2007 NARC

2007 NARC - Castle Rock, UT

2007 Callbacks

2007 NARC Qualifiers

'06 NAFC-FC CARBON COPY OF HORN CREEK, L.M., Frank Kashevarof, Woodinville, WA
FC-AFC WORLD FAMOUS TELLIPATH, L.M., Ryan Gelardi & Gary and Mary Ahlgren, Winters, CA
FC-AFC GOOD DEAS WHOA NELLIE, L.F., Ken Neil & Brenda Little, Jupiter, FL
FC-AFC VOLWOOD'S ANGEL, L.F., Jack & Florence Vollstedt, Junction City, OR
'06 NFC-AFC DR. COPPER PHD, MH, L.F., Wayne Dodson, Thomasville, GA
AFC TRUMARC’S WHISTLING BIRD, L.F., Charles & Yvonne Hays, Princeton, MN
FC-AFC JACLYN’S CINDER OF COLE, MH, L.F., Jack & Madeline Cole, Willow, AK
AFC PERPETUAL DIZZY DAISY, L.F., Dave Winters, Golden, CO
FC-AFC VOLWOOD’S PEACHES AND CREAM, L.F., Jack & Florence Vollstedt, LaQuinta, CA
FC-AFC WOOD RIVER’S FRANCHISE , L.M., Bill & Gay Fruehling, Ketchum, ID
FC-AFC EVA-ETHEL PROBY-WEBER, L.F., Alanson Brown III, Banks , AL
AFC UFO, L.F., Wayne & Sherry Bleazard, Murray, UT
FC-AFC CREEK ROBBER, L.M., Ken Jackson, Duvall, WA
FC-AFC CROW RIVER COUGAR’S MAD MAX, L.M., Roger Weller, Belgrade, MN
FC-AFC POZZY’S POINTS TO PROFIT, L.M., Charles & Yvonne Hays, Princeton, MN
FC-AFC CANDLEWOOD’S SOMETHING ROYAL, L.F., Ken Neil & Brenda Little, Jupiter, FL
'04 NFC-AFC DEWEY’S DRAKE OF MOON RIVER, L.M., Gary McIlwain & Lowell Schwab, Bovey, MN
FC-AFC HUNTING HILLS CORIANDER, L.M., Dave Hemminger, Marshalltown, IA
'06 CNAFC-CFC SPICE GIRL, L.F., Jean-Luc Maheux, Vercheres, PQ
FC-AFC CITORI’S ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTE, L.F., Michael & Lynn Moore, Carmel, CA
FC-AFC THE PREACHER, MH, L.M., Rex Bell, Ossing, NY
AFC RUBIE BEGONIA, L.F., Barton Clark, Harrington, DE
FC-AFC WINDY CITY’S SECRET SIGNAL, L.F., Linda Lancaster & Charlie Hines, Hinsdale, IL
FC-AFC MIZPAH MISS, L.F., Kathy Berdan, Ft. Collins, CO
FC-AFC SKYWATCH LIKE A ROCK, L.M., Lou Vreeland, Conklin, MI
ADAMS ACRES WATER LILY, L.F., Jeff Adams, Oak Harbor, OH
FC-AFC GIMMIE FIVE MORE, L.F., JM & LK DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
AFC CROPPER’S HIT AND RUN, L.M., Newt Cropper, Ocean City, MD
FC SHADOW WARRIOR VII, L.M., Ed Labanara, Rolling Bay, WA
AFC GENNY’S YAKITY YAK DON’T TALK BACK, Ches.F., Tom Ivey & Linda Harger, Meridian, ID
FC-AFC TRUMARC’S STORMIN NORMAN II, L.M., Mark Rosenblum, Dallas, TX
TRIFECTA’S BET ON ME, Gold.F., Lisa Kane & Grace Mondrosch, Gilbert, PA
FC-AFC MY NAME IS BOCEPHUS, L.M., Jane Paul, Wildwood, MO
AFC COTES DU RHONE, L.M., John & Martha Russell, S. Hampton, NH
DAYS END MAPLE CREEK SUGAR, L.F., E. & J. Gawthorpe, Eagleville, TN
AFC WEEZER RETREEZER, L.M., Robert Johnson, Madison, WI
TRUMARC’S TICKLED PINK, L.F., Pam Ingram & Joe Piland, Jr., Valley View, TX
FC-AFC JOLIE CATIN, L.F., Lee & Rose Jolley, Lafayette, LA
FC-AFC FORDLAND’S BORED OUT FORD, L.M., Sam Milton, Raymond, MS
TNT’S DET-A-NATOR, L.M., Karen & Brad Peterson, Idaho Falls, ID
WIDGEON’S CARBON CHIP, L.M., JJ Heneghan & Tom Hartl, Redmond, WA
FC-AFC JJ’S DESIRE TO GO, L.F., JM & LS Patterson, Addison, IL
FC-AFC TWO TOES OUT THE DOOR, L.M., Nicholas Uithol, Jenison, MI
FC-AFC JAMESTOWN’S PERFECT TEN, L.F., D. & K. Maronge, Slidell, LA
FC-AFC JB’S SO RUDE, L.F., Dick & Charlotte Kaiser, Hazel Green, AL
WATERDOGS IRON DIVA, L.F., John Stracka, Verona, WI
AFC INHERIT THE RIVER, L.M., Rob Reuter & Janis Olsen, Truckee, CA
AFC SANDHILLS GAME OVER, L.M., Clay Jones, York, SC
AFC BAYOU BAYS BODAGO, L.M., Wendell Williams, Dickinson, TX
AFC GREAT BUNNS OF FIRE, L.F., JM & LK DuBose, Durham, NC
SHADOWPINES TRIP TICKET , L.M., Bob & Nancy Byrum, Helena, MT
FC-AFC ABE’S BESSITS HEART, L.F., Scott Carruth, Ravenna, TX
AFC GREENWING BRIGHT EYES, L.F., Craig Stonesifer, DVM, Dover, DE
AFC SUNCREST WILD OATS, L.M., Arnold & Linda Erwin, El Cajon, CA
FC-AFC WATUAGA’S BULL GATOR, L.M., Steve & Gale O’Connell, Tallahassee, FL
AFC-CFC-CAFC MISS T, L.F., Leo Plourde, Oakdale, CT
FC-AFC SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY, L.M., Gary Unger & Elizabeth Dixon, Newport, NC
FC-AFC EMBERAIN BEAU GESTE, Gold.M., Judy Rasmuson & Ronald Wallace, Madison, FL
FC-AFC TRUMARC’S LEAN CUISINE, L.F., John Russell, S. Hampton, NH
FC-AFC LONGSHOT BLACK TALON, L.F., Robert Willow & Paul Moccaino, Watha, NC
AFC BIGWOODS LOST RIVER JAKE, L.M., Bill & Lorna Kolstad, Ontario, CA
'05 NFC-AFC CLUBMEAD’S ROAD WARRIOR, L.M., Frank Kashevarof, Woodinville, WA
IRON LINES HONCHA, L.F., Linda & Arnie Erwin, El Cajon, CA
AFC WINDIGOS KALAMITY KATE, L.F., Marvin & Pat Baumer, McKinney, TX
AFC CHIPPEWA WILSON, L.M., Barbara Furlano, Las Vegas , NV
'04 CNFC-CAFC-FC-AFC TNT’S MR PEABODY PRAIRIEMARSH, L.M., John & Janice Gunn, Abbotsford, BC
FC-AFC PURE LABS SKYS THE LIMIT, L.M., P. & D. Goodale, Eugene, OR
AFC HANNA’S EYE OF THE TIGER, L.F., C. White & J. and B. Pampy, N. Las Vegas , NV
AFC BREAKWATERS YOU AND ME BABE, L.F., Chris McCool, Rockwall, TX
FC-AFC THE JULIA HENDRIX EXPERIENCE, L.F., Gary & Mary Ahlgren, Winters, CA
AFC CATERPILLAR KELLY, L.F., Gary Zellner, Scio, OR
FC-AFC BARTON CREEK’S O MUSTAD, L.M., Mike Haring & Loren Morehouse, Katy, TX
AFC TRUMARC’S L’IL MS POGO, L.F., John & Martha Russell, South Hampton, NH
FC-AFC MIDNIGHT RANGER XXIX, L.M., Pat & Charlene Nicholls, Sparks, NV
FC-AFC LACROSSE MAX Q JAKE, JH, Gold.M, J Gassner & A Whiteley, Eureka, MO
AFC SUNDOWN’S LEAN MAC’S MAD DASH, L.M., Roger Byrd, Whitehouse, TX
AFC WILDWINGS GIRL’S BEST FRIEND, L.F., Jimmie Darnell, Campbell, MO
AFC ALPHA MINNIE PEARL, L.F., Kip Kemp, Pontotoc, MS
AFC-CFC-CAFC JAZZTIME LAST CHANCE V PEKISKO, L.M., Larry & Anna Calvert, Charlo, MT
CANDLEWOOD’S PRIZE FIGHTER, L.M., Jim Harvie, Pensacola, FL
FC-AFC SASSEVILLE GETUM QUICK, L.M., Dick & Mary Dallesasse, Mayville, WI
AFC JB’S RUDE ATTITUDE, L.F., Richard & Charlotte Kaiser, Hazel Green, AL
FC-AFC CAROLINA’S SMOKE ON THE WATER, L.F., Clint & Kay Joyner, Smithfield, NC
TRIEVEN CHINA CAT, L.F., Andrea Meisse, Rocky Point, NC
AFC LARS JUST A LITTLE RHYTHM, L.M., Robert & Pat Larsen, Thompson, CT
AFC DROVE MY CHEVY TO THE LEVY, L.M., Kip Kemp, Pontotoc, MS
'02 CNAFC-CFC-AFC PRIAIREMARSH MADNESS, L.M., Dennis Voigt & Fiona McKay, Lindsay, ON
NABS LITTLE BLUE CHIEF, L.F., Terry Rotschafer & Marci Nabity, Omaha, NE
FC-AFC WILD WINGS HURRICANE STORM, L.M., Jimmie Darnell, Campbell, MO
BLACKWATER CASSIE LIL TIGRESS, Ches.F., Joyce & Jeffery Shaw, Bridgeton, NJ
AFC AKSARBEN'S BLACK SMOKE, L.M., Jim Carlisle, Ames, IA
FC-AFC SNAPS DOUGHBOY, L.M., Carol & Loren Morehouse, Warrensburg, MO
AFC WINDRIVERS MOST WANTED, L.M., Don Driggers, Robbinsville, NJ
AFC SHOOTERS SUGAR COOKIE, L.F. Joan Conover & Nick Elam, Jr., Powhatan, VA
FC-AFC VOIGT'S DYNA-MAXX, L.F., J.M. & L.K. Du Bose, Durham, NC
SWEET BAY'S PAL-O-MINE, L.M., Mark Rosenblum, Dallas, TX
FC-AFC RIVERSIDE'S RAGGEDY ANN, L.F., Linda & Gary Noga, Bonham, TX
BLACK SHAMROCK'S BOOMERANG, L.M., Mike Johnston, Mt Pleasant, MI
FC-AFC NICK OF TIME LONE RANGER, L.M., Charlie Hines, Hinsdale, IL
AFC NEBO'S ONYX TORNADO, L.M., Al Wilson, Logandale, NV
FREERIDIN SMOOTH OPERATOR, L.F., Ted Shih, Golden, CO
FC-AFC CANDLEWOOD'S RUFFIAN, L.F., Joan Fine, Millwood, VA
FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC JUSTIN TIME ZOE'S NINE-ONE-ONE, L.F., Jerry & Barb Younglove, Metamora, MI
AFC TANKS BUT NO TANKS, L.M., Barton Clark, Harrington, DE
AFC DEEP WATER COLONIAL SUNFIRE, Ches.F., Michael & Johanna Coutu, Harrisville, RI
A BLESSED EVENT, L.M., Thomas Bogusky, St Paul, MO
RAINBOWS NOVEMBER RAIN, L.M., Anthony Snow, Ronan, MT
SOUTHAMPTON'S WIGGLE TRACE, L.M., Susan Gray, The Woodlands, TX
DOUBLE CREEK KING'S COUSIN, L.M., Pat & Carl Boteze, Edmeston, NY
'05 NAFC-FC-CFC DAY'S END NORTHERN EXPRESS, L.F., Jane & Mark Sutter, Lilburn, GA
DIXIE CITY JAM II, L.M., William & Sara Goldstein, Florence, SC
AFC BUCKSHOTS SECOND CHANCE CODITTELY DO, L.M., Carl Ruffalo, Rochester, MN
FC-AFC JAYBARS WESTSHORE BEAU, L.M., Jerald Kamphuis, West Olive, MI
FC-AFC CANDLEWOODS RULIN' THE ROOST, L.M., William & Bev Busler, Solon, IA
FC ROUGHWATERS BAM BAM, L.F., Dave Harter, Omaha, NE
CASTLEBAY'S NIGHT ROBBER, L.M., Dave Seivert, Everly, IA
FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC TNT'S STANLEY STEAMER, MH, Gold.M., John & Janice Gunn, Abbotsford, BC
AFC HAWKEYE'S COAST GUARD, L.M., Jeff Talley, Tallahassee, FL
HOLY CROSS'S MOSES, L.M., Rick Anderson & Steve Yozamp, Kimball, MN
AFC TEXANNA YELLOW GOLD, MH, L.F., Kenneth & Peggy Robbins, The Colony, TX
ATLASTA WINNER, L.F., Paul & Martha Blank, Bowling Green, MO
AFC LAR'S HARMONY N' BLUES, L.M., Robert & Patricia Larsen, Thompson, CT
FC-AFC TARTAN PRIME TIME, L.M., Barbara & James Howard, Longmont, CO
AFC PADDY KATE’S SLICK MICK, L.M., Jim & Nancy Smith, Boise, ID
FC-AFC FREERIDIN VAMPIRE SLAYER, L.F., Ted Shih, Golden, CO
CACHE LA POUDRE OSMERUS, L.M., John Goettl, Ft. Collins, CO
LACY’S LUCKY LADD, L.M., Paul Panichi, Chisholm, MN
ROMEO’S CLIPPER ANNIE, MH, L.F., Barb & Jeff Wiklund, Duluth, MN
FC-AFC REAL SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN, L.M., Mark Menzies, Charlotte, NC
LIL MAC’S BLACK RIVER RABBIT, MH, L.F., Milly Welsh & Charles Hayden, Davidsonville, MD
FC-AFC BLUE EARTH’S HURRY SUNDOWN, L.M., John Terraciano, Billings, MT
WATERDOGS MORNINGSTAR, L.F., John Stracka, Verona, WI
AFC CJ’S MISTER T, L.M., Fred Kampo, Oshkosh, WI
BLACK MAGIC'S WOODY TOO, L.M., DeWitt Boice, Fromberg, MT
AFC FREERIDIN WOWIE ZOWIE, L.M., Ted Shih, Golden, CO
AFC IRON LINES SERGEANT PEPPER, L.M., Mark Perrizo, Downey, CA
FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC RPM XENA, L.F., Pat and Roger Magnusson, Onaway, MI
SAVVY SAILOR, L.M., T J Lindbloom, Roseburg, OR
AFC NORTH STAR'S BITTERSWEET BUSINESS, MH, L.F., Betsy McCracken, Anchorage, AK

2007 Narc Stake Info

Dates: Sunday, June 17 through Saturday June 23, 2006

Location: Ensign Ranches of Utah, Castle Rock Unit, Castle Rock, Utah
Field Trial Secretary: John Russell
                                      75 Woodman Rd
                                      South Hampton NH 03827
                                      Home: (603)394-7468
                                      Office: (781)321-1880
Entry Fee: $250.00
Judges: Dr. William Goldstein, Linda Patterson, and Sally Foster

Entries Close: Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Those who qualify June 8-10, call John Russell by noon EDT Monday, June 11, 2007 with their entry. Send entries to:
    John Russell
    2007 National Amateur Championship Secretary
    7 Bow St.
    Malden MA 02138

Do not send entries by method that requires signatureNARC Officers

President: Sherry Bleazard, Murray, UT
Vice President: Don Driggers, Robbinsville, NJ
Secretary/Treasurer: John Russell, Malden, MA

Field Trial Committee:

Chairman: Garry Ratzlaff
                     4551 Flora Drive
                     Pocatello ID 83204-4563
                     Home: (208) 232-3650

Members: Don Driggers Suzanne King
Ron Ainley John Russell

Headquarters:  Best Western Dunmar Inn
                           1601 Harrison Dr                     Dogs OK, but declare them
                           Evanston WY 82930                  $79 (NARC Special Rate)
                           (307) 789-3770

Additional Motels:

Days Inn
1983 Harrison Dr           $10 non-refundable pet rate
Evanston WY 82930    $85 per night
(307) 789-0783
High Country Inn
1936 Harrison Dr         $15 non-refundable pet rate
Evanston WY 82930   $60/single; $70/double
(307) 789-8980
Holiday Inn Express
1965 Harrison Dr         $10/night pet fee
Evanston WY 82930   $109 2 Queen beds
(307) 789-7999
Comfort Inn
1931 Harrison Dr.         $10/night/pet fee
Evanston WY 82930   $95 per night
(307) 789-7799

Camping:
Phillips RV Park              Only 60 spots
225 Bear River Dr.        $29 per night
Evanston WY 82930
(307)789-2803
E-mail: [email protected]
*Park is closed until April - Recommend early RSVP

Marshals Committee:     Brad Clow                     Tim Coulson
                                                       Casper WY                   Riverton WY

Committee Chairpersons:

Gunners:
Swede Andersen        Dick Fenner
Fort Collins, CO         Fairfield, CA
Hostess:
Missy Goettl
Fort Collins, CO
Traffic Committee:
Cindy Huff
Gooding, ID
Bird Throwers:
Kenny Trott              Paul Knutson
Wellington, CO         Orchard, CO
Grounds Committee:
Ken Payne        Alan Madsen
Ogden, UT         Salt Lake City, UT
Game Stewards:
John Terraciano        Gordon Schaffer
Billings, MT
Merchandising:
N/A
Special Committee:
N/A
Announcers:
Tom Cox                Tony Snow
McCammon, ID      Ronan, MT

Training Area:
Areas will be provided in packets at Headquarters. Special permits for training are required and will be in packets. Training on other lands without a permit will be in violation of Wyoming state laws.
Training Birds:
Ducks and pheasants will be available from:
   Bob Hunt, Big Sky Retriever Ducks & Birds
   PO Box 159
   Divide MT 59727
   (406) 267-3600 (Home & Fax) (406) 491-5240
   E-mail: [email protected]
   BIRD ORDER FORM

Birds will be ordered by June 5, 2007. Late qualifiers call ASAP to order. Pre-ordered birds not picked up will result in forfeiture of monies deposited. Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Price: Ducks - $11.75/each
         Pheasants - $12.50 hens; $13.50 roosters
         (Due to rising corn and fuel costs, prices are subject to change. Prices will remain fixed at time of order/deposit.)
DUE TO STRICT WYOMING AND UTAH STATE LAWS, DO NOT BRING YOUR OWN TRAINING BIRDS INTO THESE STATES.

Transportation: Flights into Salt Lake City International Airport are about a 2 hour drive to Evanston.

Airlines: Salt Lake City International Airport is served by most major airlines (we suggest traveling Delta).

Rental Cars: Salt Lake City is served by all major rental car companies.

Tourist Information: Evanston Chamber of Commerce
                                Peggy Rounds (Director)
                                36 10th St.
                                Evanston WY 82930
                                E-mail: [email protected]

Food: Judy's Cook House will be on the grounds.

Official Veterinarians:
    Tracey Jensen, DVM and Wayne Jensen, DVM

Official Reporters:                                 Official Photographer:
    Mary Knapp & Nikki Hahn                      Ken Andrews            Roger Byrd
    Retriever News                                    Grafton, WI                 Whitehouse, TX
    262-278-4201                                    (262) 375-0595

Meetings: Saturday, June 16, 2007
      9:00 a.m. Officers at Best Western Dunmar Inn
   11:00 a.m. Field Trial Committee at Best Western Dunmar Inn
      3:00 p.m. NARC Annual Meeting at Historic Depot Train Station
      4:00 p.m. Committee Chairpersons and Members at Historic Train Station

Cocktail Party: Saturday, June 16, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at the Historic Depot Train Station on Historic Depot Square

Workers Party: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at the Tent on Historic Depot Square

Saturday, June 16, 2007

By Saturday, most people had arrived in or near Evanston and were available for the two meetings scheduled for early afternoon. This will be a brief overview of those meetings. A full report will appear in the Aug. 07 issue of Retriever Field Trial News.

Retriever Advisory Committee

The first meeting was that of the Retriever Advisory Committee held in the Historic Machine Shop in Evanston, Wyoming. It was called to order by President Nelson Sills at 1:18 pm. On the dais were committee members Bill Speck, Lisa Carroll, Bob Young, John Goettl, Bill Daley, Jerry Mann, Charles Hays, Don Driggers, and Don Lundgren.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the latest proposed rule changes and recommendations for field trials. Four items were on the agenda; none were up for a vote, only discussion. They would be again visited at the National Championship in November. They were:

A.) Proposals for Improving Judging

These suggestions included an apprenticeship for new judges, along with benchmarks that new judges would have to attain to be approved as Judges. These would not go into effect until 2009 and any judges now approved by the AKC would not be affected. Pro and con suggestions were taken into consideration by the committee.

B.) The Movement of Retired GunsAgain numerous viewpoints were discussed on the distance and placement of retired guns including wind direction, the use of ATV's and relationship to other marks.

C.) Poison Birds

The use of unseen, previously planted birds, several poison birds, bags of birds left in fields, and proximity to other marks caused a lively discussion.

Also, the question of having Judges differentiate between a poison bird (diversion) and a mark. Interrupted marks would still be permitted but the discussion centered around when a poison bird is a mark and when it can be considered as a blind. Opinions proved the topic was wide and deep. Again, numerous suggestions were presented to the committee.

D.) The Qualification of Canadian Registered Dogs to Run U.S. All-Age Stakes

A recommendation to allow qualified All-Age Canadian dogs to run U.S. All-Age stakes was favored with the exception of the U.S. "Special" stake.

E.) Walk-Up TestsThe proposal was designed more for moderating how quickly Judges call for the birds more so than the effect of a walk up. Because of multi mark tests of today, distance and numerous retired birds, a proposal was made that judges allow enough time for contestants to see all the positions before calling for the birds. Also, they should tap the handler on the back before call for the marks. This drew mixed reaction and also will be revisited ant the November National.

The meeting adjourned at 2:55 pm and there was a short recess before the second meeting.

National Amateur Membership Meeting

This meeting was held in the same room as the first and was called to order by President Sherry Bleazard at 3:16 pm. On the dais were: Ron Bailey, Suzanne King, John Russell, Don Driggers, and Brad Clow.

The minutes, Treasurers report, and roll call were completed and a moment of silence observed for those departed since last year.

The nominating committee presented the slate of directors for 2008. They are: President Don Driggers, Vice President Ron Ainley, Secretary/Treasurer Fred Kampo (John Russell retired) Suzanne King, Brad Clow, and Duncan Christie.

2008 FT Chair Duncan Christie announced the stake would be held in Stowe, Vermont, and the Judges would be: Steve Kompf, Bruce Ahlers and Al Case.

Shortly after, Bill Speck was called upon to draw the '07 starting number from a container of numbered dollar bill. The winner (?) was ....#1. The "lucky" one, Linda Harger was called up and presented with the remainder of the dollar bills!

Rotation would be 1-28-56-83. At 7 am, the test dogs would run, and, at 8 am, the first running dog would begin. The test would be a land double with hen mallards. It would be located at the Chicken Creek property about 40 minutes from Headquarters.

Four scratches were announced - 32, 40, 49 and 104. After several more announcements, the meeting adjourned at 4:10 pm.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Test one - Land Double with Retired Left Gun

Sunday arrived sunny, breezy and bright with temps about 60 at 6 a.m. It was about a 15 mile ride to the Chicken Creek facility. However, once there is was another 4-5 miles on a winding gravel road to the site. The area was a series a high, rolling sagebrush covered hills with nary a tree in sight.

Upon arrival, two Eukanuba tents could be seen near the base of a hill. In front of them a line mat faced a field that rolled down to a fairly flat ditch befor rising up beyond it. Two sets of guns wre stationed a relatively short distance away. The pair on the left stood on a slight rise and threw a dead mallard hen to the right where it landed near two higher sagebrush plants about 110 yrd (guess - more later) from line. Deeper and to the right a set of live flyer guns shot a flying mallard hen to the left where she fell in mixed sagebrush about 150 yards away (guess)

The order was left to right. As the dog was sent for the flyer, the left guns retired to a blind behind the rise. At 7:59 a.m the first test team of Bleazard and AFC UFO, LFdemonstrated that the test was very do able and had two nice marks. The second team of Fat City Free Rider, LM and Marvin Frye did not fare as well and handled on the retired mark

At 8 am the first running dog, ironically number one, appeared on line. As she came to arrived, Announcer Bill Cox gave the dog's name, title, owner, handler, sex and breed . He did this for the test dogs and all competitors who followed. The test took 4-5 minutes per dog and there was early speculation of a second test to be run today.

Rough terrain, hills, patches of gnarled sages brush all combined to distract dogs from a straight line and a steady view of the fall area. As the sun warmed the ground, the wind began to rise and switch. Some dogs had crosswind birds while other nearly down wind. It was hard to "play" the wind as it could change unexpectedly. Of the first 59 dogs that ran, 9 handled.

Later dogs fared better but there were 5 more handles for a total of 14. There were no no-birds. The first test was completed at 3:26 when dog 111 returned to line. All dogs were called back to a second series

The second test was quickly set up behind and across the main road from the first. It was a double blind. with a separate mat for each each. The land blind was run from the left side of the judges tent while the water blind began from the right side and crossed over the line to the land blind. Both lines faced a field with a winding stream that was perpendicular to the road. On the left side of the field, a blind planter sat in a chair resting on a flat, grassy meadow. On the other side of the creek, the grassy field rose upward and was sparsey covered with grass and sagebrush. A brisk wind witched from left to right making the blinds either cross wind or into the wind.

To recover the land blind the dog had to angle across a gravel road and into the stream,exit at an anngle then drive up the hill to were a dead hen pheasant lay marked by a red stake at least 350 yds from line (guess - measurements will come later) Handlers were told they could move up to the road to handle once the dog crossed the road. They recovered that bird on the left mat, then ran the water blind.

The line to that bird angled to the left, down the bank and into the stream and past a small point on the left. It continued to a large point (grassy) protruding from the left. Beyond, the dog had to cross the point, re enter the water and channel down the narrow stream to the far left bank were the hen mallard and well up on shore about 300 yards away. It was believed that this was a two series test making the land blind number 2 and the water blind number 3. It took 7-8 minute to complete. (See photos on Monday's report)

Angles, wind and cover changes distracted dogs from achieving and maintaining a good line. However, most recovered quickly and produced workman like jobs. The test could not be completed today and was suspended about 8 p.m. after dog 53 ran. No partial callbacks would be given.

Test dog would run at 7:30 a.m. Monday and first running dog # 54 at 8 a.m.

Dewitt Boice and Andy Attar (L)

L -Mitch Patterson & Bill Goldstein

Sherry and Wayne Bleazard with Lorna Kolstad

Companion cows

Monday, June 18, 2007

It was sunny and crisp at 6 a.m There was nearly no wind and temperatures were in the high 40's.

Test 2 - Land Blind

Test 3 -Water Blind

Tests 2 and 3 overview from center of combined tests - planters at blind

On site, the test dog ran about 7 am and did work similar to that of Sunday. The site, however, was brightly illuminated and the blinds and dogs were much easier to see. A light wind was from the same direction but steadily rose in strength as the morning progressed

Dog 54 continued the combined second and third series at 7:25 am and produced good work.It was announced that this would be the only series for the day - foretelling an early finish today.

Early dogs did quite well - perhaps there were some scent trails to follow. It took about 8 minutes per dog to complete.

At 10:30 am, the judges took an unplanned break and the crowd got a glimpse of the true west as the ranchers of Castle Rock Ranch drove their cattle through the hills just behind the test site! Yeehaw!

As the wind rose some dogs seemed to be unable to hear some of the whistles when deep on the land blind. There were numerous refusals and hunting occasionally. The water blind seemed to change a bit also. The water had apparently dropped for some reason so that some swimming water became running water. While in it, some dogs could not hear the whistles while others seemed attracted to the last small point on the right. That point had not been as obvious with the water at a higher level.The close point on the left was also more obvious and it appeared more handlers challenged it.

The day remained sunny and warm but with a stubborn cold wind. About 6 pm, it was announced that the next series, water marks, would be held in the same area on Tuesday. The combined tests ended when dog # 27 returned to line at 7:20 pm. Later, a sign on the HQ info board stated that call backs will be available "about" 10 pm MDTT .They arrived about 10:20 pm. .94 dogs remained. Twelve had been dropped (plus 5 scratches). Those lost were: 15, 39, 51, 53, 61, 69, 90, 94, 95, 96, 108 and 109 The test dogs will run at 7:30 am with the first running dog, # 56 on line at 8 am.

Brenda Little - "Got Labs?"

Judy's Lunch Truck - Good Stuff

Andy Whiteley and Jake- Number 102

Gallery - Tests 2 and 3

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

The weather forecast for today indicated a radical change from the last few .The rather cool, windy conditions would be replaced by hot weather with temperatures in the 90's.

The test would be held on a site a short distance from the second and third series. Once on site, we found that the test dogs had an early start. The first test dog, Bleazard with UFO, ran at 7:19, followed by Frye with Fat City Free Rider at 7:35 am, who handled on one bird/mark.

Test 4 Land / Water Triple

Two Retired Guns and an honor

The test was a land water triple with two retired guns and an honor on the left. The line was set on a slight rise overlooking the same winding creek used on the second and third series. Within the field, three sets of gunners were stationed. On the left, nearly straight out from the line, one set stood on the top of a slopeing hill. They shot and threw a dead duck flat to the right down hill. It landed in a mix of sage brush and grass about 150 yards from the line. To the right and deeper in the field on the same side of the water, a set of flyer guns shot a duck flat to the right. It landed in short pasture grass 200 yards out from the line. Lastly, the third set was on a wide spit of land encircled by the winding stream. They shot and threw a dead duck across the stream that converged with the flyer. It landed on the shore's edge 130 yards out from the line. The order was left - dead bird, middle - flyer, right - dead bird. As the dog was sent for the first bird, the two outside dead bird gunners retired. Also, there were decoys on the widening of the stream between the flyer and the right gunners. The wind blew in from right to left, occasionally switching.

The test took roughly 8 -10 minutes per dog to complete.

When set for the right bird, some dogs were reluctant to cross the creek a second time and hunted on the wrong side of the guns. Eventually, most hunted their way across the stream to pick up the duck. On the left mark, dogs would drive up the hill either in front or behind the retired gunners and hunt for the bird. There was also a dirt road behind the gunners and some hunted back and forth occassionally behind the hill to the left of the gunners.

A few dogs split the difference between the left mark and the middle flyer hunting the "no-man's-land" between the two. There were few handles, but most hunted their way to one or the other. Most handlers took the outside retired marks first. When sent for the flyer, a number of dogs appeared to not to want to take the line to the flyer as it converged with the right bird already picked up. Those took a line behind the flyer guns and also hunted there - some quite heavily. In some cases, dogs missed the water on the left mark.

After about 1 p.m. the wind picked up significantly and work deteriorated to some degree. From that time until the series was suspended for the day at 6 p.m., there were 4 handles and 2 pick ups and some wide, loose hunts. Prior to that there were only 3 handles. Most of those occured on the left retired mark.

By afternoon, the temperatures had risen into the mid 80's with a welcome breeze.

At 5 p.m. an announcement was made that the test would be discontinued after dog 25 ran. Test dog would run at 7 a.m. on Wednesday and the first running dog shortly after. Dog 25 was excused from his honor shortly after 6 p.m. and the test suspended. There would be no partial call backs tonight.

Range Rovers" - Parked

Judges (L to R) Linda Patterson,
Sally Foster and Bill Goldstein

Announcer Tom Cox

The American Enterprenural Spirit

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Wednesday arrived clear, calm, and sunny. Temperatures were in the mid-50s.

On site, near the stream where Brad Clow had fallen in Tuesday, a sign warned NO SWIMMING! with a cano speedo draped over it !

A test dog scheduled for 7 am ran without a few of the early contestants. As a number of workers and contestants had been held up in a sheep drive down the middle of the road. Understanding judges gave them some time to view the line and the first dog, number 26, appeared on line at 7:33 am.

Early, there was no wind and the dogs did very well. However, it quickly rose and within an hour, dogs began having difficulties. They would split the difference between the left and middle mark and either hunt or handle. The last dog, number 55, completed at 10:43 am. After honoring for the by dog, handled by Ken Payne, no dogs had broken on the honor. Of this morning's dogs, 5 handled and others had rough work. Callbacks were to be given in the gallery. They came about a half an hour later and listed 79 survivors back for the fifth series.

15 dogs were dropped. They are numbers 2, 4, 7, 22, 33, 35, 37, 43, 52, 56, 58, 77, 84, 110, and 111.

Dog number 83 would initiate the fifth series. A land blind to be held directly behind the site of the fourth. The line was set on a high hill and the land rolled down to a hill portruding from the right. There were heavier patches of sage brush beyond the hill. To recover the blind, the dogs had to tread their way through the tall tangled sage brush to the base of the hill and past the rising hill on the right. Deep beyond the hill, the duck was planted, marked by a red stick, about 305 yards from the line.

Test 5 - Land Blind, Planter shown at blind

The first dog, Wayne Bleazard with UFO, tried the test at 11:55 am. The blind had been longer, but after, the judges moved the blind to its current position at 305 yards. It took about 3 minutes per dog to complete the test. The first running dog, number 83, stepped from the blind at 12:20 pm.

Thick sage and a larger bush in front of the line deflected dogs from a good initial start and prevented the maintenance of any line. A heavy wind blew from right to left across and into the line. However, dogs did not seem to fade with it, but instead pushed against it and headed for the distant hill. Once off-line, it was difficult to change a dog's mind and put him back on line. As they neared the hill, it was easy for them to slip behind the hill and become unseen in the distance.There was also a dip that ran parallel to the base of the hii. Yhere dogs would fo out of sight for a split second and could reappear off line to the right. Handler dilligence was needed. When in the area of the blind, the wind seemed to switch and a number of dogs passed it without winding it, even when apparantly on the appropriate side of the wind. If they got too deep beyond the blind, they had difficulty hearing the whistles and there were a number of refusals.

The fifth was completed about 5 p.m when dog 82 returned to line with his duck.It was announced that the callbacks would be given at the Workers Party sometime this evening.

Later, at the workers party it was announced that the callbacks were posted at HQ and most revellers headed back to the hotel. There , 69 potential NAFC's were listed. Unfortunately, 10 had been lost. They were: 5, 8, 24, 60, 78, 83, 85, 98, 100, and 103.

The sixth was rumored to be either a land triple or quad at the Castle Rock Ranch. The first running number would be 11. Test dogs at 7 a.m.

Sheep on road

Retrieving Gunners from Test 4

No Swimming with Speedo!

Marauding Cows on road -previously in test 4

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Thursday morning was a repeat of Wednesday - sunny, warm, with temps in the mid 50s - with little breeze.

The Workers Party had been a rollicking success, with good food, a four piece band, and door prizes. Surprisingly, everyone appeared at the site of test number 6 at Castle Rock Ranch off of Hwy 80. It was a long slow ride through the sage brush covered hills. The line was located near the base of a very steep hill. It faced a long narrow valley, below which was perpendicular to the line. Parallel and a short distance from the line, a runoff ditch stretched far to the right. It was lined with grass and sage brush. The center of the valley was meadow grass with two sage brush surrounded ditches - one to the right, the other to the left. In the distance beyond, a ridge paralleled the valley.

Test 6 Land Triple

Two Retired Guns

Two Shot Flyers

Around the valley, there were three sets of gunners stationed to the right. The first was located near the bottom of a hill on the near side of the ditch. They shot a flying rooster over the ditch, angled back to the right where it landed in mixed sage brush and grass cover about 227 yards from the line. To their left and on the far edge of the sage brush encircled ditches, a second set of gunners shot and threw a dead hen pheasant angled back to the right. It fell just into the sage brush about 265 yards from line. Farther to the left, behind the second encircled ditch, a third set of gunners shot a flying hen pheasant, well ridden out to the left. It fell about 227 yards in sparse grassy cover.

The order was middle, left, then right. The middle patch had a water filled ditch between the line and the mark. The left patch had a dry ditch. As the dog was sent for the right bird, the left and middle guns retired.

The first test dog was called to line at 7:35 am and handled on the middle bird. The test had been longer, but after this dog ran, they changed it to the above described test. Contestants were allowed on line for the second test dog only. He arrived at 7:50 and handled on two of the marks. At 8:15 am, dog 11 appeared on line.

The terrain was quite rough and dogs had to exercise care as they crossed some of the ditches and sage brush. Unfortunately, number 13 was impaled in the mouth by a piece of sage brush and would run again at the end. Early dogs had no wind to help them. Later dogs had wind, which did not help either, and temperatures had risen into the high 80s. The test averaged 10 minutes per dog. Of the first 17 dogs that ran, there were 6 handles and 2 pick-ups; 40% rate.

Most handlers took the outside marks first, then the tough middle mark. After hunting an earlier bird and crossing ditches, dogs seemed to lose a firm mark. Naturally it was complicated by the fact the two converging marks were retired. Many dogs drove up the hills behind the marks and hunted fruitlessley well out of the area. Only a few recovered, the rest were handled or picked up.

(On a happy note, the dog that was injured during the morning had recovered enough to run the series. Later she underwent treatment at a local veterinarian.)

The test was ominously dubbed the "Death Valley Test" by the set up crew- and it lived up to it's prophesy.It ended at 7:33 p.m when dog 10 returned to line. The carnage was spactacular. Of the 69 dogs that ran the series, 2 broke, 10 picked-up and approx 18 handled - (30) nearly half of the field.

There was no announcement of when call backs would be given nor what type of test and where test 7 would be held. As of 9:50 MDT no callbacks were posted, however it was rumored that the 7th would also be held at the Castle Rock Ranch. Callbacks posted later listed 43 survivors. 26 had been lost. They were: 1, 11, 14, 19, 23, 25, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 44, 46, 50, 54, 57, 62, 68, 71, 72, 73, 74, 82, 87, 102, and 105. Dog 20 starts. No word on what type of test would be run.

Test 6 overview showing left and middle guns

L- Craig Stonesifer DVM and John Goettl

Friday, June 22, 2007

Another cool, sunny, dry day greeted early contestants as they drove back to the Castle Rock Ranch area. The site for tests 7 and 8 was much deeper in the ranch. The new area contained a landscape of trees, the usual sage brush, and swampy areas with ponds.

Test 7 was a water blind. As it was being organized, it was announced that 2 callbacks had been left off the list. 26 and 57 were reinstated and the starting dog would be number 20.

Test 7 showing planter

Test 7 overview with Ted Shih

The first test dog appeared online at 7:15 am and the second at 7:25 am. Both had numerous whistles to keep the dogs online. The line mat was set at the far edge of a gravel road and the line to the blind angled down a mild hill to an area of marsh grass and flooded plain area. It continued across a grassy plain and flooded area to a strip of water with a heavy growth of cattails to the right. Once pass the water, it went over a wide point of land and back into the water beyond. It continued fairly close to the shoreline before crossing a bay to the shore beyond. There a duck lay, marked by a red stick about 300 yards from line.

Dog number 20 initiated the blind at 7:48 am. Early dogs had no wind and the light was good for both and dog. Most handlers got the line to the flooded plane, however, once the dogs reached the second water, they would angled left to the base of the hill. Most resisted at least a few casts to the right to go into the water. Some resisted all of them and went out of sight behind the raised point.

By mid-morning, a trail had formed from the line to the first water, but not beyond. Some dogs would disappear in the heavy cattails to the right and swim unseen behind the wide point beyond. Others would get on the point and finally take a cast to the right and swim unseen hidden behind the cattails until they were offline in the cattails to the right. There were numerous refusals because of the above problems.

Later dogs had a wind angling into the test from right to left making it difficult to hear the whistles. The test ended at 12:58 with dog 18. The seventh had also been a somewhat devastating test. There were at least 7 pick-ups and callbacks came with only 28 potential NAFCs; 17 had been dropped.

Those lost were: 10, 12, 13, 17, 18, 21, 27, 28, 31, 41, 59, 66, 76, 88, 93, 99, and 106.

Test 8 was quickly organized in the same area with the running line being a good distance to the left of the series 7 line. It was a water quad with two retired guns and an honor to the left. The line was located on the far edge of a road and face d the same water, marsh, and pond as the seventh series. To the left, on the mound that had been a problem on the blind, two gunners were positioned. They shot and threw a dead hen mallard to the right which splashed about 150 yards from the line. Across the pond, deep to their right, a second set stood on the side hill just below the road. They shot and threw a dead hen mallard, flat to the left where it fell at the edge of the pond 275 yards from line. Another group stood a good distance to their right, where the road turned, and threw a dead rooster angled back toward the road where it fell into sage brush 170 yards out. They were located just to the left of a hill where they would lay to retired. Much closer in and to the right, a set of flyer guns were positioned on the same road as the line. The road curved to the right from the line and they were around the corner. They shot a flying duck angled back to the right.It fell in the sage brush only about 93 yards from line. The order of the falls were left-middle bird, right-middle bird, right flyer, left dead bird. As the dog was sent for the go bird, the two middle gunners retired. There was an honor to the left of the line.

Test 8 left and left middle

Right middle

Right

The first test dog came on line at 1:45 pm and handled on the two middle retired marks. The second test dog arrived at 2:04 and completed the test without handling. It took about 15 minutes for each to run the test. Concerned handlers were then allowed to view the line. Almost all birds were basicallydown, with some switching conditions. The first running dog, number 47, came to line at 2:30 pm and handled on one of the marks. Changes of cover, retired marks, and relatively tight lines affected dogs' memories and they would hunt for quite a while. Early handlers took the outside birds first then tried for the left-middle second. When dogs blew threw that and recovered the left-middle instead, a few went for the left-middle first then the right-middle. This met with mixed results.

Early in the test, the judges did not expect to finish in one day. However, in the early evening, it was decided that they would finish the test, even if it meant staying out in the field until after 9:30 pm. Unfortunately, they were unable to finish and one dog #45 remained to be tested in the morning. The 8th was suspended at 9:20 p.m after dog 36 was released from his honor.Test dog at 6:30 last dog shortly thereafter.

Partial call backs will be given about 6 a.m. Saturday a.m The next test will be held near the site of the 7th. First running dog will be given with the callbacks.

AKC Reps L- Chuck Kimbrel and Wayne Bleazard

Head Honcho, Brad Clow

L- Craig Stonesifer and John Goettl

L- Dave Rorem, Alan Pleasant, Andy Attar
and Mac Du Bose - Scoping the test

Saturday, June 22, 2007

Saturday was again clear. cool and calm. The callbacks came about 6 a.m. as promised. Nineteen dogs, minus the one left to run, #45, remained to vie for the NAFC title. The nine dropped were: 16, 26, 63, 64, 65, 89, 91, 97, . Forty five would run about 6:30 and the new test would be back at "Death Valley". Number 70 would start.

Dog 45 ran about 7:15 and was called back to the ninth making a total field of 20. The ninth was partially set up when the judges arrived although a good bit of time was taken to position the gunners who had also been at the old site.

The test was a land quad with two shot flyers and two retired guns. The line rested on the same spot as test 7, however it was organized on the left side of the valley instead of the right.

Test 9 left (flyer)

Mid two marks,
Juniper and Flyer

Right dead bird

To the far left a set of live guns were positioned in the meadow grass and shot a flying rooster well ridden out to the right. It fell just into a patch of sagebrush about 245 yards from line. To the right, deeper and up a hill, a second set stood next to a juniper. The shot and threw a dead duck down a patchy sagebrush hill to the left. It landed in the sage about 305 yards out. Then, to the deep right and higher on the hill, a third group shot a flying mallard up hill, across a taller patch of sage, angled back to the right. It fell in mixed sage nearly 260 yards away. Lastly, a pair of guns stood in closer and to the right. They were located to the left of a washed out creek bank, They threw a dead duck to the left where it splashed into the widening of a stream 145 yards. from line.

The order was:Left middle, right, right middle flyer, left rooster flyer. As the dog was sent for the first bird, the left middle and right (dead bird) guns retired. It took about 10 mpd to complete.

The test dogs demonstrated the difficulty of the series beginning at 8:45 am. as both handled on the right middle flyer.

Angles through the sage brush and left hand pond, combined with retired marks,converging lines between both flyers and dead birds made this test extremely challenging. Three of the first 6 running dogs handled and there were some wide, loose hunts.

The ninth went into the history books when the last dog, #67 returned with his bird at 1:25 p.m.. Callbacks came quickley and 14 contestants would , hopefully, become finalists. They were: 3, 20, 36. 45, 48, 55, 57, 67, 70, 75, 79, 80, 81, and 101.Sadly, those lost were :6, 9, 29, 47, 86, and 92.

The tenth was another land quad with 3 shot flyers and a retired gun. It was located in a rolling cropped pasture grass field.The line was located on a slight rise and faced a series of rolling hills. Four sets of guns were positioned in a 180 degree spread. The left set was located on a hill. Gunners shot a flying rooster angled back to the right. It landed in a mixed grass/sage field about 250 yards from line. The second station was to the right, a bit closer in, located on a second hill. They shot a flying hen phesant angled back to the right where it landed in the mixed growth 176 yards out. The third set was also to the right and significantly deeper, ontop a swale between the left hill. The shot and threw a dead duck to the right where it also fell into the mixed cover 388 yards out.. Lastly, the fourth set was also to the right, but closer . They shot a flying angled back to the left. It also fell in mixed cover 260 yards away

The order was: right middle (dead), right flyer duck,left middle shot hen pheasant, left flyer rooster pheasant. It took about 10 minutes to complete.

Test dogs arrived about about 2:50 p.m. and both handled on one mark. The first running dog , #101 appeared on line at shortly after 3 p.m. The excitement of shot flyers, rolling terrain and middle dead mark challenged all dog's marking ability. Of the 14 finalists, 5 handled on the marks but none were picked up.The tenth series and 2007 National Amateur stake was completed at 5:43 p.m when dog 81 completed.

Retiring Photographer Ken Andrews

2007 NARC Winner & Finalists

THE WINNER IS

79. FC-AFC Good Idea's Whoa Nellie, BLF

Owners Ken Neil and Brenda Little, Handler Ken

FINALISTS

3. FC AFC Tartan Prime Time, BLM, Owners Barbara and James Howard, Handler Barbara

20. AFC Windriver's Most Wanted, BLM, Owner and Handler Donald Driggers

36. FC-AFC Hunting Hills Coriander, YLM, Owner and Handler David Hemminger Jr

45. AFC Trumarc's Whistling Bird, BLF, Owners Charles and Yvonne Hays, Handler Yvonne

48. FC-AFC Freeridin Vampire Slayer, BLF, Owner and Handler Ted Shih

55. FC-AFC Candlewood's Somtehing Royal, BLF, Owners Ken Neil and Brenda Little, Handler Ken

57. AFC Weezer Retreezer, BLM, Owner and Handler Robert Johnson

67. FC-AFC Voigt's Dyna-Maxx, BLF, Owners JM and LK DuBose, Hander Mac

70. AFC Hawkeye's Coast Guard, YLM, Owner and Handler Jeffery Talley

75. AFC Cropper's Hit & Run, BLM, Owner and Handler Newt Cropper

79. FC-AFC Good Idea's Whoa Nellie, BLF, Owners Ken Neil and Brenda Little, Handler Ken

80. '04 CNFC-CAFC-FC-AFC TNT's Mr Peabody Prairiemarsh, YLM, Owners John and Janice Gunn, Handler John

81. FC-AFC Trumarc's Lean Cuisine, BLF, Owners John Russell and Judy Aycock, Handler Judy

101. FC-AFC Mizpah Miss, BLF, Owner and Handler Katherine Berdan

Summary of Starters, Callbacks, and Drops by Series
For More Photos and Info visit the AKC National Report

Daily Reports of the Stake
By Mary Knapp & Nikki Hahn

For a complete report of the 2007 National Amateur Championship, subscribe to The Retriever News, N8W22195 Johnson Dr., Ste. 105, Waukesha, WI 53186. Voice: 262-278-4201, Fax: 262-278-4204. e-mail: [email protected]

2006 Defending National Retriever Champion

NAFC-FC CARBON COPY OF HORN CREEK, LM
Owned and handled by Frank Kashevarof