By: Larry Metter
After taking several years off, the Region 11 Championships were moved to the Mormon Mountains in Mesquite, Nevada. The grounds are spectacular. The courses are set in a valley that is surrounded by mountains which allow the dogs to make nice forward moves up hillsides and still be in plain sight of the judges, handlers and gallery. The weather was primarily overcast with light to moderate rain at times. Although there are washes and ravines throughout the courses, there was never enough rain to get running or standing water. The temperatures were in the 40’s-50’s and perfect for running dogs – heat was never an issue.
The trials had great participation and we had handlers from Arizona, Nebraska, Washington, Utah, Idaho, California, Colorado, and Nevada. The professional trainers that participated were Josh Nieman and Patrick Clark. We’d like to acknowledge and thank our sponsors Purina and Dogs Unlimited for their contributions.
Results
Open All Age – 8 entries
Judges: Mark Calder from Venango, PA and Jeff Rhine from Encinitas, CA
Champion
Runner Up Champion
The RU Champion was BMB’s Free Ride (Lewey) owned by Brandon and Jennifer Blum and handled by Brandon. Lewey was mostly forward while making some very nice moves up the numerous hillsides. He had 3 nice finds that were evenly spaced and he handled without any movement and showed great manners. Lewey finished strong to the front completing an impressive all age performance.
Champion
Lambourn’s Surface to Air Missile (Sam)
GSP Male 2/26/18
Sire: Lambourn’s Slick Shot
Dam: Cuttin Wild’s Little Angel
Owner: Robin Lambourn
Handler: Josh Nieman
Runner Up Champion
BMB’s Free Ride (Lewey)
GSP Male 3/28/14
Sire: Kimber Tactical
Dam: Time to Pay the Piper
Owner: Brandon & Jennifer Blum
Handler: Brandon Blum
Open Shooting Dog – 14 entries
Judges: Mick Cheshire from Highlands Ranch, CO and Mark Calder from Venango, PA
Champion
The winner was Quijano’s Wd-40-Rusty who is owned by Davis Quijano and was handled by Josh Nieman. Rusty had a very nice run, he was always forward, had no flat spots, and spent a considerable amount of time hunting the hillsides. His bird work was evenly spaced and was handled perfectly. The judges commented that there were 7-8 very nice runs, but Rusty’s was the best.
Runner Up Champion
The RU Champion was Dunfur’s Tuff Dixie The Third (Dixie) who is owned by Matt and Wyatt Solt and handled by Matt Solt. Dixie started off very strong to the front and was found standing early on a nice covey of quail which she handled perfectly. She was again found standing at 10” with her bracemate backing — again all the bird work was flawless. Dixie continued to hunt the hillsides and had her final find at 35” with her bracemate honoring. She finished forward and was out in front at time.
Champion
Quijano’s Wd-40-Rusty (Rusty)
GSP Male 8/2/17
Sire: Llanos Game On Dude
Dam: Brays Henna
Owner: David Quijano
Handler: Josh Nieman
Runner Up Champion
Dunfur’s Tuff Dixie The Third
GSP Female 3/14/19
Sire: Texas Tuff
Dam: Dunfur’s Door Number Three
Owner: Matt & Wyatt Solt
Handler: Matt Solt