2011 NARC Report

Saturday, June 25, 2011

2011-06-25T02:00:00.000-07:00

Brought to You by All Our Sponsors

Ninth Series -- Water Triple with One Retired and Two Flyers and an Honor

The Ninth Series is a water triple with one retired and two flyers. Standing on a mound facing North, the test is in a field with a winding stream and pond. Tall grass blocks the view of the water.

The first bird thrown is a hen duck and comes from a brush holding blind 288 yards out in front of the mound. This holding blind is on the far shore of a piece of water. The throw is to the right.

The second set of guns are 238 yards out and approximately 40 yards to the right of the retired gunners. This is a simulated flyer station using a dead drake located on the near side of the water, throwing right to the far shore.

After the second bird lands, a set of gunners emerge from behind a small mound and we have a walk out flyer 110 yards from the mat. The drake flyer is shot to the right.

There is an honor in this series with the mat to the right of the working dog.

The test is taking nine minutes a dog.

There are different conditions out at the Ninth Series this morning. It is 46 degrees and chilly. We have run seven dogs so far with three handles. Unfortunately, Linda Harger's dog, "Comet" has come into season....so she has had to withdraw.

Hugh Arthur and Ray Voigt

Dennis Ebner and Margo Brown

These entertaining little creatures, voles, are running rampant through the fields....

Helen Graves and Chad Costa

Nancy White and Judy Rasmuson try to stay warm

Hugh Arthur and Benjy Griffith

There are just three more dogs to run...the crowd has dispersed somewhat because of the cold rain that has moved in. The Callbacks for the Tenth Series will be given at this location. It was asked that everyone who was not a Finalist go over to the Tenth and that the Finalists remain behind to caravan over to the final test site of the day.

Callbacks for the Tenth Series are : 9, 12, 25, 27, 34, 49, 60, 63, 80, 85, 91, 92, 96, 110 and 111.

Dog 60 will start the series. We're off to the Tenth where they are busy setting everything up!

Tenth Series -- Water Quad with Three Flyers and One Retired

The Tenth Series is a water quad. The line is on the side of a hill looking down onto a half moon shape piece of water.

The first bird is at 268 yards in front of the line and is a dead hen mallard. This is a retired station, well brushed and sitting on the edge of the water behind several patches of heavy water grass. The throw is to the right.

The second bird is a cock rooster station 200 yards from the line sitting three-fourths of the way up a hill on the same side of the water as the blind. The bird is shot to the left and lands in low, thick grass on top of the hill.

The third bird is a hen mallard flyer station 174 yards across the water. This station is halfway up the hill and the throw is to the right landing farther up the hill.

The fourth and final bird down will be a live rooster flyer station on the edge of the water on the far side. This station is 102 yards from the line behind heavy grass. They shoot the rooster long and to the right up the hill.

Both Test Dogs handled on some of these marks. But the first running dog, "Saber" with Chris Hatch did an excellent job. Steve Ritter and "Miah" were clean on all four birds. The test is taking approximately 14 minutes a dog.

Roger Fangsrud mows the field to prepare for the Tenth

Rick and Loretta Dirmeyer from Eukanuba

....Keep on Trucking

Linda Harger leads the "Finalists' Caravan." The Gallery cheered and clapped as each Finalist drove up the hill and parked.

The crowd cheers the Finalists as they arrive...

Tom Vaughn

Chad Baker and Ray Voigt

Our Sponsors enjoy the Tenth...David Carrington of Avery,
Rick Dirmeyer of Eukanuba and Dean Reinke of Purina.
Thanks to All of Them for Sponsoring the 2011 NARC!

The Tenth Series is winding down...we are sitting under partly cloudy skies with the sun peaking out now and then to warm us up. We have a spectacular backdrop fro this series....looking at the snow-capped Mission Mountains in the background. Out of the dogs that have run, only four have not handled. We have four more dogs to run....including Charlie Hines with a rerun for "Hook, " who got a no-bird on one of the flyers.

The Tenth Series ended just before five o'clock. The gallery cheered and some purple hats were thrown in the air much like graduation day. Everyone is happy and relieved that another National Amateur has concluded. The anticipation is growing as the Winner's table is prepared with a lovely mountain backdrop behind it.

And the Winner Is....

And the Winner Is.... Number 85 FC-AFC Cody Cut A Lean Grade, LM, Owned and Handled by Chad Baker

Congratulations to Chad and Grady!!

Congratulations to all the Finalists!!

9. Windy City's Bent Tail, LM, Owned and Handled by Charlie Hines

12. FC-AFC Suncrest Wild Oats, LM, Owned by Arnold and Linda Erwin, Handled by Linda Erwin

25. FC-AFC Wolf Creek CR Skeeter, LM, Owned and Handled by Robby Bickley

27. FC-AFC Vinwood's Don't Look Ethel, LF, Owned by Charles Hayes and Danny Farmer, Handled by Yvonne Hayes

34. FC-AFC Trumarc's Stormin Norman II, LM, Owned and Handled by Mark Rosenblum

49. NFC-AFC Candlewood's Something Royal, LF, Owned by Ken Neil and Brenda Little, Handled by Ken Neil

60. FC-AFC Tealcreek Patton's Saber, LM, Owned by Chris and Portia Hatch, Handled by Chris Hatch

63. FC-AFC Bayou Teche Miah, LF, Owned and Handled by Steve Ritter

80. Watermark's The Black Pearl, LF, Owned by Howard Kuning and Chad Costa, Handled by

Chad

Costa

85. FC-AFC Cody Cut A Lean Grade, LM, Owned and Handled by

Chad

Baker

91. FC-AFC Sureshot's TKO, LM, Owned and Handled by Hatcher

92. AFC Flyway's Ruby B. Gonia, LF, Owned by Helen and Don Graves, Handled by Don Graves

96. FC-AFC-Great Bunns Of Fire, LF, Owned by Mac and Lynne DuBose, Handled by Lynne DuBose

110. AFC Coolwater's Storm Chaser, LF, Owned and Handled by Alex Washburn

111. FC-AFC Trumarc's L'il Ms Pogo, LF, Owned by Martha and John Russell, Handled by Martha Russell

Friday, June 24, 2011

2011-06-24T02:00:00.000-07:00

Brought to you by Purina

Test 6 -- Land/Water Quad with Two Flyers, Two Retired and an Honor

The Sixth Series Quad continues this morning. The line is on top of a hill, on the north end of the test. The first bird thrown is a hen pheasant at 323 yards long, retired island bird. This bird is straight in front of the line, down a hill, across a stream through heavy cover and mowed strips. The gunners stand on a small island and throw left into cover on the far bank. The line to this bird has the dog swimming under a small foot bridge into a larger pond and up to the bank. The second bird is a hen pheasant flyer at 175 yards. the gunners are also in front of the mat and slightly to the right. They are shooting to the right, up a hill with very heavy cover. They are riding the bird out a long distance. The first test dog had this hen land to the right of a dirt road that runs through the test. The judges were happier with the second test dog whose bird landed before the road. The third bird is a 200 yard retired bird to the left of the line. This hen pheasant is thrown left, landing on the second ridge. The line takes the dog tight to the back of the flyer gunners and then up and over the first ridge into the top of the second ridge. The fourth bird is a flyer station at the bottom of the hill to the left of the mat. A drake is thrown and shot to the left 90 yards from the line.

John Pampy and Chad Costa

Fred Kampo and Duncan Christie

Alex Washburn and Charlie Hines

The conditions at the test site this morning are very different from late yesterday....it is 41 degrees for starters. We are starting with dog #45, Jim Pickering. This is a very tough test and as of this point over half the contestatnts that have run have either handled, picked up or broke on the honor. We are still working on the official nickname of this test...even the judges are getting in on the action.

The "Two Daves" ... Dave Furin and Dave Rorem

"The Thinkers" ... Paul Sletten and John Stracka

Deb Bredeson and Debbie Nicholls

Joe Broyles ... The end of the line. The Sixth is over.

This test continues to be a challenge for the remaining field of contenders. The work is about the same as yesterday. We have about ten more dogs to run, with a couple of them being no-birds being put back in the rotation.

Callbacks to Test 7: 9, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 27, 28, 33, 34, 47, 49, 58, 60, 63, 65, 73, 76, 77, 80, 85, 91, 92, 93, 96, 98, 100, 110, 111, 115

Dogs Dropped: 2, 6, 7, 8, 10, 17, 20, 21, 24, 32, 38, 41, 43, 45, 48, 53, 56, 62, 67, 69, 71, 74, 75, 78, 82, 83, 86, 88, 97, 99, 102, 106, 108, 112, 113, 114

STARTING DOG IS #93.

First Test dog at Noon...

Tests 7 & 8 -- Land Double with a Blind

The Seventh and Eighth Series will be a double and a blind. Standing on a mound facing east the wind will be from right to left. 117 yards from the line on the left are two gunners behind several bales of hay. Farther out at 215 yards to the right of the mat is a flyer station. Between the two gun stations, 316 yards in front of the mat is a small hay bale with the blind planted in front of it.

The Third Test Dog and Bill Kolstad

The Handlers view the Seventh and Eighth.

Getting things ready before the next series....

Molly Schlachter sells her photographic masterpieces.

Brenda Little from Lucky Lab Pins

The retired station throws a hen pheasant to the right. The flyer station then shoots to the right. The dog must run the blind before he can pickup the marks. The line to the blind is close to the left-hand bird and just behind the flyer gunners. There are two hay bales just deep of the flyer gunners sitting 60-70 yards apart. When the dog passes the left hay bale on his way to the blind the left-hand gunners retire. After completing the blind the dog then picks up the marks in very heavy cover.

Jim and Judy Powers

Charlie and Yvonne Hayes

John Thomas

The Judges confer about the test.

Gunners Dave Sniegowski and Bruce Doing

Nancy White

We have had a on handle on the first dog, #93. The next few dogs have run it clean. It is now nearing the end of the test...we've had a total of three handles...the test is moving along quickly and we have six more dogs to run. We will be moving to the Ninth Series after this test is over.

The Callbacks will be given at this test site, before we move to Ninth.

Callbacks to the Ninth Series are: 9, 11, 12, 18, 25, 27, 34, 47, 49, 58, 60 , 63, 65, 73, 76, 80, 85, 91, 92, 96, 98, 100, 110, 111.

The dogs dropped are 19, 28, 33, 77, 93, 115.

24 dogs are called back and we will start with Dog number 11.

Ninth Series -- Water Triple with One Retired and Two Flyers and an Honor

We are getting set-up for the next series.

The handlers check out the Ninth....

Don Graves and Lance Brown

The Gallery looks on....

We have just had an announcement that no dogs will run after 8 pm and the Test Dog is at 6:45 am tomorrow morning. Ted Shih and "Mootsie" wrap it up for the evening. See you in the AM.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

2011-06-23T02:00:00.000-07:00

Brought to you by Gun Dog Supply

Test 6 -- Land/Water Quad with Two Flyers, Two Retired and an Honor

The Sixth Series is a Quad. The line is on top of a hill, on the north end of the test. The first bird thrown is a hen pheasant at 323 yards long, retired island bird. This bird is straight in front of the line, down a hill, across a stream through heavy cover and mowed strips. The gunners stand on a small island and throw left into cover on the far bank. The line to this bird has the dog swimming under a small foot bridge into a larger pond and up to the bank. The second bird is a hen pheasant flyer at 175 yards. the gunners are also in front of the mat and slightly to the right. They are shooting to the right, up a hill with very heavy cover. They are riding the bird out a long distance. The first test dog had this hen land to the right of a dirt road that runs through the test. The judges were happier with the second test dog whose bird landed before the road. The third bird is a 200 yard retired bird to the left of the line. This hen pheasant is thrown left, landing on the second ridge. The line takes the dog tight to the back of the flyer gunners and then up and over the first ridge into the top of the second ridge. The fourth bird is a flyer station at the bottom of the hill to the left of the mat. A drake is thrown and shot to the left 90 yards from the line.

Danny Farmer discusses the test with Mark Rosenblum

Molly Schlachter and Dan Partington

The first set of Handlers view the test from the line.

Both test dogs handled on three birds each. Thest is taken approx. 12-15 minutes per dog. The first two dogs have completed the test without a handle.

Dust is still an issue even with all the past week's rain...
hence the water truck.

The lefthand flyer station.

Six dogs have run the test...eight dogs have come to the line--there have been two no-birds. There have been three handles and one pick-up...only two dogs have done the test clean.

12 dogs have completed the test. There have been three handles and three pickups including a break on honor. There have been four no-birds on the pheasant flyer causing the location to change constantly. Rain moved through the area with only a few sprinkles at the actual trial ground.

Tom Vaughn checks out the test.

Tom Vaughn, Judges Mitch Brown and Mary Howley

The wind has picked up so much that we have had to tie down the tents. Pheasant flyer gunners are having a very hard time. We have just had the last gun change for the day. We are hoping to get through 50 + dogs for this day.....leaving the remaining dogs to run tomorrow morning. It will be another late evening.

__________________________________________________________________

Here are another series of questions asked by Retriever News Intern, Caitlin Furin on Thursday afternoon.....

Comments on the Fifth Series?

Comments on the Six Series so far?

What are your feelings at this point?

Comments on the test sites?

The morning of the Sixth Series dawns and 66 dogs have made it this far. Yesterday the Fifth Series proved to be a challenge for dogs and handlers alike. “I think when the wind died down the work changed dramatically,” said Pro Dave Rorem. “It was more water than I’ve seen in a fifth series water blind, but it worked for them.”

After two rocky Test Dog runs this morning, the Sixth Series has contestants and spectators on edge. “I’m nervous,” said last year’s National Amateur Winner Pete Hayes with NAFC-FC Fourleaf’s Ice Breaker ‘Buster.’” “It’s a big test and watching is worse than running sometimes.”

Marshal Chairperson and contestant Linda Harger ran first for the sixth series and completed the test in excellent fashion. A few tears were shed as she walked away from the line, obviously pleased with the work Yakity’s Shake Rattle ‘N’ Roll “Comet” had done. “Their tests so far have been very good for a National. They are judging the dogs well and it’s going smoothly,” she said.

Lynne DuBose also had a good sixth series with FC-AFC Great Bunns Of Fire “Jerry Lee,” but Jerry Lee took matters into her own hands with an unconventional pick-up. “After she picked up her two short birds, she decided she wanted to get the long one,” DuBose said. DubBse felt the pressure this morning along with a lot of her fellow handlers. “For me, the nerves part comes before I get in the holding blind. But after you step out of the holding blind and onto the mat, no more nerves.”

A few more dogs have run and we are seeing a lot of good work and the sixth series is at a good caliber for this point in the National. “I’m surprised at how well some of the dogs have done on it,” said Rorem. “But they are going to even out the field real quick.”

The weather is overcast and rain looms on the horizon, but the beauty of the Mission Valley still brightens our day. “If they ask ‘why are you out here with these dogs?’ just look around you,” said Harger. “That answers your question.”

Written by Caitlin Furin

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The Official Guns enjoy their mid-week treat of a lobster boil....who isn't jealous?

Diane and Brad Clow

The Merchandise Committee is shutting down their store.

Larry and Anna Calvert

Keith Schopp and Dean Reinke of Purina

Linda Erwin and Chris Willett

Lynn Moore and Judy Powers

Our "Tent City"

Charlie Hines waits with Hook after TWO no birds!

The last group of Gunners for the day prepares to go out in the field.

Our Fearless Judges

Who would ever get tired of looking at this scenery?

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

2011-06-22T02:00:00.000-07:00

Brought to you by Avery

Fourth Series -- Water Triple with Two Retired

The Fourth Series continues this morning with dog #102. The test is located in a pasture that contains two ponds with long channels. Standing on the mat, the handler will be facing North. This water test is a triple that is using all hen ducks. The order will be middle retired, right retired and then left flyer. The middle bird is 171 yds from the mat thrown left to right on the other side of the pond. The dogs have to travel through two pieces of water. The right, long bird is 235 yards from the mat and may be only 60 or 70 yards to the right of the middle retired gun. This bird is thrown left to right. The dog must cross at least one small pond and three channels of water on the way to the bird. On the left side of the test and 212 yards from the mat is the flyer station. They are shooting right to left. The dog crosses a channel from a larger lake located on the left side of the field.

Don Driggers and John Thomas

Linda Harger, Chief Marshal

At 6:45 am it's 54 degrees and clear with a light North-Northeast wind. Test dog handler Nancy White and Lily went to the line and did a nice job. At 7:00 am the first running dog #102, Mark Medford with Tater, came to the line and did an excellent job. The balance of the contestants are lining up and Day 4 is underway.

Suzanne & Mark Medford

Judy Rasmuson and Gay Freuling

Ted Miller and Bill Valladon

Directions To The Workers Party at The Barn at Finley Point:

Take Hwy 93 to Polson, turn onto Hwy 35 (Southshore Rd.--The road where the Safeway grocery store is.) towards Big Fork. Travel 6 miles to Finley Point Rd. take a left. There is a sign for Finley State Park.

The owners of The Barn at Finely Point encourage you to call and tour their grounds and Barn...call them for info or help with directions at 406-887-2444

Brad Clow and Hal Gierman

John Pampy's house ... What a fantastic backdrop!

It's almost 10:00 am and we have 3 more dogs to go. The hostess wagon and the food wagon have already relocated to their new positions on the Pampy property. Molly Schlachter, the official photographer, has set up her display. Please stop by and visit to see her photographs of this event. We will be relocated on this same piece of property for the next series, which is rumored to be a water blind.

Traffic is never a lonely job!

Rick Dirmeyer from Eukanuba and Brad Clow

Bill Valladon rides out for the gun change in style.

The late running handlers view the test in the late afternoon sun.

Callbacks for Test Five: 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 32, 33, 34, 37, 38, 40, 41, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 60, 62, 63, 65, 67, 69, 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 80, 81, 82, 83, 85, 86, 88, 89, 91, 92, 93, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 102, 103, 104, 106, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115

Dogs dropped: 1, 3, 5, 14, 35, 39, 44, 50, 61, 64, 72, 84, 95, 101, 107

79 dogs back

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M A G N I F I C E N T ! -- Kerr Dam

Before the start of the trial, the Mayor of Polson encouraged everyone to visit the Kerr Dam. Yesterday, some of the Retriever News team took a short trip to check it out. We took over 300 hundred steps down towards the river before we reached the optimal viewing point of the dam. On our way down, we saw signs warning us that bears could be nearby.

The dam is an amazing site to take in. Completed during the 1930s Depression, this concrete arch dam is 575 feet in length and 204 feet high; that is 54 feet higher than Niagara Falls. It is part of the Kerr Hydroelectric Project. It has three powerhouse turbines and a 194 megawatt generating capacity. The dam generates enough power for 125,000 households.

Due to the large amount of rain this year, the water being emitted through the dam is tremendous. The ocean blue Flathead River flows through five openings and thunders down below the dam, emitting whitewater rapids and rainbows from the water droplets shining in the sun. The river has run a deep rut between the rolling hills, creating a high wall of intricately carved rock. In the surrounding hills, we saw some mule deer prancing up the steep slopes. With the snowcapped mountains as a back drop, the Kerr Dam is a magnificent site to see. Please enjoy some of the pictures we took.

Written by Caitlin Furin

We didn't see any grizzly bears, but I bet they saw us!

The view downstream.

Somewhere............

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Fifth Series -- Water Blind

The fifth series is a 305 yard water blind located on the reverse side of the property used on test four. The setting is picturesque with a lush mountain meadow that ends in beautiful mountains. The mat is at the top of the hill facing west. The dog will travel down a slope heavy with clover. The ground becomes level, the grass mixture changes to high grass, random mowed paths and duck weed. The dog runs down the hill close to a holding blind on the left side. This blind has a fat bowl of dead birds in it. Off to the right, the flyer station from the fourth series will have two gunners and crates of live birds. The dog proceeds past the holding blind across a grassy flat into a small body of water that runs left to right. There is a spit of land that runs all the way across the far side of the first piece of water. this spit will be scented every ten dogs. The dog then gets into a larger piece of water and both lunges and swims to a shore that angles to the left. When the dog exits the water it is approximately 20-30 yards to the blind. The first test dog was Barbara Furlano with Wilson. the test proved extremely difficult with multiple cast refusals and whistles. Hearing the whistle proved difficult. the next test dog, Nancy White with Lily, was able to complete the test to applause from the gallery. Handlers are currently being asked to fill the holding blinds at this moment. The first running dog is dog #37.

We have run twenty dogs so far with two pick-ups. Many have done an excellent job....others have had too many whistles to count. The challenge is to run the middle. Too far left, you're safe, but off line...too far right and the dog is in so much running water or heavy cover that they cannot hear the whistle. Some dogs have been able to wind the bird at the end.

CALLBACKS TO QUAD:

2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 28, 32, 33, 34, 38, 41, 43, 45, 47, 48, 49, 53, 56, 58, 60, 62, 63, 65, 67, 69, 71, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 80, 82, 83, 85, 86, 88, 91, 92, 93, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 102, 106, 108, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115

Dogs Dropped: 4, 23, 29, 37, 40, 46, 52, 59, 70, 81, 89, 103, 104, 109

66 Dogs returning to the Sixth Series

DOG #76 STARTS

Worker's Party

The Barn at Finely Point sits in the foothills of the Mission Mountains with a view of Flathead Lake. Owned by Denny and Lucy McCrumb, the 50 acre property has been home to the couple for 39 years. The land includes the barn, various out buildings, a main house and two smaller homes.

The McCrumbs originally used the eight stall barn to house Percherons, a breed of draft horses. When the last horse foundered in April 2011, the McCrumbs explored the idea of renting out the barn for memorable occasions. Denny and Lucy hosted their first wedding in May and had 16 since then. Renters are allowed use of the barn, including the fully furnished loft, and use of the grounds for their special event.

For the Worker’s Party, we took advantage of the indoor and outdoor seating available at the barn. One of the horse stalls was utilized as a bar for serving refreshments. The front lawn was used for the bird and bumper toss contests. With the walls decorated in farm paraphernalia and country music courtesy of O2 Productions playing in the background, the barn gave the party a classic country feel. Cold drinks, great food from Longhorn Barbeque Catering and gorgeous weather complimented the fun atmosphere. We greatly appreciate Denny and Lucy for letting us use their beautiful property.

Here are some photos of the evening's festivities...

Very rustic decor.....

Our Caterers

There was plenty of room for everyone.

The back patio overlooked the mountains and Flathead Lake in the distance.

Judy Rasmuson and Sydney Gardave

"Let The Games Begin!"

Bill Eckett tries his hand at tossing the bumper into the holding blind.

Our gracious hosts, the McCrumbs

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

2011-06-21T02:00:00.000-07:00

Brought to you by Tri-Tronics

Fourth Series -- Water Triple with Two Retired

It's 50 degrees and clear. The test is located in a pasture that contains two ponds with long channels. Standing on the mat, the handler will be facing North. This water test is a triple that is using all hen ducks. The order will be middle retired, right retired and then left flyer. The middle bird is 171 yds from the mat thrown left to right on the other side of the pond. The dogs have to travel through two pieces of water. The right, long bird is 235 yards from the mat and may be only 60 or 70 yards to the right of the middle retired gun. This bird is thrown left to right. The dog must cross at least one small pond and three channels of water on the way to the bird. On the left side of the test and 212 yards from the mat is the flyer station. They are shooting right to left. The dog crosses a channel from a larger lake located on the left side of the field.

Duncan Christie, Gay Freuling and Judge Mitch Brown

Charlie Hines, Jack Vollstedt and Charlie Hayes

The first test dog, Nancy White with "Lily," did an excellent job on the flyer and right retired. When going for the middle retired, it was discovered that she was unable to handle due to heavy cover. A piece of farm equipment was quickly moved to the field were strips were mowed to alleviate this problem. The second test dog, Barbara Furlano with "Wilson," did an excellent job as well.

Pete Hayes and Larry Morgan

Dog number 9, Windy City's Bent Tail "Hook" with handler Charlie Hines, came to the mat at 8:07 a.m. to begin the test.

Mowing the field for more visibility...

Judge Pat Nicholls confers with his wife

Molly Schlachter and Judge Mary Howley

Note: The middle retired bird is being thrown into heavy cover on the edge of the bank of the pond. The fact that they mowed out there was to aid the handler in seeing their dog, it did not affect the thrown location of the bird. The middle and right bird are a hip-pocket and that is providing a challenge to the dogs.

Arnie Erwin and Steve Ritter...
What's in their coffee this morning?

We've been running for about one hour now and this series is taking about ten minutes per dog...with 95 dogs back, you do the math!! The sun is rising quickly and we are expecting the temperature to be about 79 degrees. Considering that we have had some many days in a row of cloudy (sometimes rainy) overcast, many people are looking forward to the heat...BUT sunscreen is in great demand. We are aboout 3000 feet above sea level and the sun is quite different up here.

Hal Gierman's new champion.

The wind has started to change in the field. Currently it is swirling with a strong breeze out of the north into the handlers face. There are sudden gusts out of the west that change the test. The dog's going for the long right-hand retired cannot seem to get past the middle retired. There have been 6 handles and 1 pick-up out of the last eleven dogs since the wind started shifting.

The wind from the right to the left. Our success rate has improved greatly and the dogs seem to be marking versus winding the birds. As we look straight out across our test, we are looking out at Glacial National Park. It has been such a cool spring here that many of the mountain peaks remain heavily snow-capped. In fact, the portion of the Glacial Park that is the greatest tourist attraction, the "Going-to-the-Sun Road" has been closed and there are stories in the newspaper of snowplows still clearing away the lingering white stuff.

The Marshal said that they hoped to reach #99 by the end of the day...approx 7:30 pm.

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This summer at the Retriever News, we are fortunate to have journalism major, Caitlin Furin, as a summer intern at the News. She has come with us to Montana and on Monday, she went into the Gallery and asked a few questions to a handful of contestants.....

We are in full swing here in Montana and participants and professional trainers are expressing their contentment with the trial so far. We asked the following questions:

How many Nationals have you competed in?

What are your opinions on the first series?

How are you feeling standing in the holding blind before the line?

The first series was difficult but 97 dogs rose to the challenge and were called back. “I thought it was a real good hard test,” said Pro Bill Eckett. “Wind changes made things difficult, but I thought it was a fair test.”

Judy Powers, who handled FC- AFC Badger State Ram Kicker, thought the test was pretty stout for an opening series. “The only thing that really concerned me was the difficulty in the dog seeing the flyer when there was cloud cover and the dark mountains in the back.” Powers expressed her feelings of anticipation while standing in the holding blind before the line. “The first series is always so great because the announcements come on and your name is announced.”

It is David McMahan’s first National appearance with Maple Creek’s Mattie Mae and their first few days have been very enjoyable. “It has been interesting to see all of the pre-National training and watch all the other pros and their clients and how everybody does things different,” he said. It is also McMahan’s first time in Montana and he thinks it is beautiful.

The sun is beginning to shine a little more each day and the tests are demanding, but everyone is enjoying watching and participating in this year’s National Amateur. “The opportunity to come to a national is one of the most fantastic things I can imagine,” said Ken Neil. “I hope in my heart that everyone that is serious about this sport has a chance to compete in a national.”

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It's just after 6 pm and we've had our final gun change of the day. They were thinking of not having another change this evening, but decided to relieve the gunners who had been out in the field at the hottest part of the day. The slight breeze from right to left continues and we will probably get another ten or so running dogs in before we wrap it for the day.

An announcement was made for the "Double Header's" dinner which was located at the the Headquarter's hotel and was going to commence between 7:30-7:45 pm.

The announcement has been made that dog #101 will be the last running dog today. The first Test Dog will be at 6:45 am Wednesday.

Monday, June 20, 2011

2011-06-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

Brought to you by Purina

Test 1 -- Double with a Flyer and a Retired

Test 2 -- Land Blind

The test is set on both sides of a long draw. The mat is on the Southwest side of the hill with a view to the North. To the Northeast side of the draw at 208 yards is a gun station with a dead rooster pheasant thrown to the left. At 311 yards sits the flyer station with a rooster pheasant shot to the left. The blind is at 175 yards and is a hen duck. From the mat, the handler will turn to his right to run the blind which is across the draw and up the opposite hill.

At 6:45 sharp, the test dog, FC-AFC Chippewa Wilson has come to the line. After the rain last night, the air is clear and at 50 degrees with very little wind and the dust has settled. As the remaining handlers watch the test dog, they are super vigilant to any changes in the test. There is a light breeze which blows from behind the handler. Time will tell as the first three running dogs are already in the holding blind.

Judge Pat Nicholls takes a quick "siesta" before the day starts!

The running order became a little confusing because of all the no birds late yesterday. It is as follows: 40, 41, 43, 36, 37, 38, 44, 45 and so forth....

There was a last minute substitution for the Test Dogs yesterday....Here they are officially:

Knollwood's Sweet Lily (LF) “Lily,” handled by Nancy White

FC-AFC Chippewa Wilson (LM) "Wilson,” handled by Barbara Furlano

Thanks to both handlers and dogs for their service!!

The Retriever News Team: Vickie Lamb, Gwen Jones and Caitlin Furin
Tina "the paparazzi" Ebner is behind the viewfinder

The Two Purple People Eaters!!

8:55 a.m.-- The sun is peaking through the clouds and the field is already brighter than yesterday. The wind is changing, offering up some excellent work and then causing some great difficulty for the dogs. The work has gone from some of the best that we've seen to some very large hunts and a handle.

Alex Washburn watches intently.

Thanks to our Sponsors!!

Al Wilson's grandsons "Mutt" & "Jeff"

It was announced this morning that dog 57 FC-AFC Atlasta Winner, "Lassie," and handler Martha Blank are a scratch. The dog sustained an injury getting off a truck a few days before the start of the trial. There has been a handle and the gunners in the field were asked to pick up the flyer.

Lisa & Danny Farmer and Dennis Ebner

Mr. "Z" waits in the holding blind

Last dog ran @ 10:41, Gary Zellner - Z for last!

Pat Nicholls, Mary Howley and Mitch Brown confer on the Callbacks.

Callbacks came shortly after 11:00 am. Callbacks for Third Series: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 88, 89, 91, 92, 93, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115

Dogs Dropped: 13, 15, 16, 22, 26, 30, 36, 42, 51, 54, 55, 57, 66, 79, 87, 90, 94 and 105

Number of dogs back to the third series: 97; 18 dogs dropped.

Test 3 -- Water Blind

The Third Series is located around a deep bowl with a small pond at the bottom. The dog is entering from a location approximately from the northwest side. The dog proceeds down a steep hill and across a flat covered in tall grass. They proceed to cross a small stream onto a large V-shaped piece of land with the point facing the water and the wide end angling up a slope. Once the dog crosses the point he entered the water and swims approximately 20 yards, as the dogs leave the water they will climb approximately 100 yards to the bird which is a hen duck. We gauged the blind at 194 yards taking approximately 2 1/2 minutes per dog. Starting dog #96.

Ann Vicklund from Purina and Danny Farmer

The Handlers move forward to see the dog better on the Water Blind.

Barbara Furlano with "Wilson"

Nancy White with "Lily"

Well, we are having a bit of a mountain pass rainshower, just had a rebird and now the first dog is running, dog #46. Visibility is not that good during the rainshower. This is a test where the dog can only hurt themselves, there appears to be no way to truly get ahead. There have been some multiple-whistled blinds. A few dogs seem to be too loose at the end of the blind. The gallery is only able to see the end of the line so they are watching the handlers.

We have about 25 more dogs to run. The wind has picked up and the sun has come out. They will finish this test and the Fourth Series will not start until tomorrow.

The Test Dog will be run at 6:45 am for the start of the Fourth Series. The Callbacks for the Fourth Series will be posted at the Headquarters and the instructions on how to get to the next test will be posted as well. The location is fairly close to where we are now. The starting dog will be #9.

The Callbacks to the Fourth Series have just two dogs dropped: #31 and #68.

The Marshals would like to remind everyone that the Test Dog is tomorow at 6:45 am sharp.

URGENT--BIG CHANGES IN TOMORROW'S PLANS

Test Four will NOW Be HELD at John Pampy's property.

Worker's Caravan leaves HQ at 5:30 a.m.

Contestant Caravan leaves HQ at 6:00 a.m. First TWENTY DOGS should be in the caravan. Dog #9 starts this next test.

TEST DOGS WILL BEGIN RUNNING at 7:30 a.m.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

2011-06-19T02:00:00.000-07:00

Brought to you by Eukanuba

Test 1 -- Double with a Flyer and a Retired

Test 2 -- Land Blind

It is a cloudy morning in Big Sky Montana. We got out to the test site at 6:20 a.m. Marshal Linda Harger is organizing the workers into a ship shape team. Guns and birds are moving to their stations, holding blinds and tents are up and the food wagon has a line for coffee on this brisk 50 degree morning.

Test Dog Knollwood's Sweet Lily " Lily," handled by Nancy White

The handlers view the tests.

Barbara Furlano and Test Dog FC-AFC Chippewa Wilson "Wilson"

Wayne Bleazard & Swede Anderson

7:30 a.m. – The first test dog Knollwood's Sweet Lily (LF) “Lily,” handled by Nancy White, completed the test without a handle but a hunt on the memory bird. The second test dog FC-AFC Chippewa Wilson (LM) "Wilson,” handled by Barbara Furlano, handled on the go bird flyer.

Scotty Seward take a "dog's eye view" of the test

Big trucks .... Big Sky Country!

There are four scratches 42, 54, 66, and 30. The test is taking about ten minutes per dog with some hunts in the cover. The Field Trial Asst. Chairman, Tom Vaughn is pretty sure that this test will not finish today.

Our faithful Game Stewards

Dean Ellis, Official Announcer

The first running dog, #68 "Jazz"

So far the dogs are doing extremely well. Three dogs picked up the birds in reverse order, retrieving the retired bird first. Blind work has been good. There have been handles on the following dogs: 70, 78, 79, 84, 87, 90, 96 and 101. #87 was an eventual pick-up.

The test is not getting easier. There has been a wind change and a thrower change--the throw is not clearing the mountain in the background as it was before. More dogs seem to be confused by the retired mark and and are hunting deep. The weather is clouding up, making the birds harder to see in the darker conditions. Most of the dogs have done well on the blind, but very few have had a good run on all three birds.

The gallery claps for a job well done.

Deb Bredeson, Jeff Schuett & Jim Powers

The food wagon ... a welcome treat!

A couple of Gunners and a "Gun Mom"

Dave Rorem, Mac DuBose and Dave Furin

It is late afternoon and has started a light on and off rain. The difficulties of the terrain have carried through the day. Just a few moments ago, #15 Watuaga's Bull Gator "Bull" suffered an injury going out for the flyer. Luckily Bruce Ahlers and Jeff Schuett were both in attendance and came to his aid. He was transported by his owner, Steve O'Connell, in a mule. Our prayers go out to "Bull."

During the last gun change of the day, the announcement was made that tomorrow's test dog will run at 6:45 a.m. with the first dog running shortly after at 7. There was a change made to the running order during the same break. Dogs 23 and 24 were moved and follow dog 29. Both of these handlers are vets who worked with our injured dog today.

We wrapped up at 8 pm. Being so far North here, it stays light fairly late, especially at this time of the year ... thankfully, the Field Trial Committee has decided to stop the tests at 8 pm. They had hoped to get through dog #44--which was at a regular gun change, but with the three late no-birds, this simply was not possible. Test Dog runs tomorrow at 6:45 am sharp!

Saturday, June 19, 2011

2011-06-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

Staffing Retriever News and MCS Tables--To the Meetings

After a morning spent at the Retriever News table, it's time to shut down and head to the meetings, beginning at 2 p.m. in the Victor room.

Contestants have been busy all morning in picking up packets and viewing and buying merchandise, and the tension is beginning to mount!

Meeting of the Retriever Advisory Committee -- 2 pm

The meeting of the RAC was called to order by Nelson Sills. Kate Simonds announced that the RAC was not proposing any new rules, but proposing a clarification of the rule for the early Amateur Stake starts. The rule does not apply to the clubs with a Friday start. The rule found on page 23 of the Rulebook as well as the clarification applies only to those clubs wishing to move their Amateur start to an earlier time if they have more than 65 dogs.The purpose of this clarification is to insure that the amatuer who is not able to attend the trial on Friday is allowed to run his dog in the Amateur Stake. The proposal is for the clarified rule to read this way:

"Anytime a trial giving club finds that the number of starters in its Amateur All-Age Stake or its Owner/Handler Amateur All-Age Stake is likely to exceed or exceeds 65 in number, the club may elect, at its option, to move the starting time of the stake to not earlier than 9:00 AM of the first day of the trial. Regardless of whether this change is made by the club with or without a contingency stated on the premium any handler who cannot, for whatever reason, be present at the trial until the original starting time announced in the premium shall be permitted to run after the original starting time stated on the premium."

During 2010 it has come to the committee's attention that in some cases field trialers are either not familiarizing themselves with the rules or ignoring them. One case that is becoming frequently ignored is setting blinds where the line to the blind requires the dog to be out of sight for substantial periods of time. The Rulebook is very clear about this on page 42; the dogs are supposed to be in sight for the entire time.

At this point, Kate wanted to discuss diversionary birds. The rule book is very clear about the fact that you cannot shoot three birds and then run a blind. You can shoot two birds, then run a blind, then shoot the third bird. The point is that this trend in training and set-up takes the emphasis off the marking and puts it on the control with the blind. "The basic point is that our rules are designed for common sense."

The next discussion point was layout blinds. The basic point is that we need to be cautious about the blinds...with regards to the person inside becoming overheated. These also pose a dangerous threat as obstacles in the field for the dogs. This raises the point of the possibility of a liability issue. The Minnesota Iron Range Club has discontinued the use of layout blinds for two years and now use turkey blinds which work better for them.

At this point, Kate discussed an incident involving an intimidation tactic by someone in the sport to a witness at a field trial. The witness was going to be part of a field trial committee meeting regarding this incident until they were threatened by phone. After this, the field trial committee chairman received the same threatening call. Kate wanted to stress that we participate in a self-policing sport based on common sense and ethical behavior, and there is no place for this kind of behavior in the sport.

The NARC General Meeting -- 3 pm

We were greeted by the mayor of Polson, Montana who thanked us all for being here and offered us best wishes and good luck to all the dogs competing. She wanted us to see two things: the Kerr Dam, which was fully open because of all the rain they have had, and advised anyone that had time to take advantage of the Farmer's market in town this Friday.

The roll call of the clubs occured and we have a quorum. They accepted the annual meeting notes and treasurer report from 2010.

The NARC has donated 10,000 dollars for the last two years to the AKC Canine Health Foundation to aid various health care funds. The AKC representatives with us today were Doug Ljungren, Lisa Carroll and Wayne Bleazzard.

Chief Marshal Linda Harger wanted to pay tribute to a dog that we lost in training last week who had qualified for this event owned by Dianne and Dennis Miller FC-AFC Jazztime's Dust Devil Max. In a poignant moment, Linda said "Once they pass over the rainbow bridge, every day is a National and every dog is a winner."

Charlie Hayes from the Retriever Hall of Fame congratulated Jack Volstedt on the induction of his dog Molly into the hall of fame and also Lance Brown for being inducted as a handler. Charlie Hayes reminded everyone that the nominating ballot was in the June issue of Retriever News and please do vote. This year, the addition of a choice of a pro is available.

The Nominating Committee report announced the new slate of officers. Fourth Vice President (East): Randy Whittaker; Third Vice President (Mountain): Tom Vaughn; Second Vice President (Pacific): Arnie Erwin; First Vice President (Central): Laura Parrot; Secretary/Treasurer: Fred Kampo, and the new President Duncan Christie.

Brad Clow thanked the land owners in Mission Valley. He gave special thanks to Rick VanVoast who's allowing us to use his 7,000 acre wheat farm.

Then they thanked the Corporate Sponsors:

The Official Sponsor Nestle Purina -- Ann Vicklund

Tri-Tronics -- Alice Woodyard

Kent Ammunition

Eukanuba Performance -- Rick Dirmeyer

Chris Chantland -- Official Artist

Dogtra

Avery Sporting Dog -- David Carrington

Information was given for the 2012 National Trial

Location: Onaway, Michigan including the Buffalo Ranch, Roger Magnuson and Randy Whittaker properties

Headquarters: Indian River

Field Trial Chairman: Randy Whittaker

Judges: Western Time Zone- Chris Willett, Mountain Time Zone- Bill Freuling, Central Time Zone- Carl Ruffalo

Rick Dirmeyer from Eukanuba presented the Chris Chantland painting of last years winner Buster to his owner Pete Hayes.

The 2011 National judges, Mitchel Brown, Mary Howley and Pat Nicholls, were presented with a bronze sculpture. Roger Fangsrud, the field trial chairman, was also presented with a gift.

Brad Clow opened the floor to new business. Connie Cleveland expressed a certain level of indignation by her club and members of others concerning the new pricing structure of Entry Express, which eliminiated the free paper entry. Judy Rasmuson voiced a similar comment.

Linda Harger took the floor to give us rules and information concerning this years event:

The first series will be held north of town at the VanVoast ranch.

The workers carivan departs at 5:30 a.m.

At 6 a.m., the first 23 running dogs and the two test dogs will carivan to the site.

The first series will consist of a double with a blind. Both the flyer and the dead bird are rooster pheasants. A hen duck will be used for the blind.

The Handler should be on the mat.

When there is a gun change, the next 10 handlers will be allowed five minutes to view the test; the rest of the handlers will be allowed five minutes for viewing; the gallery will recieve five minutes or whatever time is left--a total of 15 minutes for each gun change.

To eliminate stress on the handlers on opening day, they will all be allowed to view the test dog and then get their dogs ready. After that, in each series the dogs will be required to fill up the holding blind while the test dogs are running.

A huge emphasis has been placed on cell phones at this trial. No cell phones on the line. Due to the recent weather, there are cramped conditions and the gallery will be closer to the line than usual. No ringing cell phones in the gallery; please put yours on vibrate.

First no bird you move back six dogs and will be the seventh dog to run. Second no bird the same rule applies. If you recieve a third no bird you move to the end

Test dogs will run at 7:30 a.m. First running dog will be at 8 a.m. each day.

Dog number 68, Candlewoods Aphrodites Jazz handled by Tom Brian, will run first.

Cocktail Party -- 6:30 pm

We are off to the cocktail party! Well, the party is in full swing...along with the entertainment provided by Bob, the owner of Three Dog Down....he serenaded many tables as he strolled through the room. The food was plentiful as were the drinks. Everyone enjoyed visiting with each other and catching up since the last time. The gentlemen are in sport coats and the ladies look fine in their cocktail dresses. Everyone finished eating and then the famous "Calcutta" began with Swede Anderson as the auctioneer. We heard a rumor that it was a very successful event!

Grayson Kelley and Lynne DuBose

Caitlin Furin and Dad, Dave Furin

Mark Medford tries to outbid two other contenders...

Molly Schlachter and Dennis Ebner

Bill Totten assists Swede Anderson

Mark Medford and Hal Gierman

On the Road to the National!

2011-06-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

We are on our way to Montana!

Coverage for the 2011 National Amateur beginning soon!

Well, here we finally are in in the Mission Valley area of Montana. It is breathtaking countryside with rolling snow-capped mountains in every direction. The folks here have been very welcoming to us. These folks finished building their hotel just days before we all converged here. The Ninepipes Lodge is located 30 miles south of Polson and the Best Western HQ hotel.

Today, we went an visited one of the many training groups that have been out everyday for the past week getting their dogs acclimated to the new terrain and different elevations. Don Remien, a locally based pro teamed up with Dave Smith from Wisconsin. Photos to come.....