Result: Southeastern Pennsylvania Bird Dog Club

Location: Hardyston, New Jersey

Post Date: Jun 4, 2024

Submitted By: Jillian Stuhr

Open Derby front (l-r): Garry Malzone with Indian Creek Pearl Jam, Gregor McCluskey with Braeval Rory, and Pat Cheney with Tucker. (Behind, l-r): Amy Cauley, Jason Paternostro, John Olfson, Joe Link, Kerri, Evelyn, Emery, and Brian Wieland, Joe Scaglione, Jillian Stuhr, John and Lori Bleeker, Ed Marron, Jeff Good, John Avanzato, Dan Burzon, and Scott Wardrop.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Bird Dog Club held its annual NBHA spring trial on May 11 at Indian Creek Shooting Preserve in Hardyston, New Jersey. The wet spring weather was put on pause for the day, and we were graced with beautiful sunny skies and cool temperatures, making for dream bird dog weather! A slight fog delay allowed Chairman Joe Faggiola to welcome some newcomers over bagels and coffee before the start of the day's running.

The first stake underway was the Open Derby with a competitive field of 15 dogs. A powerful young pointer named Tucker took the third-place spot with two finds for owner/handler Pat Cheney. With an impressive long stand at finish, Irish Setter male Braeval Rory claimed the red ribbon for owner/handler Gregor McCluskey of Harwinton, Connecticut. Rounding out the placements was Indian Creek Pearl Jam, scoring three finds and showing off his mature manners and range for handler Garry Malzone.
The excitement continued into the Open Shooting Dog, with Indian Creek Spur capturing third with five stylish finds and a classy race for owner Black Meadow Kennels. Proving he can run with the big dogs, Braeval Rory again put himself in the winners' circle for owner/handler Gregor McCluskey, displaying two beautiful finds and a big race. Erin's Deja Vu soared through the competition with a powerful fast-forward race and three well-spaced finds. Springing through the green cover, her bird-finding talent earned her the top spot for owner Joe Link.

Lunch was made a spectacle with pizza and Jersey Mike's subs (courtesy of John and Lori Bleeker; thank you!). The Club also held a raffle. Prizes included gift certificates to The Irish Cottage Inn, a fishing charter aboard the Janie K, a half-day pheasant/ chukar hunt at Indian Creek Shooting Preserve, OnX Hunt membership cards, Purina merchandise, and more! Placements were announced during lunch, including some of this year's Dog of the Day Club Awards. The Club members put together these awards to recognize non-ribbon-earning participants. Categories were dispersed throughout the three stakes, including Honorable Mention, Top Pointer, Top Setter, Top Bird Finder, and Top Application.

Earning an honorable mention in the Open Shooting Dog was Harwich Indian Creek Buck for owner/handler John Olfson. At 12 years old, Buck displayed his knowledge of the game, having two finds and two backs. This would be Buck's last field trial run and a nice way to honor his career as he begins retirement.

The start of the Amateur Shooting Dog judgment ceases at flush had Capital F-U-N written all over it! The field was composed of veteran field trialers and first-time entrants. The course used a different part of the preserve known as the "Killer Fields" to mimic a true hunting situation. Judges were Gregor McCluskey and Joe Faggiola, with 13-year-old Gabe Cavanaugh electing himself as marshal to help make sure everyone had their whistles, blank guns, and dogs ready for their run.
After a bird-packed performance of eight finds, Pointer female Little Miss Dottie claimed the third-place spot handled by Tim Cavanaugh. With an impressive run, Scott Wardrop earned second place with Ramey's Elhew Hanky Panky. "Hank" had six chukar finds, maintained his composure through temptation, and ran at a comfortable range for his handler.
Sliding into first place was Little Miss Bella. She worked the course with her bird finding magic and pointed with beauty and precision for owner/ handler Tim Cavanaugh.

Congratulations to all dogs and handlers! Thank you to our NBHA sponsors: Purina, Garmin, Mule Brand Gear, Gun Dog Supply, Gun Dog Central, and OnX Hunt.

Thank you to our judging panel: Peter Slattery, Brian Wieland, Tim Cavanaugh, Gregor McCluskey, and Joe Faggiola. A special thanks to all the new sportsmen who came out and the experienced handlers who helped make this event a success. Camaraderie brought this trial together!

Hardyston, N. J., May 11
Judges: Joe Faggiola and Peter Slattery
NBHA OPEN DERBY - 9 Pointers, 5 Setters, and 1 Irish Setter
1st-INDIAN CREEK PEARL JAM, 1703034, setter male, by Indian Creek Wingman-Erin's Deja Vu. Jillian Stuhr & Garry Malzone, owners; Garry Malzone, handler.
2d-BRAEVAL RORY, 1700621, Irish setter male, by Braeval Ghillie-Braeval Skye. Gregor McCluskey & Braeval Kennels, owners; Gregor McCluskey, handler.
3d-TUCKER, unreg., pointer male, by Erin's Hollywood-Indian Creek High Tide. Patrick Cheney, owner and handler.

Judges: Tim Cavanaugh and Brian Willard
NBHA OPEN SHOOTING DOG - 8 Pointers, 1 Setter, and 1 Irish Setter
1st-ERIN'S DEJA VU, 1679292, setter female, by Erin's Hidden Shamrock-T T's Southern Miss. Joe Link, owner; Garry Malzone, handler.
2d-BRAEVAL RORY, 1700621, Irish setter male, by Braeval Ghillie-Braeval Skye. Gregor McCluskey & Braeval Kennels, owners; Gregor McCluskey, handler.
3d-INDIAN CREEK SPUR, 1695312, pointer male, by Mohawk Mill Legacy's Pride-Mohawk Mill Dolly. Black Meadow Kennels, owner; Garry Malzone, handler.

Judges: Joe Faggiola and Gregor McCluskey
NBHA AMATEUR SHOOTING DOG - 12 Pointers and 3 Setters
1st-LITTLE MISS BELLA, 1664328, pointer female, by Chasehill Little Bud-Shaula. Tim Cavanaugh, owner and handler.
2d-RAMEY'S ELHEW HANKY PANKY, 1698046, pointer male, by Fly'n Rascally Pete-Hackberry's Elhew Ruby. Scott Wardrop, owner and handler.
3d-LITTLE MISS DOTTIE, unreg., pointer female, by Glassilaun War Paint-Hog Hill Katie. Tim Cavanaugh, owner and handler.

Amateur Shooting Dog (l-r): Joe Faggiola (judge), Tim Cauley, Gabe Cavanaugh with Little Miss Bella, John Bleeker, Jason Paternostro, Scott Wardrop with Ramey's Elhew Hanky Panky, Lori Bleeker, Tim Cavanaugh with Little Miss Dottie, Gregor McCluskey (judge), Joe Link, and Pat Cheney.