2006 NRC - St. Louis, MO

2006 NRC Callbacks

2006 NRC Qualifiers

1.      NFC-AFC CLUBMEAD'S ROAD WARRIOR, L.M., Frank Kashevarof, Woodinville, WA
2.      FC-AFC CREEK ROBBER, L.M., Ken Jackson, Duvall, WA
3.      CNFC-CAFC-FC-AFC Comstocks Bodacious, L.M., John and Anne Marshall, Addison, ME
4.      FC-AFC SEA-J-PLEASANT RIVER BLUE, L.M., John and Anne Marshall, Addison, ME
5.      FC RYAN'S BUD STRIKES AGAIN, L.M., Doris Hunter, Ronan, MT
6.      FC BAYOU TECHE TEX, L.M., Larry Clement, New Iberia, LA
7.      FC TWO STEP'S COCKY LITTLE DUDE, L.M., Jan Schrader and Linda Noga, Madisonville, TX
8.      FC EBONSTAR GOTTA ZOOM, L.M., Burke and Kathy Earley, Youngville, NC
9.      FC-CFC-CAFC TAYLORSLAB MAGIC TRICK, MH, L.M., David Aul, Arlington Heights, IL
10.    FC LOW COUNTRY DRAKE, L.M., Corrine Thompson, Sheldon, SC
11.    FC TIMBERTOWN TRIFECTA, L.F., Scott Anderson, Portland, OR
12.    FC IT'S IN THE BANK, L.M., R. and D. Jackson, Collinsville, IL
13.    FC ROUGHWATER'S BAM BAM, L.F., Fred Hershberger, Greenwood, MO
14.    FC-AFC PENMARK'S MOUNTAIN KING, L.M., P. Youngblood and S. Spalter, Dallas, TX
15.    FC CASTLEBAY'S HEIR BORNE, L.F., Hank McNeil, Jr., Philadelphia, PA
16.    FC SHADOW WARRIOR VII, L.M., Ed Labanara, Rolling Bay, WA
17.    FC OZARK'S COSMIC DREAM, L.F., V. Worthington and D. Sniegowski, Homer Glen, IL
18.    TAYLORLAB DOWNTOWN DUSTY BROWN, L.M., F. Brown and D. Heard, Overland Park, KS
19.    FC HARLEY'S SUPER TRIVEN MAC, L.M., Ronald Stainback, Middleburg, NC
20.    L & L'S BLACK TIE AFFAIR, L.M., Howard Simson and Lisa Langlois, Bradford, ON
21.    FC KEECHI'S BLUE ROUX, L.F., Mike Barnette, Centerville, TX
22.    FC-AFC WINDY CITY'S SECRET SIGNAL, L.F., L. Lancaster and C. Hines, Downers Grove, IL
23.    GIMME FIVE MORE, L.F., JM and LK DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
24.    FC PINMARK'S QUEEN OF PRIDE ROCK, L.F., Russell Archer, Little Falls, MN
25.    FC BLACKWATER BEBE, L.F., Dave Harter, Omaha, NE
26.    FC COLONEL BOWIE'S REVENGE, L.M., Gary Mathias and Jeff Jenkins, Frisco, TX
27.    FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC JUSTIN TIME ZOE'S NINE-ONE-ONE, L.F., Jerry and Barb Younglove, Metamora, MI
28.    FC-CFC-CAFC WINGOVER'S LITTLE JOE, L.M., Dudley Millikin, Jr., Andover, MD
29.    FC ABBY'S LITTLE COOPER, L.F., Stephen Abouaf, Roseburg, OR
30.    FC OTTERCREEKS TLK OF THE TWN, L.M., Tommy Parrish, Clinton, SC
31.    FC REBEL RIDGE TOTAL ECLIPSE, L.M., Stephen Brenner, Kennett Square PA
32.    CLUBMEAD'S TURBO TIKKA, L.F., Charlotte Van de Brake, Stanwood, WA
33.    FC-AFC HIGH TECH CEO, L.M., J. Wren and E. and L. Haskins, Bethlehen, PA
34.    FC-CFC MISS SCARLET, L.F., Clint and Marion Stroud Swingle, Elverson, PA
35.    TIMBERIDGE'S ARC ANGEL, L.M., James Reinert, Chicago, IL
36.    FC-AFC TIGER MCBUNN, L.M., JM and LK DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
37.    FC-AFC HIGHTEST BLACK TY AFFAIR, L.F., Chris Hatch, Chico, CA
38.    CAFC JAZZTIME SMOKE JUMPER V PEKISKO, L.M., George and Wendy McDaniel, Idaho Falls, ID
39.    FC-AFC SHOWTHYME, L.F., Penny Youngblood, Dallas, TX
40.    FC-AFC GOOD IDEAS WHOA NELLIE, L.F., Ken Neil and Brenda Little, Jupiter, FL
41.    FC-AFC VOLWOOD'S PEACHES & CREAM, L.F., Jack and Florence Vollstedt, Junction City, OR
42.    FC BARTON CREEK'S O MUSTAD, L.M., Mike Haring and Loren Morehouse, Katy, TX
43.    FC CANDLEWOODS HIROLLER REAL DEAL, L.M., Bob and Ann Heise, Rochester, MN
44.    FC MIZPAH MISS, L.F., F. Bradley and K. Berdan, Overton, NV
45.    FC-AFC VOLWOOD'S ANGEL, L.F., Jack and Florence Vollstedt, Junction City, OR
46.    HAWKEYE'S RED WHITE AND BLUE, L.M., Marion Stroud Swingle, Elverson, PA
47.    FC-AFC DR. COPPER PHD, MH, L.F., Wayne Dodson, Ochlocknee, GA
48.    FC-AFC WOOD RIVER'S FRANCHISE, L.M., Bill and Gay Fruehling, Ketchum, ID
49.    FC BLUE EARTH'S HURRY SUNDOWN, L.M., John Terraciano, Billings, MT
50.    FC HENNINGER'S SLICK N READY, L.M., Steven Copson, Burlington, WA
51.    FC-AFC JACLYN'S CINDER OF COLE, MH, L.F., Jack and Madeline Cole, Willow, AK
52.    FC ZEPHYR DACE'S HELEN WHEELS, L.F., Patsy Martin, LaGrange, TX
53.    FC OZARK'S COSMIC DREAM, L.F., Vicki Worthington and Dave Sniegowski, Homer Glen, IL
54.    FC PORJAYS CRACKER JACK SURPRIZ, Gold.F., Meg and Bob Beck, Pebble Beach, CA
55.    FC EMBERAIN BEAU GESTE, Gold.M., Judy Rasmuson and Ron Wallace, Madison, FL
56.    FC-AFC JB'S SO RUDE, L.F., Richard and Charlotte Kaiser, Hazel Green, AL
57.    ROCK RIVER LEICA, L.F., Bruce Sampson, Smithville, MO
58.    FC-AFC WINDY CITY'S SECRET SIGNAL, L.F., Linda Lancaster and Charles Hines, Downers Grove, IL
59.    FC OTTERCREEKS TLK OF THE TWN, L.M., Tommy Parrish, Clinton, SC
60.    FC PLEASANT RIVER KATE, L.F., John and Anne Marshall, Addison, ME
61.    FC-AFC TWO TOES OUT THE DOOR, L.M., Nicholas Uithol, Jenison, MI
62.    FC-AFC DRAKES BAY KATES CHOICE, L.F., Richard Wilke, Amherst Jct, WI
63.    FC-AFC POZZY'S POINTS TO PROFIT, L.M., Charles and Yvonne Hays, Princeton, MN
64.    FC-AFC WORLD FAMOUS TELLIPATH, L.F., R. Gelardi, and G. and M. Ahlgren, Winters, CA
65.    FC TIGER'S GOODNESS GRACIOUS, L.F., Steve and Jan Helgoth, Anderson, TX
66.    FC BARTON CREEK'S O MUSTAD, L.M., Mike Haring and Loren Morehouse, Katy, TX
67.    FC-AFC TANGATA MANU, L.M., Bradley and Diane Clow, Casper, WY
68.    FC-AFC JAYBARS WESTSHORE BEAU, L.M., Jerald Kamphuis, West Olive, MI
69.    FC-AFC CANDLEWOODS SOMETHING ROYAL, L.F., Ken Neil and Brenda Little, Jupiter, FL
70.    FC HARLEY'S SUPER TRIEVEN MAC, L.M., Ronald Stainback, Middleburg, NC
71.    FC-CFC MISS SCARLET, L.F., Clint and Marion Stroud Swingle, Elverson, PA
72.    FC ZEPHYR DACE'S HELEN WHEELS, L.F., Patsy Martin, LaGrange, TX
73.    FC LOW COUNTRY DRAKE, L.M., Corrine Thompson, Sheldon, SC
74.    FC-AFC SHOWTHYME, L.F., Penny Youngblood, Dallas, TX
75.    FC BLACKWATER BEBE, L.F., Dave Harter, Omaha, NE
76.    FC PRICE CLUB, L.F., Ann Rauff, Portland, OR
77.    CATALINAS MISS MONICA, L.F., Kathy Berdan, Ft Collins, CO
78.    TIMBERIDGE'S ARC ANGEL, L.M., James Reinert, Chicago, IL
79.    FC COLONEL BOWIE'S REVENGE, L.M., Gary Mathias and Jeff Jenkins, Frisco, TX
80.    L & L'S BLACK TIE AFFAIR, L.M., Howard Simson and Lisa Langlois, Bradford, ON
81.    FC HAWKEYE'S RED WHITE AND BLUE, L.M., Marion Bolton Stroud, Elverson, PA
82.    FC MY NAME IS BOCEPHUS, L.M., Jane Paul, Wildwood, MO
83.    FC-AFC VINWOOD'S DON'T LOOK ETHEL, L.F., Michael Kammerer, Montgomery, TX
84.    FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC JUSTIN TIME ZOE'S NINE-ONE-ONE, L.F., Jerry and Barb Younglove, Metamora, MI
85.    FC SNAPS DOUGHBOY, L.M., Carol and Loren Morehouse, Warrensburg, MO
86.    NFC-AFC FIVE STAR GENERAL PATTON, L.M., Debra Bredeson and Elly Muth, Sussex, WI
87.    FC JAZZTIME'S HANGING CHAD, L.M., SD Bechtel, Jr., San Francisco, CA
88.    FC JUSTIN TIME MR. MOTO, L.M., J Scott Anderson, Beaverton ,OR
89.    FC-AFC FORDLAND'S BORED OUT FORD, L.M., Sam Milton, Raymond, MS

2006 NRC STAKE Info

Dates: Sunday, November 12 through Saturday November 18, 2006
Location: August A Busch Conservation Area Wentzville/St. Louis, MO
Field Trial Secretary: Tony Snow -- PO Box 6 -- Ronan MT 59864 -- Cell (206) 419-0386 -- [email protected]
Entry Fee: $250.00
Judges: Robin Gulvin; West -- Linda Harger; Mountain -- Craig Stonesfier; East
Information on Premium: Premium and owner/handler information will be mailed to the owner of each dog qualified beginning September 2006 and thereafter will be mailed to each qualified owner immediately upon receipt of confirmation from Retriever Field Trial News of the qualifications. Handlers packets will available at Headquarters Saturday morning November 11th.
Entries Close: 12: Noon MST Thursday, November 2, 2006 for dogs that have qualified through October 29, 2006. Send entries to:
    Tony Snow
    2006 National Retriever Championship Secretary
    PO Box 6
    Ronan MT 59884

For dogs which qualify at: Metro Alliance Ret. Club, Palmetto Ret. Club, Mobile and Southern Arizona Ret. Club.

The entry must be phoned to Secretary, Tony Snow at (206) 419-0386 no later than Noon MST on Monday, November 6, 2006. 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 Officers

President:                           Judy Powers, Sheboygan, WI
Vice President:                   Kirk Naisbitt, Reno, NV
Secretary/Treasurer:           Tony Snow, Ronan, MT
Zone Representatives:
       William Goldstein      Mike Kammerer      Lee Jolley
       Florence SC              Montgomery TX      Lafayette LA

Field Trial Committee:
Chairman:   Lee Jolley 
                  301 Dartmoor Drive
                  Lafayette LA 70506
                  (337) 984-7605 (H)
                  (337) 288-5518 (C)

Members:   Judy Powers          Kirk Naisbitt
                 Tony Snow             William Goldstein
                  Mike Kammerer     Mitch Patterson
                                              Joe Broyles

Headquarters:   Holiday Inn-Wentzville
                         Joan Marren
                         900 Corporate Parkway
                         Wentzville MO 63385
                         (636) 327-7001 (636) 327-7019 (Fax)

Additonal Motels:
    Comfort Inn & Suites                 Hilton Garden Inn            Super 8                              
    18375 Chesterfield Airport Rd     2310 Technology Dr        4 Pantera Dr
    Chesterfield MO 63305              O'Fallon MO 63368         Wentzville MO 63385            
    (636) 530-1200                         (636) 625-2700                (636) 327-5300                     
    
    
      
Marshals Committee:
    Chief Marshal -- Joseph Broyles                    Co-Chair -- Mitch Patterson
                            6554 Pikes Lane                                   17W775 Stone
                            Baton Rouge LA 70808                          Addison IL 60101
                            (225) 769-1596 (home)                            (608) 941-2935
                            (225) 335-9570 (cell)                                (608) 941-0678

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Gunners:                                                                        Hostess Committee:
Chief Gunner -- Dennis Bath                                               Chair -- Gwen Jones
                       600 South McKinley Dr                                           2800 Oak Crossing Drive
                       Belleville IL 62220-3667                                           Hernando MS 38632
                       (628) 233-5619 (home)                                           (662) 429-4762
                       (628) 407-1111 (cell)

Traffic Committee:
Chair -- Jane Paul                                                        CoChair -- Phil Heye
            2428 Indian Tree Run                                                       501 South 1st St
            Wildwood MO 63038                                                        LaGrange KY 40031
            (636) 458-3535 (home)                                                     (502) 222-7531
            (314) 406-4421

Bird Throwers Committee:
Chair -- Joey Harp                                                        CoChair -- Bobby George
            9952 Cub Lake Rd                                                           518 NW UU Hwy
            Hernando MS 38632                                                        Centerview MO 64019
            (662) 429-6527 (kennel)                                                    (660) 747-9633 (home)
            (901) 458-8994 (cell)

Corporate Sponsors Liaison:
    Dennis Bath
    600 South McKinley Dr
    Belleville IL 62220
    (618) 233-5619 (home)
    (618) 426-9044 (farm)

Merchandising Committee:                                    Grounds Committee:
Chair -- Bobbi Schaper                                                Chair -- Ron Ainely
            11812 Big Bend                                                         1450 Radford Rd
            St Louis MO 63122                                                    Dubuque IA 52002
            (314) 821-7768 (home)                                                (563) 583-7615 (wk)
            (314) 712-7768 (cell)                                                   (563) 556-4572 (home)
                                                                                             (563) 580-3360 (cell)

Game Stewards Committee:
Chair -- Sue George                                                CoChair -- Loren Morehouse
            518 NW UU Hwy                                                        250 NW 200th Rd
            Centerview MO 64019                                                 Warrenburg MO 65093
            (660) 747-9633                                                            (816) 830-3791 (cell)
            (913) 963-4775 (cell)

Special Committee:
    Bruce Ahlers                        Cliff Garland                           Tom Sorenson
    1415 W Fifth                        5 Briar Patch Dr                      1073 Hwy DD
    Eureka MO 63025                Defiance MO 63341                 Defiance MO 63341
    (573) 684-3157 (home)          (636) 398-8600 (home)             (636) 828-5149
    (636) 938-5070 (clinic)          (636) 474-5154 (work)

Announcer:
    Luther Davis
    13691 Hwy 104
    Silverhill AL 36576
    (251) 945-5819
    (800) 239-3442

Pre National Training Area - Pyramid State Park 

The State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources has issued a permit to the National Retriever Club for a pre  National training area within the Pyramid State Park (East Conant, Galum, Captian, and Denmark area) Effective November 1 thru November 12, 2006.

Each pre National training group will be able to use one ATV and shoot birds. ( Birds must be banded when leaving the grounds)  Copies of permits and bird bands will be available at no charge from Barb Kirby. There has been a waiver of hunting licenses for out of state trainers and helpers. You will need a copy of the above to be kept with your group. Please obey all rules keep area clean. 

WATERFOWL REST AREAS ON THIS SITE ARE POSTED WITH WHITE SIGNS. DO NOT GO IN THESE AREAS FOR ANY REASON!

The area is approximately 20,000 acres of land and water - there will be no draw for area use.

For information you may call Barb or Marty Kirby. Home: 618-357-2805, Cell: 618-521-2805. They are very familiar with the area and can provide all the help possible. If they cannot be reached you may call Dennis Bath at 618-407-1111 (Cell)

This is the area where The River King Retriever Club holds their trial. We hope you will enjoy the grounds.
Motels close to the training area are:

    Super 8                                    Super 8                           Best Western
    Duquion, IL                               Pinckneyville, IL               Sparta, IL
    618-542-4335                            618-357-5600                   618-443-4526

Directions to the grounds: From Pinckneyville take Hwy 13/127 South. Signs will be posted from Hwy 4 and 13/127. 

Directions from Carbondale, IL to Pinckneyville: Go west on IL-13 / E Main St toward Illinois Ave ( 7 mi), Turn slight right onto IL-127 N / IL-13 W / IL-149 E. Continue to follow IL-127 N / IL - 13 W ( 23.5 mi ). Turn right onto IL - 127 / IL - 154 / E Watr St. <0.1 miles. End at Pinckneyville. Total distance 30.62 mi.

Directions from St. Louis, MO to Pinckneyville :  Take I 55 North / 164 E / I  70-E / US 40 towards ILLINOIS (crossing into ILLINOIS) ( 3.1. mi) Keep RIGHT to take I 64 E via EXIT 2 toward LOUISVILLE (47 mi ), Take the IL - 127 exit - EXIT 50 - towards CARLYLE / NASHVILLE IL (.03 mi) Turn RIGHT onto IL - 127 S (21.7 mi) . Turn RIGHT onto W. JACKSON ST / IL- 127 S ( < 0.1 mi ). Turn LEFT onto. N MAIN ST / IL- 127 S ( <.01 mi ). Turn LEFT onto IL - 127 / IL - 13 / IL - 154 / W. WATER ST. Continue to follow IL - 154 / W WATER St  - End at Pinckneyville


Bird Supplier:                                          Food Wagon:
Rohrer's Game Farm & Sporting Clays         Joe Kanaga
Fred Rohrer                                                Sirloin Hut
1476 Larkinburg Rd                                      1008 Norwest
Troy KS 60087                                           Carbondale IL 62901
(785) 985-2635                                           (618) 549-4868
                                                                (618) 303-3305 (cell)

Official Veterinarians:
    Bruce Ahlers DVM                              Marlene Drag DVM
    577-684-3157                                      577-684-3157

Official Reporter:                                 Official Photographer:
    Mary Knapp                                          Ken Andrews
    Retriever News                                       Grafton WI 
    262-278-4201                                       (262) 375-0595

NRC Board Meeting: 8:00 AM Saturday November 11, 2006

Advisory Committee Meeting: 2:00 PM Saturday November 11, 2006

General Meeting: 3:00 PM Saturday November 11, 2006

Cocktail Party: 6:30 PM Saturday November 11, 2006

Workers Party: 6:30 PM Wednesday November  15, 2006

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Historically, the Saturday preceding the National Retriever Championship is dedicated to meetings which review the past and plan for the future of the stake. Many individual group meetings were held in the morning while the afternoon was dedicated to the the Retriever Advisory Committee and Annual National Retriever Club meetings.

They began at 2 pm and 3 pm respectively. Both were held in one of the Plaza meeting rooms at Headquarters, The Holiday Inn, Wentzville MO. (A brief review of both follows .Complete information will be reported in the January issue of Retriever Field Trial News.)

The Retriever Advisory Committee members included John Goettl, Nelson Sills, Bill Speck, Jerry Mann and Lisa Carroll. AKC photographer Rob Young was also present to record the event. It was called to order shortly after 2 p.m. by Nelson Sills.( Unfortunately Pete Simonds was unable to attend.)

Bill Speck then announced that AKC had hired a new field rep from the retriever sport. Wayne Bleazard has been involved for 27 years as an Amateur trainer and handler. He had judged the 96 NARC and Chaired various NARC committees along with serving as President. Wayne also finished 2 AFC's and owned 4 QAA dogs. Attendees accepted the announcement with enthusiasm.

Bill speck announced that new Rules and Regulation pamphlets were being printed and would be available about January 1st. They would include the changes passed in 2006 to take affect in '07. The new additions were briefly reviewed and certain points clarified.

Nelson Sill then read a letter from Dennis Bath suggesting that the ne Judging Manual be made mandatory reading for all participants. He also suggested that all new judges should judge a certain number of minor stakes before accepting a major stake assignment. A discussion of that suggestion followed with pro and con arguments. Dennis said he was working on producing a audio and video version of the book in the future.

Judy Rasmuson later suggested that all Canadian Field Champion titled dogs be recognized as Qualified All Age by AKC, since they are not at the present. The Committee agreed to consider that.

The meeting then adjourned at 2:35 pm

After a short intermission, the National Retriever Club Annual Membership Meeting convened in the same room. Officers on the dais were Mike Kammerer, Kirk Naisbitt, Judy Powers (President) Lee Jolley and Bill Goldstein. It was called to order by Judy Powers at 3 p.m.

Judy initially requested a moment of silence to acknowledge those that had passed away in the previous year.

The roll call, minutes and treasurers report were acted upon. Then Tony Snow announced that the entry fee would increase to $300 for 2007 because of increasing costs

After a few short announcements, Dennis Bath, liaison between sponsors and the National Clubs and welcomed two new contributors to the fold. They were Lucky Lab Pins for donated Jewelry and Camo Dog, for 4 holding blinds. Dennis then thanked all the rest and presented those present with a plaque in recognition of their contributions. They are: PURINA, Eukanuba, Tri Tronics, Kent Ammunition, Ainley Trailers, Dog Afield. Chris Chantland and brand new sponsor Dog Tra.

The 2007 NRC slate of officers was announced. They are: President, Kirk Naisbitt, Vice President., Mike Kammerer, Sect./Treas. Tony Snow and Directors Bill Goldstein, Lee Jolley and Gary Ahlgren

PRTA President announced the 3 club winners of the 2006 land improvement grant. They are: Jayhawk, North Dakota, and Lassen. They will receive $3,000.00 each. The PRTA will also grant the California Retriever Training Ass. $3000.00 for their grounds as they will hold the National there.

Chairman Gary Ahlgren provided the particulars on the 2007 National Stake. It will be held at Morgan Hill, California and surrounding ranches from November 11-17th. Judges are: Lynne DuBose, Cliff Garland and Jim Cope.

Lee Jolley current Chairman, than gave information on the current stake. First he asked Tom Sorenson to select the starting number. It was #83, FC AFC Don't Look Ethel. (A sigh of relief from all other contestants) Also there are 3 scratches: 5, 60 and 70. There will be no partial call backs

Rotation is 83, 16, 38, and 61.The first series is a land double with test dogs at 6:45 am and first running dog st 7:10 am. After a few committee meeting announcements, the meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Sunday arrived clear, calm and very cold. Temps hovered around 29 degrees and vehicle windows were coated with a heavy frost. It took a about 15 minutes to travel to the Busch Wildlife area from Headquarters. All cars were directed to parking areas in the lake 34 area near the first series, a land double.

Test One from Line

Left flyer mark close up

 Right retired mark close up

The line faced a hay field. That rolled down to a swale where a single, large evergreen stood, then back up beyond. It was edged with a heavy tree line that curled from the deep right to closer on the near left. Within two sets of guns were positioned. Both employed three gunners each. The first was deep to the right. They shot twice and threw a dead rooster pheasant angled back to the right. It landed on a sloping hill fairly close to the tree line about 240 yards from line. The second set was to the left,also to the left and past the large tree, closer to line. They shot a flying rooster ridden out flat to the left It fell in the field about 150 yards from line. As the dog was sent for it, the right guns retired into the woods behind them. Also, a group of goose decoys stood in the field a short distance from the line to the left

By 6;45 am the test was ready as the rising sun illuminated the area. Light areas of fog hung over the site as the hoar frost melted off the grass and bushes. Test dogs were called to the line at 6:50 a.m. Announcer Luther Davis welcomed all, played a recording of the National Anthem and the stake began.

Both test dogs hunted on the marks but did not handle. The first running dog, #83 appeared on line about 7:10 am. It took about 6-7 minutes per dog to complete.

The flyer falls varied and pheasants somewhat difficult to wind resulting in a number of long hunts and a couple of pick ups. Both marks were down wind and times and dogs had to get between the fall and tree line to wind them. The long retired mark caused significant difficulty. A wind blew angled back from right to left. That, combined with multiple sets of tire tracks that turned left within the field, nudged dogs to the left, away from a line to the distant, retired mark. If they went too far left, they were influenced by the flyer mark and a few tried to switch. Others held the long line to the far bird, ignoring the wind and tracks. At one point three dogs, 38, 39 and 40 succumbed to the test. There were periods when many did well followed by a few that had trouble in between. Later, judges decided that dog 38 would get a rerun based on the marginal fall of his flyer mark

By mid afternoon, temperatures were in the high 40's but the wind remained cold. Later the wind eased and temperatures topped 50. Some of the layers, hoods and boots came off, only to return about 4 pm.

Most of the remaining dogs did well with a very few exceptions. By 4 p.m. test number one was completed as dog 38 returned from his rerun. Callbacks arrived just before 6 pm. Only the three dogs (39, 40 and 89) that had been picked up were lost. Eighty Three remained for series 2; a land blind in the same area. Test dogs at 6:45 am, first running dog #16, at 7 am

Handlers viewing the line

(L to R) Mitch Patterson, Lee Jolly and Bruce Ahlers

Judges Craig Stonesifer, Linda Harger 
and Robin Gulvin (left to right)

#25, FC Duk Dawg of Nickajack with Chris Ledford

Monday, November 13, 2006

Monday began warmer than the day before , however many awoke about 5 am to the sound of a substantial shower out side. That tended to dampen early enthusiasm . By 6 am.the rain had ended, temps were in the 40's and attitudes improved.

The site for number two was down the road to the left of the previous one . The line was located on the middle step of a 3 step ascent from a road in front of it. The test was a land blind under the arc of a poison bird. To the near right, about 60 yards out, two gunners shot and threw a dead rooster to the left. It was a long throw with a high arc - quite exciting. About a dozen goose decoys were barely visible in a patch of sparse, higher cover just to the left of the gunners and closer to line. Handlers were told it was a walk up. Once the dog arrived on the mat, gunners would shoot and throw the poison bird. Handles were given a number before releasing the dog. After sending, the handler could move to the higher step behind to handle. The blind lay deep in the same field, across the lines to both birds of the double. It was marked with an orange stick and small dark bush about 280 yards from line, After the dog recovered the bird, the poison bird was picked up by the guns.

Person on left stands where poison bird falls, Person deep between marks blind

Test 2 - Land Blind

The test dogs arrived on line at 6:45 and both had only a few whistles to recover the bird. The announced male test dog had arrived to assume his duties today. It was Dick Dallesasse with AFC Sasseville Getum Quick, BLM and he would take over at this point. At 7 am, the first running dog #16 came to line. It took about 3 minutes to complete.

To recover the bird, dogs had to go down the step, across the road and under the arc of the poison bird. Beyond was the swale (where they could go nearly out of sight and possibly bolt to the poison bird), across both lines to the previous series marks and up the hill where the blind lay.

Most had two to four whistles to recover the bird, but some came perilously close to the poison bird or had poor initial lines. One or two lined it. The test completed at 10:30 am when dog # 15 returned to line.

A move then proceeded to lake 5 where a water blind was nearly ready Callbacks came as the caravan arrived and all were invited back for series 3, the water blind.

X marks blind location

Test 3 - Water Blind

The line was behind a gravel road that it parallel. A large log was just in front of the line mat .Beyond lay the left, irregular shore of a medium sized pond. The retrieve the bird, dogs had to negotiate the log, go down the sloping shore into a small amount of water (running), past a number of standing goose decoys up on the left shore and over a small point. The line continued into another small bay containing about 1/2 dozen floating duck decoys near the shore (swim), across a pair of separated points and back into a large bay of swimming water. The blind, a rooster lay on the far shore tight to a wooded area. It was located between a tree with dead branches hanging from it and a small green bush about 200 yards from line

The first test dog, Exo and Tara came to line at 11:05 and had some difficulty at the end. After, judges added more "bushes" to the far point and let handlers view the renovated site. The second test dog, Dallesasse and Duke demonstrated it at 11:20 am. Satisfied, Judges called the first running dog to the holding blind. At 11:31, Dog 38 (sorry, wrong number given earlier) initiated the demanding series.

Some dogs were not anxious to enter the water even though the sun was shining and temperatures were about 60 degrees. The log threw some off line and an early correction was needed. Others were hesitant to leave the first point and either wanted to go fat or try to take the shore on the second point. The end required tight control to keep the dog in sight and handlers tried to put their dogs right on the bird. There were pitfall throughout the length of the shore.It took about 4-5 minutes for early dogs.

As the series progressed, scent built up on the far shore and some later dogs trailed to the blind area and it was easier to control them when they were caught by scent. Later the weather became cloudy with a cold, damp wind, however dogs handled the water entries about the same way.

Work remained fairly constant with some having a few whistles, while others had 6-8.

The test could not be completed by dark and was suspended at 4:55 pm after dog 26 returned to line. Eleven dogs were left to run in the morning. There were no partial call backs, one test dog would run at 6:45 am Tuesday. The starting dog would be #27. A water triple was on deck for #5.

Purina sponsored a banquet after the last series at the Busch Headquarters. The food and hospitality was wonderful. It was well attended by cold, hungry participants who really appreciated the event. Thanks Purina!

Joe Broyles and Lee Jolley (pink hat!)

Announcer Luther Davis 

Parking lot shopping mall

Third series gallery

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Rain was forecast for Tuesday, but early risers were happy to find dry pavement although cloudy skies held the future. At 6:15 am It was in the low 40's with low hazy fog hanging over the Busch area Test three was ready to go and as it became lighter , the single test team of Susan and Tara were called to line at 6:45. It was somewhat had to see her at the end, but Tara did a respectable job. At 7:52, the first running dog, #27 stepped to line.

The work was quite similar to Monday's but about 7:30 a cold, miserable rain began to fall.The eleven dogs remaining quickly completed the series with dog # 37 being the last at 7:42 am Callbacks came as the test was organized. Seven had been lost. Those were: 8, 9, 23, 27, 34, 73 and 80. Seventy-six remained for the fourth series

A move was made to an entirely new area off of 94 a short distance north of "D". Upon arrival, a water triple with two retired guns and an honor (on the left) was nearly ready.

Test 4 - Water Triple Two Retired Guns and an Honor

The line was on the far edge of a gravel road overlooking a medium sized pond that had a long, narrow spit angling slightly back from left to right. A short distance fro the tip was a small brushy island. Two sets of guns were in that area. The first was at the left base of the spit. The shot and threw a dead duck to the right. It landed on the back side of the slope about 60 yards form line. The second station was in a boat against the island and well camouflaged . They shot and threw a dead duck across the water that landed on the tip of the grassy island nearly 100 yards out. To the far right a third gun station was located on the same side of the road as the line. They shot a flying mallard back to the left where it fell in mixed grass about 110 yards away. The order was: Middle, Left, right. As the dog was sent for the flyer, the other two guns retired. Handlers were told that judges would signal after the dog arrived on line. There was an honor mat to the left.

Test dogs were called to line an at 8:30 am, Dallesasse and Duke did well as did Susan and Tara. It took about 5 minutes per dog. At 8:50, dog # 61 initiated the series.

Flyer falls were varied and there were a number of hunts early. The . converging middle birds presented most of the challenges. Handles nearly all tried for the outside birds first, however some though the fall was on the near shore of the pond, not on the spit and hunted there. A few went behind the gun station, then hunted their way back, sometimes in the water, too

The middle mark was the most contentious. Some dogs stayed in the water and drove deep between the island and point. A few found their way back, but a number of others handled. As the test progressed there were more successful performances. The weather, however remained miserable and damp with intermittent cold rain.

Test 4 became history when dog 42, a rerun, was excused from his honor at 4:08 pm.

Callbacks came about 7 pm and listed 67 dogs left in contention. Nine were dropped. They were: 15, 36, 38, 42, 46, 50, 62, 66, and 74. About 12 dogs had handled and one broke on the honor.

The 5th series will be a land /water quad back at the Busch area. Dog number one will start. Test dogs at 6:45, first running dog about 7 am.

(L to R) Danny Farmer, Vickie Diehl and Kathy Berdan

FC Abby's Little Cooper (chocolate!) and John Henninger

2006 NRC President Judy Powers

(L) Joanne Mackey and (R) Linda Waco

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

The rain that had been forecast during the last few days arrived - and with a vengeance. Temperatures were in the low 40's at 6 am as participants made their way to the site of test 5, the same area as the previous day. It was dark and drizzling as cars were parked and the test readied.

A large rolling field with a split pond on the left held four sets of gunners. It was a land/water quad with two flyers and two retired gun stations. It took some time to set up, but by 7:42 test dog #1 demonstrated series - with little trouble. The second went fairly well also. Judges then moved one station and retired another so that three were retired marks. Dog #1 came to line at 8:15 am and also did creditable work as did the 8 that followed him. At 9:40, after running 9 dogs, the series was scrapped after dog 12 ran and a move to the big dike at Busch was announced

By that time it had begun to rain - heavy and constant with strong gusty winds. It took a bit of doing to secure the line tents (3) and install strung out holding blinds along side them to break the wind. The new fifth series was a land quad with two retired guns, two shot flyers and an honor.

Left side of number 5, long guns in distance

Right marks -the two middle marks retire

Four sets of guns were again positioned in the field at the bottom of the tall dike. One was deep to the left, near a tree line. They shot and threw a dead duck back to the left where it fell in heavy brown cover near the tree line about 273 yards from line. A second set far to their right and closer to line stood on the near side of a tall cattail strip and threw a dead hen pheasant angled back across the strip to the left 120 yards out. To their right and deeper in the field an third group shot a flying hen pheasant ridden out to the right. It fell in a patch of tall brown or green cover near a tree line 135 yards away. Lastly, a set of flyer guns located to the far left, on the same dike where the line wa, shot a flying mallard to the right. It fell at the bottom of the dike in grassy cover 150 out. The order was: Left middle long bird; right middle strip mark, right flyer, left flyer. When the dog was sent for the last flyer, the left middle and right middle (dead bird marks) retired.

The line mat was partially down the side of the dike and there was an honor mat on top the dike behind it.

At 11:38 test dogs were called to line. Both handled on one of the marks.at 12:04 the first running dog came to line and, sadly, picked up on the marks.

It continued raining as if the monsoons had arrived and was miserable for man and beast alike. After recovering the left flyer duck, most early handlers tried for the short right middle mark. Some dogs would blow through the cattail strip and try to retrieve the second shot flyer on the right. a few recovered, but others handled. Handlers then began to try for the other flyer second, but that was less than successful, especially when dogs winded the short retired one while hunting the flyer. After some scent had built up, the best way seemed to recover the short one first, then the other (right) flyer.

The long retired mark also proved challenging. There as a huge field to run around in and dogs without a firm mark would cover a bit of ground before locating the guns and then the bird. Some had amazing marks while others became lost and required handling or picked up. The test took about 8-10 minutes per dog and would not be completed today. There would probably be a couple of hours left to finish in the morning. The test was suspended after #48 ran. It will resume Thursday morning with a test dog at 6:45, first running dog (out of sequence due to a handler with two dogs close to each other) is 43. There are still about two thirds of the field to run and should take most of the day to complete

After the abject misery of the day - workers were eagerly anticipating their party tonight.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Although snow had been forecast for last night, thankfully it did not materialize and Thursday began cold, very windy and cloudy. The fifth had been left standing over night and after a few repairs to the tents that had been blown loose, it was ready to go by 6:45 am. A lone test dog demonstrated the series was much the same as the day before less the steady rain.

The first running dog, # 43 appeared on line at 7:11 am. Early dogs were subjected to a number of no birds and a few other snafu's. One bird was not dead and escaped while there was an extra bird in the field for another. That prompted 2 reruns to be run at the end of the series. Two more followed later.

A heavy wind now blowing from right to left across the test changed some of the scenting conditions and dogs going wide of one mark could sometimes win another or the drag back scent to it, Several tried to switch and required handling. One or so did switch and were picked up .Others seemed dazzled by two shot birds in succession. and hunted the last one down (left duck) in an area between it and the long retired mark, Some recovered but a few did not. Those that did recover from a handle often had difficulty with another mark.

The right flyer could also be a problem. Hen pheasants are always difficult to scent, but widely varied falls caught dogs out of the area of their fall and they would hunt wide and loose in a recovery effort. One or two tried to return to the short right , middle mark. When sent for the short retired mark, several blew through it and hunted toward the right flyer. In all, there were about 23 handles (34%), some that resulted in a pick up or double handle. The fifth was a challenging and potentially lethal series.

Number 5 was completed at 1:55 pm when a rerun dog, #7 broke on the marks. A blind in the same area was announced for Test. 6. As it was being constructed, callbacks were released. Forty Two potential NFC's remained. 25 were lost. They were: 3, 4, 7, 10, 12, 13, 16, 19, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31, 33, 35, 41, 43, 45, 47, 55, 59, 67, 71, 85 and 88. The sixth had exacted a serious toll.

The Sixth series land blind was quickly readied. The line was on the edge of the dike and faced the same field as before. To recover the bird, dogs had to angle down the dike and pass between the right middle gun station and skim the bird crate from the right flyer. The then had to drive deep into the field to the right of the long retired bird station. The blind was marked by a small bush in the field about 400 yards from line. A stiff wind blew from right to left and the sun was setting in the distance. The handler was illuminated, but the dog was not.

Handlers were told their dogs were not to go into the brush on the right at the bottom of the dike.

Test 6, Land Blind (Gunners in photo illustrate placement from previous 
test, they are NOT in the test as run). Blind planter is shown deep 
in the field between gunners and bird crate.

At 2:38 the test teams were called upon to demonstrate the test. Both had several corrections to pilot them around the pitfalls. At 2:59 pm the first competing dog, #22 stepped to line. The test took about 2-3 Minutes per dog and was expected to finish today. After several dogs had run and could not appear to see and/or hear handlers at the end, Judges decided to scrap the test. There will be a test dog at 6:30 am on Friday. Water marks will be followed by a land blind. Dog 54 will start.

FC Fargo II and Jane Patopea

Joe Kanaga's Sirloin Hut - Good Grub!

Gallery - Test 5

FC Emberain Beau Geste with handler Karl Gunzer

Friday, November 17, 2006

Frost again covered windshields and low lying fields at 6 a.m. with temperatures in the low 30's. There was a light breeze and it was overcast .A beautiful red sunrise met those arriving at the new site

The new series was a combined sixth and seventh series located deep within the Busch area.The line faced the right shore of a pond divided by long, narrow, raised spit with a mound area on it's tip. A set of guns stood at the base of the spit and threw a dead duck to the left. It landed just over the top on the backside about 115 yards from line. Just to the right of the line and quite close to it a second set of guns shot a flying rooster ridden out to the right. It landed in grassy cover only about 40 yards away. Between the two and deeper a dead pheasant was planted at the base of a tree marked by a red stick. It was 170 yards out. As the dog was sent for the blind, the long gunners retired.

Test 6 (blind) and Test 7 (double mark) from line

Close up of tests with blind location shown

The order was: short right flyer, long dead duck. Then handlers were told to recover the blind before picking up the marks. A switching wind blew in to the test from right to left.

The first test dog was called to line at 6:40 am and demonstrated that it was difficult to get a dog to concentrate on the blind with a shot flyer laying so close. After viewing the line, the first four handlers glumly trudged off to ready their dogs. At 7:10 am. the first running dog, #54 arrived on line.

To recover the blind, dogs had to angle past the live bird gunners near the shore, go through a small bay of swimming/running water and over a small point to the rising land beyond. There they passed the base of the spit where the retired gunners were hidden then up a hill and through a crescent shaped dip full of higher cover. and to the tree where the bird lay. Most did not want to enter the small bay ( on line ) and had to be handled through it. Some were drawn to the spit and had to be handled up the hill.

After returning, most remembered the enticing short flyer but were a bit hazy on the longer retired mark. It was a fairly long swim to the spit and some dogs went to it's base instead of farther down its length to the left. A number stayed in the area and hunted but a few went over the spit and swam to the distant shore beyond. Those required a handle to recover the mark.

There were a number of no birds on the flyer station and several contestants had 2 or 3 a piece. It was un nerving to have to face that flyer multiple times without the dog breaking.

By 12:03, the combined sixth and seventh series was complete when dog 52, a rerun returned to line.

Callbacks came quickly and 29 had survived the demanding combined series. Sadly,13 were lost. They were: 17, 20, 22, 37, 56, 61, 63, 64, 68, 75, 78, 81 and 87.

It was announced that the next series would be held at the same site. The line was moved back nearly 100 yards to the far right shore of the same pond. There a hen pheasant was placed in the grass above a rocky shore line 230 yards from line. and marked by a red spot. Dog 76 would begin the test

It was sunny and in the low 50's by afternoon - quite a pleasant relief from the frosty morning.

The line was located on the near edge of a gravel road. Dogs had to cross it, then enter the grassy field and go over the flyer falls to the shore. It continued into the water and just over the tip of the spit where the long mark ad been. After that was another swim to the far shore .It took about 5 minutes per dog.

Test 8- Water Blind from line

Test 8 close up - Planter on far bank behind point

At 12:40 the first test team of Exo and Tara produced a good blind while Dallesasse and Quick had a few more whistles. The starting dog, #76 arrived on line at 1:04 pm.

Dogs could get caught up in the old scent and have to be handled away from it. Some did not relish a swim on a cold day and needed a few casts to get them wet. The entry was very critical as dogs could slip to the right if not under control and disappear behind the tree stand and heavier cover. The far point was quite attractive and dogs could easily disappear around it if not under control.

There were varying degrees of handling but only one dog picked up. Number 8 ended at 3:45 pm with dog #72

Callbacks were posted at 6:30 pm and 21 would vie for the coveted NRC title tomorrow. The eight lost were: 2, 18, 29, 32, 44, 48, 57 and 76 . Dog 86 will initiat the ninth series, a water triple.

Purina, (L) Pat Lamantia and Keith Schopp AKC: 
Steve Rumpecher, Mike Alway Bill Speck

Test 6 and 7 gallery

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Although cold and frosty with temps about 33 degrees, there was an air of excitement as all drove back to the Busch area for the final day. Twenty one dogs would face some of the most challenging tests of the stake to forge the 2006 National Retriever Champion. By 6;30 all had arrived on site and waited for the test dogs to demonstrate the series. Cold temperatures and a stiff, raw wind made the water very uninviting.

Test 9 was a water Quad held deep within the wildlife area The line faced a rather large pond with tulles and weed strips in the shallower parts. Around the shore to the left, three sets of gunners were positioned. The first was a short way down the shore. They shot and threw a dead hen mallard sharply back to the right. It fell at the shore's edge with a splash about 110 yards away. Deep beyond the pond's end a second set shot twice and threw a dead hen mallard back to the right. It landed in heavy marsh grass nearly 225 yards out. Closer and to the right a third group shot a flying drake well ridden out to the right. It fell in running water and was sluiced where it lay 200 yards out. A fourth pair of guns stood just off line to the right . They shot and threw a dead hen mallard nearly straight away where it fell in shallow water about 15-20 yards away.

Test 9 - 3 marks, middle and left retire

Test 9 - 4th mark just to right of line- very close

The order was: long, left middle (retired) mark, short left shore mark, Long right middle shot flyer, short right mark. As the dog was sent for the short right mark, the long middle and short left gunners retired It took nearly 15 minutes per dog to complete. A stiff wind angled in from right to left across the pond. At 6:48 am, test dogs were called upon to demonstrate the series.

At 7:25 the first running dog, # 86 stepped from the holding blind and produced a very nice job. Others were not a lucky. The most prominent problem was the tight line between the short left shore bird and long retired mark. Some dogs over ran the former and drove to the latter. Some recovered but others were handled, Overall,there were 3 handles , two pick ups and a break. After the short right bird, handlers tried for the short left shore bird, then the shot flyer and, lastly, the long retired mark. A few dogs did it more creatively by themselves - with mixed success.

The long test completed at 12:16 when dog # 82 returned to line. Callbacks would be given at the new site.

Two caravans were organized for the trip to #10, a land quad. Workers left first followed by handlers a short time later.

Callbacks came as promised, sadly 6 dogs had been dropped. They were: 1, 14, 52, 54, 77 and 79 One of the fifteen would earn the NFC title in the next few exciting hours.

Gunners were in the field as the caravans arrived. It was a long walk from the parking area and judges waited until all were there before running the test dogs.

The line faced a gently rolling field that had been recently burned. Random, tall sparse weeds had been left standing while new , green growth sprouted on the ground. Four sets of guns were positioned in about a 180 degree pattern. To the left, and a fairly short distance from line a set of guns shot a flying hen pheasant to the left. It fell in the mixed cover 140 yards away. A second set deeper to the right shot a cock pheasant back to the left. It also fell in the field almost 225 yards from line. Again to the right, but closer to line, a third group shot and threw a dead hen pheasant almost flat to the left where it fell in the grass 148 yards out. The last set was again to the right, but deeper out. They shot a well ridden out,flying hen pheasant back to the left where it fell nearly 190 yards from line. The order was: short middle right mark, longer right mark, far left flyer, long, middle left flyer. As the dog was sent for the first bird, the short left and right middle guns retired. The wind angled back from right to left across the site. It took about 8-10 minutes to complete.

                                                                                                                      Sorry, no photo - camera failed, too cold

Both test dogs were called to the line to be introduced and were greeted by a barrage of all four stations firing and throwing ribbon festooned bird. Judges briefly appeared in English judges wigs as they were introduces "Here comes 'da judge".

At 1:36 the test dogs ran a genuine test and both did well. At 1:54, the first dog #51 stepped to line ad did a good job. Most took the last bird down, then the short left one, the long right flyer and the retired Right middle one last. A few dogs over ran one or another and required a handle. .

At 3:55 the National became history when dog #49 completed. Awards would be given at Busch HQ and all were told to meet there. Outside, Ken Andrews and other busily snapped photos of the finalists while judges deliberated and signed the :"book". A short time late in the welcome warm building, finalist ribbons and Purina product gift certificates were presented to all finalists. Then came the highly anticipated announcement. The winner was dog 51, FC AFC Dr. Copper PHD MH ! All applauded the overwhelmed handler/owner, Wayne Dodson and his non plussed canine champion, Copper. Everyone there had run a magnificent trial and were congratulated on their feat.

Wayne, however, announced a party for all back at the Holiday Inn to celebrate the occasion.

Wayne Dodson and Copper - Test 9

Dave Rorem with # 52, "Reggie"

Reporter Jean Wu

Rob Young, AKC Photographer 

2006 Winner & Finalists

THE WINNER IS
51. FC-AFC DR. COPPER PHD MH, LF
Owner / Handler Wayne Dodson

Finalists

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For a complete report of the 2006 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] OR visit The Retriever News online store:http://www.theretrievernews.com/Store

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2005 Defending National Champion
NFC AFC Clubmead's Road Warrior