Mid South Bird Hunters Field Trial report
Mid South Bird Hunters
November 6, 2022
What a difference a day makes! Yesterday morning we were welcomed with rain and blustery winds. This day, we had sunshine and calm winds all day. We had the Mid South Bird Hunters trial on Sunday November 6 on the Ellis Farm in Orchardville, Il. The grounds were in very good shape for this fall trial and so thankful to be able to hold our trials on the Ellis farm. We drew 45 dogs for this running and the quality of the dogs was superb. Judges for the trial were Jim Ashby, Brad Hargis, Rick Stanford, Frank Christie, and your scribe. Jim drove up from Kentucky to help with the trial. Lunch was prepared by Sherri Hargis and hamburgers and hot dogs hit the spot.
Amateur Shoot Dogs
The shooting dog stake was hotly contested with several dogs laying down good performances that on another day might have gained a placement. Winner of this competitive stake was Roxie PF, owned and handled by Craig Hiatt. Roxie had two finds and a strong forward race always hunting the edges and all birdie spots on the course. Second place went to Remi SF, for David Cates O/H. Remi in her half hour had one find, and a stop to flush. Also Remi had a very strong forward race. John Lendolina’s GSM, Joker was third with 3 finds and a very good relocation on one of his finds.
Amateur Derby
The trial had 7 braces of derbies. This group of dogs exhibited lots of potential for the future. The winner of the derby stake was Boomer PM, handled by Travis Patterson. Boomer had two broke finds and a very nice race always to the front. Second place was awarded to Diamond GSF, for John Lendolina. Diamond had 3 broke finds and a good race. Third went to Trigg, PM for Stephen Fuess. Trigg had two broke finds a strong race.
Amateur Puppies
We looked at a nice group of puppies that should move into their derby season with lots of potential. Ted Ellis ran the winner in this stake. Jake PM, ran a big race, to the front and hunting the edges. Jake ran very big but still handled for Ted. Second place went to Boomer PM, for Travis Patterson. Boomer ran a forward strong race. Nash, SM captured third for his O/H Kevin Western. Nash had a broke find for Kevin. Nash had lots of style on running and pointing.
Amateur Gun Dogs
The gun dog stake was won by Freedom, PM for Kenny De Long O/H. Freedom had a broke find and ran a very big race yet handled for his owner. Second place went to Jack RSM for David McCuan. Jack had a broke find(divided) and one unproductive. Ashley McCuan had the third place finisher with Miley, RSF with a stop to flush and a very strong race.
Our Clubs that hold field trials are so thankful for our sponsors. Purina Pro Plan and Gun Dog Supply provide support for our weekend trials while Garmin, Mule Hunting Clothing, and Gun Dog Central support the nationals.
A Strong thank you to all those who brought dogs and competed. Dogs came from Oklahoma , Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, and Illinois to participate. Thanks to the judges for their hard work and looking at all entries carefully. See everybody in the Spring!