2006 CNRC Callbacks

Summary of Callbacks and Drops by Series
Note: Dogs no longer in contention will appear in gray text with series dropped

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Saturday, July 15, 2006

Piping in

Saturday dawned with blue skies and great promise. The committee had been hard at work and now it was time to bring things together. Fields around the area showed the abundance of canola, wheat and barley - a feast of colour for the eyes. Many happy reunions were evident at the Black Nugget Lake campground, the headquarters for the event. Directors’ meetings took place in the afternoon, followed after by the banquet at Holden Community Hall, a short drive from headquarters. A repast of turkey and all the fixings were offered to competitors and guests, who ranged far and wide from the U.S., eastern Canada and locally. The head table was traditionally “piped” in and the evenings’ festivities began. After the wonderful meal, a lively Calcutta auction ensued. Starting dog was drawn from the rubber ducks and number 52 was the lucky number. The judges wished all competitors good luck and departed prior to the auction.

Paying the piper

Rubber ducks

Judges' gifts

Calcutta Auctioneer

Sunday, July 16, 2006

There was lots of activity going on today. Tom Murray, the marshall, was out again with the set-up committee and the three judges, Mike Ducross, Jan Peterson and Nelson Spencer for some touch ups to the tests.

A few groups headed out for some last minute training. The NRCC annual general meeting took place, along with the vetting of bitches. One female did not pass the vetting and has been scratched – dog number 50.

Bibs (supplied by Tri-Tronics) were handed out. Hats, dog food and handler goodie bags were handed out by Les Oakes, the Purina Representative. Other sponsors to thank are Eukanuba and John Sharpe, Ducks Unlimited and Jim Couch (who had assisted with spotting during the Calcutta auction the previous night).

After the handlers collected their items, it was time to sit back and relax. A pot luck supper was organized outside of Don Pollock’s trailer. Good food and wonderful camaraderie. 

The convoy is scheduled to leave headquarters at 7:00 AM on Monday morning for an expected land triple.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Test 1 - Land Triple

Monday dawned with mostly clear skies. The convoy left headquarters on time at 7:00 AM and headed to the site of test 1, a land triple.

Competitors and spectators were guided into a freshly cut hay field and some bales, with patches of cover interspersed. Three gun stations were in place. Also evident were two large groupings of goose decoys on both sides of the test. Some dogs took a look at the decoys and although not really an influence on the dogs, it gave the gallery something to talk about. The middle station at 220 yards threw first, a drake mallard from left to right. Then, the right hand guns at 150 yards threw a hen mallard from left to right. It was a very long throw and there were a few no-birds on this station. The left hand guns threw last, a rooster pheasant at 165 yards. After the dog picked up the go-bird pheasant, those guns retired behind a bale.

Male test dog, “Fifthavenue’s Mighty Maximus”, handled by Bruce Macdonald showed that the test was very doable. Female test dog “FTCH AFTCH Harvan’s Sierra Sunrise”, handled by Robin Dean hunted on the right mark and showed the difficulty of coming up with the bird under the initial wind conditions. At the start, temperatures were pleasantly cool and a small breeze was coming from the southwest.

As shown by one of the test dogs, this made the right mark very difficult for some, as dogs could not come up with the bird unless they were deep of it and far enough from the guns. Later, temperatures rose to 27 degrees and the wind picked up from the south. This made the right mark easier for dogs to wind, even if they ran to the gun station. However, this wind started pushing dogs left on the long middle mark and a few loose hunts occurred deep and to the left of the gunners. Late in the test, a couple of dogs missed the right mark and hunted into the long mark.. The test took about 4 minutes per dog and concluded at 2:45 PM. There had been 4 switches and one handle. Dropped after the first series were: 29, 44, 54 and 70. Dog number 47 was a no-show. Dog number 50 had been a scratch from the bitch vetting. The Eukanuba representative, John Sharpe handed out jackets prior to the land blind, as there had been a problem with shipping. Thanks to Eukanuba for these jackets.

Test 2 - Land Blind

A land blind was set up in the same field to the right of where the marks had been. The judges removed the goose decoys that had been on the right side of the test. The blind was 275 yards in a crosswind with 3 drake mallards planted at the second bale to the right of the line, deep after the dogs got through the points of cover on the left.

Initial line was hard to get, as dogs either wanted to go fat into the cover, pushing off the first bale, or to the right and avoiding the cover. The “poison bird” ducks were definitely a factor, as 6 dogs got one of those birds in the 35 that were run before the test was called. The blind was stopped after dog 26 had run, due to thunderstorms and lightning. Everyone headed back to headquarters to join in the Purina-sponsored “Jeans & Beans” Western Night, featuring cowboy poet Robbie Robertson. Partial callbacks were not known or given at this time. Talk of the day – “Girl Power” is very much in evidence and cheered after each woman runs. Some of the men are thinking they need to get their own cheer. Sharon Gierman’s boots are a real fashion statement. Today, it was decided to call them a “geometric blue”, matching her outfit.

Judges: Mike Ducross, Jan Peterson, and Nelson Spenser

Decoys in Test One

NRCC President and F.T. Secretary Sherrill Elm and AFTCH Firemark's Turn Up The Heat

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

The Purina-sponsored cowboy poetry on Monday night was enjoyed tremendously by all. Robbie Robertson is an ex-RCMP who has been all over the world reciting his poetry. He told stories of the early settlement of western Canada and the Mounties and then moved on to poems about western life in general. Many chuckles and lughter when he would speak about things that hit home to the audience.

Test 2 on Tuesday

Conclusion of Test 2

The land blind resumed with 2 test dogs running at 7:20 AM. The first running dog (number 27) hit the mat at 7:30 AM and the test concluded at 9:00 AM. The conditions had changed significantly from the day prior, but new elements in the blind became more difficult, which probably made the judges happy. The weather was cooler at around 15 degrees (C) when the first dogs ran. Expected high today will be 22 degrees. The blind was almost straight downwind, so the poison birds were now not a factor. Initial line still gave the same problems, but the most difficulty was at the end of the blind. Some dogs got into the cover on the right side at the end and there were several loose handles. Handlers were looking into the sun and depth perception became an issue. Dogs dropped from the second series were 10, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20 and 35. Only pick-ups were dropped and 63 dogs now remain to vie for the championship. The caravan moved to a new location for the third series water triple. Starting dog will be number 5.

Test 3 - Water Triple

Test 3 was a water triple located in a field with a basin of hidden water. The only obstacle visible from the line was the high bulrushes surrounding the water. Initially, the left mark was across this piece of water, but when the first test dog ran (Sunny, handled by Robin Dean), it was going to take at least 11 minutes per dog. Not enough time in the day to finish, so the judges decided to move that gun station in closer to the line. The male test dog handled by Bruce Macdonald – Max, did the test in good fashion and it looked to be around 7 minutes per dog.

Order of throw was centre mark at 182 yards, thrown left to right, then right mark at 122 yards thrown right to left. The last bird down was the short left station at 35 yards, thrown left to right. Hen mallard on the left station and drake mallards on the two longer marks. The centre and right gun stations were retired.

Dog number 5 came to line at 10:52 AM as the first running dog. All three birds gave some problems to the dogs. Some had an extensive hunt on the short mark in the cover, not seeming to wind the bird. Others cheated the right mark, staying dry and hunting deep and to the right of the gunners. Many dogs squared the entry on the middle mark, getting out to the left of the gunners, either correcting immediately to the bird or running deep and winding it as the came back to the area of the fall. The wind picked up and gave a few dogs happy feet. When sent for the right mark, they blew through it and got the long, centre mark. Then the handlers had to work hard to get the dogs back into the right mark. Other dogs overran either the right mark or the centre mark and needed handling to get to the bird.

Test 3 concluded at 6:15 PM. There were 5 handles, 2 pick-ups and 1 break. Dogs dropped from the third series were 23, 52, 58, 61 and 69. Starting dog for the fourth series will be dog number 24.

Handlers and workers headed back to headquarters to enjoy an evening of country music performed by a rising star Brett Kissel. This event was sponsored by Eukanuba.

Test 3 Line

Workers Grant DePauw, Ron Bischke and Rob Littlemore

Cowboy Poet

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Singing Sensation Brent Kissel

Joe Leptick enjoying concert

The performance put on by Brett Kissel Tuesday evening was amazing. He has been nominated for "Rising Star" for next year's Canadian Country Music Awards. It was enjoyed by all and a tremendous opportunity to see this new star. Big thanks to Eukanuba for sponsoring this event.

Test 4 - Water Blind

Wednesday morning arrived, looking to be another perfect day of weather. There was a breeze blowing from the west and temperatures rose to 21 degrees by 10:00 AM. Hopefully, the thundershowers would hold off today; yesterday’s test had been completed just in time.

Test 4 was in the same vicinity as the water marks, running from the top of the mound where the left-hand gunners had stood. It was 277 yards in length, but mostly land so the test took about 4 ½ minutes per dog.

The initial line was a slight “no picture” for the dog, as they could not see the steep embankment they would need to run down, about 50 yards out from the mat. Dogs either wanted to run down the gentle slope to the right, or square off to the left. Early whistles were common.

Once the dog entered the pond, they disappeared out of sight for a short time. The judges had indicated they wanted the dog to be put through the bulrushes on the far side of the pond, rather than the two opening slots on either side. Once up on land back of the pond, whistles were needed to keep the dog fighting the slight crosswind. Most dogs came at the blind from the upwind side, as at the end the terrain was pushing them right.

Some very good jobs, but the average was about 8 whistles. This test will be completed in a timely fashion and then it is expected there will be land marks.

Test 4 was completed at 12:20 PM. A caravan moved a short distance over to the next field which had been cut with a few bales remaining in it. Callbacks were given by the marshal, Tom Murray at that site. 6 dogs had been dropped from the fourth series, they were: 6, 26, 38, 51, 65 and 76. Starting dog for the fifth series would be dog number 39.

Set-up for this test took longer than expected and it will not get done today due to the workers’ party. It was scheduled to shut down after dog 73.

Test 5 - Land Quad

The fifth was a land quad with two retired guns. Order of throw was long left mark (drake) at 277 yards shot first, then short retired right mark (drake) at 85 yards shot second. Outside left retired mark (hen mallard) at 190 yards was shot third and last bird down was the outside long station at 208 yards (hen mallard). After the marks were picked up, the handlers moved over to the left mat to honour.

The first test dog had no problem, but the second test dog handled on two birds. The judges moved one gun station slightly. The first running dog started at 2:15 PM.

The test was picked up in various orders. Most handlers took the long visible go-bird first and then tried for the short retired mark second. Some dogs blew through that mark to the other visible gun. Then the handlers had to try for the short mark again. Some dogs sent for the outside left retired mark could not resist the enticement of the visible guns and went for that bird instead. A few handlers selected the short retired mark first. All in all, a variety of work with some handles and a double-handle.

The National Workers’ Party is to be held at Holden Community Hall, where the banquet was also held. The 2006 National Retriever committee will acknowledge all the sponsors there, they are greatly appreciated. Purina as the official dog food supplier to the National, Eukanuba as an official major sponsor, Tri-Tronics as the official e-collar sponsor of the National, Winchester as the official arms supplier to the National, Ducks Unlimited, Dogs Afield and Cabelas all as major sponsors. Without them, these Nationals would be very difficult to hold. Thanks to them all.

Male test dog Max with Bruce Macdonald, Female test dog Sunny and Robin Dean on Honor

Marshal Tom Murray reading callbacks and Gun Captain
Don Pollock

Thursday, July 20, 2006

The National Workers’ Party was lots of fun. Workers’ pins and gifts were handed out, as well as more goodies and dog food from Purina for the workers. Silent auction items were sold and all the raffles were drawn. The Tri-Tronics collar was won by Alastair MacKenzie, who was teased that Buddy should be better behaved the next time we see them.

Purina is buying the breakfasts for the contestants starting today.

Conclusion of test 5

Two new test dogs ran at 7:30 AM. One completed the marks without a handle, the other dog handled on two marks. Dog 73 had had a no-bird as the last scheduled running dog the night before, so it was the first dog to start the test today.

At first, there was a high percentage of successful completions. The test was more down-wind than yesterday. At about 9:00 AM, the wind swung around more from the west and was similar to yesterday’s wind. Then the handles started happening again. Dogs were missing the short retired mark or the outside left retired mark. Several hunts on the wrong side on the long left visible gun station.

The test concluded at 11:15 AM. In all, there had been 8 handles, 3 double handles and one pick-up due to injury (dog number 28).

Callbacks took awhile coming and 8 dogs were dropped from the fifth series. They were: 15, 24, 28, 32, 34, 41, 42 and 64. 44 dogs remain in the trial.

Test 6 - Land Blind

The line for the land blind was moved south to the other corner of the field. It was a no-picture blind, run from the other side of a road in a ditch. Initial line was to angle through some high cover across the road, then taking a slice of a high patch of cover in the middle of the field. The end was tricky, the blind was in front of a bale, with another bale about 6 yards in front and to the right of the blind. Dogs could be seen on the left, but couldn’t wind the blind from that side. Also, the bird was not clearly visible as the blind was planted in some mowed hay.

Bruce and Max ran as first test dog and showed the pitfalls of the test. Dogs could not be seen in the high cover patch. There was greater attraction to the right, where dogs could get behind a bale and not be visible to the handler. Robin and Sunny also ran and had some difficulty as well. The judges decided to make the right side even more enticing by leaving the blind planter visible, sitting on a quad to the right of the line.

The test took about 3 ½ minutes per dog and the first running dog number 56 came to line at 1:00 PM.

At the time of writing, the average number of whistles was around 8-10. There were 2 pick-ups in the first 5 dogs.

It is expected the judges will try and start a water test after this blind.

Conclusion of test 6 - The test took about 3½ minutes per dog and the first running dog number 56 came to line at 1:00 PM. The blind was a duck at 347 yards.

The test concluded at 3:30 PM. There were 5 pick-ups in all. Callbacks came after the caravan had moved to the site of test 7, a water blind. Dropped from the sixth series: 5, 7, 8, 22, 27, 48, 59 and 62. 36 dogs remain. Starting dog for the next series is dog number 72.

Test 7

The water blind was a duck located on the piece of water near the campground. It was 292 yards in length, crossing over 2 points. When the dog entered the water, he was out of sight for a period of time, so judges had set up a platform using the equipment trailer so that handlers could gain some elevation. The first point at 130 yards proved a challenge as well as the second point at 214 yards.

The first test dog got the bird, but with rough work. The judges decided to spice it up by adding an under the arc poison bird, about 50 yards from the line. The bird fell behind some bushes to another bird that was laying with the wing up, so handlers needed to be careful in that area, as there were 2 birds the dog could retrieve by mistake. The second test dog ran and picked up, so a third test dog was run. This dog got the blind, but with very rough work as well.

The judges decided to go with it and called the first running dog to line at 5:48 PM. The temperature had risento 28 degrees by that point, so the dogs probably didn’t mind getting wet. In the first nine dogs to run, there were 3 pick-ups, 2 dogs that missed one of the points and 1 poor job. The other 3 were passable jobs. The judges decided to hold dogs up to number 36 and release the later dogs to be run tomorrow. Visibility was definitely a factor, as dogs were looking straight into the sun at their handlers and there were often cast refusals.

Standing on the platform

Judge Jan Peterson enjoying her lunch

Friday, July 21, 2006

Conclusion of test 7 –

Conditions for the water blind today were more favorable, especially the lighting. Even though the wind had picked up, most handlers were able to cast the dogs off the points. The test resumed with dog number 37 as the first running dog. There was a higher ratio of success.

The water blind concluded at 10:25 AM. Temperatures had climbed to 28 degrees by then, expecting to get hotter in the afternoon.

The caravan moved to another spot in the same general area for a water triple. Callbacks were delivered there and 12 dogs had been dropped from the seventh series, leaving 24 remaining. Dogs dropped were 1, 2, 12, 21, 25, 36, 56, 57, 63, 68, 73 and 74. There were 6 pick-ups on the water blind, several getting the poison bird. Of the dogs remaining, 5 have handled.

Test 8 - Water Triple

The water triple was an in-line with 2 retired guns, the middle station and the long station. A hen mallard was thrown first at the middle station at 155 yards. Then, the long mark at 215 yards was thrown second, a drake mallard. Last, a hen mallard was thrown off the short station at 90 yards.

Don Pollock and Tommy ran male test dog and handled on the long mark, as the dog was going wide to the right and wouldn’t recover. Marlene Benn and Reba ran as female test dog and she handled on the long mark as well, as the dog was going to return back to the middle bird.

Dog number 14 was called as the first running dog at 12:12 PM. The test was taking about 15 minutes per dog.

At first, it appeared that the only problem bird was the long retired, as there were a few handles on it. Then, the middle mark started coming more into play as dogs were missing it and going long. Then the handlers had to put them back into it. Dogs seemed to be confused between the right side of the middle mark and the long mark, which is where a lot of problems occurred

In all, there were 12 handles and a couple of double-handles

Callbacks came at the campground later. Dogs dropped from the eighth: 4, 9, 31, 40, 46, 49, 72 and 75. 16 dogs remain. Of the dogs remaining, there are 8 handles and 1 handle on two series. 7 dogs have not handled.

Tomorrow, a land quad is expected for the ninth and then a water quad. Temperatures could become an issue, as they are climbing with the high pressure system that is sitting over the area right now.

Marlene Benn and test dog Reba

Eighth series gallery

Chuck Dygos in holding blind

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Winchester Canada

Test 9 - Land Quad

A land quad was set up in the same field as the first and second series. Two gun stations were retired and it was a mixed bag of game. Rooster pheasants were on two stations and drake mallards were on two stations. Order of throw was right centre (pheasant) at 215 yards thrown left to right, landing at the base of some trees. This gun station was retired. Second, the right gunners threw a duck from right to left at 170 yards. This gun station also was retired. The long left gunners threw third, a pheasant thrown from right to left at 258 yards.Lastly, a duck was thrown from right to left at 110 yards at the left gun station.

Two test dogs were run and both handled on the right centre retired mark. The first running dog (number 33) was called to line at 8:06. The test proved to be a challenge, with more handles than not. Dogs had the most trouble with the long right retired mark and a few had problems with the shorter right retired mark

. Depending on the order of pick-up, the dogs usually went either wide right or back to the long guns, when sent for the long retired mark

.Of the 16 dogs that ran, there were 8 handles, 1 double handle and a switch. The test concluded at 10:05 and the caravan moved back to the campground in the vicinity of the seventh series water blind to run a water quad.

Temperatures have climbed to the highest levels of the week, so water will be welcome

Finalists in the 2006 Canadian National Retriever Championship are:

17. FTCH St Lucie Estates Cisco Kid Owner: Stephen Rogiers HandlerLynn Troy
19. FTCH AFTCH Jazztime Last Chance v Pekisko Owner: Larry & Anna Calvert Handler: Larry
33. FTCH Bluenorth’s Nubile Tessie Owner: Irene Batson & Ron Malton Handler: Charles Dygos
37. FTCH RPM Forger Owner: Roger & Pat Magnusson Handler: Charles Dygos
43. Hurricane Breeze Owner: Roger & Donna Fangsrud Handler Roger
45. Windstone’s Abaco Gathers No Owner/Handler: Jim Liviskie
53. FTCH AFTCH Seasides One To Many Owner/Handler: Jim Swanson                           
55. Pekisko’s Triple Threat Owner: Norm Elder Handler: Colin McNicol
60. FTCH Bigguns Big Chill Owner: Murray & Dianna Murphy Handler: Charles Dygos
67. NFTCH FTCH AFTCH FC AFC TNT’s Mr. Peabody Prairiemarsh Owner:: John & Janice Gunn Handler: John

4 of the finalists have not handled in the trial and starting dog for the tenth series will be number 45.

Test 10 - Water Quad

The tenth series was a water quad, taking about 23 minutes per dog. Order of throw was around the horn, from right to left. The right bird was thrown from right to left at 191 yards and then retired into the trees. The long right mark was a left to right throw at 225 yards. This mark was also retired. The left centre mark at 145 yards was thrown from right to left, with the line to it going over the short left mark at 65 yards. It was a left to right throw

. Both test dogs handled on the long mark. The judges moved it in a bit to give better visibility. The first running dog was called to line at 1:05 PM.

The two visible guns were not causing any problems, but dogs were having trouble with both retired marks. The blind was definitely a factor on the long mark, as dogs were pulling to the left and needed handling out of the area. On the right mark, dogs could get lost deep and upwind. Quick handles avoided the dogs being out of sight.

This test proved to be a challenge. Only 3 dogs did it without handling. There were 4 handles and 3 double-handles.

It was picked up in various order after the go-bird on the left was retrieved. Some tried for the right retired second and one dog retrieved the long retired mark second. Most went after the visible coat second and then it was dealer’s choice as to which of the retired marks was picked up next. Because of the long swims, the dog had lots of time to think and some changed their minds en route.

The test concluded at 5:45.The competitors and workers headed back to headquarters to enjoy the Purina-sponsored finalist celebration.

Gord Benn thanked all the workers and the major sponsors: Purina, Eukanuba, Tri-Tronics, Ducks Unlimited, Cabela’s, Winchester Arms and Enterprise Car Rental. Also thanks to Home Hardware and Glenn Norton for his support.

Sherrill Elm introduced the finalists and we all raised our glasses of champagne to toast the 2006 National Field Trial Champion. Dog number 60, NFTCH FTCH Bigguns Big Chill owned by Murray and Dianna Murphy and handled by Charles Dygos. Congratulations to the winner and to the Wild Rose Retriever Club for hosting this National.

Colin McNicol and Trio running the 9th

Sharon van der Lee and female test dog FTCH AFTCH
Peksko's Round Trip

2006 Winner & FInalists

2006 Canadian National
Retriever Championship
Tofield, Alberta - July 16-22, 2006

Hosted by the Wild Rose Retriever Club

THE WINNER IS:
60. NFTCH FTCH BIGGUNS BIG CHILL, LF

Owned by Murray and Dianna Murphy, Handled by Charles Dygos

Shown with (L to R) Judge Mike Ducross, Murray Murphy, owner, Charles Dygos,
handler, Jan Peterson, judge, Dianna Murphy, owner and Nelson Spencer, judge

Finalists

17. FTCH St Lucie Estates Cisco Kid Owner: Stephen Rogiers Handler: Lynn Troy
19. FTCH AFTCH Jazztime Last Chance v Pekisko Owner: Larry & Anna Calvert Handler: Larry
33. FTCH Bluenorth’s Nubile Tessie Owner: Irene Batson & Ron Malton Handler:Charles Dygos
37. FTCH RPM Forger Owner: Roger & Pat Magnusson Handler: Charles Dygos
43. Hurricane Breeze Owner: Roger & Donna Fangsrud Handler: Roger
45. Windstone’s Abaco Gathers No Owner/Handler: Jim Liviskie
53. FTCH AFTCH Seasides One To Many Owner/Handler: Jim Swanson
55. Pekisko’s Triple Threat Owner: Norm Elder Handler: Colin McNicol
60. FTCH Bigguns Big Chill Owner: Murray & Dianna Murphy Handler: Charles Dygos
67. NFTCH FTCH AFTCH FC AFC TNT’s Mr. Peabody Prairiemarsh Owner: John & Janice Gunn Handler, John

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For a complete report of the 2006 Canadian National Retriever 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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Reports by Sharon van der Lee

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2005 Defending National Retriever Champion

FTCH AFTCH FC AFC Comstock's Bodacious
Owners - John and Anne Marshall, handled by Anne