Result: National Amateur Shooting Dog Invitational Championship

Location: Leslie, Georgia

Post Date: Feb 21, 2024

Submitted By: Cayla Key

National Amateur Shooting Dog Invitational Championship Winners (l-r): Clayton Cook, Loretta Cook, Tracy Swearingen, Jack Miller with Miller's Heat Wave, Neil Walker, Fran Miller with Miller's Upgraded Version, an unidentified participant, Christy Swearingen, Luke Eisenhart, Deb Hofer, Piper Huffman, and Ralph Gillota.

The Amateur Field Trials Clubs of America held its 42nd running of the National Amateur Shooting Dog Invitational Championship December 15-17 at the beautiful Round Pond and Pretty Pond Plantation in Leslie, Georgia. The top 12 dogs with the most invitational points earned were accepted to compete. Miller's Heat Wave, owned and handled by Jack and Fran Miller, was declared the true champion. Miller's Upgraded Version, owned and handled by Jack and Fran Miller, claimed the runner-up title. A crowd gathered Thursday evening for a dinner put on by last year's winner, Jack and Fran Miller--a special thank you to them both. We would also like to thank Neil Walker and his family for allowing the AFTCA to run this prestigious event on their plantation. Introductions, acknowledgments, and thanks to hosts and sponsors, rules of the Championship were conducted.

The judicial saddles were ridden by two well-known, very successful dog trainers, Tracy Swearingen and Luke Eisenhart. This great duo judiciously watched all the contenders during the two-and-a-half days of competition. Their time and effort were greatly appreciated. It was an honor to have such accomplished and knowledgeable bird dog men for judges. Also, we would like to thank Piper Huffman for riding and reporting this trial.

The Round Pond and Pretty Pond Plantation was in mint condition, with plenty of Bobwhite quail throughout the entire plantation. Tracy Swearingen does an amazing job managing and tending to all aspects of the plantation along with his sweet wife, Christy. The AFTCA is very fortunate to have Purina as its sponsor, along with Bruce Fox Plaques and Garmin. All their support and all they do for the AFTCA are greatly appreciated. Dog food was awarded to each handler as well as the winners. Bruce Fox plaques were presented to the eventual winners. Heartfelt gratitude to Greg Blair and the Purina team for all they do for this sport we love.

Tracy Swearingen and Neil Walker did an excellent job getting the grounds ready for this trial. Many thanks go to Brian Sanchez and Jamie Daniels for marshaling every brace and Al Swearingen for driving the bird buggy. Christy Swearingen and Debbie Hofer helped prepare lunch and dinner daily. We would also like to thank the Walkers for allowing us to keep this wonderful trial on their beautiful grounds. If it weren't for them, we could not put on this amazing trial.

The Champion and Runner-up
Miller's Heat Wave, owned and handled by Jack and Fran Miller, topped the field, finishing the last day of the callbacks in dramatic fashion, earning the championship title. Her performance kept you high in the saddle as she impressed with each step, displaying strength, high style, and lots of class. Her performance was solid, with plenty of reach as she hunted diligently and pointed birds with perfect style and manners on each find. The final day separated her as the deserving champion from the two-and-a-half days of the competition. On day one, she had an early find at 6, followed by one other find. She showed perfect manners and displayed high class. On day two, she had two finds. Callback, she chalked up one find while performing with purpose from start to finish with reach. She displayed a strong, consistent race and was solid all three days of the competition. The bar had been set at the end of her last performance, and a true Invitational champion was on top.

Miller's Upgraded Version, owned and handled by Jack and Fran Miller, was all heart throughout the competition with a solid drive hunting each step. He was all class with an overall nice performance throughout his three-day bid. On his birdwork, all three days of competition, he stood beautiful with impeccable manners on all of them. On day one, he ran a beautiful race while chalking up one find. On day two, he chalked up three finds and two backs. Each step he took displayed high class. He had a strong forward race. Callback, he chalked up one perfect find finishing nicely. He impressed with a forward race, claiming the Invitational runner-up title. His performance was consistent on all three days.

Day one was a beautiful sunny day with perfect temperatures.
Lawless Georgie Girl, owned and handled by Jim Lawless, chalked up three finds. She put forth a forward pattern with nice style.

On day one, Queen B, owned and handled by Lane Hodges, chalked up three finds. She displayed high class while having her running shoes on.
Cocklebur Breaking Bad, owned and handled by Bubba Spencer, had two finds and backed his bracemate. He displayed excellent manners while having a good forward race.

One Day La Bandita, owned and handled by Lane Hodges, chalked up two finds. He also suffered one unproductive. He displayed perfect manners while displaying class.

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported this trial. Thank you to all the handlers and scouts who came to participate. We couldn't do this without you all!

Leslie, Ga., December 15
Judges: Luke Eisenhart and Tracy Swearingen
NATIONAL AMATEUR SHOOTING DOG INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 12 Pointers
Winner-MILLER'S HEAT WAVE, 1675842, pointer female, by Just Irresistible-Miller's Bring The Heat. Fran & Jack Miller, owners; Fran Miller, handler.
Runner-Up-MILLER'S UPGRADED VERSION, 1674987, pointer male, by Just Irresistible-Miller's Bring The Heat. Fran & Jack Miller, owners; Fran Miller, handler.