72nd Running of the NGSPA National Championships
March 29, 2025 – conclusion
Grovespring, Missouri
By Anthony Rusciano
(NGSPA National Championships Co-Chairman)
The 72nd Running of the National German Shorthaired Pointer Association (NGSPA) National Championships commenced on March 29, 2025, at the beautiful Sportsmen’s Field Trial Association Grounds in Grovespring, Missouri. With over 200 entries, this year’s event was the largest and most competitive in the country, showcasing the finest pointing dogs and handlers in the sport. Despite a few weather delays and last-minute judge changes due to the weather delays, the event ran smoothly under the leadership of the National Field Trial Co-Chairmen, Committee members, and the hard work of our stake managers. The grounds were in outstanding condition. and the quail flew strong and fast, offering fair and challenging conditions for all, and provided a true test of the best in our sport.
This premier event would not be possible without the incredible support from our sponsors. We extend sincere thanks to Purina Pro Plan, SportDog, Garmin, and Dogs Unlimited for their generous backing of our National Championships. Their continued commitment to field trials is a vital part of our success. In addition, we are grateful to our many dog wagon, social hour, and dinner sponsors, whose contributions added to the spirit of camaraderie and celebration throughout the event.
Hospitality was once again a highlight of the event. We are deeply thankful to Sheila Davis for providing wonderful catering throughout the event and to Mark Verdoorn and Rich Robertson for grilling up the delicious steak dinner. Each evening, the field trial community came together at the clubhouse for delicious dinners sponsored by some of last year’s winners.
A heartfelt thank you goes to NGSPA President Keith Richardson for his steadfast leadership and vision. Under the NGSPA Board of Trustees’ guidance, the Nationals continue to grow in prestige and professionalism. We are always striving to step up and improve this event every year, and that effort is only possible because of the incredible team behind the scenes. It takes a true team effort—from planning and logistics to hospitality and judging—to make the National Championships a success.
Special thanks go out to our stake managers for their tireless work before, during, and after the event. Their commitment ensures that each stake runs smoothly and fairly. We also thank our National Field Trial Committee for their dedication to excellence in our sport, and we are especially grateful to field trial secretary Lori Rezzardi, whose organization and attention to detail were critical to our success. Andy and Becky Dynkiewicz we are grateful for you volunteering your time throughout the entire National Championship to step in and lend a hand wherever necessary.
Most importantly, we offer a special thank you to our judges, who generously gave their time and expertise to evaluate the performances of our incredible dogs. Their careful observation and commitment to fairness are the foundation of our sport.
Finally, we encourage members of our community to step up and volunteer for next year’s Nationals. Whether you can help in the field, around the clubhouse, or with behind-the-scenes coordination, every contribution matters. It’s through the combined effort of our dedicated members and volunteers that we continue to raise the bar year after year.
On behalf of Co-Chairman Mark Wasserman and myself, thank you to all who participated, supported, and made the journey to Grovespring to make the 72nd NGSPA National Championships the biggest and best yet. We look forward to building on this momentum in 2026!
49th National Amateur Shooting Dog Championship
Judges: Luke Eisenhart & Steve Auxier
44 Dogs
Champion (19a) Uodibar’s Robbi Jo
O: Sherri Tangsrud H: Kirk Loftin
RU Champion (15b)
Sunny Field’s Warchief
Owner/Handler: Art Terstage
BRACE 1:
Roux (Owner: Jason Brooks Handler: Hank Lewis) and Dakota (O/H: Kirk Loftin)
The 2025 National ASD championship kicked off with Roux who notched two finds and one on a rabbit—and backed her brace mate. Her race was moderate, staying mostly forward, though she didn’t fully stretch the country and show independence. Dakota, handled by Kirk Loftin, showed his youth at times and backed it’s brace mate twice, along with one find. While neither dog showed a dominating range, both exhibited good bird work, offering a good start to the stake.
BRACE 2:
Bonnie (O/H: David O’Brien) and Pie (O/H: Mark Wasserman)
This brace saw an early shake-up as Bonnie, a stylish female handled by David O’Brien, was lost shortly after the breakaway and did not return to judgment. Left to run alone, Pie, handled by Mark Wasserman, tallied three finds during her time on the ground. While her bird work was productive, her pattern lacked consistency and her range fluctuated, occasionally drifting out of pocket before reengaging. Despite her efforts on game, the uneven application held her back from making a stronger impression on the judges.
BRACE 3:
Rip (O/H: Keith Bryant) and Stella (O/H: Hank Lewis)
This brace featured two contenders who were unable to complete the full hour. Rip, a male handled by Keith Bryant, recorded a back at the 10-minute mark but was picked up by his handler at 20, his race not developing as hoped. Stella, owned by Hank Lewis, stayed in the hunt a bit longer but was ultimately picked up at 25. With no bird work recorded for her and neither dog completing the hour, this brace concluded early with limited impact on the stake.
BRACE 4:
Skye (O/H: Scott Bodenstab) and Trip (O/H: Mark Verdoorn)
Skye, a classy female handled by Scott Bodenstab, delivered one of the stronger efforts of the day. She notched five finds spread steadily across the hour and moved with a forward, purposeful race that showed both range and rapport. Her bracemate, Trip, handled by Mark Verdoorn, supported the action with three stylish backs and capped his hour with a clean find of his own. Together, the pair put down a well-mannered brace that demonstrated solid ground application and good bird work.
BRACE 5:
Rommel (O/H: Andy Dynkiewicz) and Rio (O/H: Peter Coppens)
Rommel, a male handled by Andy Dynkiewicz, was lost shortly after the breakaway and did not return to judgment—his tracker was ultimately pulled. That left Rio, under the whistle of Peter Coppens, to carry the rest of the hour. He broke away with purpose and energy, but as the heat of the day set in, it clearly took a toll on his performance. Despite fading mid-way, he managed to card one find, though his race lacked the consistency needed to push into contention.
BRACE 6:
Lucy (O/H: Mark Wasserman) and Kuiper (O/H: Aaron Benz)
This brace was short-lived for both contenders. Lucy, a female handled by Mark Wasserman, was picked up at the 10-minute mark, her effort not shaping up as hoped. Kuiper, under the guidance of Aaron Benz, logged a “find” at 10 that turned out to be a snake encounter—not the kind of game the judges were looking for. He continued briefly but was picked up at 20. With neither dog completing the half-hour mark, this brace concluded early and without impact on the standings.
BRACE 7:
Ace (O/H: Kirk Loftin) and Lady (O/H: Bryant/Patrick)
Day 2 of the running began with Ace, a male handled by Kirk Loftin, who came out with energy and promise. He tallied two finds early on but began to fade in connection and application. At the 35-minute mark, Loftin elected to request the tracker, ending Ace’s bid. His brace mate, Lady—guided by the dynamic team of Bryant and Patrick—had one clean find and a stylish back. Unfortunately, her run was cut short by an infraction with game at 27 minutes, resulting in her being picked up. Despite some early productivity, the brace ultimately ended in disappointment for both contenders.
BRACE 8:
Punch (O/H: Mark Verdoorn) and Stick (O/H: David O’Brien)
Punch, a male handled by Mark Verdoorn, had a mixed hour, showing moments of promise but struggling with consistency. He recorded one back and two finds, but was also marked with two unproductive, leaving his performance somewhat incomplete. His brace mate, Stick, handled by David O’Brien, had a far more composed outing. Stick carded five solid finds and showed a good race throughout the hour, although he did have one unproductive. Despite that, his overall application and energy put him in the mix as a standout for this brace.
BRACE 9:
Badger (O/H: Hank Lewis) and May (O/H: Harvey Franco)
This brace was short-lived for both dogs. Badger, a female handled by Hank Lewis, was picked up at just 10 minutes due to a bird infraction, cutting her bid short. Her brace mate, May, handled by Harvey Franco, had a find early on but struggled to maintain momentum. At the 18-minute mark, Franco elected to pick up, bringing an early end to their run. Neither dog was able to complete the hour, and this brace left little impact on the overall standings.
BRACE 10
Janie (Owned by Chris Young & Robert Reynolds, handled by Chris Young) and Sam (O/H: David O’Brien)
Kicking off the first brace of the afternoon on Day 2 began with an early standout in Janie, a female owned by Chris Young and Robert Reynolds and handled by Chris Young. After a strong breakaway, Janie made a stylish cast to the front and was found standing at just 6 minutes. Her brace mate, Sam, handled by David O’Brien, failed to back and was picked up shortly after. Janie, on the other hand, maintained good style and composure throughout. She made a beautiful move through Davis Bottom and was again found standing at 26 minutes, confidently displaying her shooting dog qualities. As the hour wore on, Janie continued to impress but was last seen at 46 minutes. The handler pulled the tracker at 56 leaving the judges with a lasting image of her performance despite not finishing the full hour.
BRACE 11
Lily (O/H: James Messer) and Lucky (O/H: Alan Sailors)
Lily, owned and handled by James Messer, turned in a steady hour with three finds at 6, 49, and 55 minutes, along with an unproductive at 34. Her race was medium in range, staying within reach but lacking the forward drive to separate her from the field. Lucky, owned and handled by Alan Sailors, showing consistent effort without commanding the course. He recorded a clean find at 10 minutes and supported his brace mate with two backs during the hour. Both dogs experienced some flat spots in their races, and while bird work was present, neither performance rose to the level of the more dynamic contenders
BRACE 12
Harper (Owner: Susan Bohlmer and Handler Aaron Benz) and Cruz (O/H: James Messer)
Harper, owned by Susan Bohlmer and handled by Aaron Benz, turned in a productive effort early, carding finds at 11, 30, and 37 minutes. Despite the promising bird work, Harper was picked up before completing the full hour. Cruz, owned and handled by James Messer, stayed in the game through the full duration, notching four finds and one unproductive. While his run was clean and steady, it lacked the range and flair needed to rise above the stronger performances in the stake.
BRACE 13
Rose (O/H: James Messer) and JR (O/H: Jack Marchese)
Rose, owned and handled by James Messer, delivered a consistent performance over the hour. She recorded three finds in the first 30 minutes and a back at 16 minutes, showing good manners and composure on game. Her brace mate, JR, owned and handled by Jack Marchese, also had a back at 6 and added a find of his own at 16. Jack requested the tracker at 44 minutes. Rose completed the hour, though neither dog made a push to challenge the front-runners in the stake.
BRACE 14
Janis (O/H: David O’Brian) and Dee (O/H: Kirk Loftin)
This brace was over almost as quickly as it began. Dee, owned and handled by Kirk Loftin, had a find at 5 minutes but was picked up at 12. Janis, owned and handled by David O’Brien, was picked up at 7 minutes.
BRACE 15
Jinx (O/H: Chris Young) and Thrall (O/H: Art Terstage)
This was one of the more exciting and consequential braces of the trial. Jinx, owned and handled by Chris Young, ran an energetic and forward race, consistently working the cover with style and purpose. She recorded well-spaced finds at 11, 32, and 47 minutes, along with a composed back at 28. Judges took note of her bird work and consistent forward drive. However, at 56 minutes, while standing in cover, her bid for a placement unraveled. As the handler flushed birds, additional birds lifted and flew past her—proving too much for the young dog. It was an unfortunate turn that likely altered the final placements.
Thrall, owned and handled by Art Terstage, also delivered a strong performance and capitalized on the opportunity. He carded his first find at 16 minutes at the end of Sycamore Bottom near the road, handling his birds with clean manners. He was next found standing at the crossroads by Twin Barns with everything in order, and later backed Jinx at 47. Thrall’s third and final find came at 56 minutes at the start of Course 3. Thrall was forward throughout and held his ground with consistency and strong forward race, earning him the well-deserved title of Runner-Up Champion.
BRACE 16
Tank (O/H: Mike Patrick) and Gin (O/H: Mark Wasserman)
Tank, owned and handled by Mike Patrick, recorded a find at 22 minutes with all manners in order. Mike broke Tank away, and that was the last he was seen. The handler elected to pull the tracker at the 40-minute mark. Gin, owned and handled by Mark Wasserman, put down a composed effort, logging finds at 13 and 22 minutes. While her application was steady, the performance lacked the drive or scope to challenge the leaders.
BRACE 17
Ollie (O: Caroline Yancy H: Aaron Banz) and Sophie (O/H: Terry Bomer)
Both dogs recorded a find at the 6-minute mark, showing early promise. However, the rest of the hour passed without additional bird work or standout moves, and neither contender made a push to impact the placements.
BRACE 18
LJ (O/H: Keith Bryant) and Jazz (O/H: Chris Young)
This was a fun and memorable brace on course 3, with both LJ and Jazz delivering polished, forward races that showcased a good shooting dog performance. LJ impressed with five well-spaced finds at 14, 17, 23, 45, and 52 minutes, along with clean backs at 7 and 40. Jazz was equally composed, carding four finds at 7, 17, 40, and 49, and backing LJ at 14 and 52. These two dogs complemented each other beautifully, maintaining a strong front-running race throughout the hour. Their style was eye-catching, and their manners on birds were impeccable. However, it didn’t move any of the placements.
BRACE 19
Robbi (O: Sherri Tangsrud and H: Kirk Loftin) Jax (O: Katelyn Macke H: Abe Macke)
The first brace on the final day of the stake delivered the kind of thrilling performance that defines a national champion. Robbi, owned by Sherri Tangsrud and handled by Kirk Loftin, and Jax, owned by Katelyn Macke and handled by Abe Macke, were turned loose on Course 1 and immediately got to work.
Jax was first found standing at 5 minutes, but despite a thorough flush, no bird was produced. Robbi had not been seen since the breakaway and was located on point by the scout at 13—everything in order. Jax followed with a clean find at 15. Once Kirk gathered Robbi, he caught the front, driving forward through the course. She was found standing at 22 in Davis Bottom, with Jax arriving promptly for the back. Both dogs showed strong style and excellent bird manners.
Robbi continued to stretch the course, heading toward Horse Killer Hill. At 45 minutes, after the handlers and gallery had passed, the scout again located her on point—another clean find with exemplary composure. Jax added a final find at 51, and time was called shortly after. While Jax was promptly gathered up, Robbi was still driving forward, requiring the full allotted time for Kirk to retrieve her at the end of the hour.
Robbi’s hard-charging, forward-moving race, coupled with her consistent and stylish bird work, earned her the title of National Amateur Shooting Dog Champion—a well-deserved finish to a strong field.
BRACE 20
Blue (O: Sherri Tangsrud and H: Kirk Loftin) and Chloe (O/H: Fred Ryan)
Blue, owned by Sherri Tangsrud and handled by Kirk Loftin, carded three finds over the course of the hour but showed some inconsistency in application, with moments of strong work offset by lulls in productivity. Chloe, owned and handled by Fred Ryan, had a clean find at 23 minutes, but followed with an unproductive stand at 30 and a back at 44. Despite honest efforts from both dogs, this brace didn’t yield the consistency or race needed to challenge the day’s top contenders.
BRACE 21
Luna (O: Ronald Badua and H: Mark Verdoorn) and Jim (O/H: Abe Macke)
Luna and Jim took to the field under intensifying midday heat, which appeared to weigh on both performances. Luna, handled by Mark Verdoorn, recorded four finds at 5, 10, 23, and 57 minutes, with a composed back at 13. Jim, handled by Abe Macke, encountered feather piles at 13 and 35, managed a back at 23, and capped his effort with a find at 58. Though both dogs showed moments of promise, the heat seemed to sap some of their drive and finish, preventing either from mounting a serious challenge to the leaders.
BRACE 22
Coco (O/H: Jack Marchese) and Arrow (O/H: Larry Metter)
The final brace of the 2025 NGSPA National Amateur Shooting Dog Championship featured Coco and Arrow. Coco, handled by Jack Marchese, was picked up at 21 minutes. Arrow, under the whistle of Larry Metter, delivered a solid, consistent effort over the full hour. He carded an impressive seven finds at 2, 5, 12, 21, 26, 29, and 43 minutes, showcasing a composed shooting dog ground race and steady bird work throughout. While it was a commendable performance, it ultimately did not factor into the placements. Still, Arrow’s effort was a fine way to conclude a competitive stake.
Standing Behind: Jack Marchese, Kirk Loftin, Judge Steve Auxier, Chris Young, Judge Luke Eisenhart, David O’Brien, Art Terstage, Mark Wasserman – Standing Front: Sherri Tangsrud and Abe Macke
5th National Amateur Championship
By Robin Lambourn
Judges Rich Robertson & Mike Patrick
33 Dogs
Champion, AO Tripps To Win (Tripp)
Owner/Handler: Alan Davison
RU Champion
BMB’s Freeloader
Owner/Handler: Brandon Blum
The fifth running of the NGSPA National Amateur Championship was a competitive stake once again, with thirty-three entries. Unfortunately, inclement weather rolled in on the second day. Thunderstorms and flash flooding turned this three-day event into a seven-day event. Judges Mike Patrick and Rich Robertson, Jr. donated a few extra days of their time and found two deserving winners.
The judges named AO Tripps To Win, owned and handled by Alan Davison, the 2025 NGSPA National Amateur Champion. Tripp ran on course two, scoring three well-spaced finds. Tripp’s first find came five minutes after the breakaway, divided with his bracemate along the fence line on top of the hill. Tripp was next found standing on his second find at the beginning of Sycamore Bottom. Tripp then made a very nice move up Sycamore Bottom and was seen headed up the hill towards the twin barns. After a long absence, Tripp carded the find of the stake past the twin barns buried in the trees to the right, with his bracemate backing. Tripp continued to make nice moves through the end of his hour. He was absent at time, but his handler and scout produced him to the front eight minutes later.
BMB’s Freeloader, owned and handled by Brandon Blum, earned runner-up running on the second half of course two and the first half of course three. Freeloader had a very clean run with some extended absences that were acceptable for an all-age stake. He scored three well-spaced finds with style throughout. Although Freeloader’s run made the judges’ decision difficult, the primary difference between the champion and runner-up was the all-age quality of their finds and their proximity to the horse path.
Three other dogs that the judges mentioned were pushing the winners, were Twin Creeks Running Rocky, Monkeyshine’s Call Me The Breeze, and Chicoree’s Glitter and Gold.
Standing: Robin Lambourn, Judge Mike Patrick, Alan Davison, Josh Nieman, Judge Rich Robertson – Kneeling: Mark Wasserman, Brandon Blum
68th National Futurity
Harvey Franco, NGSPA Futurity Manager
Judges Ray Larrondo & Brandon Blum
22 Dogs
Winner LPK’s Too Hot To Handle (Mazie)
B: Kirk & Terry Bomer, O: Joe Burch, H: Keith Gulledge
2nd place MSR’S Worth It (Keeper)
B/O/H: James & Sarah Messer
3rd Place MSR’s Cool Joe (Joe)
B/O/H: James & Sarah Messer
The 68th NGSPA National Futurity, judged by Brandon Blum and Ray Larrondo, proved to be a strong success, with all futurity entries making bird contact on pre-released quail throughout the courses. The field was full of promise, and the future looks exceptionally bright for our sport as these young German Shorthaired Pointers showcased style, drive, and early maturity in their performances. The following scribed performances are in placement order.
1st Place: LPK’s Too Hot To Handle “Mazie”
Handled by Keith Gulledge | Owned by Joe Burch
Mazie broke away on Course One at 8:00 AM sharp in the first brace of the day. She made an immediate impression with a flashy breakaway, running the edges with an easy and pleasing gait. At the five-minute mark, her brace mate was found standing ahead, with Mazie honoring respectfully — a commendable display of manners.
Ten minutes in, Mazie was found standing with a stylish and broke find, producing her first game. She continued to run the edges beautifully, showing well across the open fields of Course One. At the 15-minute mark, she stood staunchly once again but was unable to produce game. Upon release, she continued forward with a graceful, composed run, maintaining her edge-running style.
At the 29-minute mark, Mazie was once again found standing, stylish and broke, producing her second bird. This young female delivered a strong, mature performance reminiscent of a seasoned dog. Her style on point was particularly noteworthy. As this year’s 68th NGSPA Futurity Champion, Mazie showcased a combination of bird sense, style, and potential. A bright future certainly lies ahead for this talented young dog.
2nd Place: MSR’s Worth IT “Keeper”
Handled by James and Sarah Messer | Owned by James and Sarah Messer
Keeper ran in the fourth brace of the day, breaking away with a fast, snappy cast to the front. Her first find came at the five-minute mark, where she stood with confidence and stylishly handled her bird. After being released by her scout, she continued forward through the course with smooth agility.
At the 14-minute mark, Keeper was found standing again, demonstrating a broke-like find with impressive composure, producing game. She worked the course with hunting determination and was again found standing at the 29-minute mark, successfully producing a covey of quail.
This young female put down a very commendable performance, showing excellent style on her birds and poise well beyond her years. Keeper is certainly one to watch as she continues to develop.
Third Place: MSR’s Cool Joe “Joe”
Handled by James Messer | Owned by James and Sarah Messer
Joe, a stout young male, ran in the third brace of the day. He broke away with power, making a strong cast to the front and gliding smoothly through the course. His first find came at the 8-minute mark, where he displayed a stylish point and produced game.
Released by his scout, Joe pushed forward confidently and was found again on point at the 12-minute mark with another productive bird contact. He finished strong, found standing at the 29-minute mark, producing a nice covey of fast-flying quail.
Joe exhibited solid hunting instincts, athleticism, and bird sense — all excellent qualities in a young prospect. He’s another example of the depth of quality in this year’s futurity.
Final Thoughts
The 68th running of the NGSPA National Futurity was a testament to the strength and promise of our breed’s future. With every entry making contact with birds and delivering commendable performances, it’s clear we are raising a generation of strong competitors and classy performers. Thank you to all the handlers, owners, and participants for making this event a memorable success.
Top row: Keith Gulledge, Judge Brandon Blum, Judge Ray Larrondo, James Messer, Harvey Franco, Sara Messer – Bottom row: Robbi Gulledge, Terry Bomer, “Kid” Sailors
72nd National Championship
By Ray Larrondo
Judges: Dr. Bob Rankin & Dave Capstick
42 Dogs
Champion Chicoree’s Riden High Trixie (7b)
Owner: Rondal Alexander
Handler: Dan DiMambro
RU BMB’s Freeloader (11a)
Owner/Handler: Brandon Blum
This year’s running of the National Championship drew 42 dogs, with a couple of entries scratching after the drawing. We dealt with a last minute judge change due to weather delays earlier in the trial. The two gentlemen filling the judges saddle were Dr. Bob Rankin from Oklahoma and Dave Capstick from Missouri. Both of these gentlemen have decades of experience in the game, and they granted each entry put before them their watchful eye. The soggy courses from the torrential rains in the days leading up to the stake created challenging bird finding conditions early on in the running. The second day of the stake the temperature climbed, a favorable breeze let on and the bird finding ramped up. It was on this day that a couple of performances made the judges sit higher in their saddles to watch great powerful ground races, capped off with flawless bird work.
The Champion
Chicoree’s Riden High Trixie | Owner Jeff Alexander | Handler Dan DiMambro
Starting the second morning with a bang, was the defending national champion, Chicoree’s Riden High Trixie. She was handled again this year by Dan DiMambro for her owner, Jeff Alexander. “Trixie” began the hour boldly, taking the higher right edge of course one, to be found pointed, scoring her first find at 12 minutes. She carded another find shortly after the road crossing with all in order. Casting off from this second find, her superb ground game was clearly visible on the big long edges. Trixie’s consistent All-Age range, her ground speed and power, and her incredible bird sense were unmatched in this very competitive stake. This was demonstrated throughout the hour along with several more good finds which provided the judges the opportunity to lay eyes on her impeccable style and intensity. Trixie consistently stayed to the front, and when not seen for a bit would be found pointed, capping off those nice forward moves. Putting together performances like this is why she is now a two-time National Champion.
The Runner Up
BMS’s Freeloader | Owner and Handler Brandon Blum
The afternoon brace’s on the second day of the stake proved much more of the same great bird finding opportunities. In brace two of the afternoon, BMB’s Freeloader, handled by his owner Brandon Blum, earned this duo their second title of these championships. ”Hewey” handled the climbing afternoon temperatures well, maintaining a bold, forward race. Several of his nice reaching casts were capped off with good finds, which allowed the judges to get a glimpse of his picturesque style and great manners on game. After making the loop to the west of the twin barns, where he had a couple of finds, Hewey was pointed out by his handler, making the big climb headed towards the Clubhouse Loop. Several minutes of riding and gaining elevation allowed the judges and gallery to spot him making one more big move on the far north ridge where he was seen going up the course. This big finish near the hour mark was wrapped up with point being called on the west fence line, which totaled five finds for this great performance.
Many thanks need to go out to the chairs of this event, Mark Wasserman and Anthony Rusciano, as well as the great committee and stake managers. These include Keith Richardson for all of his early organizing, as well as Joe Orndorff for stepping up at the last minute to lend a hand. To the dog wagon drivers, bird planters, and most notably judges, of the stake, Thanks again.
Standing: Dan DiMambro, Judge Dr. Bob Rankin, Mark Wasserman, Judge Dave Chapstick, Barndon Blum – Kneeling: April DiMambro, Hank Lewis
55th National Open Shooting Dog Championship
By TJ Hidalgo, judge
Judges: Tim Hidalgo & TJ Hidalgo
56 dogs
Champion: BDKs Sam I Am (5a)
Owner: David O’Brien
Handler: Keith Gulledge
RU: In Country’s Hurricane Jane (8b)
Owner: Robert Reynolds
Handler: Chris Goegan
What an impressive national event. We started with a total of 28 braces of some very high-caliber dogs. The two dogs we chose for our champion and runner up were well above the rest of some very impressive dogs, and they sure met the qualifications for this championship. Both dogs had very forward-moving braces with excellent runs. We were impressed with how each dog would hit a line and take it to the end, and did not move on until it had a chance to finish the line that it was on. These dogs were consistently moving forward on the right side of the wind and hunting where the birds would be. The direct result of this would be both dogs having multiple steady finds with no movement on all of these finds, this coming down to a very fine margin between them; both were of championship quality. We watched so many good dogs that could have won just about any stake out there, which made it very difficult to make sure we were getting the best of the best. We felt Sam in the 4th brace, and Janie in the 8th brace, well exceeded the competition in this event. The details that separated our Champion and Runner Up Champion were a thin line. Sam had 6 flawless finds and Janie had 5, with the last being a limb find at time. Sam caught our attention early on in the brace and was that dog that made us sit up in our saddles and ride a little harder as to not want to miss any of the action. Saying this, it made it very difficult for the other braces, due to us having two high-quality dogs so early on. We enjoyed watching all the dogs entered and thought it was an extreme pleasure to judge a national event with so many nice bird dogs to watch. It was quite impressive to see the quality of bird dogs the breed has produced and presented to us to judge.
Both the winner and runner-up proved that they were bird dogs – forward running and finished their lines when we didn’t see them. We found them on point in a field of dogs that could’ve won any trial. These two stood above.
Standing: Chris Goegan, TJ Hildalgo, Tim Hildago, Josh Neiman
Kneeling: Charles Gonzalez, David O’Brien