Result: National Open Shooting Dog Championship

Location: Union Springs, Alabama

Post Date: May 6, 2024

Submitted By: Elton Bray

National Open Shooting Dog Championship (l-r). Elton Bray, Grayson Francis (judge), Mac Stidham, Harrison Lee with Grand Prairie Thrill (champion), Tommy Rice, Johnny Atkinson (judge), and Mike Jackson (judge).

The 63rd renewal of the prestigious National Open Shooting Dog Championship began Monday, February 5, and concluded Tuesday, February 13. A string of 58 dogs, including 53 pointers and five setters, were drawn to compete for the best of the best. Seventeen of the most renowned professional and amateur dog handlers vied for the title of their dog to be named champion.

The venue for this historical event was none other than the famous Sedgefields Plantation near Union Springs, Alabama. If one has never visited there, you should add it to your list. The towering pines, native grasses, and food plots make for the perfect Bobwhite habitat. Sedgefields is owned by Raymond and Katheryn Harbert. Without their continued generosity of usage of their beautiful facilities and grounds, it would be almost impossible to hold such a prominent event. The Harberts are to be commended for their kindness and hospitality.

A huge thank you also goes out to Jason Howard, Sedgefields manager and field trial board member. He and all the plantation staff help make the trial run smoothly. From manning the road crossings to making sure the trash barrels are empty. It all gets done every day. Bill Lee is another notable board member and a major part of the Sedgefields operation. He is on hand daily as the stake manager and does whatever it takes to make the trial run fluently. His love for the sport and the people is well-noted throughout the field trial world. If something needs to be addressed during the running, Bill Lee is the "go-to" man who always has a plan. Club President Joe Varner was also on hand each day assisting with the chores and was on horseback for much of the running. Joe is a Union Springs native, and his passion for the sport and the outdoors runs deep. He and his wife, Shirley, contribute a generous amount of time and resources to the National and support all surrounding bird dog events.

Most successful field trial clubs have a secretary and treasurer, but none are lucky enough to have Heather Klinck. Heather can do it all and does it all. She handles the ad, entries, judges, dog wagon goodies, and scheduling for day and night events. From flower arrangements to judges' books, Heather gets everything done. Klinck's time and dedication are some of the major parts of the trial's success each year.
Steve Hutto was in charge of the dog wagon duties. Hutto is always in the right places at the right times and is also in charge of making sure the wagon is stocked full of snacks and drinks each day.

Minding the marshaling duties were Chance Kelley, Harrison Lee, Squire Lee, and Harold Johnson. With these men in attendance, no handler took wrong turns, and judges were never left behind.
Annie Buce and Anna Grace Tompkins helped in the barn and washed the judges' horses after each ride. All greatly appreciated their kindness and attention to detail.
As advertised, this year's competition judges were Mike Jackson, Battle Ground, Indiana; Johnny Atkinson, Marion, South Carolina; and Grayson Francis, Brookneal, Virginia. Each gentleman has a rich history with bird dogs, and they watched each competitor with careful intent.

Purina is the official dog food sponsor. Their representative, Greg Blair, was in attendance for several days and was accompanied by his daughter, Maddie, a student at Auburn University. Purina is a very important part of this championship; not only do they provide financially, but also with rewards, gifts, and dog food to the winner. Without the support of Greg Blair and Purina, our sport would be nearly dissolved. Other official sponsors for the trial were Garmin, 5 Star Equine Products, Dan's Hunting Gear, The Saddle Guy, Cook Chevrolet, Thompson Cat, AmeriFirst Bank, Becky and Tony Gibson, Phillip's Feed and Seed, Eater Plantation, Ginny and David All in honor of the Bullock Co. Humane Society and The Alabama Field Trial Association. Sponsoring the cocktails this year were Becks Turf/The Wildlife Group, Three Notch Lodging, Tracy McPherson, ALFA; TJ Williford/Partners Realty, Greenway Sportsman Club, Walking on the Moon Animal Hospital, Hembree Furniture, Union Springs Home Center, Alabama Field Trial Association, and Jackson Thornton, CPA. The help and support of these sponsors from all over Bullock County gives everyone a welcoming feeling.

The Tourism Council of Bullock County and its many sponsors provided a full-course breakfast each morning during the running. Dream Field Farms prepared and served a delicious lunch each day, with a wide variety of options for everyone.
A function was held every evening during the running. Sunday night's kickoff party was held at BHouse. Everyone was invited to the Country Club for a delicious steak dinner sponsored by Purina on Monday night. Tuesday, we enjoyed a delicious meal at the Field House. On Wednesday night, everyone was invited to the Union Springs Country Club for dinner and a party celebrating the 2023 National Champion, C S Code Blue. Blue's owners, Tony and Becky Gibson, sponsored the meal and celebration. The Gibsons spoke a little about Blue and their tenure in the field trial fraternity. Steve Hurdle, Blue's handler, also spoke about Blue's performance the previous year and what an honor it was to handle and win "another" National Championship. A beautiful portrait commissioned by Ross Young was presented to the Gibsons. We were again treated to another delicious meal at the Field House on Thursday evening. Everyone enjoyed a cookout sponsored by the Alabama Field Trial Association on Friday night. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, everyone enjoyed cocktails and meals at the Field House.
This was the first year of releasing wild birds on the afternoon courses. The program that Tall Timbers has in set seems to be working. Five years ago, Tall Timbers started the wild bird project on the morning courses. As you will find out from the brace-by-brace report, it was very successful. The afternoon courses still have a couple more years in the program, but if the results are as equal to the morning side, Sedgefields will be at the very top of premier venues for bird dogs.

The Champion
The 21st brace produced the National Open Shooting Dog Champion, starting Saturday morning with Upfront's Southern Star (Shawn Kinkelaar) and Grand Prairie Thrill (Tommy Rice). It was 63 degrees and overcast, which made for favorable hunting conditions. At 18, scout Harrison Lee called point for Thrill on the left side of the course. As Rice arrived, a big covey flew before he dismounted. Thrill stood stylish and bold after the shot. Nearing the Old Bridge Road at 24, she was credited with a second find. Rice was able to produce game after a very nice relocation. Just up the road on the right side at 29, Star was seen pointed by her handler. The birds flushed from the side, and all was in order. Thrill's third piece of birdwork came at 41, just before getting to the New Bridge. As everyone arrived, both dogs were seen on point together. The handlers were not able to produce game, and each relocated. After the release, Thrill pointed again, and Star honored. This time, she had them pinned. Thrill's fourth and final find came at 1:05, just under the hill behind the cemetery. The birds were flying as the judges arrived. She stood tall and proud as she was on her previous three. Thrill completed her heat crossing the levee at the Big Lake. She stayed strong and snappy the entire 90 minutes. Star also completed near the levee hunting the front.
At the completion of the trial, judges decided that Grand Prairie Thrill's ground performance, superb style on game, and rapport with her handler earned her the title of 2024 National Open Shooting Dog Champion. The liver and white pointer female is owned by Mac Stidham, handled by Tommy Rice, and scouted by Harrison Lee.

The Running
Drawn in the first brace were Triple Nickel Carbon Copy (Mike Tracy) and CS Four Season's Gunner (Doug Ray). Sunday's rain made for a cool, overcast morning. Gunner made an absence at 4, and Ray asked for the retrieval device at 18. Nearing the cemetery at 48, Mike spotted Copy on point. He was relocated twice but was not able to produce game. Copy was picked up at 1:03.

Breaking away from the cemetery with Brace No. 2 was Silver W Jill Z (Shawn Kinkelaar) and Miller's Extreme Heat (Mike Tracy). On the ridge across from the Coke Barn at 45, scout Tommy Rice called point for Jill. Rice stated birds had already left. Kinkelaar relocated but was unsuccessful. At 56, she was credited with a nice classy find just on the next ridge over. A nice covey flew, and all was in order. Both handlers called point at 1:04. As soon as they dismounted, the birds flushed, awarding their dogs with a divided find. They completed the 90-minute heat crossing the levee at the Big Lake.

Turning loose Monday afternoon at 1:15 at the Field Trial Barn were Absolute Tornado (Doug Ray) and Stylish Miss Bell (Tom Curtsinger). On the hill behind Bill Lee's house at 35, the scout called point for Bell, with Tornado backing. Curtsinger was able to flush a nice bevy, which flew back over both dogs. Bell was not successful at 45, with Tornado backing again. A relocation was attempted. They finished the hour and a half on Turkey Ridge.

Released at the Ladies Restroom in the fourth brace were Thunder's Wild Agin (Shawn Kinkelaar) and Faithful (Mike Tracy). Faithful was unsuccessful at 4. She was harnessed at 48. Wild Agin also suffered an unproductive at 16 after crossing the Duck Lake Levee and was put on the wagon at 50.

Tuesday morning started with Absolute Dominator (Doug Ray) and Calico's Sky's The Limit (Mike Tracy) for Brace No. 5. The sun was shining, and the temperature was in the lower 40s. At the 9-minute mark, scout Casey Tracy called point for Limit. Birds flew during the relocation, and she was picked up. Nearing the Old Bride Road at 26, Dominator was seen on point just under the hill. A nice bevy was flushed, crediting him with his first find. His second came at 29, just over the next hill. The birds flew as the handler and judges arrived. He was staunch on his game and all was in order. At 1:11, he found birds just under the Eagle Nest. This final stylish find came at 1:22, just behind the Big Lake. He hunted with speed and enthusiasm for the entire 90 minutes.

Turning loosed at the Coke Barn in the sixth brace was Panther Creek Rosie (Tommy Rice) and Wynona's Nickleback Sugar (Allen Vincent). Just after the breakaway, Rosie was nearing the first crossing and swapped ends. She remained proud as the covey flew. Sugar was credited with her first find at 15, nearing Bi-color Hill, while her bracemate was behind honoring. Nearing the Joe Varner line at 22, scout Harrison Lee called point for Rosie. Rice relocated twice but was unsuccessful. Sugar had her second find at 37 after making the swing at the Joe Varner corner. Just over the next hill at 40, Rosie pointed once more and produced game. Sugar was on the left side backing. Sugar scored her fourth nice piece of birdwork at 45 and looked good on her game. Her final find came at 50 in the food plot before crossing the Big Lake Levee. Both dogs completed the hour and a half.

Tuesday afternoon brought the temperature to the mid-60s with Brace No.7, I'm Spartacus (Doug Ray), and Reynolds Party Starter (Tony Reynolds). Spartacus was credited with a nice forward find at 4 on the right side of the Dove Field. At 7, Doug called point for Spartacus on a food plot on the left side of the Dove Field. As all arrived, he was standing quite sure of himself. Doug only made a few steps before producing game. Spartacus went on to finish the 90 minutes with enthusiasm and speed. Starter made an absence at 27, and Reynolds asked for the retrieval device at 50.

Breaking away at the Ladies Restroom with Brace No. 8 were Aim High Elhew Hadley (Scott Hadley) and Waybetter Rebel (Mike Tracy). Just after crossing the Duck Lake Dam at 19, both were seen pointed together on the left side. Both handlers dismounted and shot. All was orderly. Rebel acquired a second nice find at 43 just before crossing the road. Elhew was there to honor. Both competitors completed the hour and a half just to the east side of Bill Lee's Driveway.
Running in the ninth brace on Wednesday morning with a cool 41 degrees were R Q's Saddle (Jeanette Tracy) and Hale's High Flyer (Eddie Taylor). Saddle was picked up at 48. Taylor requested his tracker at 49.

Breaking away with No. 10 at the Cemetery was Tug O' War (Shawn Kinkelaar) and Town Creek Hardaway Jill (Michael Martino). Kinkelaar requested the retrieval device at 29. Jill was credited with a nice find at 30 after making the turn at the Coke Barn Road. She found game at 58 but took a step after the flush and was harnessed.

Turning loose at 1:01 on Wednesday afternoon were Hale's Smooth Touch (Shawn Kinkelaar) and Backcountry Buddy (Michael Martino). Buddy was not able to produce game at 26 and 47. He was harnessed after his second. Touch also suffered at 26 and 47 and was picked up.

The 12th brace drew Thunder Bolt's Storm (Shawn Kinkelaar) and Hauser's Rollin Thunder (Mike Tracey). Storm was harnessed at 53 and Thunder at 1:02.

Running in the 13th brace on Thursday morning, with the temperature at 39 degrees and sunny, were Chelsea's Mae West (Shawn Kinkelaar) and Jolene Jolene (Mike Tracy). Mae had her first very nice find at 22 at the Old Bridge Road Crossing. Her second came at 31 on the left side of the New Bridge Road. She finished the 90 minutes nearing the Coke Barn Road. Jolene had an absence at 53, and Tracy called for the tracker at 1:07.

Breaking away at the Coke Barn in Brace No. 14 was the 2023 National Open Shooting Dog Champion, C S Code Blue (Steve Hurdle), and Neely's Business Man (John Neely). Blue was hunting the right side of the course, and just before making the swing back left at 5, and styled up quite boldly. Hurdle arrived and flushed a nice wild covey. He was not seen at 32, and Hurdle asked for the retrieval device at 45. Man was credited with a stylish find at 48 just before crossing the dam at the Big Lake. He was picked up at 1:07.

The 15th brace turned loosed at 1:15 with Hard Truth (Doug Ray) and Reedy Creek Dial Tone (Mike Tracy). Truth suffered unproductives at 9 and 23 and was picked up. Dial Tone was gone from the front at 4, and Tracy asked for the tracker at 21.

The 16th brace drew Upfront's McQuade (Shawn Kinkelaar) and Bittersweet War Cry (Mike Tracy). McQuade pointed as soon as he crossed Duck Lake, but no game was produced. He was harnessed at 43. War Cry was picked up at the road crossing at 1:07.

Friday morning, the temperature was 48 degrees, and the sun was shining bright when Brace No. 17 was released at 8:01. Cheap Thrill, handled by Tommy Rice, and Nonami's Johnny Come Lately, handled by Ray Pierce, were drawn together. The perfect conditions aided this pair in putting on one of the best braces of the trial. Lately's first successful game contact came at 19, nearing the Old Bridge Road. After crossing over onto the New Bridge Road at 29, Rice called point for Thrill. She stood proud as the covey flew back to the right. Both dogs were seen pointed together by Marshal Chance Kelly at 52 just after crossing the New Bridge. Both handlers flushed a nice bevy, crediting their competitors with a divided find. Riding off the hill past the Eagle Nest at 1:04, the gallery watched as Thrill made game. It only took her a few strides to have them pinned. As Rice rode up, the birds flushed. Thus giving her credit for a third nice find. Over the next hill at 1:09, Pierce called point. Lately stood like a statue as the birds flew, awarding him with a third nice piece of game contact. Thrill's final find came at 1:25. Scout Harrison Lee was riding on the left side by the big lake when he spotted her standing. She remained dignified and sleek during the flush. Both dogs hunted to the front the entire heat.

Drawn in the 18th brace was Oahe Buck (Tommy Rice) and C S Rester's Speculation (Steve Hurdle). Buck took too many steps around game at 4 and was picked up. Speculation was put on the dog wagon at 31.

Friday afternoon began with S B Always Dreamin (Bill Owen) and Miller's Lock and Loaded (Mike Tracy) in the 19th brace. At 26, both dogs were seen pointed side by side on the hill behind Bill Lee's House. The handlers flushed, and all was in order. They each completed their 90 minutes, hunting the front on Turkey Ridge.

Breaking away at the Ladies Restroom in the 20th brace were Erin's Three Leaf Shamrock (Tracy Swearingen) and Two Spot Tommy (Doug Ray). At 6, Ray called point for Tommy on the left side of the food plot before crossing the Duck Lake Dam. Shamrock was there honoring. Ray tried relocating twice, but unfortunately, he was unsuccessful again at 45, nearing the deer stand and was harnessed. Tommy was found on point at 49, just below the deer stand. No game was found, and he was picked up at the road crossing.

The 21st brace produced the National Open Shooting Dog Champion and was previously reviewed.

Brace No. 22 was released from the Coke Barn with Lester's Another Shockwave (Shawn Kinkelaar) and Hillhavyn's Good Time Rail (Michael Martino). Another Shockwave was credited with an admirable find at 15 just before making the swing toward Bi-Color Hill. Rail was hunting the left side on the Joe Varner line at 25 when she pointed. She stayed dauntless for the flush. Another Shockwave pointed once more at 31 in the Joe Varner corner. She was relocated twice but was fruitless. Martino picked his dog up at 36, and at 52, Kinkelaar decided it was time for him to do the same.

Brace No. 23 drew Miller's Record Heat (Mike Tracy) and Mauck's Wyeast Owyhee Dallee (Tommy Rice). They were released from the Field Trial Stable at 1:14. Dallee had a mishap around game at 4 and was harnessed. Heat was seen pointed at 11 on the left side of the Dove Field. Tracy relocated her but was unsuccessful. At 25, she was credited with a nice find on the hill behind Bill Lee's house. Tracy picked her up at 48.

In brace No. 24 were Miller's Heat Seeker (Mike Tracy) and Wind Ridge Sugar Plum (Eddie Taylor). Seeker was unable to produce game at 20 and was picked up at 51. Sugar was not seen at the Duck Lake Levee, and Taylor asked for the retrieval device at 33.

Heavy rains came throughout the night but broke for a few hours, which allowed the Sunday morning braces to be run. In No. 25 were Miller's Automatic Upgrade (Mike Tracy) and Erin's Primetime (Tracy Swearingen). Both pointer males hunted strong to the front but were picked up at 47 before crossing the New Bridge.

Breaking away from the Dog Cemetery in the 26th brace was Miller's Strolling For Gold (Mike Tracy) and Miller's Newest Version (Bill Owen). Gold started with a nice piece of birdwork at 4. Both were seen pointed side by side at 38 on the hill across from the Coke Barn. Both handlers shot after the flush, crediting their competitors with a divided find. Just up the hill on the right side at 43 Version styled up. She was quite eye-catching as the birds flew and Owens shot. Gold found her third covey of Bobwhites at 49. Both females finished the 90-minute heat.

Drawn in the 27th brace were Miller's Southern Gossip (Mike Tracy) and Great River Yellowstone (Tracy Swearingen). It was cloudy and 70 degrees when the pair broke away from the Field Trial Stables. Entering the Dove Field at 6, Gossip styled on the left side. A wild bevy flew when Tracy made only a few steps. At 33, just after making the turn behind Bill Lee's House, both dogs were spotted on point, standing side by side. Both handlers flushed, which credited their competitors with a divided find. Tracy picked up at 50 and Swearingen at 1:03.

Heavy storms started after the conclusion of Brace No. 27, which forced the trial to be postponed Sunday afternoon and all day Monday. The trial continued on Tuesday morning with its final two braces. Erin's Big Casino (Mike Tracy) and Charlie's Zip Tie (Bill Owen) competed in Brace No. 28. Tie was awarded a classy find at 20 just before getting to Old Bridge Road. After crossing the New Bridge, both dogs pointed on the right side along the fence. A nice covey flew as both handlers flushed, crediting them with a divided find. Both dogs were picked up at 1:01.

The final brace, No. 29, drew Miller's High Heat Index (Mike Tracy) and Erin's Thunder Backus (Shawn Kinkelaar). They were released behind the dog Cemetery. Backus produced game just after the breakaway at 2. He pointed again at 20 on Woodpecker Ridge, but a mishap on the relocation earned him the rope. Index was hunting the front behind the Big Lake at 28 when he swapped ends. Tracy arrived and produced a nice bevy of Bobwhites. His second nice piece of birdwork came at 30 just up the hill on the right side along the road. The birds flew as the judges and gallery arrived. He scored for a third time at 57. Tracy rode up on him pointed to the front on the hill across from the Coke Barn. His fourth came at 1:07, nearing Bi-Color Hill. Index pointed once more at 1:11. He was relocated twice, but no game was produced. He completed the hour and a half, nearing the ditch crossing at the Joe Varner line.

Judges Grayson Francis, Mike Jackson, and Johnny Atkinson.

Union Springs, Ala., February 5
Judges: Johnny Atkinson, Grayson Francis, and Mike Jackson
NATIONAL OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [Ninety-Minute Heats] - 53 Pointers and 5 Setters
Winner-GRAND PRAIRIE THRILL, 1676501, pointer female, by Seekin A Thrill-York's Hollywood. Mac Stidham, owner; Tommy Rice III, handler.

Greg Blair with his daughter, Maddie.

Squire Lee, Bill Lee, and Harrison Lee.

2023 National Open Shooting Dog Champion Portrait of C S Code Blue (l-r): Bo Brewer, Joe Varner, Whitney Woods, Steve Hurdle, Becky Gibson, Tony Gibson, and Heather Klink.