West Kentucky Field Trial 10/9/26 results
Open Shooting Dog winners l to r, Terry Boatright with 1st place Boatright's Iron Eagle, Zach Erne with 2nd place Run To Wynn, and James Kleve and Mary Sue Schalk with 3rd place Snyder's Hank
By Mary Sue Schalk
Crouse Kennel in Dixon, Kentucky has a deeply rooted history in bird dogs and field trials. Hosting a walking trial in both the fall and spring is a new tradition which began in the fall of 2023. The number of dogs has varied, but entries have always been solid. The best part about this grass roots field trial is that most of the time someone attends the event who has never been to a field trial before. This time the rookie field trialer was young Elias Ashby. Elias is the grandson of Jim Ashby who has served as a judge several times for the West Kentucky Field Trial Club. Elias enjoyed learning about the sport and was able to judge the Open Puppy Stake with his grandfather.
The Open Stakes were run on Friday, beginning with the Open Shooting Dog Stake. Boatright’s Iron Eagle was named top dog by judges Jim Ashby of Sebree, Kentucky and Mike Crouse of Dixon, Kentucky. “Chappy”, a tri-color English Setter, was biddable and forward during his half hour. He carded a find with good manners and finished to the front. James Kleve of Outcast Kennels in Dixon, Kentucky handled the winner for owner Terry Boatright.
Second place was earned by Run to Wynn, a white Pointer male, who is no stranger to the winner’s circle. Wynn ran a strong forward race and applied himself well throughout the course, Zach Erne of Chippewa Kennels in Rittman, Ohio handled Wynn for owner Brett Eikenbary.
Third place in the Open Shooting Dog stake was earned by Snyder’s Hank. The son of Champion Ponderosa Mac, is a white English setter, who is classy covering the ground and is a dog who is working with his handler. The qualities he displayed were admirable and appreciated by the judges to earn him a place on the table. Handled by James Kleve, he is owned by Steve Snyder.
Immediately following the Open Shooting Dog Stake, the Open Derbies were turned loose. Jim Ashby served as a judge alongside Alan Benson of Cutler, Illinois. Rising to the top of the young dogs was Outcast Whiskey Neat, a liver and white Pointer male. “Max” was handled by Mary Sue Schalk of Dixon, Kentucky and is owned by Schalk and James Kleve. The young dog was attentive to his handler and danced across the ground like a ballerina. Easy to enjoy the eager young dog.
Second place was awarded to another youngster who covered the ground with grace and style. Boatright’s Red Ruby, a female Irish Setter, was handled by James Kleve and is owned by Donna Boatright. Ruby covers the ground like a rocket and only slows down to get water. When she was spotted, you could see the red flash flying to the front!
Rounding out the Open Derby Stakes was PB Joker’s Wild. Zach Erne was at the helm once again handling the white Pointer male. Joker arguably ran in the hottest part of the day and showed well for Erne. The heat did not detour him from powering around the half hour course. PB Joker’s Wild is owned by Brian Stockrahm.
The Open Puppies also ran in the warmer part of the day, but appeared to enjoy their time on the ground most of all. Four puppies went to the line, and Boatright’s A C Gunship earned the first-place ribbon for owner/handler Terry Boatright. Zach Erne handled HK’s Sevenfold for Joe Hopkins to the second-place spot. Jim Ashby once again served as a judge, this time alongside his grandson, first time field trailer Elias Ashby of Jeffersonville, Indiana.
To close out the day Friday, six dogs competed in the Open Restricted Shooting Dog Stake. Thank you to judges Donna and Terry Boatright of Richmond, Kentucky. Crouse’s Karate, a black and white Pointer male, earned first for owner/handler Mary Sue Schalk. He is co-owned by Mike Crouse. Second place was earned by Pond River’s Red Rock, a Pointer male, handled by James Kleve and owned by Josh Griggs. Third place went to Llewelin Setter, Miller’s Tony Award. Zach Erne handled the Setter and he is owned by Forrest Miller.
The participants enjoyed a dinner at the Poole Mill Restaurant at the conclusion of the running and were able to do chores in the daylight before calling it a wrap.
The Amateur Stakes ran on an overcast, cool Saturday morning. James Kleve and Andy Erne served as judges for the Amateur Shooting Dog Stake. Don Heisner handled his orange and white English Setter Beaucoup Creek Abby to first place in the 8 dog stake. Abby is no stranger to the podium and applied herself well over the thirty minute course. She was biddable, and strong to the front. Czeshka Rollin With Punches earned the second-place spot and carded a nice piece of bird work for owner/handler Magda Lear. The tri-color female worked diligently close for Lear during her half hour. Lear also owns and handled the third-place dog, Czeshaka Sharp Shark. A tri-color English Setter male, Shark also carded a piece of bird work and was biddable for Lear.
The Amateur Derby stake was judged by Cora Clary of Slaughters, Kentucky and Kayleigh Johnson of Richmond, Kentucky. The two young ladies were attentive in the saddle. Terry Boatright handled both first and second place dogs, Boatright’s Outlaw and Boatright’s Ruby Red. Terry owns Outlaw and Ruby Red is owned by his wife, Donna. Outlaw is a strong, almost white English Setter male, who covers the country with ease. He was never seen from behind and was a clear choice as top dog. Ruby Red, also placed in the Open Derby, showed her speed and enthusiasm for the second day. The Irish Setter female is enjoyable to watch as she hunts through the cover. Another enthusiastic young dog earned the third place tie, for owner/handler Mary Sue Schalk. James Kleve co-owns Outcast Black Blizzard, a tiny, but mighty tri-color English Setter female. Everything she does, she does with huge energy!
Crouse Kennel always appreciates visitors and those who love a good bird dog! The event was supported by Purina, Gun Dog Supply, Garmin, OnX Hunt, Mule Brand Clothing and Gun Dog Central. We certainly could not host a quality event with all hands on deck - thank you to the following people for their help: Mike Crouse, Jim Ashby, Eiias Ashby, Alan Benson, Donna Boatright, Cora Clary, Kayleigh Johnson, James Kleve, Andy Erne, Zach Erne, Terry Boatright. Best of luck to all clubs and field trailers as the season goes forward!
