2003 NRC - Oakdale, CA

2003 NRC Callbacks

2003 NRC Qualifiers

1.  02 NFC-AFC CASHMAN'S FAT LADY ZINGIN, L.F., J.M. and L.K. DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
2.  FC-AFC SHOWTHYME, L.F., Penny Youngblood, Dallas, TX
3.  FC MISS SCARLET, L.F., Marion Stroud Swingle, Elverson, PA
4.  FC-AFC DUST DEVIL'S SHOOT THE MOON, L.M., Steve Bechtel, San Francisco, CA
5.  FC ABE'S BESSITS HEART, L.F., Jim Alexander, Dallas, TX
6.  FC-AFC CREEK ROBBER, L.M., Ken Jackson, Duvall, WA
7.  FC-AFC CHENA RIVER WILD LADY, L.F., Ann Rauff, Portland, OR
8.  FC SALLY'S POWER DRIVE, L.M., Jenny Grasse, Annadale, NJ
9.  FC-AFC SUMMER THYME II, L.F., William Bowen, Albuquerque, NM
10.  FC TRUMARC'S PUDGIE MAC, L.M., Michael Kammerer, Montgomery, TX
11.  FC-AFC HAWKEYE'S SHADOW, L.M., Marvin Blount, Greenville, NC
12.  FC HARLEY'S SUPER TRIVEN MAC, L.M., Ronald Stainback, Middleburg, NC
13.  FC CANDLEWOODS AUTUMN RUN VINCE, L.M., Debbie and Brian King, Manhattan, MT
14.  FC MAXAMILLION OF GREEN ACRES, L.M., Don Nindoft, Superior, WI
15.  FC-AFC YOYOU KAYTEE KK, L.F., Hillary Rogers Brooks, Camden, SC
16.  FC-AFC FORDLAND'S BORED OUT FORD, L.M., Sam Milton, Raymond, MS
17.  FC HIGH TECH CEO, L.M., J. Wrenn, E. & L. Haskins, Raleigh, NC
18.  FC-AFC DEWEY'S DRAKE OF MOON RIVER, L.M., G. McIlwain and Lowell Schwab, Bovey, MN
19.  FC-AFC TAILWINDS WONA BEA, L.F., Don Pape, Dubuque, IA
20.  FC-AFC WORLD FAMOUS TELLIPATH, L.F., Ryan and Sal Gelardi, Woodland, CA
21.  FC-AFC MIDKNIGHT SHOT IN THE DARK, MH, L.M., Diane Green, Tahoe City, CA
22.  01 NFC-AFC EAGLE RIDGE ROCKET SAM, L.M., Bill Bowen, Albuquerque, NM
23.  FC-AFC MAPLE CREEK'S MAGGIE MAY, L.F., Brad and Sonya Bowyer, LaGrange, GA
24.  JAYBARS WESTSHORE BEAU, L.M., Jerald Kamphius, West Olive, MI
25.  FC-AFC DAKOTA'S RASCAL RYAN, L.F., Joanne Laub, Lockport, IL
26.  FC CLUBMEAD'S HEAD OVER HEELS, L.M., Ronald Kiehn, Jackson, WY
27.  FC FIVE STAR GENERAL PATTON, L.M., Debbie Bredeson and Elly Muth, Sussex, WI
28.  FC SO-DAK LONG SPUR DAKOTA, L.M., Robert Metzer, Danville, PA
29.  FC-AFC PUFF DADDY, L.M., Frantz and Trish Herr, Mountville, PA
30.  FC FARGO II, L.M., Jane and Jerry Patopea, Junction City, OR
31.  FC-AFC NORTHWIND GALE FORCE, L.F., Mark Akkola and Wilton Davis III, Bellevue, WA
32.  D SEVEN, L.M., Gary Zellner, Scio, OR
33.  FC CHANCES ARE MEIN SCHATZIE, L.F., Nona Bauer, Labelle, MO
34.  FC-AFC BLACKWATER RUDY, L.M., Dave Harter, Omaha, NE
35.  CANDLEWOODS RUFFIAN, L.F., Joan Fine, Millwood, VA
36.  00 NFC MAXX'S SURPRISE, L.M., Sherwin Scott, Phoenix, AZ
37.  FC-CFC WINDSOR'S ROYAL PUCK, L.M., D. Williamson and D. Millikin, Essexville, MI
38.  03 NAFC-FC ADAMS ACRES CHEROKEE ROSE, L.F., John and Martha Russell, S. Hampton, NH
39.  FC-AFC CARBON COPY OF HORN CREEK, L.M., Frank Kashevarof, Woodenville, WA
40.  FC-AFC BAYOU BEND'S EBONSTAR PEG, L.F., Lee and Rose Jolley, Lafayette LA
41.  FC-AFC TRUMARC'S LEAN CUISINE, L.F., Judith Aycock, Sanger, TX
42.  FC-AFC VOLWOOD'S MOLLIE, L.F., Jack and Florence Vollstedt, Junction City, OR
43.  IZZEE-A-DUK DAWG, L.M., John Darling, Mississauga, ON, Canada
44.  FC-AFC TEXAS WB COCKY TWO STEPPER, L.M., Bill and Jan Schrader, Madisonville, TX
45.  FC-AFC SCAN'S IN THE NICK OF TIME, L.F., Linda Lancaster and Charles Hines, Ravenna, MI
46.  NORTH MOUNTAIN NUMBER ONE, L.M., Laura Nordberg, Middleton, ID
47.  FC GOOD IDEAS WHOA NELLIE, L.F., Ken Neil and Brenda Little, Jupiter, FL
48.  FC-AFC HUNTING HILLS BLACK ICE, L.M., John Thomas, Rocky Point, NC
49.  FC-AFC TEQUILA SUNRISE IX, L.F., Cecily Dunlap and Lori Oliver, Winnetke, IL
50.  FC SOUTH BAYS MAXX'S MISCHIEF, L.M., Gerard Troha, Sayville, NY
51.  FC EMPEROR'S DOOM, L.M., John Bayer, Laramie, WY
52.  FC-AFC DUST DEVIL'S AMBUSH ANNIE, L.F., S.D. Bechtel, San Francisco, CA
53.  FC-AFC REDLINE WILDERNESS HANNA GO, L.F., Robert and Leta Rovelstad, Edgerton, WI
54.  FC-AFC SHOE STING BUCK, L.M., Gary and Mary Ahlgren, Winters, CA
55.  FC CHEVEZ'S BIG TIME BLACK JACK, L.M., Tim and Penny Gentry, State Road, NC
56.  FC TOOTALOO TRUDY, L.F., Ben Lee, Concord, NC
57.  FC-AFC BLUE WATER SPECIAL, L.M., John Pampy, Poway, CA
58.  FC AUTUMN RUN'S DE SUPER TARA, L.F., Warren and Susan Exo, Verona, WI
59.  FC-AFC WATERMARK'S WIZARD, L.M., Fred Kampo, Oshkosh, WI
60.  FC BART'S EBONY DART, L.M., Loren and Carol Morehouse, Warrensburg, MO
61.  FC-AFC CAROLINA'S SMOKE ON THE WATER, L.M., Clint and Kay Joyner, Smithfield, NC
62.  FC-AFC CUDA'S BLUE RYDER, MH, L.M., Charles Tyson, Davis, CA
63.  BEAR CREEK EBONSTAR TRUMAN, L.M., Melissa and Kevin Regan, Houston, TX
64.  FC RUNNING WITH THE DEVIL, L.M., Chad O'Brien, Burnham, ME
65.  MINARE RISQUE OF BUCKSHOT, L.F., Brad and Sonya Bowyer, LaGrange, GA
66.  FC-AFC KENSBRIDGE DARKLY HANDSOME, L.M., Nan Ruby, Florence, OR
67.  FC LONESTAR'S SCARLETT OF TARA, L.F., Russ Weiss, Overland Park, KS
68.  FC-AFC COSMO'S TEXAS TANGO, L.M., Craig Charbonnet and Amy Winters, The Woodlands, TX
69.  BLUE ON BLUE, L.M., Harvey and Nancy Peterson, Fall City, WA
70.  AFC ESPRIT'S POWER PLAY, L.M., Marth and John Russell, South Hampton, NH
71.  FC CK'S THE MILLENIUM FALCON, L.F., Marion and Clint Swingle, Elverson, PA
72.  DAY'S END NORTHERN EXPRESS, L.F., J. and M. Sutter, Lilburn, GA
73.  FC-AFC CHICKAMAUGA CHOO CHOO, L.F., J.M. and L.K. DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
74.  FC-AFC PEE DEE QUICK, L.M., Nancy and Lasal Banty, Rochester, NY
75.  SKY HY'S HUSKER POWER, L.M., Theodore Shih, Golden, CO
76.  AFC LUCYANA'S JK NOT WILLIE, L.M., Jessie Kent, Sparta, GA
77.  AFC HARMONY'S HOGWILD HARLEY, L.M., Buck Linthicum, Highpoint, NC
78.  AFC WINDY CITY'S SECRET SIGNAL, L.F., L. Lancaster and C. Hines, Downers Grove, IL
79.  AFC FIRETAIL'S LEGEND, L.M., Carol Bray and Jeff Talley, Tallahassee, FL
80.  DAY'S END ABOVE THE LAW, L.M., Robert Elias, Baton Rouge, LA
81.  NFTCH-FTCH CARRONADE'S O'RYLEE FACTOR, L.F., Sally and Steve Koepke, Newbury, OH
82. ; FC HEARTBREAK KID, L.M., Greg Oothoudt, Dayton, MN
83.  FC-AFC CAROLINA'S ELECTRIK GYPSY, L.F., Kay and Clint Joyner, Smithfield, NC
84.  OTCH FC-AFC LAW ABIDING EZRA, L.M., B. and C. Cleveland,  J. Rasmuson, Clinton, CT
85. ; FC CANDLEWOODS WILD MUSTANG BUDY, L.M., R.B. Lee, Concord, NC
86.  FC-AFC JB'S SO RUDE, L.F., Richard and Charlotte Kaiser, Hazel Green, AL
87.  FC-AFC HAWKEYE'S CANDLEWOOD SHADOW, L.M., Marvin Blount, Jr.
88.  FC-AFC RAMMIN HOT CHILI, L.F., Randy and Mindy Bohn, Reinholds, PA
89.  AFC JAZZTIME TEQUILA TALKING, L.M., Dan Bilbao, Elko, NV
90.  FC-AFC MAX MILLENNIUM, MH, L.F., John and Cynthia Cavanaugh, Easton PA
91.  FC-AFC FLASHFIRE'S RIGHT ON TARGET, MH, L.M., Karen Price, Chatsworth, CA
92.  KNICK'S BUDDY BOY, L.M., Chris and Martha McCool, Rockwall, TX
93.  BOUNCE BY BINGO, L.M., Harold Bruninga, Springfield, IL

2003 Stake Info

Dates:   Sunday, November 9, 2003 through Saturday, November 15, 2003

Location:  Boatright-Goodrich Ranch, Oakdale, California

Field Trial Secretary:
Tony Snow
15174 Channel Drive
La Conner, WA 98257-4736
Phone: (360) 466-2476
Cellular: (206) 419-0386
FAX: (360) 466-0487
E-mail: [email protected]

Entry Fee:   $300.00

Judges:   Myron Chidester - Willis, Texas
                    Jaclyn Mertens - Elgin, Illinois
                    Larry Wharton - Falmouth, Maine

Information on Premiums: Premiums and Owner/handler information will be mailed to the owner of each dog qualified beginning September 15, 2003 and thereafter will be mailed to each qualified owner immediately upon receipt of confirmation from Retriever Field Trial News of the qualification. Handler’s packets will be available at the Ramada Inn on Saturday, November 8, 2003

Entries Close: 12:00 Noon PST Thursday October 30, 2003 for dogs which have qualified through October 27, 2003. See special instructions in October Retriever Field Trial News for dogs, which qualify after that date, October 31 thru November 2, 2003 – Southern Arizona, Metro Alliance, Mobile, Tidewater and Palmetto Retriever Clubs. Send entries to:

Tony Snow
2003 National Retriever Championship Secretary
15174 Channel Drive
La Conner, WA 98257-4736

Do not send entries by method that requires signature.

NRC Officers:

President:
Bill Daley
3820 W 180th Street
Torrance, CA 90504-3810
[email protected]

Vice-President:
Jim Cope
8810 Greenwood Trail
Rowlett, TX 75088

Sec/Treas:
Tony Snow
15174 Channel Drive
La Conner, WA 98257-4736
[email protected]

Directors:
Grayson Kelly – Apex, NC
Judy Powers – Sheboygan, WI
Kirk Naisbitt – Reno, NV

Field Trial Committee:

Chairman:
Kirk Naisbitt
10255 Rounder Road
Reno, NV 89606-8210
(775) 972-4336
(775) 742-4382 (Cell)
(775) 355-9664 (FAX)

Members:
Bill Daley – Torrance, CA
Tony Snow - La Conner, WA
Gary Ahlgren – Winters, CA
Jim Cope – Rowlett, TX
Bill Daley – Torrance, CA
Grayson Kelley – Apex, NC
Judy Powers – Sheboygan, WI
Tony Snow – La Conner, WA
    

Chief Marshal:
Gary Ahlgren
28968 County Road 26
Winters, CA 94594
(916) 428-8428
[email protected]

Chairmen’s Special Committee:
Robert Brunkers – Oakdale California
Cal Cadmus – Oakdale, California
Bill Daley – Torrance, California
Ray Goodrich – Santa Cruz, California
Bill Sargenti – Escalon, California

Committee Chairmen/Chairpersons:
Hostess: Robin Gulvin  - Modesto, CA (209) 572-4772
Merchandise: Ginger Cope – Rowlett, TX (214) 412-1754
Bird Throwers: Chester Koeth – Riverside, CA (818) 249-0381
Traffic: Tom Zeff–
Grounds: Mike Smith – Addison, IL (775) 425-4838
Game Stewards: Bill Kolstad– Ontario, CA (909) 983-8232
Official Guns: Dick Fenner – Fairfield, CA (707) 422-3022

Official Veterinarian: Cal & Robin Cadmus– Oakdale CA (209) 847-2257
Official Announcer: Dean Ellis – Meridian, ID (208) 572-4772
Official Photographer: Ken Andrews – Grafton WI (262) 375-0595
Setup Artist: Judy Howard – Duvall, WA (425) 788-4621
Corporate Sponsor Liaison: Dennis Bath – Belleville, IL (618) 233-5619
Qualification: Mary Knapp - Retriever Field Trial News, – Sussex, WI  262-278-4201
Official Reporter: Marilyn Fender - Picket, WI
WRC Reporter - Mary Knapp - Sussex, WI

Accommodations:

Headquarters:
Ramada Inn
825 East “F” Street                     Phone (209) 847--8181
Oakdale, Ca 95361                    FAX (209) 847-9546
Manager: Frank Basil

 A block of rooms have been reserved for the National Retriever Club from November 7, 2003 thru November 15, 2003 these rooms will be held until October 9, 2003. Any rooms that have not been guaranteed with a guests credit card will no longer be held after 4:00 p.m. on October 9, 2003.

 In addition there will be a $100.00 deposit required for quests that allow dogs in their rooms. Upon acceptable inspection $75.00 will be refunded to guest at time of check out. Twenty-five dollars will be retained by the Ramada Inn for cost of additional cleaning of the room.
Room Rate: $69.00 plus tax, double occupancy per night

Other Accommodations:

 Holiday Inn Express
 828 East “F” Street
 Oakdale, CA 95361
 (209) 847-9121

 Holiday Motel
 950 East “F” Street
 Oakdale, CA 95361
 (209) 847-7023

 Best Western Rama Inn
 1450 East “F” Street
 Oakdale, Ca 95361
 (636) 327-5515
 No Dogs allowed in rooms or parking lot

 Best Western Townhouse Lodge
 909 16th Street
 Modesto, CA 95354
 (209) 524-7261

 Emil’s Motel
 1550 Main Street
 Escalon, CA 95320
 (209) 838-7683
 No Dogs Allowed (20 miles So. of trial)

 Best Western Mallards Inn
 1720 Sisk Road
 Modesto, CA 95354
 (800) 294-4040

 Sonora Quality Inn
 18755 Charbroullian Lane
 Jamestown, CA 95327
 (209) 984-0315
 Located 20 miles East of trial grounds      

 Campgrounds:
 Knights Ferry Resort    Located from Trial Grounds. Water, Elec.
 17525 Senora Road     Showers and dump site provided.
 Knights Ferry, CA 95361    Tell them you are with the National
 (209) 881-3349

 Woodward Reservoir Regional Park    Located 6 Miles from Oakdale
 14528 “26” Mile Road
 Oakdale, CA 95361
 (209) 847-3304

 Airports:
 All are major airports, served by many Major airlines and Car Rentals

 San Francisco Int. Airport – 2 ½ hours West of Oakdale
 Sacramento Int. Airport  – 1 ½ Hours North of Oakdale
 Oakland Int. Airport – 2 hours West of Oakdale
 San Jose Int. Airport – 2 hours West of Oakdale

 Rental Car Companies:
 Hertz (800) 654-3131
 Avis (800) 831-2847
 Budget (800) 527-7000
 National (800) 227-7368

 Food Service:
 Food services will be available on the field trial grounds throughout the event.

 Bitch Check:
 Bitch check will be conducted on Saturday, November 8, 2003 immediately following the annual meeting at the:
 Oakdale Veterinary Group
 20 South Stearns Road
 Oakdale, CA 95361
 (209) 847-2257

 Training Birds: Attached order form must be received no later than Thursday, October 31st.
 Birds can be picked up at Boatright – Goodrich Ranch each morning between 6:00 a.m. and 9.00 a.m. beginning Wednesday, November 5, 2003.

 Training Areas:
 Cal Cadmus DVM – Oakdale CA
 12101 Horseshoe Road
 Oakdale, CA
 (209) 847-6575 (Home)    (209) 847-2244 (Office)

 Starting Monday November 3rd, training areas will be designated at Ranches in the vicinity of the Boatright - Goodrich Ranch, National Grounds. Beginning on the evening of Sunday, November 2nd at 6 PM, and continuing each night through Friday, November 6th a drawing will be conducted in the Cadmus Ranch barn for those of wish to use the designated training the following day

 A list of training areas and maps will be available at the Ramada Inn beginning on the morning of Monday November 3, 2003 which include maps, directions descriptions and restrictions pertaining to various designated training areas. Each night following the drawing, a list of the grounds remaining available will be posted at the Headquarters Hotel. Please note: Training areas are extremely limited and large groups may want to make their own arrangements out of  the area.
    

 SCHEDULE OF NRC BUSINESS MEETING AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

 Retriever Advisory Committee Meeting: Saturday, November 8, 2003 –200 p.m. Magnolia Elementary School Auditorium 139 Magnolia, Oakdale, CA

 NRC Annual Meeting: Saturday, November 8, 2003 – 3:00 p.m. (Or at the conclusion of the Retriever Advisory Committee meeting) Magnolia Elementary School Auditorium 139 Magnolia, Oakdale, CA

 NRC Championship Committee Meetings: At the conclusion of the annual meeting. Locations will be announced at the end of the annual meeting, check bulletin boards in the headquarters lobbies for individual locations.

 NRC Cocktail Party: Saturday, November 8, 2003  - 6:00 p.m. Oakdale Country Club, 243 Stearns Road, Oakdale, CA 90561

 Labrador Retriever Club Annual Meeting: HAS BEEN CANCELLED

 Workers Party: Wednesday, November 13, 2003 –Cocktails - 5:00 p.m. & Dinner 6:00 p.m. Knights Ferry Community Center, Knights Ferry, CA

Saturday, November 8, 2003

Highlights of the Saturday Meetings

The Saturday meeting began with the Retriever Advisory Committee at shortly after 2 p.m. held in a local school auditorium. It was called to order by acting president Bill Daley and included Bill Speck, Jerry Mann and Gordon Hildebrant  - the latter three from AKC.

Bill Speck announced that the AKC had passed the previously suggested revisions and they would go into effect, January 1, 2004.  He then said that litters could now be registered online and that soon, they would be able to  accept Field trial/hunt test entries online also.

Bill Daley explained that the recent concern over the prohibition of live ducks at events was not applicable to dog events. Bill Speck said AKC is sensitive to any legislation that would impact dog events and they had lobbyists and lawyers that could help. He suggested that those concerns be directed to AKC for possible action.

The ballots for action on current recommendations had been sent to secretaries and must be returned by December 2003. (See RFTN Aug 03, NARC report for the current recommendations.)

Two  new recommendations were presented to the RAC for consideration. They were: The use of "dummy" holding blinds in the field were a test is held and the use of dry shot(s) fired along with marks in a multiple mark test.

After some discussion on both of the current and future recommendations, the floor was turned over to Sal Gelardi who explained that a Judges Clinics would be held in  Central and Northern California, April 3-4 2004.

With that, the meeting was adjourned at 3:05 p.m. and a short intermission held before the following National Retriever Club Meeting.

The National Retriever Club Meeting

The National Retriever Club Meeting was called to order by Bill Daley at 3:25 p.m. On the dais were Jim Cope, Judy Powers, Tony Snow, Charles Tyson, Kirk Naisbitt and Grayson Kelly.

After, the minutes,  financial report (handouts provided) and roll call were dispensed with (a quorum present ). Club donations were announced along with a Board decision that the 2004 entry fee would be reduced to $250.00.

The Nomination of 2004 Officers were submitted as:

President Jim Cope
VP Grayson Kelley
Sec/Treas. Tony Snow
Judy Powers
Kirk Naisbitt
Mike Kammerer

They were unanimously elected.

Dennis Bath then thanked all Sponsors and patrons, awarding appreciation plaques to the Sponsors. He introduced those who were in attendance and suggested that participants thank them individually.

Bill then introduced Ray and DeDe Goodrich and explained that this trial was dedicated to them in recognition of their years of participation and generosity. They were presented with a bronze duck sculpture along with Marilyn Boatright. She and her late husband Joe, were also active in the sport. Additionally they co-owned the  ranch with Goodrich's were several Nationals, including this one were held.

Steve Bechtel then explained how the California Retriever Trainers Assn. had been formed to acquire lands in California for training. A five year effort, some will be available in spring 2004.

Bill Totten announced the PRTA  $1500 land improvement endowments awarded  to 3 clubs. They
were: NW Iowa, Jayhawk and Iron Range.

Mike Kammerer, 2004  NRC Chairman gave info on the stake. It will be held at Montgomery TX, near Conroe, from Nov 7-14. Judges are: Frank Kearney, Ron Ainley and Bill Daley.

After, DeDe Goodrich was invited to pick the first running number for this years Stake. It was #45.

Gary Ahlgren then gave the particulars on the current stake. Rotation was 45-67-89 & 20. First test dog at 6:45 a.m.

Shortly thereafter, all were wished luck and the meeting adjourned at 4:22.

Sunday, November 9, 2003

Tests 1 and 2 - Land double, retired gun and blind

Sunday morning participants awoke to a steady rain. It was in the low fifties and the weather channel forecast rain for the entire day. However once at the site, it began to clear and the day became partly sunny and warm. Wind was variable and non existent at times.

The first and second series was a land double with a retired gun and a blind deep to the left of the flyer gun. The line was located on top the land side of a dike. Nearly straight out form it, a set of guns stood on the dame side of the dike road. They threw a dead hen pheasant a bit back to the right. It landed on the bottom of the fairly steep dike side, in hay stubble about 171 yards from line. Deeper to their left a set of live guns shot a flying hen pheasant well ridden out to the right. It also fell in the hay stubble about 320 yards out. To the left of the flyer guns a blind was placed at the base of a hay bale nearly 400 yards from line. After the last mark was recovered, handlers received the dog on a mat to the left of the line. The blind was run from there.

Test dogs were called to the line about 7 a.m. The first was AFC Fire N Ice's Whistlin Dixie LF Owned and handled by Mike Palazzolo. His work was quite nice. After, Judges decided to wait to run the second because the rising sun  behind the line obscured the handler.

The second dog AFC Suncrest Rock N Roll, LM hunted the flyer but also completed well. It took about 10 + per dog.

At 7:38 the first running dog, #45 appeared on line. As each team approached the line, announcer Dean Ellis called the owner and handlers names along with the dog's titles.

The flyer falls were varied and most well ridden out. The color of the hens closely matched that of the high hills behind the marks. Lighter pheasant  scent also made location a bit difficult and most dogs shopped for the bird. The right, retired mark was quite "meaty." To recover the bird, dogs had to start down the dike, then drop off to the field below. Behind the mark was an elevated ridge with a few pine trees. In some cases, depending on the switching wind, it could make scenting difficult. It was a well placed mark and no matter what the wind, or no wind - it was difficult to find. A number of long, loose hunts and handles occurred (Of the first 28 dogs run by shortly before noon - 8 had handled.) It did not appear that the test could finish on Sunday.  (Of the first 8 dogs run, 4 were National Field Champions).

About 1 p.m there was a brief shower but after, the day remained sunny and warm with switching winds. The test remained challenging throughout with some spates of handles intermixed with good jobs. The light waned as dusk approached and the tests were suspended about 5:05 p.m. after dog 23 ran. There would be a test dog (1) at 6:45 Monday. There were 21 dogs to run and would commence with dog 24. No partial call backs would be given. Through dog 23 there were 15 handles and one pick up plus numerous wide, loose hunts.

The Rex Carr Memorial Supper hosted by Nestle Purina Pet Care was on deck for 7p.m just a block from HQ. Most planned to attend the event.

Pat Lamantia 
(Purina, surrounded by AKC contingent and others)

Merchandise /Hostess wagon with Gunners waiting

Gallery - Tests one and two

Roy Pelton (Eukanuba) with a full load of wares

Monday, November 10, 2003

Monday arrived as forecast - Clear, little wind and cold, with temperatures in the low 40's. A full moon shone overhead as dawn slowly arrived. The test had remained standing overnight and gunners and throwers were in place by 6:30. By 6:50 it was light enough to run the single test dog Willow, handled by Suzanne king. After, Judges waited for about 15 minutes until the rising sun was higher.

At 7:31, the first running dog, #24 stepped to line. The test appeared similar to the day before except more seemed to have trouble locating the flyer and less the retired mark. Several had trouble seeing the handler at the end of the blind, also. There were three handles and a pick-up as the last 21 finished. The combined test completed when dog 4 (2 no-birds the day before) returned with the blind about 10:30. The next test was located  a short way down the road to the west. Call backs would be given there when participants arrived.

Left mark closer

Middle mark closer

Test 3 - Land /Water Triple w/ 2 Retired Guns

The third series was well organized as contestants arrived. It was a mixed bag land/ water triple with two retired guns. Callbacks were given when most were parked. 10 dogs had been dropped with 77 remaining in contention There were 2 scratches before the stake - 21 & 43). Those dropped were: 9, 34, 37, 48, 58, 75, 76, 83, 84, and 88. Dog 67 would initiate the third.

The configuration of the marks was nearly inline and the order was left, middle, right.. On a side hill to the far left, a set of guns threw a dead hen pheasant to the right. It fell in a short stubble field 257 yards away. Next, a set located across  from them and a medium size, irregular island studded pond threw a dead duck left, across the water where it fell on a grassy island about 168 yards from line. The last mark was a flyer a short distance to the right of the line. They shot a duck to the left that landed in a stubble side hill 93 yards out. It was also a small area of swimming water, like the middle mark. As the dog was sent for the flyer, the two other gun stations retired behind naturalized blinds. It took about 8-9 minutes to complete and probably would not finish by dusk.

The short flyer dimmed the memory of the other two marks. Most took the middle bird second. It was very challenging because of the water and terrain involved. Dogs had to go toward the pond and swim across to the island, but on the way they had to angle across a Y shaped gravel road that tempted them to run down it, and rolling terrain. A number ran toward the water, then up the road to the right where the gunner's blind stood. After a hunt, they either worked their way back to the water and island, or were handled there. Several appeared confused and required a handle or two to locate the mark

The line to the left bird just sliced the end of the same pond that the middle mark involved. It was very tempting to cheat and run around (which occurred frequently). However, they had to be deep  of the bird to wind it and a line to the left could make that difficult. Combined with the fact that a pheasant was there, caused some to shop for the bird. A few ran out of the area and were unable to recover and needed handling

The day was breezy, clear and cool - good dog working conditions.By dusk, nearly half the dogs had run. The third was suspended shortly after 5 p.m. after dog 20 ran, 41 were left for Tuesday morning. There would be only one test dog at 6:30 and dog 22 would start. Six dogs had handled - one on two marks. No partial callbacks were given.

Judges L to R, Larry Wharton, 
Jackie Mertens, Myron Chidester

Paul Sletten with Tara

Ken Andrews "shooting" Bill Totten /#37

Danny Farmer and "training partner"

Tuesday, November 11, 2003

Blinds viewed from line

Planters Illustrating blind placement

Test 4 and 5 Double Blind

Blinds viewed from red ribbon beyond line mat

It was clear and quite cold, temps in the mid 30's about 5 a.m. Low patchy fog hung over marshy areas. Although Judges wanted to run a test dog at 6:30, the dense fog and glare delayed them until 6:40. After the test team of Willow and Suzanne King (Happy Birthday Suzanne!) the fog rolled back in.

Poor Nan Ruby had ben sent back last night, called to line and sent back again because of the fog. Finally, at 7:30  she was again called to line (#22). Unfortunately she found the results not worth waiting for when a handle was required.

The work was similar to the previous day, however it became quite warm and pleasant, not like the cold and biting wind experienced on Monday. As before, work ran in streaks of very good alternating with handles.

By 2:30, the third was history and contestants were told to park a good distance from the line because of a small parking area at the new site, located behind the third. Workers would shuttle those needing a ride to the new site. Callbacks would be given at the old site.  They arrived swiftly and 67 were invited back. Twelve had been lost. They were:6, 26, 29, 30, 40, 41, 47, 49, 59, 65, 78, and 91. Starting dog was 89.

By 2:15, the next series (maybe 2) was ready. It was a double blind. The shorter right one was a dead pheasant on land. The planter sat in a chair to the right of the blind, but did not pop.  It was picked up first. The second was to the left of the first and was considerably deeper. Near the end was the right end of a small pond that had a patch of cattails on the near side. The line to the duck beyond was definitely through that relatively small water area. The first test team appeared at 2:25, the second about 5 minutes later. After, Judges checked to see if dogs could see a white or black jacket better as the sun was behind the line and dogs were beneath the hill. White seemed to be the color du jour and competitors quickly lined up.

The line was located on a grassy side hill that sloped down to the left and in front. It was relatively steep. A light wind came from behind the line.  To recover the right bird, dogs had to angle down the slope, across a small ditch and gravel road to a  dike type ridge that rose beyond. The pheasant lay on bare ground 171 yards from line.

The second (left) blind was run from the same mat, but the angle down the hill was steeper as the hill fell off faster. Handlers were allowed to move up about 15 yards to a pink ribbon once the dog went over the hill. This allowed them to see the dog as it progressed down the hill toward the small pond.

The line was through the pond, then a distance beyond where the duck lay marked by a small, red sprayed hay bale,  294 yards from line.

The right blind took about 4 whistles to recover. There line was actually through the left tip of a large patch of cattails before the rise, but most seemed to go left. There was a danger if the dog ran over the rise and went out of sight briefly .

When sent for the left one, dogs seemed to want to go to the left, possibly influenced by a shifting breeze and avoiding the path to the short one. Some handlers to fight them to the right , then push them left so they would take some water through the distant pond. If they went too far left there, they could be lost behind the cattail patch and reappear off line to the left.

Again, there was not enough time before dusk to run the entire field and no partial callback would be given.The series ended with dog 28 at 5 p.m. It will commence on Wednesday morning with dog 31. Only one test dog will be run at 6:30 a.m.

-R: Randy & Mindy Bohn & Linda Patterson (& Chili)

L - R: Marilyn Boatright, Glenn Gulvin, 
Charlene Koeth and Missy Tyson

FC-AFC Creek Robber & Ken Jackson

Lunch Wagon - Good Stuff!

Wednesday, November 12, 2003

Wednesday arrived clear, cold and with little wind. Temperatures were near freezing; about 33 degrees. A down jacket was a fashion must.

The test had been left standing and was ready to go about 6:15, but there was not enough light. Shortly after 6:30 the single test dogs was called to line. Gary Zellenr and D-Seven, demonstrated that the test carried the same pitfalls as the day before. About 7 a.m., dog 31 was called to line. (He had received a reprieve the evening before as it was too dark to run him)

The work remained about the same with perhaps a few more dogs missing the left blind far water. 
There was speculation in the gallery that if the dogs missed the far water, would they have failed the test ?

The series ended about 11 a.m. Callbacks came shortly thereafter and 52 dogs remained. Fifteen had been lost. They were: 15, 18, 19, 32, 35, 38, 50, 57, 66, 67, 70, 72, 73, 87, and 89.

The next series was a short distance down the road and by the time contestants arrived, a test dog was being called to the line.

Test 6 - Land/Water Triple - 2 Retired Guns

The fifth was a land water triple. The line was set on top of a high point overlooking rolling hayfields on the left (1/3 uncut and 1/3 cut. They sloped down to a pond on the left that had a winding gravel road following the shoreline.. The pond contained small islands, and a peninsula protruding from the far road. The first set was located at the base of the far peninsula. They threw a dead duck flat to the right. It landed in tall grass about half way down the peninsula, 244 yards from line. Next, the gunners in the left, uncut hayfield threw a dead hen pheasant to the right. It fell about 105 yards out. The set was positioned in the cut field to the right, about half way between the other two. They shot a flyer duck back to the left about 163 yards away.. As the dog was sent for it, the other two gun stations retired. The wind angled in and/or across from left to right. As the test progressed the wind rose and it became cloudy.

 About 11:20, the test dogs illustrated that the test could be demanding- especially the long peninsula mark- when both handled on it.

The first running dog, #20 arrived at 11:50. The first one or two did quite well, but then the wind switched and turned into the line from right to left. After the wind switch, the long right bird could be winded from a long distance on the left - even on the hill - and a number did so. several dogs missed the opportunity and a few needed to be handled on the far left mark. There were also a number of deep, loose hunts on the left mark. That bird was thrown flat and landed on the side hill. Some dogs drove past it on the upwind side then hunted on top the hill and/or to the deep left of the gunner's blind. Most recovered and did pick up the pheasant after a hunt

The wind remained from the same direction, but varied in intensity throughout the afternoon.

Since the workers party was scheduled for 5 p.m. at a nearby hall, the test was suspended at 4:30 p.m, after #86 had run. There would be no partial callbacks. There would be one test dog at 7 a.m. and dog # 1 will start. There was concern that if the wind shifts overnight, it could be a different test in the morning.

Gallery Test 5

Judy Powers and Bill Eckett in last holding blind

Announcer Dean Ellis with unique knee warmer

NFTC Carronade's O'Rylee Factor/Dan DeVos #74

Thursday, November 13, 2003

A pleasant morning arrived for Thursday' events It was partly cloudy, temperatures in the upper 40's and little breeze at 6 a.m. Judges had scheduled only one test dog to be run at 7 a.m.

Once on site, a heavy haze hung over the series. The line faced the rising sun that added a glare also.  The only test team of Gary Zellner and D Seven ran at 7 a.m., but the visibility was too bad to resume the test. Judges decided to wait until the haze burned off and the light was better. By 7:45 the first running dog, #90 was called to line..

The test was much the same as the day before, however, dogs seemed to do a better job of marking the far right bird. Not as many ran up the far hill and winded the bird. More hunted their way to the area of the fall and recovered the bird with a hunt instead of winding it from a distance. As the last few dogs arrived, the wind switched and came in from left to right so that the dogs could wind the far bird on the right. A few handled, but most did workmaship-like jobs.

By 9:45 the fifth concluded when dog # 17 returned to line. Contestants were told to wait for the callbacks before moving to the next site a short distance away. Once again the callbacks were readily available. Forty Three dogs had survived with 9 lost. Those missing were: 20, 24, 28, 42, 55, 56, 63, 74, and 81. Dog 60 would begin the 6th - a land quad with 2 flyers, two retired guns and an honor.

Test 7 - Land Quad, 2 flyers, 2 retired guns and an honor

A quick move was then made to a hill overlooking a rolling  pasture with a small creek angling through. The line was on top the hill that dropped down to a road transversing below. Beyond it the land rolled up fairly sharply. The stream was lined with patches of cattails and angled from the far left to the near right.. Four sets of guns were positioned .at various depths in a 160 degree spread. To the near left, a flying duck was shot thrown to the left were it landed in sparse pasture grass 125 yards away. Deeper to the right a second set stood alongside some cattails. They threw a dead duck deep to the right that landed beyond a wet area 144 yards from line. Deeper to the right, well up the far hill, the third set shot a flying rooster thrown to the right. It fell in sparse pasture 262 yard deep. The right station was much closer in, also in the cattail lined shore.. They threw a dead hen pheasant to the left where it fell in a wet swale, 209 yards out. The order was : left middle dead, right middle flyer, right dead hen and left flyer duck. Handlers received the last bird on an honor mat to the right of line. It took about 10 + minutes per dog (?).

The first test team of Mike and Dixie demonstrated the test at 10:22 with Arnie and Rocky following about 10:35. . First running dog came to line at about 11 a.m.

The 2 shot flyers boggled the dog's minds and the configuration only added to the excitement. When sent for the first flyer, the two dead bird stations retired so that when he returned with the bird, only the pheasant flyer station was visible. Most took that mark second. The pheasant falls were varied and some hunted them before recovery.  Most took the left middle dead duck second. After running deep for the last flyer, some dogs blew through the shorter, retired mark and ran deep up the hill. Some recovered after a hunt but others had to be brought back with a handle. The same scenario applied to the right, retired mark. A few handlers took the two flyers, then the right retired third and the left retired last.

Although there was some hunting on the flyers, especially the long, left middle pheasant flyer, most of the problems occoured on the two retired marks. Both were well placed in tall  wet cattail cover . They were also down wind. Dogs were drawn past the cattail creek to the large expanse of pasture beyond. Many did not want to check down for the shorter, retired marks initially, and of those that blew threw them, only a few recovered without handling. When the test was suspended for the day, 31 dogs had been run and 15 handled on the marks, about 50%. If those, 4 handled on two fo the marks

The test was suspended at about 5 p.m. after dog 25 had run. 12 would run on Friday morning. 
A test dog would be run at 6:30 and the first running dog shortly thereafter. There were no partial callbacks and the next test was rumored to be a blind(s?).

96 NFC AFC Storm's Riptide Star visits, recalling  memories

Sam Milton and Ford on line

Handlers observing Test 6 from the line

Summit meeting (L to R) Gary Zellner, Ron Foley, Gary Ahlgren and
Rich Fenner.

Friday, November 14, 2003

Another cool, partly cloudy day was on deck for the stake. Temperatures were in the low 40's  with little breeze. Rain was predicted for later in the day to continue until Saturday.

At 6:45 the only test team - Glenda and Willow illustrated that the test was similar to the previous day and handled. The wind had switched a bit and angled back from right to left across the test.

At 7 a.m. dog 27 resumed the series. The two retired marks remained dangerous, but the long flyer presented problems also. It was so far away that some handlers selected the retired mark or mark(s) prior to recovering it. A number of wide, loose hunts occurred. Occasionally, a dog  was sent for the long bird second and would would work it's way to one or the other retired marks instead. 
Some dogs seemed completely confused and the handing was pervasive again.

The last dog, #54 returned from line shortly after 9 a.m. No dogs broke on the honor.

A short move was made to a water area behind the last test. It was set up as a double blind, but when judges arrived to find the wind in their face, they quickly set up a single blind . As they deliberated, the cars had to be moved to the right side of the pond. Callbacks were announced and only 25 potential champions remained. Those lost were: 4, 7, 12, 17, 22, 27, 39, 44, 46, 51, 54, 61, 62, 64, 68, 77, 79, and 90.

The line mat was set on a cut hay side hill overlooking the left tip of a pond. It had a small point protruding from the left and a dike between its far shore and a small body of water beyond. Two gunners were on the shore to the far right with a decoy spread was in front of them. They shot twice and then sluiced the water.

Test 8 Water Blind from line- Close up to illustrate detail  (planter standing by bird)

The line was a short distance to the water and went down the hill, across a gravel road and fairly steep bank. It continued into the water, across a point, then back into the water. From there it went to the dike, crossed it  and back into the water, then terminated a short distance up the far shore about 221 yards away. It was a dead duck marked by a dark patch.

The sluice did not seem to affect the dogs too much. Most had several whistles to get to the dike - mainly to set the dogs on and off the point. It took a couple more to get them into the far water and up the shore to the blind. It took about 7 minutes per dog. There was a pick up point to the far left of line  where the dog returned via land.

Some of the dogs stayed quite wide out into the water, but the true line hugged the shore. A few seemed reluctant to land on the point and re enter the water to the right. A few boxed their dogs around at the end. The test ended when dog 85 returned to line at 1:30 p.m.

A move was made to a field near the first day's series. As contestants arrived, callback were announced. Twenty one had survived and four had been dropped. Those lost were: 11, 14, 33, and 36.

Test 9 Land Quad, 2 flyers, 2 Retired Guns and an Honor

Close up of middle two retired guns- one at left base of hill, other to right, on top of hill

The 7th was a big land quad with two shot flyers, two retired guns and an honor. The line was on a hill overlooking a draw with high, rolling hills beyond. Four sets of guns were positioned on the far hills at nearly a 160 degree spread. The outside two were flyers ( left rooster; right duck) and the two fairly tightly converging middle marks were pheasant hens. Both middle guns retired as the dog was sent for the first flyer. Test dogs demonstrated the series at shortly after 2 p.m. After they ran, Judges moved the left flyer to the top of the hill and moved the mats about 15 yards to the left. The order of the throws were also changed. The new order was: Middle right long retired (297 yds); left flyer ( 260 yds); left middle short retired mark (237 yds); right flyer (170 yds). I took about 8 mpd to complete.

The flyer falls were well ridden out and fell in sparse, but expansive pasture grass. Several dogs shopped to find them, especially on the left flyer. They appeared influenced by the memory of the two retired birds. Some ran behind the guns and hunted for the bird while other charged up the hill with a solid mark. The middle, converging marks were the most troublesome. Some dogs blew through the short one and either hunted their way to the far one, or checked down and recovered it, or hunted their way behind or up the hill back to the left flyer. Several handles occurred in the first 1/3 of the field.

An intermittent rain fell shortly after the test began and by 4:30 it was too dark to continue. The test was suspended at 4:40 when dog 5 was excused from the honor. A test dog would run at 7 a.m with the first dog, #8  shortly thereafter. Nine dogs were left to run. This test would be considered number 9 with the fourth series double blinds as 4 and 5.

Saturday, November 15, 2003

The 9th test ended about 9 am with several dogs handling. A short move was made to a high hill behind the previous test. The test was a water quad. Callbacks listed 15 finalists for the 10th. Those dropped were: 1, 13, 16, 60, 71 and 85.

Test 10, Water Quad, 2 flyers, 2 Ret Guns

Close up of left and right marks

The line was up on  a hill overlooking a wide expanse of interconnected ponds, and smaller spots of water. There were four sets of guns in the field below. The marks were thrown from left to right. The first was on the far left. It was the longest mark. They threw a dead pheasant to the right it landed in green pasture grass about 275 yards away. . To their right and closer in, a set of live gun shot a flying pheasant to the right. It landed in sparse pasture grass 310 yards out. A good distance to their right and about as far from the line, another set stood on a dike and threw a dead duck flat to the left. It landed in tall tulles 289 yds out. Lastly, a group of live guns closer in and to the left shot a flying duck to the right. As the dog was sent, the two dead bird marks retired behind naturalized blind. (far left and middle right). The lines to both retired marks were across water. A small spot a distance away on the left, and a long expanse for the right middle.

The test dogs ran at 10:20 and took about 15 minutes to complete. Both handled - one on 2 marks.Dog 3 was the first to run at 11 A.M.. It was raining lightly and the far left bird was hard ro see

 The first two dogs handled and work after that was varied. When the test ended at 3:15, only two dogs had not handled throughout the trial.

The winners table was se up near the parking lot Happily, the rain had ended, but it was still cloudy. Each finalist had a green goblet standing on a flower laden table. The winners goblet was blue. Champagne was poured and a toast raised. Then, in a brief ceremony, workers, sponsors, Judges and competitors were acknowledged. The finalists were introduced and the winner announced as #10, FC AFC Five Star General Patton with Mike Lardy handling. It was an expected win by an amazing team. A party was announced and everyone was invited to the H-B for snacks and liquid libation.It was an exciting week and a demanding National.

Test 10 from line 

Ray and Dede Goodrich

2003 NRC Winner & Finalists

2003 NATIONAL RETRIEVER CHAMPIONSHIP
November 9-15, 2003 - Oakdale, CA

THE WINNER IS
10. FC-AFC Five Star General Patton, LM
Owned by Deb Bredeson & Elly Muth, Handler Mike Lardy

The Finalists

2. FC-AFC Carbon Copy of Horn Creek, LM, Frank Kashevarof/Jim Gonia
3. FC-AFC Scan's In The Nick Of Time, LF, L Lancaster& C Hines/C Hines
5. FC-AFC High Tech CEO, LM, J Wrenn & E&L Haskins/Ed Forry
8. FC-AFC Trumarc's Lean Cuisine, LF, Judith Aycock/Danny Farmer
10. FC-AFC Five Star General Patton, LM, D. Bredeson & Elly Muth/M. Lardy
23. FC-AFC Clubmead's Head Over Heels, LM, Ronald Kiehn/Don Remien
25. FC-AFC Hawkeye's Candlewood Shadow, LM M. Blount/M. Blount
31. FC-AFC Creek Robber, LM, Ken Jackson/Jim Gonia
45. NAFC-FC Adams Acres Cerokee Rose, LF, J & M Russell/Pat Burns
52. NFC-AFC Eagle Ridge Rocket Sam, LM, Bill Bowen, Danny Farmer
53. NFC Maxx's Surprose, LM,Sherwin Scott, Mike Lardy
69. FC Autumn Run's De Super Tara, LF, W & S Exo/Paul Sletten
80. FC-AFC Showthyme, LF, Penny Youngblood/ Danny Farmer
82. FC-AFC Redline Wilderness Hanna Go, LF, R & L Rovelstad/M Lardy
86. FC-AFC Dust Devil's Shoot The Moon, LM, G & S D Bechtel/B Totten

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Information Concerning the 2003 Stake
2003 National Qualifiers
Starters, Callbacks, and Summary in Order of the Draw
Additional Stake Report on AKC

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Daily Reports of the Stake
by Mary Knapp

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For a complete report of the 2003 National 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 Champion

NFC-AFC Cashman's Fat Lady Zingin
Owners  Mac and Lynne Du Bose - Handler Mac DuBose