Result: National Red Setter All-Age Championships

Location: Grovespring, Missouri

Post Date: Dec 2, 2024

Submitted By: Bonnie Hidalgo

Red Setter National Championship (front): Kelli Thompson (scout) with Firefly's Beeline and Tom Norton with Cedar Creek Sixgun. (Standing): Dennis and Bonnie Hidalgo, Don Beauchamp, William Smith (judge), Ed Liermann, and Chris Rider (judge).

Firefly's Beeline claimed the National Championship title for 2024 with a two-find performance. The 8-year-old female is owned by Dennis and Bonnie Hidalgo of Brighton, Colorado, and was handled by Bonnie. Cedar Creek Sixgun was named runner-up in the National Championship with one find. He is owned and handled by Ed Liermann of Palmyra, Wisconsin.

Cedar Creek Sixgun came back in the National Amateur Championship to acquire the victory for Ed Liermann. He scored one find in a great race. Firefly's Power Play took the runner-up honors for owners Robbie Nesson and Bonnie and Dennis Hidalgo. "Puck" was handled by Bonnie Hidalgo and scored two covey finds in a good race.

Amy Gauthier of Bay City, Michigan, with her nice male, Cedar Creek Asa's Reign, easily won the one-hour Red Setter Open Walking Shooting Dog Classic. Second place went to Firefly's Beeline and Bonnie Hidalgo.

In the Open Derby, Quantonas Reckless Abandon took first place for owner-handler Kelli Aitken Thompson of Box Elder, South Dakota. Slingblade was second for owner and handler Roger Boser of Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania.

The winner of the Walking Puppy stake was Come Back Misty Bay and her owner-handler, Amy Gauthier.

Big Red Machine won the Open Walking Derby for his owner and handler, Mike Fox of Patriot, Indiana. Come Back Misty Bay was second for Amy Gauthier.

The National Red Setter Field Trial Club's 2024 National Championship trial was held on the well-respected Field Trial Sportsmen's Club grounds at Grovespring, Missouri. The event began on Wednesday, October 16. The grounds were in beautiful shape with good feed plots along the edges. With new personnel at work, the grooming of the fields was somewhat different than usual, but other than Horse Killer hill, it worked well. The courses still had a good flow to them.

The September pre-release of multiple coveys of quail on each of the three courses was successful, but they were hard to find, especially at the start of the event. Even with the pre-release birds, the club felt the need for daily supplementing with more quail. They were planted in strategic places along all of the courses in an attempt to draw the coveys back on course. It appeared to work as we started finding coveys in the derby stake, and they continued to be found for the duration of the trial. The members of the NRSFTC are grateful to the people who manage and care for this excellent venue. Thanks to Treasurer Sharleen Daugherty and Directors Andy Daugherty, Bob Burchett, and Tony King for their various efforts.

The drawing was conducted by Milt and Wendy Schafer at their home in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on Sunday evening, October 13. The National Championship drew 13 dogs, while the Amateur Championship drew a dozen entries. The second annual, one-hour Red Setter Open Walking Shooting Dog Classic drew an entry of 10 Setters. In the Open Derby, five dogs were entered, and the same went for the Open Walking Derby; the Open Walking Puppy drew three entries.
We were pleased to welcome two gentlemen who are well-respected judges, William Smith, Moscow, Tennessee, and Chris Rider, Smithville, Pennsylvania. They served as our judicial panel for the duration of the event. William and Chris are very pleasant and courteous people who also have a good sense of humor. They were attentive and helpful to all dogs and their handlers. William is very familiar with this venue and knows how to set the best pace for the courses. Both judges did a great job of keeping the speed consistent. They deliberated carefully, and their decisions were well received. William took note of the fact that your scribe was carrying a heavy workload due to Dennis being on crutches and took it upon himself to saddle my horse for each session of the running. This kindness lightened my load and stress level considerably.

Purina, you are an awesome sponsor! We, in the National Red Setter Field Trial Club, appreciate your generosity; you supply our winners with dog food, our judges with great items from the AFTCA/Purina store, and our club with financial assistance. The Purina-sponsored banquet, which was held on Friday evening, was a scrumptious meal of roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, and all the trimmings. Wendy Schafer did a superb job of preparing and serving the meal. The crowd pretty much devoured it, but no one went away hungry! Thank you to Purina and especially to their area manager, Greg Blair!

A social hour was hosted prior to the Purina dinner by Dennis and Bonnie Hidalgo in honor of Firefly's Beeline's win of the National Championship on Thursday morning. After the Purina dinner, Club President Dennis Hidalgo conducted the fundraising auction, with the biggest seller being the SportDOG collar, although the Purina sweatshirt and a beautiful print were also hot items. It was an evening of friends and competitors enjoying one another's company. We were happy to have Sharleen and Andy Daugherty join us for dinner.

Garmin once again provided us with some of their finest collars, which were awarded to each of our three one-hour stakes winners. The National Champion received the Pro 500Plus and the TT25 Track and Train collar. The Garmin Sport Collar sets were received by the National Amateur Champion and the Walking Shooting Dog Classic winner. The National Red Setter Field Trial Club greatly appreciates your continued support of our events. The collars were gratefully and enthusiastically received by the winning handlers.

SportDOG continues to be a great sponsor, always coming through with nice collars for us to use as fundraisers. Jim Morehouse makes sure that the National Red Setter Field Trial Club is well taken care of by SportDOG. We are grateful for SportDOG's support and to Jim for all the valuable advice on product use that he freely shares. We miss Jim's presence at our events and wish him the best of health.

There were handlers and club members present who hailed from Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. It was great to be gathered together again, catching up with good friends and making a few new ones. It was wonderful to have Tom Norton back in the mix. In memory of his much-loved wife, Sue, Tom added $500 to the National Championship purse. In doing so, he made sure that the payouts to the champion and runner-up were more similar.

Once again, Milt Schafer and Dennis Hidalgo co-chaired the fall trial; they put on a well-organized event. Milt ordered birds, ordered judges' gifts, took the entries, conducted the drawing, and printed out running orders with the aid of his wife, Wendy. Dennis secured the judges and put the trial ad together with Bonnie's assistance. At the trial, Milt and Dennis did the early morning plant from Milt's UTV. Milt then followed behind the gallery to replace birds that were pointed and flushed so that the afternoon dogs would have the same opportunities to find game. Milt took awesome care of his broken-legged co-chair and was often seen on his side-by-side, giving Dennis a ride up or down the clubhouse slope.

Don Beauchamp drove the dog wagon for the first three days and was a huge help. During the Walking Classic and Walking Derby, Clayton Thompson drove the dog wagon. Your scribe kept the dog wagon stocked with cookies, candy, hard-boiled eggs, coffee, water, Gatorade, and soda. The refreshments were well received and eagerly consumed. Lunches were served daily in the clubhouse for a nominal fee. Sandwich fixings and chips were available every day. Wendy Schafer made soup for two different lunches, and Linda Beauchamp made pulled pork for another.

For the walking stakes, Ed Liermann manned the UTV for bird planting, and early pickups. Hidalgo's truck was in the field behind the dog wagon to carry the handlers before and after their braces. It was driven, for the most part, by Jerry Gauthier. Many thanks to Kelli Thompson for being on horseback to scout for anyone who needed help. Milt Schafer took dozens of snapshots during the event. Kelli took some photos on course. Clayton Thompson recorded video on his Go-Pro during the entire trial. Videos and photos taken by Clayton and Kelli will be edited into a video by Clayton and will be made available on his YouTube channel, Redbeard Outdoors. The link will be shared on Facebook when the editing is complete, or people can search Redbeard Outdoors on YouTube. Please help Clayton out by becoming a subscriber to Redbeard Outdoors!

Social activities every evening included dinner in the clubhouse after evening chores. On Tuesday, the eve of the trial, Dennis and Bonnie Hidalgo hosted the evening meal in honor of CH Kindle's election to the Hall of Fame. Everyone was invited. Dennis cooked a pesto pasta with Italian sausage and garlic bread. Linda Beauchamp provided dessert. Wendy, Linda, Tommi, and Kelli took care of cleanup duty. The Club's semi-annual board meeting followed the meal; it was short but sweet, thanks to quick reports and agreeable discussion.
Wednesday night's meal was compliments of Kelli and Clayton Thompson for last spring's win of the National Amateur Shooting Dog Championship with Red Bird's The Fifth Element. Kelli prepared her scrumptious chicken pot pie which was very quick to disappear with everyone going back for seconds. There were choices between cake and cobbler with ice cream for dessert.

On Thursday evening, the Club supplied groceries, and Tommi Smith prepared a wonderful ham dinner with sweet potatoes, green beans, and delicious desserts. Tommi went above and beyond to help the club out; her effort and results are greatly appreciated. Dinner was served for a nominal fee to defray the club's grocery expenses.
Saturday evening, after the trial had concluded, Dennis fixed stir-fried rice and ham with salad for all who remained on the grounds. He was given plenty of help by Wendy, Tommi and Kelli. We all enjoyed delicious flavors of ice cream for dessert. It was sad to see the trial come to a close, but we'll be back together in Illinois next April. Don't miss it!

National Championship
The Winners
Firefly's Beeline ran as a bye-dog on Thursday morning. She warmed into her race in the breakaway field and was briefly out of pocket before Double Gates field. Once she returned, Bee ran a strong forward race, taking the lines. After a beautiful edge running move in Davis bottom, she was found on point on the cross row at 31. She had her birds stylishly located and remained lofty beyond flush and shot. At the end of Davis, she headed toward the dry creek and was next seen in the Island field. Bee took its left edge to its completion and went up the hill, out of view. She was spotted on the right edge before Horse Killer hill. She stood pointing, high on both ends at 48. Bee showed excellent decorum on her game. She finished her hour on Apple Tree hill. Beeline was bred and is owned by Dennis and Bonnie Hidalgo. Bonnie handled her to this win.
Cedar Creek Sixgun was awarded the runner-up title. He is owned and handled by Ed Liermann of Palmyra, Wisconsin. Appearing in the first brace of the stake, he drew Course One on Wednesday morning. Sixgun ran a strong, mostly forward race. He showed well on the edge through much of Davis bottom and the Island field. On Apple Tree hill, he pointed stylishly at 50; a covey was produced with the dog remaining tight through the shot. He finished forward into Little Vine.
The Running
Come Back Delta Dawn (K. Aitken-Thompson) and Cedar Creek Sixgun (E. Liermann) turned loose on Wednesday morning to kick off the trial. Sixgun's hour is given above. Delta scored a beautiful find at 12 in the Double Gates field. She was forward in pattern for the majority of the hour.

Gratitude (R. Boser) and Firefly's Power Play (B. Hidalgo) were released up the Little Vine hill. Gratitude was the more powerful of the two. He made a bold move through Sycamore and was rewarded with a great find at the cross row at 25. Grady was high and tight throughout. Both dogs were predominantly forward for the hour. Power Play went without game contact.

Snowy River's Rock'n Red Ruby (C. Verdoorn) with Quantonas Reciprocal (K. Aitken-Thompson) headed into Clubhouse loop. Ruby was animated and ran a fair race. Reason pointed at the pond at 12, with Ruby backing nicely. Both dogs were mannerly throughout. At 24, near the twin barns, Reason was pointing with Ruby honoring. Both dogs showed excellent style and manners. At 32, in the alley, Reason had a stop to bump and was up. Ruby continued across the road and past Daugherty's. Near the cemetery, she pointed beautifully at 53 but went with the birds to end the morning's running.

Brook's White Hot Blaze (L. Tewes) and Cedar Creek Anthem (E. Liermann). Both dogs broke straight away. Anthem was gone at the Rocky Creek crossing and was not seen until the tracker was pulled. Blaze showed a couple of times before the creek crossing but was out of pocket at Double Gates. He returned, only to be lost again, and the tracker came out.

Quantonas Reloaded (C. Thompson) and Firefly's Lucky Penny (B. Hidalgo) started the hour in Davis bottom. Lucky was a handful and was eventually lost on Apple Tree hill at 36. Neo ran a predominantly forward race. She pointed birds with style at 36, just into Little Vine. Her manners were excellent. She finished the hour to the front at the head of Sycamore bottom.
Cedar Creek Shindig (E. Liermann) ran with Red Bird's The Fifth Element (K. Aitken-Thompson). Shindig was forward with good moves through Sycamore and up Daugherty's ridge. Both dogs were forward into the bull pasture. Shindig went up a draw coming out of Climer's and was not returned in judgment. Griffin ran a forward pattern with some good moves but shortened late and was picked up.

Firefly's Beeline (B. Hidalgo) ran as a bye-dog on Thursday morning. Her winning performance is related above.

Grovespring, Mo., October 16
Judges: Chris Rider and William Smith
RED SETTER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 13 Irish Setters
Winner-FIREFLY'S BEELINE, F1674096, Irish setter female, by Dawson's High Chaparral-Firefly's Hot Tip. Dennis & Bonnie Hidalgo, owners; Bonnie Hidalgo, handler.
Runner-Up-CEDAR CREEK SIXGUN, F1677430, Irish setter male, by Come Back Magic-Come Back Lady Soul. Ed Lierman, owner and handler.

Open Derby
This was the second stake on the roster, and it ran in its entirety on Thursday, following the conclusion of the National Championship. There were five starters, which limited the number of placements to two dogs. Both placing dogs appeared in Brace Two. The Judges were William Smith and Chris Rider.
Quantonas Reckless Abandon, bred, owned, and handled by Kelli Aitken Thompson, emerged as the victor. This red female ran an exuberant, predominantly forward race with one bird contact.
Slingblade took second with a good forward race and one bird contact. Roger Boser bred Slingblade and is also his owner and handler. Slingblade was sired by the recently deceased young winner, Wayward. He is out of Slingshot, who produced last season's derby sensation, Shotput.

Red Setter Open Derby (front): Kelli Aitken Thompson with Quantonas Reckless Abandon and Roger Boser with Slingblade. (Standing): Dennis and Bonnie Hidalgo, Don Beauchamp, Tom Norton, William Smith (judge), Chris Rider (judge), and Ed Liermann.

RED SETTER OPEN DERBY - 5 Irish Setters
1st-QUANTONAS RECKLESS ABANDON, F1717095, Irish setter female, by Red Bird's The Fifth Element-Come Back Delta Dawn. Kelli Aitken, owner and handler.
2d-SLINGBLADE, F1706612, Irish setter male, by Wayward-Slingshot. Roger Boser, owner and handler.

National Amateur Championship
This stake commenced on Thursday afternoon. The first three braces were completed, and the last three ran on Friday morning. The weather was still pleasant but slightly warmer than during the Open Championship. Judges William Smith and Chris Rider presided.

The Winners and Others
The newly named National Amateur Champion, Cedar Creek Sixgun, was handled by his owner and breeder, Ed Liermann. Sixgun ran a brilliant all-age race to capture the win. He was off quickly from the breakaway, showing a few times on his way to the rocky creek crossing. Next, he showed on the far-right edge, which he took to the edge of Double Gates field, where he slammed on point. He was standing on the north side of the tree row; his handler attempted to flush, then asked the dog to relocate. Sixgun hunted to the edge of the feed strip and styled up; Ed flushed the bird, fired, and collared the dog out of the strip. Sixgun crossed the field and hit the edge. He crossed the creek bed and kept to the right edge. Once in Davis bottom, he took the west edge forward. He was found pointed at 27, on the right side of the cross strip. A lengthy relocation did not produce his bird, and he was taken on. Sixgun took the left edge to the end of Davis before heading to the creek bed. In the Island field, he rimmed the left edge to the end of the field. He was next seen well forward before Horse Killer hill. He disappeared briefly but showed on top, going on to finish well on Apple Tree hill. Cedar Creek Sixgun turned seven in August 2024.

Firefly's Power Play started at the gate to the bull pasture. At 4, Puck was pointed stylishly near the trees on the left; his bracemate honored. The birds were flushed, with both dogs standing high and tight. Power Play made a big move through Horse Corral bottom and showed on the hill before the clubhouse. He was forward through the clubhouse loop, where he backed his bracemate. He was absent at the twin barns but returned in the alley. Puck ran the edges around the end of Sycamore. He went out of sight at the double gates but was found standing at the edge of the pond at time. A big covey was flushed for the staunch dog, who retained his style through flush and shot. Firefly's Power Play, a 9-year-old male, is owned by Robbie Nesson and Bonnie and Dennis Hidalgo; he was handled by Bonnie.

Quantonas Reloaded was carried for placement until Sixgun ran. Her race began at the top of Fox hill. "Neo" scored a nice covey find at 15, all in good order. Her race was forward and strong; she showed well on the edges of Sycamore bottom. She had a big forward finish and was only faulted for a couple of immature moves. Clayton and Kelli Thompson, Box Elder, South Dakota, own her, and Clayton was her handler.

Amateur Running
Quantonas Running Mate (K. Aitken Thompson) and Firefly's Lucky Penny (B. Hidalgo) appeared on course one. Pence showed well and was predominantly forward for the hour. Lucky ran a big race but was a handful. Both dogs finished on Apple Tree hill.

Cedar Creek Anthem (E. Liermann) with Quantonas Reloaded (C. Thompson) began at the top of Fox hill. Reloaded was considered for placement, so her performance can be found under "Winners and Others." Anthem started well but shortened. She scored a nice covey find on Daugherty Ridge at 53.

Firefly's Power Play (B. Hidalgo) and Gratitude (R. Boser). Powerplay's performance was described earlier under "Winners and Others." Gratitude honored stylishly at 4, in the bull pasture. He made nice forward moves from the bull pasture through the clubhouse loop. He pointed in a likely spot in the loop, but no birds were produced. In the alley below the barns, he pushed a covey at 49 to end his performance.

Come Back Delta Dawn (K. Aitken Thompson) was braced with Cedar Creek Sixgun (E. Liermann). They were the first brace on Friday. Delta was lost early, and the tracker was out before Davis bottom. Sixgun won this Championship, and his performance is recounted in the Winner's section.

Quantonas Reciprocal (K. Aitken Thompson) and Firefly's Beeline (B. Hidalgo) were set free at the top of Fox hill. Reason crossed Apple Tree hill with speed and range that belied her age. Beeline crossed to the left and was first down the hill. Bee was found pointed at the cross row below, with Reason honoring at 7. All was in good order for both dogs. Bee made the Little Vine loop in short order. Reason came off the hill loop in harness after joyfully flushing a covey of quail, once again belying her age and many titles. She turned 10 in November. At 21, Bee was seen forward; at 23, she slammed on point; a pile of feathers was all that could be found. She ran the next field's west edge and quickly moved on to Sycamore bottom. There, she ran the right edge all the way to the road. She swung left and climbed the hill; a lengthy absence ensued; she came from the rear at 58 and finished just past the barns.

Cedar Creek Shindig (E. Liermann) and Red Bird's The Fifth Element (K. Aitken Thompson) turned loose west of the barns. Both dogs kept to the left at the big pond and to the bull pasture. Shindig made a nice move down the west side to the back corner of the pasture. Griffin was moving forward through the bull pasture and Climer's but was not his usual self. Kelli opted to pick up at Horse Corral valley. Shindig started down Horse Corral valley and came around to climb the hill. She showed near the clubhouse gate and climbed up the ridge. Shindig was briefly absent at the top, then was forward to the barns and through the alley. She crossed the road, finishing forward near the cemetery.

Red Setter National Amateur Championship: Amy Gauthier with Cedar Creek Sixgun and Kelli Thompson (scout) with Firefly's Beeline. (Standing): Jerry Gauthier, Chris Rider (judge), Ed Liermann, Tom Norton, William Smith (judge), Dennis and Bonnie Hidalgo, and Don Beauchamp.

RED SETTER NATIONAL AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 12 Irish Setters
Winner-CEDAR CREEK SIXGUN, F1677430, Irish setter male, by Come Back Magic-Come Back Lady Soul. Ed Lierman, owner and handler.
Runner-Up-FIREFLY'S POWER PLAY, F1664073, Irish setter male, by Flintstone-Firefly's Hot Tip. Bonnie Hidalgo & Robbie Nesson, owners; Bonnie Hidalgo, handler.

Open Walking Puppy
Three puppies were entered, but one was unable to be there due to a vehicle breakdown. Only one dog can be placed in a stake with three or less starters. Come Back Misty Bay, a female owned and handled by Amy Gauthier, won this stake. She was fast and bold with good range. Bayly was bred by Joe Edwards in North Carolina.

Red Setter Open Walking Puppy (front): Amy Gauthier with Come Back Misty Bay. (Standing): Jerry Gauthier, William Smith (judge), Chris Rider (judge), Mike Fox, and Ed Liermann, Bonnie Hidalgo, Dennis Hidalgo, unidentified, Ed Liermann.

RED SETTER OPEN WALKING PUPPY - 3 Irish Setters
1st-COME BACK MISTY BAY, F1710202, Irish setter female, by Come Back Billy Boy-Hatcreek Misty Blue. Amy & Jerry Gauthier, owners; Amy Gauthier, handler.

Open Walking Shooting Dog Classic
There were 10 dogs drawn in this stake, but only nine started. Birds were plentiful, to the detriment of several dogs. Cedar Creek Duke appeared in the first brace and looked unbeatable until his sixth find when the birds got the best of him. Foxy Lady Sadie had four flawless finds and was on her way to a win but wrecked on the next covey. There were many quality dogs, including a champion who picked this stake to misbehave; one brace ended in less than a minute. Judges Chris Rider and William Smith were left shaking their heads and were relieved to end the stake with two clean dogs and one of those with a near-ideal performance.

Cedar Creek Asa's Reign won this stake with two beautiful, well-mannered finds. He ran an attractive race and was responsive to his handler. Asa is owned and handled by Amy Gauthier. He appeared in the second brace of the stake, running as a bye since it was his bracemate that scratched. Asa gave a highly commendable hour-long effort.
Firefly's Beeline placed second with four finds and an unproductive stand. Her style and manners on all of her birds were excellent. Her race was smart, but her range was a bit large and, at times, unruly. Bee is owned by Dennis and Bonnie Hidalgo and was handled by Bonnie in the fifth and final brace.

Red Setter Open Walking Shooting Dog Classic (front): Amy Gauthier with Cedar Creek Asa's, Bonnie Hidalgo, and Kelli Thompson (scout) with Firefly's Beeline. (Standing): Jerry Gauthier, Tom Norton, Sam Nutting, Bruce Ludwig, Ed Liermann, William Smith (judge), Dennis Hidalgo, and Chris Rider (judge).

RED SETTER OPEN WALKING SHOOTING DOG CLASSIC [One-Hour Heats] - 10 Irish Setters
Winner-CEDAR CREEK ASA'S REIGN, F1692805, Irish setter male, by Cedar Creek Talon-Cedar Creek's Skyline Belle. Amy Gauthier, owner and handler.
Runner-Up-FIREFLY'S BEELINE, F1674096, Irish setter female, by Dawson's High Chaparral-Firefly's Hot Tip. Dennis & Bonnie Hidalgo, owners; Bonnie Hidalgo, handler.

Open Walking Derby
This stake attracted a field of five young dogs and followed on the heels of the Walking Classic. William Smith and Chris Rider officiated this stake, as they had all the others. They found what they were looking for in the second brace.
Big Red Machine, owned and handled by Mike Fox, emerged as the winner. He ran a bold forward race and displayed an attractive gait.
Come Back Misty Bay was second for her owner and handler, Amy Gauthier. This puppy-aged female is advanced for her age and shows a lot of drive. Her pattern was less mature than Red's, but she showed speed and animation.

RED SETTER WALKING DERBY - 5 Irish Setters
1st-BIG RED MACHINE, F1709165, Irish setter male, by Silver Creek Wild Again-Foxy Lady Sadie. Mike Fox, owner and handler.
2d-COME BACK MISTY BAY, F1710202, Irish setter female, by Come Back Billy Boy-Hatcreek Misty Blue. Amy & Jerry Gauthier, owners; Amy Gauthier, handler.

Red Setter Open Walking Derby (front): Mike Fox with Big Red Machine and Amy Gauthier with Come Back Misty Bay. (Standing): William Smith (judge), Bonnie Hidalgo, Sam Nutting, Chris Rider (judge), Ed Liermann, Tom Norton, Clayton Thompson, Jerry Gauthier, and Dennis Hidalgo.

The Judges (l-r): William Smith and Chris Rider judged the entire trial.