Field Trial Hall of Fame - 2026 Endorsements

Others have pointed to 23x Ch. Chelsea's Thunder Bolt's accomplishments in the field, his production record, and Purina Award wins, no doubt, qualifying him for Hall of Fame consideration. During his long career, he won all the important Open Shooting Dog Championships from Texas to Georgia and everywhere in between...tackling different terrain, game birds, scenting conditions, etc.

Highlighting Bolt's long, impressive win career, competing against the best open shooting dogs in the country, are his 3 Invitational Championship wins. Without doubt, this stake is the least influenced by luck. As we all know, day of the trial, time of day, weather, and bracemate can greatly impact a good dog's chance of success in any given trial, particularly on wild birds. Dogs that are called back for the third day of the Invitational are expected to perform as well as, if not better than, the previous two days, demonstrating intelligence, bird sense, and endurance unimpaired by the physical and mental demands of three consecutive days of competing.

Bolt proved his worth by winning the Invitational an astounding 3 times -- in 2018, 2019, and again, just prior to his retirement, in 2022. In 2019, just 3 days after his last run in the Invitational, he won the International Endurance Shooting Dog Championship, providing proof of the dog's extraordinary stamina. (To read what others said during these runs, click here.)

Chelsea's Thunder Bolt has proven himself among the greatest shooting dogs of his era. I respectfully ask that you give this extraordinary dog your strongest consideration for election to the Hall of Fame.

Chris Mathan, GA

Rivertons Funseek'n Scooter ("Scooter"), a 6x champion and full-time runner-up, besides his record in performing in the field, has produced many champions who are still performing at this time. Scooter was a very virtual dog; he would handle for his handler, Rich Robertson, or his owner, Matt Cloverdale, who both put championships on him. His production record, as Rich would say, is phenomenal. Some of Scooter's offspring have already been inducted into the Hall of Fame; now it's time for Scooter.

Jeff Gilberston, AL

Chelsea's Thunder Bolt lit up the pages of American Field with report after report of his dominant field trial career. I got to meet him in person after he retired, and it was like meeting a famous celebrity. His owners treated him during these years just like he deserved, with lots of belly rubs, couch time, and truck rides to the store from camp in North Dakota. It's an honor to support this remarkable dog for the Hall of Fame.

Baker Hubbard, GA

I have had the pleasure of watching Chelsea's Thunder Bolt win field trials from the prairies to the southern piney woods. He is an amazing bird finding dog, winning Purina Awards and the Invitational. He has had 23 Championship wins, and if that isn't enough to get him into the Hall of Fame, he is also a great producer of winning all-age and shooting dogs.

Jim Smith, MN

I wholeheartedly endorse Chelsea's Thunder Bolt ("Bolt") for the Hall of Fame! He won from the pines to the prairies and amassed an amazing 23 championships! The trial was never over until he finished his brace. I was fortunate to witness his three Invitational wins, where he dominated the trial. Take a look at his production as a sire; he has sired multiple champions, including a National All-Age, Shooting Dog of the Year, and Derby Dog of the Year, along with the 2025 and 2026 Shooting Dog Invitational Champion! When it comes time to place your vote, ask yourself, "What dog exceeds the criteria?"

Virgil Moore, AR

National Champion Miller's Dialing In for Hall of Fame

"Spec" was whelped in May of 2010. Sire: Miller's Happy Jack. Dam: Phillips Silver Star.

Nathan Phillips was the breeder of the litter, and Spec was Mr. Ferrel Miller's pick from the litter. Gary Lester was his owner and handler for many years and accumulated many placements with him: R-U,2015 Continental Championship; 2014-15 Purina Top All-Age Dog; and, most notably, the 2015 National Championship. Spec has sired many dogs, whether they are someone's best hunting dog, plantation dog, or trial dog. The most well-known being his two sons, who also became National Champions: Miller's Speed Dial and Dunn's Tried'n True.

We acquired Spec in 2018. Sean placed him a few times, and so did Luke Eisenhart. I can't recall when we quit trialing him, but it wasn't because he lacked desire; he still had a strong nose and legs, but his hearing was going. He became our main stud dog and king yard dog.
While we lived in Georgia, he had the run of the place, and he usually stayed around the house or kennel....until he would get a wild hair to run off and find some birds! He gave me many heart attacks cause he was still running all-age and couldn't hear. Thank goodness I would usually find him pointing or chasing!

Spec had the best personality of any pointer we ever had! He loved people and kids and especially biscuits and cheeseburgers.

Spec died in January of 2025.

Please consider Miller's Dialing In for the Hall of Fame.

Deb Hauser, IA

I am proud to nominate Cecil Rester for the Field Trial Hall of Fame. I have known Cecil since the time I started field trialing. Over the years, we have become good friends. I have scouted his dogs, and he has scouted mine. We have socialized together, fished together, judged together, and competed hard against each other. I have the utmost respect for Cecil as a sportsman, patron, breeder, judge, friend, and human being. Our sport of field trials is better because Cecil's personal participation mirrors the accomplishments of the men and women who have preceded him in the Hall of Fame.

He has been a club officer, a patron of numerous professionals, competed from his Louisiana home in trials all over the country and Canada. Cecil has judged most of the prestigious championships more than once, as well as weekend and youth trials. Cecil has developed one of the more successful breeding programs in the country; dogs with the Rester moniker are often called when the winners are announced. I ask all trainers to join me in supporting Cecil, who is well deserving in every aspect.

Gary Lester, KY

I would like to support and elect Cecil Rester to the Hall of Fame.

I met Cecil roughly 40 years ago. He was breeding, developing, competing, judging, mentoring, and winning then, and he continues to do so now.

Breeding is the backbone of our sport! Successfully breeding champions and winners for that many years is worthy of Hall of Fame honors in itself. Cecil's dogs in both amateur and open competition are always at the top of the class, on point, and running.

The time and miles Cecil has freely given to judging and competing are second to none.

Please join me in voting for and electing Cecil Rester to the Field Trial Hall of Fame!

Tom Shenker, AL

When I first met Cecil Rester, I was already an experienced hunter and outdoorsman, but stepping into the world of training bird dogs to the AF standard was a new challenge. While I had a passion for dogs and the outdoors, I had much to learn about advanced dog training. Cecil never judged my inexperience or my choice of breed. Instead, he welcomed me, encouraged me, and gave me the confidence to pursue this path. Cecil taught me far more than the mechanics of training dogs. He taught me how to think like a trainer and understand the factors that contribute to success in the field. He freely shared knowledge gained through decades of experience and patiently guided me through learning not only how to handle dogs, but how to do so on horseback.

Watching Cecil work with dogs is like watching a master craftsman at work. He has an exceptional ability to make the right decision at the right moment as a breeder, trainer, and handler. His accomplishments are the result of years of dedication, intuition, and a deep understanding of dogs. Beyond his achievements, Cecil has given immeasurably to the sport through his mentorship. He was always willing to answer questions, offer guidance, and help others improve. Much of what I have accomplished as a dog trainer can be traced directly to his generosity and willingness to invest in others. Cecil's impact extends far beyond his wins and his dogs. He has shaped countless people and is truly deserving of Hall of Fame recognition.

Graeme Crawford, Manitoba, Canada

John Russell served as chairman of the Quail Championship Invitational for over 20 years. With his wife Kayleen as secretary, he organized and administered this important Championship, securing competent, respected judges and marshals, and tracking eligible invitees. He cared for judges' horses. Before becoming chairman, he did the work for aging JD Boss and Arthur Curtis for several years. He has judged most of the leading all-age stakes multiple times and competed as a handler successfully, placing his Hilltopper Tooter runner-up in the National Derby Championship and Hilltopper Hoss, top qualifier in the Florida Championship. He is a true giver to the sport.

Thomas S. Word Jr., VA

Clinton "Joe" Bush for the Hall of Fame

The phone call made over 50 years ago between Harold Ray and Bill Rayl set the wheels in motion for 14-year-old Joe Bush's dream of becoming one of the best Dog Trainers/Scouts in the birddog profession to become a reality. Together with Bill Rayl and Fred Rayl, they developed four Hall of Fame dogs: Evolution, Builder's Addition, Fiddler's Pride, and Fiddler.

Joe Bush was an integral part of Bill Rayl and Fred Rayl's success for 30 years. The bond between the Rayls and Joe Bush was strong; together, they developed and produced 31 champions and 16 runner-up champions, amassing over 60 championships and close to 100 runner-up championship placements in about every major field trial venue from Canada to Florida.

Robert Thomas, AL

Chris Catanzarite became a friend a couple of years ago when I ran my first field trial dog. He offered me handling techniques as well as training tips. I have since then run 4 dogs, 2 pointers, and 2 setters in planted bird trials and cover dog trials. He kept me motivated and helped me tremendously. He is always helpful to newcomers. He is a positive support to the trial community.

Russell Fazio, PA

I have had the privilege for 38 years to watch my husband, Cecil Rester, pursue his never-ending love of field trialing. For the past 50 years, Cecil has been passionately involved in the sport. Over his career, he has achieved uncommon success in the sport on every level, as a breeder of Champions, a handler, a judge, a club official, a friend, and a mentor to newcomers to the sport.

Cecil's passion for the sport and the dogs has never wavered. He still enjoys breeding and developing young dogs, and working them as much as he ever has. Over the years, Cecil has given much of his time to judging trials from major Championships to youth field trials. He always says he never gets tired of watching a good dog work.
I believe over the years in the sport, he has exceeded all expectations of a worthy and deserving candidate for the Field Trial Hall of Fame.

I proudly nominate and ask for your support in electing Cecil Rester to the Field Trial Hall of Fame.

Holly Rester, LA

I'm writing to endorse Cecil Rester for this year's Hall of Fame. Cecil has dedicated most of his life to field trials. He's an exceptional breeder of high-class bird dogs. Cecil has bred, raised, and developed champion dogs for himself and many prominent pros for many years. The "Rester's" prefix is well-known and highly respected throughout the sport. His dogs have won in all-age, shooting dog, walking, and youth trials, winning multiple Purina and other yearly awards. Not only has Cecil bred, raised, competed, and won with his dogs, but he also finds other ways to give to the sport. He has judged most of the premier championships and Invitationals. Also, he gives to our youth by judging their youth trials several times. Cecil has given his life to field trials, and it's time we celebrate what he's accomplished and given. Please elect Cecil Rester to the field trial hall of fame. Cast your vote for a most deserving man. Cast your vote for my friend Cecil Rester. The Hall of Fame was made for men like Cecil.

Luke Eisenhart, GA