Result: Region 16 Amateur All-Age Championship

Location: Sasser, Georgia

Post Date: May 15, 2024

Submitted By: Joe Rentz & Justin Hunt

Region 16 Amateur All-Age Championship (l-r). Judge Shawn Kinkelaar, Dr. Kent Cantrell with Touch's Lone Dominator, Judge Justin Hunt, Dr. Ron Deal, joined by a host of well-wishers.

The 2023 running of the Region 16 Amateur All-Age Championship was held December 15-17 at the beautiful Chickasaw Plantation south of Dawson, Georgia. Chickasaw is owned by Dr. Ron Deal and his hospitality is greatly appreciated. It is the Deal family's personal hunting property, and the grounds were in excellent condition with birds plentiful. Chickasaw consists of typical South Georgia piney woods dotted with small fields throughout. This was an excellent setting to contest this prestigious championship over.

We were fortunate to have Shawn Kinkelaar of Effingham, Illinois, and Justin Hunt of Blakely, Georgia, judge for us. Both men have a wealth of bird dog knowledge, and their time is greatly appreciated. Their decisions were well received. Wilson Napier commanded the dog wagon, and it was always in the correct place at the correct time with snacks and drinks between braces. Mike Jackson handled the barn cleaning duties. Lamar Childers came and marshalled the first day and a half and his help was greatly appreciated. Excellent lunches were served every day by Carol Gatlin with the help of Gary Hill. Greg Blair & Purina graciously provided the winners with Pro Plan Performance. Their continued sponsorship of the region is greatly appreciated.

The Winners
From a very good entry of 41 contenders, the judges named Champion Touch's Lone Dominator, three-year-old pointer female owned and handled by Dr. Kent Cantrell of Anthony, Florida. Dominator ran in the 2nd brace on Sunday morning. She had good out-front finds at 2, 17, 41, and 47. She had a consistent forward ground effort throughout her hour and showed deep to the front at pickup. She exhibited all of the traits that the judges were looking for in this year's champion.
Named runner-up was consistent performer Haney's Storm Warning for owner Chris Cagle of Nori, Michigan. Storm Warning had finds at 13 minutes to the right side of the course, 28 minutes to the front, 48 minutes to the side, and 55 minutes to the front. He also had his last find deep to the front at pickup. He ran a good race to secure runner-up honors.

Two other dogs that were worthy of mentioning per the judges were Game Surge owned and handled by Dr. Fred Corder who had two finds and suffered an unproductive and Erin's Ty Breaker owned and handled by Ted Roach who had 4 finds and a moderate race in warm conditions.

The trustees of Region 16 thank all of the handlers who came to this year's all-age championship. Please plan on joining us for next year's renewal which will be held in Alabama.

Sasser, Ga., December 15
Judges: Justin Hunt and Shawn Kinkelaar
REGION 16 AMATEUR ALL-AGE CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 37 Pointers and 4 Setters
Winner-TOUCH'S LONE DOMINATOR, 1692275, pointer female, by Miller's Blindsider-Pearl Again. Charles Cantrell, owner and handler.
Runner-Up-HANEY'S STORM WARNING, 1691416, pointer male, by Valiant-Haney's North Star. Chris Cagle, owner and handler.