the wind rose and the birds could be winded, but dogs were less likely to get into/cross the flowing irrigation on the left blind.

To recover the left (water) blind dogs had to angle down the hill and across the ditch, then go up on land, across the dike road on a line nearly parallel to the ditch, then angle across the ditch for a second time. Beyond, the line nearly paralleled the far side of the bank to the bush were the hen pheasant lay, about 208 yards away. Dogs would angle down to the channel, then square it and come out too far to the right. A quick handle was needed in many cases. Others wanted to return to the previous day's flyer that was on the right. The crates still remained in position. A cast to the left was also a cast into the wind and water. That invited dogs to run down the dike road, refusing the cast to put them back on line. A red ribbon marked a point formed by the winding channel. Speculation was the it either marked the line to the bird or a dog should be on one side or the other. However, the true line crossed that "point" There were numerous cast refusals.

The right blind was also down the slope, to the right side of the previous day's mark. It continued through  the ditch and a small piece of water behind right side of the holding blind. From there it went between a pair of medium sized bushes to the field beyond where the hen pheasant also was marked by a small bush 137 yards from line. It  was in the same field where many hunts had occurred the day before. This blind seemed to present a "picture" to the dogs of what was expected and they dutifully took the casts to the bird. There were numerous whistles to keep them on line, but  there was less trouble than on the left. Later a trail developed and aided a number of dogs to stay on line to the blind.

The combined test took about 6 mpd and the ETA time was approx. 4 p.m. If it finished early enough, another test was being organized a short distance away.

By mid afternoon it became apparent that the combined series would take longer than expected. It was  then announced that no other test would be run today.

The combined series was completed about 5 p.m. when dog 25 returned to line.

About 7:15 call backs arrived.  Eleven had been dropped. Those lost were: 13, 32, 34, 48, 57, 59, 64, 65, 82, 94, and 100. Test dogs would run at 7:30. First running dog, #52, at 8 a.m.

The bad news is that a forecast for severe weather was issued for Tuesday. Temperatures were expected to hit 100 degrees with severe thunderstorms. Your Tuesday report may be a bit later.

Ken's Gossip and Goodies - Day Two

Roving Reporter Ken McCartney 

Hostess wagon with (r) Missy Goettl and Marvin Frye

Tuesday, June 17, 2003

Test 4 from the line  - In Line Line Triple, Retired Middle Gun and Honor

The weather remained excellent despite the ominous warning yesterday. A beautiful clear sunny day was welcomed by all. It was in the mid 50's with little wind. The site of test 4, an in line water triple with retired gun and honor, was located in a field on Paddy Flats road. It was about 10 miles south east of McCall.

The line was near the top of a rise overlooking a channel beneath All three stations were located on the far side of it. The channel widened into a small lake in the distance. Just beyond the the water, a short distance to the left stood a set of dead bird guns. They threw a dead duck to the left where it fell into pasture grass only 38 yards from line. Deeper behind them a bit to the left, another pair threw a dead duck nearly straight back to the right. It also landed in pasture grass above a slight ledge of heavier cover 129 yards out.. The last group was located high on the far hill and shot a live duck well ridden out to the right. It fell  down toward the lake into the reed filled water near shore about 229 yards away. It was also sluiced to prevent diving. The order was long flyer first, middle, retired bird second, short left bird last. The middl guns retired as the dog was sent for the short bird. There was an honor to the right. It took about 10- 12 mpd.

Again, the test dogs arrived at 7:30. Rugby did well while Ruby needed a handle. Dog 52, the first running dog came to line at 8:10.

As each contestant contestant came through the holding blind, a note reminded them  of the rule that a long, out of area hunt was to be penalized over a short handle (hint, hint).

The long flyer first excited the dogs and drew their attention from the close, short set.. The configuration allowed them to easily see the retired mark go down, but the sharp back throw was difficult to remember. The short bird was a diversion that dimmed the memories of the previous two marks. Dogs had to cross the channel on the closer two and swim well into the pond/lake to arrive at the far shore where the bird lay.

There was only a bit of hunting on the short bird. Most handlers tried for the middle retired bird second, but not everyone got it second. Some blew by it and recovered the flyer instead. After, when sent for the retired gun, it was easy to miss it and push up the hill behind to "no man's land". most winded the mark, but a few also needed a handle to bring them back .

Early the test was downwind but quickly shifted to coming in toward the line or angled in from right to left. Those conditions allowed dogs to wind the two difficult marks from the left, and at quite a distance, making the marks much more do-able. Occasionally dogs would drive up the hill far to the left of either the retired or flyer mark in a position where they were unable to wind either and a few handles were necessary. A large number of dogs appeared to mark the flyer guns and ran toward them instead of the  ridden out shoreline mark well to the right. Some hunted the no-mans area to the gunner's left for a while before either winding the mark or figuring it out.

At one point a large white sheep dog wandered into the test on the far right and the whole test shut down until the dog, trying to comprehend if the stake was a threat to his flock or just a bunch of weird-o's looking at him. Eventually he chose the weird-o theory , wandered off and the stake resumed.

By late afternoon the wind again switched and blew diagnonally across the test from right to left. With that direction the flyer could only be winded from the water. Dogs that beached early hunted the hill and were unable to wind the bird from there. A number of loose, wide hunts occured.

The series ended  at 6:10 when dog 50 (rerun) was excused from the honor box.

By 8:30 there were no callbacks as yet. However the 6th series was rumored to be a mixed bag Quad to the north of McCall.

By 9:30 callbacks arrived. 67 potential National Champions remained. Unfortunately 12 had been lost. They were: 20, 21, 22, 44, 51, 54, 71, 80, 91, 95, 102 and 105 (Sorry, omited earlier) . Starting dog will be #78.

Ken's Gossip and Goodies - Day Three

(L-R) Judges, Gary McIllwain, Glenda Brown 
and Jerry Kamphius

Test 4 line, Dog 79 running, 78 honoring

Wednesday, June 18, 2003

Test 5 left - from line

Close-up test 5 left

Test 5 right from line

Close-up test 5 right

Surprisingly, Wednesday again dawned clear and cool, oblivious to the forecast of  temps near 100, gusty winds and thunderstorms predicted for later in the afternoon. Temperatures were in the low 50, with little breeze, similar to preceding days.

The fifth series site was located north of town. The line faced a meadow "bowl" ringed  with sagebrush nearly half way down all around. At the bottom was a patch of brush and bushes on the left and a strip of brush continuing from it to the right. The strip hid a stream with another behind it.

To the left, across the bowl on the far hill a set of live guns stood. They shot a flying drake angled back to the right. it landed (usually) behind a dead, fallen tree that was next to a live one about  270 yards away. Closer to line, at the bottom of the bowl a second set stood next to the brushy cover and threw a dead hen mallard angled back to the right, across an opening. It landed behind a pair of bushes in grassy cover 195 yard out. The last set was  to the right, about half way up the slope They shot a flying rooster pheasant ridden out to the right. Most landed in the patchy sagebrush approx. 163 yards from line. The order was around the clock: Left flyer, middle dead bird and right flyer. As the dog was sent for the right flyer, the other two stations retired to blinds in the bushes. (Originally it had been planned as a Quad, but  one bird was deleted due to heat and time constraints

The first test dog, Ruby, came to line at 7:38 and handled on two marks. Rugby followed soon after and did the test cleanly. It took nearly 15 mpd.

The test appeared very challenging, but when the first dog or two did it,  some began to wonder. Their concern quickly evaporated as dogs began to have difficulty. Varied right flyer marks combined with numerous cover changes and the excitement of 2 shot flyers seemed to scramble  some dogs' minds. They raced out, and ran wildly trying to locate the elusive rooster. Those had loose long hunts that seemed to dim the memory of the other two, now retired marks. A wind increase and shift about noon only made matters worse.

Most tried to pull out the short mark first, but a number of dogs blew through it and recovered the long flyer or had wide, loose hunts between or to the right. Some needed to be handled. When resent for the short one, dogs tended to go to the right or went left, into the no-man's  between the      Those too, needed to be handled.

The wind rose and switched shortly after noon and the work disintegtated. By  early afternoon 15 of the 34 run had handled on a bird in the 5th. It got really ugly for a while. Lightnening and thunder rolled above the test, although no rain fell. Temperatures were in the low 90's. The pressure was on!

Since the workers party was on tap for 6:30 p.m., judges said they would suspend the test about 5-5:30 ish. There would be no partial callbacks and those remaining would have all night to hope for better conditions in the morning. The test was later suspended at about 5:15 after dog 55 had run. The test will resume on Thursday. Test dog at 7:30, first running dog, #56 at 8 a.m.

Ken's Gossip and Goodies - Day Four

#25-  Todd Scheuble (l) and Sal Gelardi

Jackie Mertens

Thursday, June 19, 2003

Test 6 from line (planter standing on both)

Test 6 - close up

Land Blind

Last night's showers had ended and another clear day arrived. Temperatures were in the low 50's with a forecast of afternoon showers and temperatures in the low 90's There was little wind.

The 5th resumed as scheduled with a single test dog at 7:30 and the first running dog #56 on line art 8 a.m. There was a slight haze over the bowl and dew on the grass.

Conditions were about the same as the previous day - perhaps a little worse. Again, there were several handles and two pick ups. It ended at 10:15 with dog 77.

Callbcks came within 15 minutes and only 42 remained. 25 had been lost. The fifth had taken a serious toll. Those dropped were: 3, 4, 5, 11, 15, 19, 25, 27, 28, 31, 33, 26, 43, 56, 63, 66, 67, 72, 74, 84, 96, 97, 98, 101, and 103.

The Sixth series, a land blind through the previous marks, was quickly organized. The line was moved about 60 yards to the left and a cock pheasant was placed on the far hill about 200 yards away (est.) . The line to it passed tightly to the right of the middle mark. The wind angled  back from left to right across the site.

The first test dog arrived and about 10:55 with the second a few minutes late. It appeared to be a very do-able test. The first running dog, #10 stepped to line at 11:10.

The line was above the sagebrush ring and continued down the hill through the brush lined creek(s) below and skimmed the heavier cover and old mark to the left, where they could easily be lost. Beyond was more sagebrush and the hillside where the bird lay marked by a patch of taller grass. It took only 2-3 minutes to complete.

As  the test was running, an announcement was made that there would be a move afterwards. A water blind was rumored for the 7th. Callbacks would be given at the present site.

Dogs would try to either go back to the middle mark (path) or drive to the hill between that one and the flyer station (crates still in the field). Others would refuse casts away from the diversions or drive up the hill toward the old left mark.

The test was completed at 1:48 with dog 9. As he left the line, lightning and thunder  rolled across the mountains behind the site. It had been partly cloudy with a few sprinkles, but a nasty one was rolling in. As cars lined up for the caravan to the new site, it rained. Call backs were given and only 2 dogs, 39 and 52 had been dropped, leaving 40 for the Seventh series water blind.

It took about 45 minutes to get to the new site again at Paddy Flats road on the other end ot town. 
There, a shoreline blind was being organized on the far edge of a large pond. There were 7 decoys just off line in the water to the left and several more just around the corner to the left of the next large point

Test 7 - Water Blind From Line

Test 7 - Close up (planter out in both)

Water Blind 

The line was up on the dike facing the irregular shore. To recover the bird, dogs had to angle down the  steep right shore for a short distance and enter the water. The line continued through a small bay , across a  wide point and into the water behind. Beyond was a stretch of running, then swimming water to a grassy point protruding to the right from the far shore. (It was scented every 10 dog as was the first.) Once across or next to the point, they re-entered the water and swam to the shore beyond where the duck lay 200+ yards from line on a  grassy hummock. There was a pick up point to the right of the line.

At  3:52 the test dogs demonstrated the test with little serious trouble. The first competing dog #24, came to line at about 4:30. However, as the test dogs completed, a gusty wind rose. It angled from left to right across the site and did affect the contestants.

The line was difficult to get and maintain throughout the changes of cover and water. Dogs had to be handled away from the water, then toward it while crossing the scented first point. took about 7-8 mpd to complete. Many appeared to have trouble at the end as there was running water to the left. 
There they could not hear the whistles or tried to hunt the bird.

It was partly cloudy with some light rain interspersed with brief sunny periods. However, by 8:30 dark clouds rolled in and made the end even more difficult ot see. At 8:55, after dog 6 ran, the test was suspended until Friday. The first running dog, #9 would run at 7:30 a.m.  No partial call backs would be given.

Ken's Gossip and Goodies - Day Five

Bristly beauty

Handlers on line 6

Friday, June 20, 2003

It had rained all night and morning dawned wet and cool. More rain was forecast until mid day, with gusty winds and temps in the 70's.

The suspended test (water blind) began on the dot with a single test dog at 7:30. The first running 
dog  #9 arrived at 7:40 Work appeared about the same as the previous day with dogs getting caught in the scent and a fair amount of handling near the end.  The seventh ended at 8:35.

Test 8 - Land Triple 2 Retired Guns  and Honor - Close up

Test 8 From Line

Participants were told to wait for callbacks and workers left for the new site in Cascade, 20 miles to the south, off Warm Lake Rd. Once on site, workers began to construct a water triple with two retired guns. The line was on the side of a hill that sloped to the pond beneath. To the right and beyond the water, the land rolled upward. To the far left, across the pond, a set of guns threw a dead duck flat to the left. It fell in pasture grass about 319 yards away. Closer to line , a second set stood at the right shore of the pond at the end of an elevated dike road. They threw a dead duck across a small bay of water where it landed on the grassy far shore 121 yards from line. It fell tight to the distant left holding. The last group was to the far right, high on a large round, sagebrush ringed hill. They shot a flying mallard angled back to the left that fell in the sagebrush, 227 yards away. As the dog was sent for it, the middle and left guns retired to brush covered blinds on the right. There was an honor box on the left. The order was left, middle right.

Callbacks were soon available and 27 challengers remained, 13 had been lost. Those were: 2, 9, 12, 16, 18, 24, 30, 46, 68, 76, 78, 79, and 88.

Test  dogs were called to line at 10:30. Rugby ran first and did a nice job, while Ruby handled on the middle mark. After, Judges decided to add and additional (decoy) blind well up the far hill to the deep right of the left (live) one. With that, the first running dog, #47 was invited to line. He stepped to line about 11:20 a.m.

The flyer falls were varied and in sagebrush. The line to it went through a water ditch and up the hill. Most dogs shopped to find it and some dogs hunted quite a while.

Handlers took the short middle bird second. The configuration of the land made the line to it difficult for dogs. They had to go down the hill, cross the curving dike, hold a line along the sloping right side of the dike and cross it again.  Then they had to swim across the small bay to the shore beyond where the bird lay. Most dogs went to the right, toward the holding blind instead. Some turned and ran down the far shore to recover it, while other hunted the no man's land deep to the right of the holding blind. One or two needed to or should have been handled back. Wind angled diagonally sharply from left to right across the test.

The long left mark caused the most problems. When sent for it, most dogs would square the pond to some degree as a straight line was discourages by a wide wall of tall cattails on the way. Once on the far shore, many were drawn to the longer, decoy blind deep on it's right and drove up the hill toward it. There many put on sizable hunts before either working their way down to the left mark or being handled to it. It took approx. 10 mpd to complete.

About noon, an announcement was made that the eighth would be the only test today. A 5 p.m. ETA was anticipated.

The test ended about 4:50 when # 41 was released from the honor box. None broke on the honor.

Callbacks came about 7:30 p.m. Only 16  had survived to run the 9th. They are: 6, 10, 29, 37, 38, 40, 41, 50, 53, 58, 62, 69, 73, 77, 92 and 104.

 Eleven were lost: 7, 8, 23, 47, 49, 55, 75, 87, 89, 93, and 99.

Number 9 will be water marks in the Paddy Flats area of the #7 water blind.

Ken's Gossip and Goodies - Day Six

 Roy Pelton                  Bob West
        IAMS                             PURINA

Judy's Cook House -Good Food!

Saturday, June 21, 2003

Test 9 - Land Triple with Two Retired Guns

Morning arrived much cooler than the previous day. There was frost on car windows and grass. Patches of frosty haze hung in low areas. It was partly cloudy, in the mid-30's with little wind.

At 7:30 the 9th, an in line triple with two retired guns was forming in a field behind the previous #7 water blind. The line was located on an elevated hay bale base. It faced a parallel channel of water, flowing left to right a short distance in front of the line. The back side of the channel dropped sharply down to a pasture below. There a set of flyer guns was located to the deep right. They shot a flying hen pheasant well ridden out to the right. It fell in fairly tall pasture grass 257 yards out. Another set was closer in  and to the right. They stood in front of a stand of bare bushes and  threw a dead cock pheasant flat to the left about 160 yards away. The last set was across the curving channel and threw a dead duck across it where it fell on the bottom side of the channel dike about 229 yards from line. The order was : right, middle, left. As the dog was sent for the flyer, the other two sets retired. Bales of hay were in front of the line for use if handlers to stand on if dogs need handling. 
Wind angled from left to right, diagonally  across the site.

Test dogs ran about 8:10. Ruby handled while Rugby did OK. The first running dog #73 appeared at 8:40. It took about 10 mpd.

The lines to the bird and heavier cover plus the channel diverted dogs from their mark. However, most recovered nicely and found their birds. Only one handled on the series. It was completed at 10:53 by dog #69

Callbacks came swiftly and all were called back!

The 10th was to be a land triple with two shot flyers and a retired gun  in the field to the north of town. Dog 29 would start.

Ken's Gossip and Goodies - Day Seven

Test 10, Land Triple with Retired Gun

10 left close

10 right close

Series 10 was a very wide spread triple with a retired gun and 2 shot flyers. To the far left a set of  guns shot a flying Rooster Pheasant well ridden out to the left. It fell in thick sagebrush 250+ yards from line. To the left, and in a bit closer, a second set of guns threw a dead hen mallard  sharply back to the left. It fell behind some bushes also nearly 250 yards from line. To the very far right (180 degrees) and in closer to the line, a third set shot a flying drake mallard angled back to the left. 
The order was left to right.

At 1 p.m. test dogs demonstrated the series.. Ruby did well, while Rugby handled. 
The first running dog, #29 came to line at 1:36 p.m. The wind switched throughout the series.

Apparently, Judges were not protecting a winner. It took 10-12 mpd to complete.  There was a good deal of difficulty locating the far left bird. At time a switching wind tempted dogs to switch to the middle retired mark - and some did. In all, of the 16 starters, 7 handled, 2 picked up (one handled on 2). Unfortunately the two that picked up could not become finalists.

By 4:25 the 10th was history and all moved to the Hostess RV for the awards. A rousing cheer went up when FC-AFC Adams Acres Cherokee Rose was announced as Winner! Photos were taken and an excited Pat Burns - Rose's trainer, jumped on John Russell's (handler/ co owner) back in sheer joy and celebration. John announced a party later and invited all to attend. It was a perfect end to a demanding stake.

Ken's Gossip and Goodies - After the 10th

2003 Winner & Finalists

2003 NATIONAL AMATEUR
RETRIEVER  CHAMPIONSHIP
McCall Idaho - June 15-21, 2003

THE WINNER
92. FC-AFC Adams Acres Cherokee Rose
Owners: John/Martha Russell Handled by John

L to R: Judges Gary McIllwain, Glenda Brown, John and Martha Russell, Judge Jerry Kamphius

 

FINALISTS

Ken McCartney's Finalists Interviews

6.  AFC-FTCH-AFTCH TNT'S Explosion, GM, John/Janice Gunn, John 
10. FC-AFC Whitey IV, BLM, Fred Kampo, Fred 
29. FC-AFC Volwood's Mollie, BLF, Jack/Florence Vollstedt, Jack 
37. FC-AFC World Famous Tellipath, BLF, Ryan/Sal Gelardi, Sal 
38. FC-AFC Yellowstone's TNT Explosion, YLM, Tim/Heidi Coulson, Tim 
41. FC-AFC Chickamauga Choo Choo, BLF, J.M & L.K. DuBose, Lynne 
50. FC-AFC Castlebay's Sweet Success, BLF, Charles Hines III, Charles 
53. Tapper Jake, BLM, George Francis, George 
58. AFC Freeridin Wowie Zowie, BLM, Theodore Shih, Ted 
62. FC-AFC Rammin' Hot Chili, BLF, Randy/Mindy Bohn, Randy 
69. AFC Cuda's Blue Ryder, CLM, Charles Tyson, Charles 
77. AFC Nick Of Time Lone Ranger, BLM, L. Lancaster/C.Hines, C. Hines 
92. FC-AFC Adams Acres Cherokee Rose, BLF, John/Martha Russell, John 
104. FC Teal McKenzie, YLF, Glenn/Christine Lokay, Glenn

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Summary of Callbacks and those Dropped by Series

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Daily Reports of the Stake
by Mary Knapp

New Feature! Gallery Greetings, Gossip and Goodies Galore
Daily New as reported by Ken McCartney

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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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2002 Defending National Amateur Champion

'01 '02 NAFC-FC Candlewoods Ramblin Man
Handler, Jim Powers