2004 NRC

2004 NRC - Montgomery, TX

2004 Stake Info
2004 Callbacks

2004 NRC Qualifiers

1.      03 NFC-AFC FIVE STAR GENERAL PATTON, Debra Bredeson and Elly Muth, Sussex, WI
2.      FC-AFC SHOWTHYME, L.F., Penny Youngblood, Dallas, TX
3.      FC MAGIC MARKER IV, L.M., Anita Twomey, Anchorage, AK
4.      FC-AFC CREEK ROBBER, L.M., Ken Jackson, Duvall, WA
5.      FC FARGO II, L.M., Jane Schmidt and Jerry Patopea, Junction City, OR
6.      FC-AFC SUNCREST ROCK'N ROLL, L.M., Arnold and Linda Erwin, El Cajon, CA
7.      01 NFC-AFC EAGLE RIDGE ROCKET SAM, L.M., Bill Bowen, Albuquerque, NM
8.      FC-AFC VOLWOOD'S MOLLIE, L.F., Jack and Florence Vollstedt, Junction City, OR
9.      FC-AFC CAROLINA'S SMOKE ON THE WATER, L.M., Clint and Kay Joyner, Smithfield, NC
10.    FC-AFC COMSTOCKS BODACIOUS, L.M., John and Anne Marshall, Addison, ME
11.    FC PLEASANT RIVER KATE, L.F., John and Anne Marshall, Addison, ME
12.    FC-AFC SUMMER THYME II, L.F., William Bowen, Albuquerque, NM
13.    FC-AFC DEWEY'S DRAKE OF MOON RIVER, L.M., G. McIlwain and L. Schwab, Bovey, MN
14.    FC-AFC CHANCES ARE MEIN SCHATZIE, L.F., Nona Bauer, Labelle, MO
15.    FC-AFC CARBON COPY OF HORN CREEK, L.M., Frank Kashevarof, Woodenville, WA
16.    FC-AFC TRUMARC'S LEAN CUISINE, L.F., Judith Aycock, Sanger, TX
17.    FC-AFC NICK OF TIME LONE RANGER, L.M., C. Hines and L. Lancaster, Hinsdale, IL
18.    FC-AFC HIGH TECH CEO, L.M., J. Wrenn and E. and L. Haskins, Raleigh, NC
19.    FC-AFC RSK'S SMOOTH SAILING, Vicki Worthington, Lockport, IL
20.     FC-AFC YOYOU KAYTEE KK, L.F., Hillary Rogers Brooks, Camden, SC
21.    FC-AFC ROUGHWATER'S SNAP CRACKLE POP, L.F., Monty Wulf, Blair, NE
22.    WORLD FAMOUS MAGICAL MISCHIEF, L.M., Ryan and Sal Gelardi, Woodland, CA
23.    FC REBEL RIDGE TOTAL ECLIPSE, L.M., Stephen Brenner, Kennett Square, PA
24.    FC-AFC MACCABEE'S FIRST CANDLE, L.F., Eli Reichman and Sue Ritch, Fairway, KS
25.    FC-AFC SALLY'S POWER DRIVE, L.M., Jenny Grasse, Annadale, NJ
26.    FC-AFC TRUMARC'S PUDGIE MAC, L.M., Michael Kammerer, Montgomery, TX
27.    FC-AFC BOSHI JAMES' CUTTING EDGE, L.M., Shonene and James Garrison, Portland, OR
28.    FC RED LABEL TRUE GRIT, L.M., Danny Widner, Lake Jackson, TX
29.    FC-CFC-CAFC WINGOVER'S LITTLE JOE, L.M., Dudley Millikin, Jr., Andover, MA
30.    FC TARTAN PRIME TIME, L.M., Barbara and James Howard, Longmont, CO
31.    FC HUNTING HILLS NATCHEZ TRACE, L.M., Debbie and Brian King, Manhattan, MT
32.    03 NAFC-FC ADAMS ACRES CHEROKEE ROSE, L.F., John and Martha Russell, S. Hampton, NH
33.    FC-AFC JB'S SO RUDE, L.F., Dick and Charlotte Kaiser, Hazel Green, AL
34.    FC-AFC TANGATA MANU, L.M., Bradley and Diane Clow, Casper, WY
35.    FC HEARTBREAK KID, L.M., Greg Oothoudt, Champlin, MN
36.    FC HARLEY'S SUPER TRIVEN MAC, L.M., Ronald Stainback, Middleburg, SC
37.    FC SEVEN COME ELEVEN, L.F., J.M. and L.K. DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
38.    FC THE MAN IN BLACK, L.M., M. Huffman, D. Gilliland, J. Hilderbrandt, Tupelo, MS
39.    FC GREY DAWN'S DAYS END SUMAC, L.F., Alan Russell, Ogden, UT
40.    FC-AFC HIWOOD KLEEN SWEEP, L.F., Roy and Jo McFall, Anchorage, AK
41.    FC VINWOOD'S JUMP'N JOCK, L.M., Michael Park, Huntsville, TX
42.    04 NAFC-FC CHICKAMAUGA CHOO CHOO, L.F., J.M. and L.K. DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
43.    REMINGTON'S DUK DAWG, L.F., Linda Johnson, Joliet, MT
44.    FC-AFC WATERMARK'S WIZARD, L.M., Fred Kampo, Oshkosh, WI
45.    FC-AFC CANDLEWOODS ABSOLUTE POWER, L.M., Jim and Judy Powers, Sheboygan, WI
46.    FC-AFC WINDY CITY'S SECRET SIGNAL, L.F., L. Lancaster and C. Hines, Downers Grove, IL
47.    FC-CFC DAY'S END NORTHERN EXPRESS, L.F., J. and M. Sutter, Lilburn, GA
48.    FC CANDLEWOODS EBONSTAR AS GOOD AS IT GETS, L.M., Bob and Ann Heise, Rochester, MN
49.    CANDLEWOODS RULIN' THE ROOST, L.M., Wm. and Bev Busler, Solon, IA
50.    FC MEBA'S MISCHIEF, L.F., R. Hanssen and C. Klein, Webster Groves, MO
51.    00 NFC MAXX'S SURPRISE, L.M., Sherwin Scott, Phoenix, AZ
52.    FC-AFC CHENA RIVER CHAVEZ, L.M., Marion Stroud-Swingle, Elverson, PA
53.    FC CANDLEWOODS AUTUMN RUN VINCE, L.M., Debbie and Brian King, Manhattan, MT
54.    FC-CFC-CAFC SALTY PAWS MISSLE TOE, L.F., Roy and Susan Morejohn, Freeport, ME
55.    FC-AFC PIN OAKS BLACK POWDER MAGGIE, L.F., Judy and Dave Fowler, Scottsdale, AZ
56.    FC PIKE OF CASTLEBAY, L.M., H. McNeil and B. and C. Mitchell, Philadelphia, PA
57.    FC-AFC MORGAN LE FAE OF BUCKSHOT, L.F., Win and Susie Purtell, West Bend, WI
58.    FC-AFC LAW ABIDING EZRA, L.M., B. and D. Cleveland and J. Rasmuson, Clinton, CT
59.    04 NFTCH-AFTCH-AFC TNT'S MR PEABODY PRAIRIEMARSH, L.M., John and Janice Gunn, Abbotsford, BC
60.    FC WYNSCAPES HIGH FLYING BLUES, L.M., Jayne and Larry Halvorson, Fridley, MN
61.    FC CHAVEZ'S BIG TIME BLACK JACK, L.M. , Tim Gentry and Penny Walker, State Rd., NC
62.    FC-AFC WORLD FAMOUS TELLIPATH, L.F., Ryan Gelardi, Woodland CA
63.    FC-AFC IRON LINES ANNIE OAKLEY, L.F., Mark Perrizo, Downey, CA
64.    FC VINWOOD'S DON'T LOOK ETHEL, L.F., Michael Kammerer, Montgomery, TX
65.    FC BARTON CREEK'S CLASSIC GLASS, L.M., Mike Haring, Katy, TX
66.    SANPITCH RIVER SOPHIA, L.F., Steve Bechtel, Jr., San Francisco, CA
67.    FC MIZPAH MISS, L.F., Floyd Bradley, Overton, NV
68.    FC LULU LULU LULU, L.F., Martion Stroud Swingle, Elverson, PA
69.    FC SEA-J-PLEASANT RIVER BLUE, L.M., Chas Markham, Honeoye Falls, NY
70.    RIVERSIDES RAGGEDY ANN, L.F., Linda and Gary Noga, Bonham, TX
71.    MAD RIVER'S MAGGIE MCBUNN, L.F., Mike Cicero and Frank Baird, Ferris, TX
72.    FC PENMARKS MOUNTAIN KING, L.M., Penny Youngblood and Susan Spalter, Dallas, TX
73.    THIRD CREEKS DELTA DAWN, L.F., Lori and Larry Morgan, Brighton, CO
74.    A AND D WILDWIND TASHA, L.F., Erin Faaborg, Lincolnton, GA
75.    LEAN MAC'S SCOUPER STAR, MH, L.M., Chad Costa, Modesto, CA
76.    FC CANDLEWOODS RUFFIAN, L.F., Joan Fine, Millwood, VA
77.    FC-AFC YELLOWSTONE'S DUST DEVIL, L.M., Glenda Brown, Santa Barbara , CA
78.    FC ENO RUN JAKE, L.M., Brenda and Thomas Parrish, Clinton, SC

2004 NRC Stake Info

Dates: Sunday, November 7, 2004 through Saturday, November 13, 2004

Location: Properties in and around Montgomery, Texas

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: $250

Judges: Ron Ainley -- Dubuque, Iowa
                 Bill Daley -- Torrance, California
                Frank Kearney -- Salley, South Carolina

Information on Premiums: Premiums and Owner/handler information will be mailed to the owner of each dog qualified beginning September 15, 2004 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 Del Lago Resort on Saturday, November 6, 2004.

Entries Close: 12:00 Noon PST Thursday, October 28, 2004 for dogs that have qualified through October 24, 2004. Send entries to:
          Tony Snow
          2004 National Retriever Championship Secretary
          15174 Channel Drive
          La Conner WA 98257-4736

For dogs which qualify at:
Metro Alliance Ret. Club, Mobile Amateur Ret. Club, Palmetto Ret. Club, Tidewater Ret. Club, and Southern Arizona Ret. Club
The entry must be phone to Secretary, Tony Snow at (206) 419-0386 no later than Noon PST, on Monday, November 1st. Entry form and fee must be given to the Secretary prior to running the National Championship Stake.

                         DO NOT SEND ENTRIES BY METHOD THAT REQUIRES SIGNATURE

NRC OFFICIERS

President:                           Jim Cope
                                              8810 Greenwood Trail
                                              Rowlett TX 75088

Vice President:                  Grayson Kelley
                                              1309 Kelly Road
                                              Apex NC 27502-9570

Secretary/Treasurer:      Tony Snow
                                              15174 Channel Drive
                                              La Conner WA 98257-4736
                                              [email protected]

Directors:                           Judy Powers -- Sheboygan WI
                                              Kirk Naisbitt -- Reno NV
                                              Mike Kammerer -- Montgomery TX

FIELD TRIAL COMMITTEE:

Chairman:                           Mike Kammerer
                                              11900 Womack Cemetery Road
                                              Montgomery TX 77316
                                              (936) 449-5744 (home)
                                              (936) 520-8494 (cell)
                                              (936) 597-8282 (fax)
                                              [email protected]

Members:                          Jim Cope -- Rowlett TX
                                            Grayson Kelley -- Apex NC
                                            Tony Snow -- La Conner WA
                                            Judy Powers -- Sheboygan WI
                                            Kirk Naisbitt -- Reno NV
                                            Marv Baumer -- McKinney TX

Chief Marshals:               Marv Baumer
                                             7500 Shetland Road
                                             McKinney TX 75070
                                              (972) 529-1649 (home)
                                              (972) 658-2954 (cell)

                                              Jo Anne Laub
                                              123 Teal Lane
                                              Gilmer TX 75645
                                              (903) 797-4680

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS:

Hostess:                              Ginger Cope -- Rowlett TX (972) 679-7580
                                              Judy Kammerer -- Montgomery TX (936) 449-5744

Bird Throwers:                  Rodney Glaze -- Dallas TX (972) 754-4160
                                              Clint Avant -- Anderson TX (660) 864-6018

Game Stewards:                  Ed Fullerton -- Kingwood TX (713) 376-8642
                                                James Parker -- Austin TX (512) 339-6617

Grounds:                              Charles Bearden -- Wichita Falls TX (940) 322-2729
                                                Dale Sweeney -- Wichita Falls TX (940) 651-0899

Official Guns:                     Jim Cope -- Rowlett TX (972) 679-7580
                                               Ed Aycock -- Sanger TX (940) 458-3994

Traffic:                                 Verdell Matter -- Houston TX (281) 444-9147
                                                Myron Chidester -- Willis TX (936) 856-8576

Corporate Sponsor Liaison:      Dennis Bath -- Bellville IL (608) 233-5619
Chairman's Special Committee:      Bill Bowen -- Albuquerque NM
                                                                Skip Cope -- Quinlan TX
                                                                Ira Hodson -- El Cajon CA

Official Veterinarian:      Mary Tatum -- Houston TX (713) 771-3716
Official Announcer:         Gay Houser -- Valley View TX (940) 637-2412
Official Photographer:      Ken Andrews -- Grafton WI (262) 375-0595
Qualifications:                    Mary Knapp - Retriever Field Trial News -- Sussex WI 262-278-4201
Official Reporter:               Mary Knapp -- Sussex WI 262-278-4201 (WRC)
                                                Pete Clark ---- Oak Creek WI   (414 ) 481-2760

ACCOMODATIONS:

Headquarters:                Del Lago Resort
                                          600 Del Lago Boulevard
                                          Montgomery TX 77356
                                          (936) 5822-6100 (phone)
                                          (936) 582-4918 (fax)

A block of rooms has been reserved for the National Retriever Club from November 1, 2004 through November 13, 2004. These rooms will be held at the NRC discounted rate runtil October 16, 2004. Any rooms that have not been guaranteed with a guest's credit card will no longer be held after October 16, 2004.

Room Rate:                    $79.00 plus applicable taxes, per night, for single or double occupancy for the Tower Suites. All suites have
                                        a bedroom area, a living area, kitchenette and balcony.
                                        Golf Course Cottages are offered at $149.00 per night plus applicable taxes. The Cottages have two bedrooms
                                        with baths, which will sleep four, a living area, a dining area, full kitchen with washer/dryer and a private deck.
The resort offers four restaurants, golf, tennis, racquetball, full service marina and a health spa and fitness center.

Other Area Accommodations:

            Baymont Inn & Suites                                        Lake Conroe Best Western
            1506 I-45 South                                                    14643 Hwy 105 West
            Conroe TX 77304                                                Montgomery TX 77356
            (936) 539-5100                                                      (936) 588-3030
            (877) 229-6668                                                      (800) 937-8376

            La Quinta Inn                                                       Comfort Inn
            4006 Sprayberry Lane                                        1115 League Line Road
            Conroe TX 77303                                                Conroe TX 77303
            (936) 228-0790                                                      (936) 890-2811
            (800) 531-5900                                                      (888) 700-7118

            Best Western Of Willis
            12323 I-45 North (Exit 94)
            Willis TX 77316
            (936) 856-1906
            (800) 937-8376

Campgrounds:    Havens Landing RV Resort
                               19785 Highway 105 West
                               Montgomery TX 77356
                               (936) 582-1200
                               (866) 496-6370

Each site is 37 feet wide with a concrete slab for the vehicle and has a patio, picnic table, 20-30-50 AMP connections and cable TV. Ask for the NRC rate.

AIRPORT
Houston's George H. Bush Intercontinental Airport is located about a one hour drive southeast of Montgomery. Houston Hobby Airport is located about 2 1/4 hour drive south of Montgomery.

RENTAL CAR COMPANIES:
All major car rental companies serve both airports.
        Alamo            (800) 237-9633
        Avis               (800) 831-2847
        Budget           (800) 527-0700
        Dollar             (800) 800-4000
        Enterprise      (800) 736-8222
        Hertz               (800) 654-3131
        National         (800) 227-7368
        Thrifty            (800) 847-4389

FOOD SERVICE:
There will be food services available on the ground each day.

BITCH CHECK:
Bitch check will be conducted on Saturday, November 6, 2004 immediately following the National Retriever Club Annual Meeting in the parking lot adjacent to the Conference Center. Dr. Mary Tatum, DVM, will conduct the bitch check.

OFFICIAL VETERINARIAN:      Dr. Mary Tatum, DVM
                                                           Brittmore Animal Hospital
                                                           1236 Brittmore Road
                                                          Houston TX 77043
                                                          (713) 468-8253
                                                          (713) 771-3716

Other Area Veterinary Clinics:      Animal Hospital of Conroe               Western Hills Veterinary Service Inc
                                                                1210 N Loop 336 West                      19683 Hwy 105 West
                                                                Conroe TX 77301                               Montgomery TX 7735
                                                                (936) 756-7761                                    (936) 582-4223

TRAINING BIRDS: The attached form must be returned to Rohrer's Game Farm no later than November 1, 2004.
TRAINING AREAS: Training areas will be allocated each day by lottery drawing starting Tuesday evening, November 2, 2004 through Friday evening November 5, 2004. The drawing will take place in the Del Lago Resort Conference Center adjacent to the Oak Room each evening at 7:00 p.m.
A list of training areas with descriptions and photos of each will be available along with maps, directions and rules and regulations pertinent to each area.

CONTESTANT AND WORKERS PACKETS: Contestant Packets and Workers Packets can be picked in the Del Lago Conference Centers' Oak Room at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 6, 2004.

SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES:

NRC Board of Directors Meeting: Saturday, November 6, 2004 -- 9:00 AM in the Alamo Room of the Del Lago Conference Center.

Retriever Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting: Saturday, November 6, 2004 -- 2:00 PM in the Granada Amphitheater of the Del Lago Conference Center.

NRC Annual Meeting: Saturday, November 6, 2004 -- 3:00 PM (or at the conclusion of the RAC meeting) in the Granada Amphitheater of the Del Lago Conference Center.

NRC Cocktail Party: Saturday, November 6, 2004 -- 6:30 PM in the Tejas Ballroom of the Del Lago Conference Center. Appropriate
dress would be cocktail attire for the ladies and jacket and ties for the gentlemen.

Workers Party: Wednesday, November 10, 2004 -- 6:30 PM at the Bells of Montgomery, Montgomery, TX.

Saturday, November 6, 2004

View of Lake Conroe from the Del Lago Towers (Headquarters)

Saturday is a day for meetings to bring the event together and plan for the future of the sport. Many tended to last minute training while others organized later meetings and events. Old friends met and greeted each other and stopped by the hostess room to pick up their packets and peruse a large selection of logo emblazoned clothing and other merchandise for sale.

After lunch the Retriever Advisory Committee met to revisit and update rule change proposals for the upcoming year. A brief review follows:

Pete Simonds itemized the three proposals:

1. Eliminate the use of a collar in the Derby

2. Prohibit "dummy" holding blinds in marks. Blinds could only be used to hide gunners or cover a danger in the field.

3. Prohibit dry shots from being used in marking tests. They could only be used in conjunction with blinds and away from the marks.

Also, the Junior Handler certificate was explained and would be recommended.

After, the problem of large entries resulting in initial tests that were designed to drop dogs and the unfairness thereof was brought to the floor. A lively discussion followed with many options being suggested. All would be undesirable in some way, but several could ease the problem. Pete invited input from the attendees after the meeting also.

Shortly after, the National Retriever Club meeting convened in the same room .It began with a moment of silence remembering those that had passed away since last year. After the opening preliminaries, Dennis Bath
thanked the Sponsors and each was presented with a plaque.

Bill Speck was honored for his contribution to the sport and presented with a sculpture. He was then invited to draw the starting number for the current stake from a jar of small white balls. Number 38 was the lucky winner.

The 2005 Board of Directors was announced as:

President, Grayson Kelley
VP Judy Powers
Sect/Treas. Tony Snow
Zone Reps:
Bill Goldstein
Mike Kammerer
Kirk Naisbitt

Bill Goldstein announced that the 2005 National Stake would again be held in Cheraw, SC. It would run from Nov. 13-19. Judges will be: Skip Cope, Mary Ahlgren and Laura Parrott.

Particulars were then given on the current stake.:

First test(s) an double and blind with Rooster Pheasants.

Test dogs at 7:15 (Two run at the beginning of each series).
First running dog (38) on line shortly after.
Dog and handler on mat to send for all birds.
No partial Callbacks
Rotation is : 38 - 58- 78- 18

The pre trial cocktail party followed at 6:30 p.m.

More info will be reported in the Retriever Field Trial News.

Sunday, November 7, 2004

Tests 1 and 2 Land Double and Blind

A clear dawn broke over Montgomery for the first day of the stake. A pink sunrise with stars above were welcomed by all. Temperatures were in the low fifties with little wind. The site was a fifteen minute drive west of town with a well signed route.
Low fog hovered over the area as the test, a double with a blind was formed. As the sun rose, the fog quickly dissipated, revealing a rolling grassy pasture with uneven terrain. There were patches of meadow grass of different hights.The land rolled gently down to a "draw" that ran horizontally half way through the test. The line was located on about a 4' high mound facing it.

To the right, on the near side of the draw, a set of guns was positioned net to a tree with a patch of brush behind it . They threw a dead cock pheasant to the left. It landed in the grassy cover in front of and between a set of twin trees about 120 yards from line.

Deep to the left, across the draw a set of live gunners shot a cock pheasant ridden out well to the left. It fell about 180 yards from line in mixed grass. The blind was located between the marks, but on a tighter line to the right fall and deeper than the marks. It was a cock pheasant marked by a small bush about 215 yards from line. The order was right, left, blind. Since the blind was planted after the last mark was recovered, handlers received their dogs behind a blind alongside the judges tent.

The first test dog was called to line at 7:28 a.m. It was Kazam's Eager To Go Chica, LF, handled by Jon Monroe. As they and each succeeding team came to line, announcer Gay Houser gave their names and titles. The second test team arrived at 7:35 and also turned in a good job.( Dog # 27 was ill and scratched.)

At. 7:55, the first running dog #38 stepped to line only to receive a no bird.

There was nearly no wind at the beginning, but within a hour it rose noticeably. It angled nearly into the line, switching from left to right. The light was good and the roosters exciting. The test appeared to be a nice opening series, Do-able, but with enough terrain and "decisions" to challenge both dog and handler. Early, most completed with just a "bump" or two. By noon, NFC's Patton, Max and Sam and NAFC Rose had run, turning in good jobs. New NFTCH Gunnie had also completed by then.

It became quite warm in the afternoon with temperatures in the mid 80's. Water was kept in the holding blind nearest the line and a canopy installed over it to cool the waiting teams.

Building scent, changing light and deepening shadows made the marks a bit harder to see at times. Starting in mid afternoon, a spate of no- birds and a few very long hunts slowed the stake. By 4:45 there were 11 dogs left to run with at least 3 or 4 or them being reruns. After #29 ran, the judges suspended the test for the day.

It took about 6 -7 mpd to complete...

The test will resume on Monday with a rerun, #20. All others will be run in numerical order wether a rerun or not. No particl callbacks were given. A single test dog will be run at 7:15 a.m.. Monday. The following test was rumored to be a water blind .
Dog 58 would be first to run.

Announcer Gay Houser

Gallery, Tests 1 and 2

Judges ( L to R) Bill Daley, Frank Kearney, Ron Ainley

Jim Gonia, Creek Robber and(L to R) Jan and
Tony Snow, Jackie Gonia and Sandi McCourt

Monday, November 8, 2004

Test 3 from behind mound

Test 3 from in front of mound - (planter in blue)

It was cloudy and cool, with temperatures around 50 and little breeze as dawn arrived. Weather forecast a high in the seventies later.

Once on site, everything was ready to finish the previous tests. At 7:15, the only test team of Jon and Hunter did well. Visibility was good and the starting dog, 20, initiated the remaining series shortly after. Work was quite similar to the previous day but a switching wind appeared to make the left mark more difficult than before. It concluded at 9:05 when dog 37 returned with the blind.

As a water blind was being organized in the same area, callbacks were announced. Five had been lost. They were:12, 26, 31, 35, and 47. Seventy-four would try the third.

The mat was moved to a few yards behind the same mound the previous series had been run from. It became a "no-see-um"
start to the blind. To recover the dead rooster, dogs had to go over the mound and angle down the field a good distance to the water. The line continued through a small bay of water, over a strip of land and back into the water. It was lunging water that passed a green, submerged point on the left. Once past it, the line passed an island on the left (also with a tempting point)
to a thick, raised point on the right. To stay on line, dogs had to take a piece of that point , get back into the water and swim past a receding shoreline to the nest point. The bird lay about 275 yards from line

The mound prevented a clear view of what line the handler wanted and many went over it , then paralleled the shore. Others went to the left, trying to go "fat" into the pond. It was difficult to keep dogs on line with the numerous changes and reentry's. A switching wind could deflect dogs from a good line and a "coon devil" tempted them to land between the last point and the water between it and the next one where the bird was. The test took 7-8 minutes per dog
Shortly afternoon, the wind again switched and blew across the test from left to right. Then a cast away from the right shore was also a cast into the wind. The shore, already tempting, became even more so. Deep into the test, dogs that refused casts into wind and water, and could disappear behind the farthest point. They often reappeared on the far right, hunting around the planters' blind, well out of the area and out of control. A number picked up while others handled many times to keep their dogs in sight and on line. This pattern occurred for several hours although there were a number of good jobs, also. Later, the wind abated and work became better.

By 4:30 p.m., lengthening shadows began to obscure the last third of the site. At 5. p.m., judges suspended the test after dog 32 because of deteriorating lighting conditions. It will resume at Tues. at 7 a.m. with dog 33. There are 23 dogs left to run.
The next test will be water marks a short distance from the current site. Starting dog will be 78 or the next closest one.

Hostess Center

Mac DuBose and Deb Breedsen

Dick Cook with hand carved and gold jewelry

Knaga's Food Wagon

Tuesday, November 9, 2004

Test 4 - Water Triple / Two Retired Guns and an Honor

Close up - Left and middle guns

Another cool, partly cloudy day greeted participants as they arrived back on the site. There was little wind and all was ready by 7a.m.. Only one test dog ran and by 7:17, the first running dog, #33 came to line. Once again a switching wing influenced performance.
Although there were several good jobs, the field was split about 50-50. Quite few went out of sight toward the end of the blind and a number picked up. Several indicated their larcenous intentions by turning right, away from the water after crossing the mound.
The last dog, #57 completed the third at 10:25 a.m. Callbacks would be given at the new site and the fourth would be water marks. Participants moved to the far side of the property where a water triple was nearing completion .The callbacks were announced as the new test was constructed. Only 49 remained after the challenging water blind. Those lost were: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 14, 16, 22, 23, 28, 30, 36, 37, 39, 41, 44, 46, 50, 57, 61, 67, 71, 72, 73, and 75.

The line was atop a mound and faced a rolling, irregular pasture with a good sized pond in the middle There were a number of mounds in the fields on both sides of the water and three peninsulas protruded from the near side of the pond, angling back to the left. Two sets of guns were stationed across the water. On the left, two guns stood on the shore. They shot and threw a dead duck flat to the right, across a small inlet. It fell on the shore about 150 yards from line. . Quite deep to the right a second set threw a dead duck angled back to the left where it landed in pasture grass 200+ yards away. Far to their right and closer, on the near side of the water, a group of live guns shot a flying mallard angled back to the left, also landing in pasture grass 140 yds away. The order was: Long middle, left dead, right flyer. The two dead bird gunners retired as the dog was sent for the flyer. There was also an honor on the running dog's left.

Tests dogs ran at 11:10 and one handled on the middle bird. It took about 15 mpd to complete.. The first running dog, #78, appeared on line at 11:50 a.m.

Multiple changes of cover, the mound and peninsulas deflected dogs from retaining a positive line. Since the two retired marks converged, it was easy for dogs to start for one, then go towards another. After an early dog handled on both, the rest of the participants were quite concerned. Happily, many of the following dogs seemed to remember the marks and recover them.

By 2 p.m. completion time had picked up although there was no chance of completing the series today

The 4th was suspended at 5:25 after dog 49 was released from the honor. There are 20 remaining for tomorrow morning. Test dog at 7 a.m., first running dog, number 51 shortly after. No partial call backs were given, as announced earlier. Test 5 is rumoured as a blind (s). It will begin with dog 18 or the next closest to it.

Eukanuba Tent- L - Grayson Kelly, R- Burke Earley

Dog 8 Honoring for Dog 9

AKC - (L to R) Robert Young, Nelson Sills, Milton Holcomb,
Caroline Kelly and Gordon Heldebrandt

Purina Tent (L to R) - Artist Susan Norris, Pat Lamantia,
Dave Smith, Nelson Sills - behind , Roy Pelton

Wednesday, November 10, 2004

Fifth Series - Land Blind, Dry Shot, Poison Bird

Close Up of Blind Area

It was partly cloudy and warm with temperatures in the high fifties and a variable breeze. The test was set up and ready at 6:45 when the only test dog was called to line. After, Judges waited a few minutes for the light to improve before calling the first running dog, #78 to line at 7:18 a.m.

The wind was similar to the previous day , switching left to right across or behind the line. There were a few handles, several large hunts and a few incredible jobs. The fourth was completed about 11:05 when dog 77 was excused from the honor.

A land blind was announced to be held across the dike in the previous field. It would run from the back end toward the old line site. The gallery was told to wait until it was set up to move. Callbacks would be given at the new site. In a short wile, all were moved and callbacks announced. 40 dogs remained to test the fifth. Those lost were: 15, 17, 33, 43, 53, 58, 64, 70, and 78.

The fifth was a land blind run from the back edge of a dike road. About 75 yards to the left a pair of guns threw a poison duck to the left. Nearly straight across from them a second, single gunner was located on the second of two peninsulas with a boat on dry land in front of him. He fired a dry shot. The order was: Left, poison bird; right, dry shot. Judges gave the handler an number and he was on his own.

At 12:05 the first test dog arrived, followed by a second at 12.10. Both had numerous whistles. The first running dog, !#18 appeared at 12:26 p.m.. The bird was located deep between the two sets of gunners and marked by a stump like stick about 300+. To recover the duck, the dog had to angle down the dike, take a small piece of the pond corner and continue to the land beyond. The land rolled down, undulated and had two 4' high mounds at different distances in front of the blind - all of which could throw a dog off line. Some ping-ponged between the two guns before clearing them. Some had to be cast into the water..
They could also get behind the mounds and return to sight off line. It was difficult to obtain and maintain a good line. Most early dogs had a good number of whistles. About 1:15, the skies cleared and the wind rose, however, the work remained about the same.
The test took about 5 mpd and was completed at 3:20 p.m. when dog #13 returned to line.

Later callbacks were posted at HQ. Thirty-eight potential NFC's remained. Those lost: 55 and 79. The next test is rumored to be a land Quad and will begin with dog 49.

77 sending from line

Holding blinds behind line

Thursday, November 11, 2004

Test 6- In line land quad with two retired guns and an honor

It was warm, in the low 60's, partly cloudy with intermittent wind as dawn broke. Although it had rained overnight, the clouds were breaking up, promising a clear day later.. The route from HQ was well signed and took us past the previous area to the Flying I ranch in Dobbin. There a land quad with an honor was forming in a pasture that faced east. By 7 a.m. final adjustments were made and it was an line quad with two retired guns .

The land was rolling, covered with 6-10' pasture grass with patches of higher grass. Nearly straight away from line, about 400 yards out, two guns shot twice and threw a dead rooster to the right. Closer and toward their left, a second set threw a dear hen angled back to the left. It fell in front of a tree in a sparsely wooded patch about 185 yards from line. A third pair was also to their right and closer to the line. They threw a dead duck back to the left. It also fell at the base of a tree 135 yards out. The last group was to their left, bat deeper from the line. They shot a flying hen ridden out to the right. It converged with the previous mark and fell in higher grass 135 yards from line. The order was: far right, left middle duck, right middle pheasant, left flyer As the dog was sent for the flyer, the right middle and far right gunners retired. The honor was to the right of the running dog. At 7:25, the first test dog, Chica appeared on line. and produced a good job. The second one followed and hunted on some of the birds. It took about 8 mpd.

At 8 a.m. the first running dog, #49 stepped to line.. A bright back light from the rising sun made the long birds difficult to see.
Although the first few dogs did the test, some with wide hunts, the "wheels" soon became to come off. Some could not locate the well ridden out flyers and threatened to switch to the adjoining mark. They required handling. Others became confused when sent fot the right middlre bird and drove deep behind the guns in "no man's land". Some recovered, a few retrieved the long right bird and others hunted wide and loose. a few of those were handled, too. Some could or would not handle and, sadly, were picked up. Of the first 17 dogs, 9 handled and/ or picked up on the sixth . It was brutally effective.

The 50% rate continued throughout the balance ot the series, even when the ligh shone on the birds and gunners in the afternoon. The last dog, #48 was excused from the honor at 3:02 p.m. Callbacks came as contestants were sent back to the previous site. A water blind was on deck for the seventh series..

13 dogs had been lost to the challenging sixth. Twenty five remained to try the seventhThose lost were: 20, 24, , 32, 34, 38, 40, 46, 49, 54, 56, 63, 74, and 77.

Gallery Comments
Interviews by Pete Clark

Seventh Series- Water Blind

The blind was ready to go when contestants arrived. The line was on a mound facing a field that rolled down to a large pond It had two peninsulas protruding from the right a fairly short swim from the near shore. The line went over the first and by the second, then continued into the wateer to a point on the left. The dog had to just touch that point, return into the water and swim to the far dike. The bird was located atop that dike positioned between the left side of the cattails and left the corner of the pond. It was about 185 yards from line T.he wind blew angled back from right to left..

The test dogs started on line at 4:04 p.m., followed by the first running dog, #65 at 4:25 p.m. It took about 10 mpd and a "Mule" was dispatched to pick up dog and handler after completion to deliver them back to the site saving time

As usual, it was somewhat difficult to keep dogs on line getting on, off and by the points. It could not be completed by dusk and was suspended at 5;25p.m. until tomorrow. It ended with dog 2 - dog 4 will start tomorrow at 7.a.m.

Welcome Sign

Charles Hines and Angie Becker

( L to R) James Burke, Joanne Laub Mackey,
and Mike Kammerer

Gallery Test 6

Friday, November 12, 2004

A much cooler , cloudy day arrived on Friday morning. It was in the 40's with a brisk wind and higher humidity. Test seven was in place and ready to go by 7 a.m. Seven dogs had run the previous day leaving 19 for this morning. ( A correction from the web report. Dog 32 had been reported a dropped when she was not Also dog 60 should have been shown as dropped. Sorry for the error.)

At 7 a.m. the only test dog illustrated that the test was substantially the same although it was a bit more downwind than the day before. Shortly after the first running dog stepped to line to initiate the balance of series seven. Once again it could a problem getting dogs on and off the two points in play. Some tried to duck behind the last one and handlers ran to and fro trying to keep them in view and under control. By 10:10 the seventh was completed when team 62 was ferried from the distant pick up point.

Callbacks came quickly and a mere 17 were left for the eighth. I was a water triple located behind the previous series.
Those lost were: 8, 21, 32, 48, 52, 59, 62, 68 and 76.

Test 8- Water triple - Two retired guns

Test 8 - Closeup

The test was forming as participants arrived. The line mat rested on a hill overlooking the left end of a pond. The land rolled down to a cattail filled wet area then gently up beyond. Across the cattails a short way up the hill, a live gunner station was positioned. They shot a flying hen mallard to the right where it fell 110 yards away.. A good distance to the right, another station stood along the far shore of the pond. They shot an threw a dead duck, back right where it fell in the field 160 yards away. Deep behind them and to the left, a third set also threw a dead duck but angled it back to the left. It landed in the pasture 190 yards away. The order was; Far middle bird, right bird, flyer. It took about 12 minutes per dog, more with hunts which was the case for some. As the dog was sent for they flyer, the other two retired.

After the first few dogs, it became apparent that this would also be a challenging set of marks. Dogs would be out of sight for substantial periods of time while in the cattails or beyond, behind the berm of the pond. Some would square the shore and go off line on their way to one or the other retired marks. Usually they would recover, but some didn't - those needed handling. The flyer was no "gimme" either and two were caught by it, either handling or picking up.. There were several no birds and one dog earned a rerun when he was distracted by a live duck landing in front of him on his way to the last mark.

At 4:12, the eight was completed when dog #69, a rerun, returned to line..

Callbacks came shortly after and only 13 potential NFC's remained. The four lost were: 9. 25, 29, and 69

A land quad with 2 shot flyers would be the ninth. It would begin at 7 a.m. with dog 19 starting.

Online - Test 7

Viewing the 8th Series Line

Return Taxi for 7th series blind

Mike Lardy and 03 NFC "Patton" on line - 8th

Saturday, November 13, 2004

Test 9 Land Quad with two shot flyers

Saturday arrived cool, overcast and breezy with temps in the lower 50's The site of the 9th, a land quad with two shot flyers, was back at the Redbird Ranch area. By dawn, gunners were in the pasture. The line was up on a mound overlooking a pasture. To the left a set of gunners threw a dead rooster angled back to the left . It fell about 115 yards from line. To the right a second set was closer in and threw a dead hen pheasant angled back to the right.. Deep of them and to the right a set of live guns shot a flying rooster, well ridden out to the right. It landed roughly 160 yards away. To the near right, at about a 90 degree angle to the other marks an second set of live guns shot a flying hen pheasant to the left. It landed near or behind a low mount of grass, 60+ yards out. The marks were thrown around the horn from left to right. As the dog was sent for the short flyer, the left and left middle guns retired to a blind near a tree between them. It took about 10 mpd to complete.

The first test dog appeared on line at 7:13 and handled on the left ret. mark. The second did it, but hunted on some.

At 7:46, the first running dog, #19 appeared on line.

The two shot flyers excited the dog and varied falls caused hunting. After the shot flyer, early handlers tried different ways of picking up the remainder. The most successful method appeared to be - pick up both flyers, then the two retired birds in either order. However, some dogs would over shoot the shorter birds and continue on to the longer one or long flyer (if they hadn't picked it up second. In all, 4 of the 13 dogs handled

By 10:20 the 9th was complete and callbacks announced. Only one dog, #19 was lost. 12 remained.

The 10th was a rumored to be a set of water marks a short distance away at the site of the #3 test water blind.

Test 10 - Water Quad with two shot flyers

The tenth was set up a bit farther down the road- it was a water quad with two shot flyers. The line faced a stick pond with islands, points and some running water. The near shore sloped down to the water area and was comprised of irregular spoils covered with grass. Beyond, the ridges, the land fell down to the pond. Across the pond, peninsulas protruded from the far shore and the pasture land rose gently upward. Three sets of guns were on the far shore. One was on the right and shot a flying mallard to the left. It was well ridden out and fell in the grass 80+ yards from line. Deeper and to the left, another pair threw a dead mallard angled back to the left. It landed in the pasture about 170 yards away. The third was farther to the right, but closer in, on the far shore. They also threw a dead mallard to the left. It landed on the tip of a point about 130+ yards away. The fourth set were locate to the left of the line on the near shore. They shot a flying rooster to the right. only about 40 yards out. The order was: Long, right middle, short left middle, right flyer, left flyer. As the dog was sent for the left flyer, the two middle dead bird gunners retired.

The first test dog arrived on line at 11:12 a.m.: the second at 11:28. The first running dog, #66 stepped to line at .noon
It took nearly 20 minutes to complete.

The excitement of two flyers combined with a large expanse of rough terrain, stick pond and heavy cattails would deflect dogs fro their line. They could lose their mark and arrive in "No mans land" across the pond. It was very demanding and 4 of the 12 handled on it. Several dogs turned in good work, and two seemed to be quite clean throughout the trial.

At 3:18, the last dog #65 returned to line and the 2004 National was "in the book".

All gathered in the farm barn for the awards.. The finalists were introduced, all thanked and the winner FC AFC Dewey's Drake of Moon River was declared the 2004 National Champion.

2004 NRC Winner & Finalists

Montgomery, Texas - November 7-13, 2004

The Winner Is:

13. FC AFC Dewey's Drake Of Moon River, LM,
Owners, G. McIlwain & L. Schwab,
Handler, Bill Eckett

Finalists

2. FC AFC Watermark's Wizard, LM, Owner Fred Kampo, Handler, Dave Smith
4. FC AFC Law Abiding Ezra, LM, Owners B. and D. Cleveland & J Rasmuson,
Handler, C. Cleveland
10. FC AFC Trumarc's Lean Cuisine, LF, Owner Judy Aycock, Handler Danny Farmer
11. FC AFC Creek Robber, LM, Owner Ken Jackson, Handler Jim Gonia
13. FC AFC Dewey's Drake Of Moon River, LM, Owners, G. McIlwain & L. Schwab,
      Handler, Bill Eckett
18. FC Harley's Super Triven Mac, LM, Owner Ronald Stainback, Handler Alan Pleasant
42. FC Candlewoods Ruffian, LF, Owner, Joan Fine, Handler Andy Attar
45. 01 NFC AFC Eagle Ridge Rocket Sam, LM, Owner, Bill Bowen, Handler Danny Farmer
51. FC AFC Nick Of Time Lone Ranger, LM, Owner L. Lancaster & C. Hines,
   Handler Charles Hines
65. FC AFC Volwood's Mollie, LF, Owners Jack & Florence Vollstedt, Handler, Jack
66. 03 NFC AFC Five Star General Patton, LM, Owners Deb Bredeson & Elly Muth,
     Handler, Mike Lardy
80. FC Brantley's Lean Chena, LF, Owners Jeff Perloff and Mayo Holloway, Jr
Handler Chris Ledford

Summary of Callbacks and Drops by Series

Daily reports of the stake
by Mary Knapp

For a complete report of the 2004 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]

2003 National Defending Champion

NFC- AFC Five Star General Patton
Handler, Mike Lardy

Gallery Comments

Gallery Comments

We interviewed a variety of stake officials, competitors and observers in the gallery during the fifth series to get their thoughts on the progress of the National Open. We hope their comments add to your enjoyment of WRC's coverage of this year's Championship Stake.
Kathy Berdan - Marshall:
"Every National has things to work out as it progresses. The officials and workers are doing a good job of managing the Open - it is going very well."

Scott Harp - Professional trainer,handler - competitor:
"It has been very difficult for this early in the trial...it the most difficult I have seen...the tests are doable , but tough."

Lynne DuBose - Amateur trainer.handler - competitor:
"The Open is going very well, very well run, excellent views of the tests from the gallery...the third series seemed to much tougher than the judges may have anticipated...callbacks have been based on performance...the fourth series marks were good... tough but efficient."

Charles Tyson - Amateur trainer/handler - competitor:
"The grounds are excellent...enjoyable place to run...gallery positioning has been wonderful...the third series water blind was much tougher than it appeared at first glance...more like an eigth series water blind than a third series test...the marks have been very straight forward."

Jerry Patopea - Professional trainer/handler - observer:
"It is off to a good start...nothing cheap in the tests...the judges used the available light very well...the dogs could see the birds and the guns well...it was good to see a challenging water blind."

Verdell Matter - Traffic
"The National is going very well...fewer cars after each series."

Ben Vallin - Professional trainer/handler - bird thrower:
"The blinds have been straightforward...nothing complicated or tricky...the marks have been difficult but very doable."

Martha Russell - Amateur trainer.handler - marshall:
"Wonderful...great to see a substantial water blind...in a National there is often neither the time or the inclination to do a really substantial water blind."

Mike Kammerer - Field Trial Chairman - landowner:
"The National is going wonderfully; very smoothly...we have been blessed with great weather and outstanding workers...the blinds have been good, but tough...the marks are solid, but wide open."

Angie Becker - Professional trainer/handler - bird thrower:
"Very well organized...extremely fair...technically correct...the judges showed the competitors what they had to do and they went about doing it."

Mike Lardy - Professional trainer/handler - competitor:
"So far there have not been much in the way of marks...I expect some very tough marking tests coming up...the third series water blind was very challengling...you really had one chance to get the cast off the second point, if you didn't get that cast there was no second chance to recover."

Ed Aycock - Captain of the Guns:
"Very Smooth...very cooperative mechanically...fifth series blind was a little light...thrid series water blind was the toughest since 1988...the kind of good, quality water blind we just don't see."

Chris Ledford - Professional trainer/handler - competitor:
"Fair, but hard...fourth series was a good set of marks...expect to see much tougher set-ups coming up."

Tony Snow - Gunner:
"The National is going quite well...mechanics have been great...third series was more difficult than orginally anticipated...a fine water blind...callback numbers are about where they should be."