NGSPA Great Lakes Championship
November 3–7, Ionia, Michigan
The NGSPA Great Lakes Championship was run November 3 rd – 7th on the Ionia
grounds, which once again furnished a true and worthy test for championship dogs.
Conditions were typical of early November in the Great Lakes region and served to
separate those dogs possessing the necessary combination of range, endurance, and
bird sense from the balance of the entry.
The Ionia courses demanded forward race and intelligent application, with objectives
that required dogs to reach, stay to the front, and handle varying cover with purpose.
Handlers were afforded ample opportunity to demonstrate their dogs’ ability to maintain
consistent effort throughout the hour while remaining responsive to direction when
needed.
Bird contacts were well distributed and fairly presented. Dogs that hunted with authority
and handled their birds with composure were rewarded, while those lacking judgment or
stamina found the going difficult. Several strong performances were recorded, attesting
to the quality of dogs brought to the line.
The entry represented a wide geographic area, underscoring the stature of the Great
Lakes Championship as an important fall stake. Competition was keen throughout the
running, and the judges were faced with a difficult task in evaluating a deep and
competitive field.
The NGSPA Great Lakes Championship Committee extends its appreciation to judges
Chris Cagle Jr., Jason Durham, Charlie Fenech, and Lee Long for their time,
experience, and careful consideration in the evaluation of the dogs. Special thanks are
also extended to Becky Dynkiewicz for driving the dog wagon and keeping participants
well fed throughout the week.
In the Open Shooting Dog Championship, In-Country Prime Suspect, Jinx owned by
Chris Young and handled by Dan DiMambro, captured the title with a performance
marked by strong forward race, intelligent use of the country, and consistent application
throughout the hour. Jinx maintained a decisive presence to the front, handled
objectives with authority, and demonstrated sound bird work reflective of both training
and natural ability. The dog finished the hour with strength and composure, clearly
separating itself from the field.
Two Ponds Blanco Roux, named Runner-Up, turned in a commendable performance,
displaying a bold, animated race and a forward hunting pattern well suited to the Ionia
courses. Roux consistently sought the front, remained independent while responsive to
handling, and showed quality bird manners throughout the running, earning the judges’
recognition.
The Open All-Age Championship required dogs to demonstrate the reach,
independence, and endurance expected of true all-age performers over the demanding
Ionia courses.
Macke’s Jim Bob, owned by Katelyn and Abe Macke and Handled by Dan DiMambro
named Champion, delivered a commanding all-age performance distinguished by
scope, purpose, and intelligent application. From the breakaway, Jim Bob showed a true
all-age race, reaching boldly to the front and making excellent use of distant objectives.
The dog consistently showed forward, maintained authority to the front throughout the
hour, and finished with strength, leaving no doubt as to its all-age credentials.
Twin Creeks Running Rocky, owned and handled by Kirk Loftin, awarded Runner-Up,
produced a strong and creditable performance marked by reach and determination.
Rocky maintained a forward race, demonstrated independence while remaining
attentive to handling, and made good use of the country throughout the hour. The dog
remained in contention from start to finish and earned the judges’ consideration.
The Amateur Shooting Dog stake produced competitive running and several quality
performances, with dogs required to demonstrate forward race, cooperation, and sound
bird work suitable to the amateur handler.
Uodibar’s Back in the Game, owned and handled by Kirk Loftin, named winner, turned
in a steady and workmanlike performance. The dog hunted with purpose from the
breakaway, maintained a forward pattern, and showed intelligent use of objectives.
Back in the Game displayed sound bird manners, remained responsive to handling, and
carried its effort throughout the hour, finishing strong and under control.
Uodibar’s Robbi Jo, owned by Sherri Tangsrud and handled by Kirk Loftin, named
Runner-Up, delivered a consistent and creditable performance marked by cooperation
and dependable application. Robbi Jo maintained a forward race, hunted intelligently to
the front, and remained competitive throughout the running, earning the judges’
recognition.
The Ioinia field trial grounds committee is to be congratulated for the condition of the
grounds and the efficient way the championship was conducted. Once again, the
NGSPA Great Lakes Championship proved itself a fitting test of the shooting dog and
all-age performer and a credit to the NGSPA.