Event: Cool Hand Luke tops 38 Entries of the
Result: Sixty-First United States Quail Shooting Dog Futurity

Location: Hoffman, North Carolina

Post Date: Feb 12, 2025

Submitted By: Margaret C. Drew

61st United States Quail Futurity (front row): Halley Moreland and Wyatt Pucket with Cool Hand Luke, Ben Dillard with Tanglebriars Will, The Smiths (Will's owners), Payton Gunby with Deena Jet Boyer, twins Brier Rose and Haddie Mae Hollander, and Shawn Kinkelaar with Hunt's Centerfold. (Behind): Mike and Casey Tracy, Gary Miller, Greg Robinson, Mike Hester, Steve Mills, Tom Brigman, Mark Hughes, Barbara Young, Bob Young, George Tracy, Jim Emerson, Gretchen Adsit, John Adsit, Dave Hughes, Earl Drew, Fred Potts, and Maggie Maier.

The 61st United States Quail Shooting Dog Futurity drew 38 entries in 2025 from a nominated list of 31 litters. There were seven litters with multiple derbies competing. Two derbies from one litter were part of the hour callback dogs.

The standards for judgment are a dog that covers a prescribed course while showing bird sense along with independent hunting, all while remaining in contact with the handler to some degree. These dogs' range should be such that a hunter could shoot birds located by the dog. There should be no extremes of closeness or distance, although this objective remains the most controversial in today's trial events. However, those objects that remain a priority are a dog with extreme class, style pointing, and stamina in run. These dogs need to show that they can adjust their gait and range as the terrain of the course changes. These dogs are derbies and need not be completely broke, but most are by this time. Backing is nice but also not required unless a dog interferes with his bracemate. In the Quail Futurity, all entries run in the 30-minute first series, and then judges call back dogs showing the most promise of these objectives to run an hour. All dogs placing in the Quail Futurity must point birds and be shot over. Therefore, in essence, a derby should show a desire to find birds and handle them with intensity in all types of conditions. A derby should show intelligence to hunt independently while showing style and a pleasing appearance, whether running or on point. For this futurity, the guidelines and expectations are printed from the original founding guidelines, well spelled out, and are still upheld today.

The grounds at Hoffman are maintained by the N C Wildlife at the Sandhills Gamelands through state funds. As the grounds at Hoffman continued to develop and become famous for their flow of courses, bird habitat, and proximity to restaurants, lodging, and shopping, many types of field trials came to Hoffman. Some folks prefer to call the H. Robert Gordon Field Trial Grounds in Ellerbe, North Carolina. In reality, part of the land is in Ellerbe and some in Hoffman; consequently, everyone is correct. You can find the Hoffman Clubhouse on Field Trial Road whether you travel from the west off Ledbetter Road from Rockingham or if you travel from Hoffman off Route 1 onto Derby Road. Both access roads have a large wooden sign directing you to the clubhouse. Today the grounds are some of the best in the United States. There are six one-hour courses, each approximately six miles in length. These courses are maintained by the state. Each of these courses is comprised of piney woods, open field with field plots, with water available via brooks and manmade water holes. The state has a burn program with rotating areas burned every few years. Since 1981, the North Carolina Field Trial Association has worked with the state to adapt an early fall quail release. The bird program is chaired by John Ivester, with Robert "Lefty" Henry performing the actual feeding. Some assistance is provided by Bob Young. These coveys are fed regularly with a tractor disbursing seed. The planting and mowing of these beautiful grounds is done by N C Wildlife. The six courses have mileage markers for EMS use if needed and to help handlers know where they are during a run. Clubs using the facility must pay an annual membership fee of $150.00. In addition, there are daily fees of $300.00 for grounds, $300.00 for birds and feed, and $185.00 to the wagon driver.

Noon meals are always hot and ready following four hours in the saddle. Thanks to Purina for providing funds to help with noon meals. On the second day of the running, a handlers' dinner was provided by last year's winner, Chris Catanzarite, in honor of Backcountry Champagnesupernova. The oil painting by Leah Brigham was presented to Chris following dinner. Your reporter has been present at many dinners where paintings have been presented; however, when this year's painting was uncovered, a hushed whisper silenced the room for a moment as if everyone had taken a deep breath. To say it was well received is an understatement, for the brilliance and life-like details in the painting were unbelievable. At this year's futurity dinner, special recognition was given to chairman Gary Miller for his longevity as chairman.

Representing Purina was Kelsi Toth. The Futurity is grateful for the continued support from our sponsor, Purina, who provides feed to the winners and helps us obtain AFTCA store items, as well as a financial donation. John Adsit headed up the raffle this year for dog food delivered to the winner's home and a large canvas duffle bag. Hand in hand with a cooperative sponsor, breeders are the key to a futurity's success. Prices for a well-bred puppy have increased along with everything else; however, when someone purchases a pup, they make their selection after studying the pedigree of the parents. Breeders of the litters have not been as diligent as in the past in nominating litters, which can lead to derbies not entering the futurity or penalties being applied to the entry fee. PLEASE: If you breed a litter, contact Margaret by summer and get the paperwork completed to honor your litter and recognize you as a good breeder. (All futurities are listed on the UKC website and in the UKC Field magazine for people to obtain Futurity information easily.)

Greg Robinson pilots the dog wagon. Greg picks up the dogs before 8 a.m. and again approaching 1:30 p.m. before the afternoon braces. He later returns the dogs to their trailers. He makes sure the dog boxes are clean, have hay, and are locked and pinned. He also has water on board for handlers to refill water bottles. Riders may board the wagon after selecting covered cushions; however, this year's Futurity had some brisk temperatures; therefore hindering riders. The truck carries four spectators, and if that is full, you may follow in your personal vehicle. Greg carries hot coffee, water, and a large selection of goodies for break time each a.m. and p.m. If you're lucky, he may even share his special stash of his home-roasted peanuts.

The Winners
The top placement went to Cool Hand Luke, a Pointer male bred by Brian Tiffany, with handler Mike Tracy. The owners are Bob and Linda Bergen from Vineland, New Jersey. Luke laid down a snappy, far-reaching race; the kind judges like to see. The judges' comments were that his race was a bold, strong, always forward attack of the course. Cool Hand Luke blazed through the 30-minute first series and then somehow bumped up his ground application with impressive quickness, showing a speedy and powerful big race superior to his peers in this second series. The animated race was pleasing to all who were watching. He scored perfect style and manners on his three finds at 34, 50, and 56. With three minutes to go, he continued a strong forward march for a potentially strong finish, with everyone sitting tall in the saddle to watch. It was at this time that deer were spotted at the top of the next hill; however, no dogs had reached the summit before time was called, and handlers rode to gather their charges. The judges agreed that Cool Hand Luke's strong, forward and big race made him deserving of the top accomplishment. Other dogs had made valiant attempts; however, they had not located quail.

Second place went to English Setter male Tanglebriars Will. He was bred by Ben Dillard and handled by Mike Hester. Ben is a breeder who faithfully gets his litters nominated before they are sold. The owner of Tanglebriars Will is Tom Smith from North Carolina. Both Tom and Ben were present for both series to keep an eye on Tanglebriars Will. Ben and Tom were both present for the hour series. In his first series, he made his way gracefully around the course, scoring two finds in his 30 minutes. His race was consistent from start to finish. Tanglebriars called back for the second series came with a little advantage: he had scored two precise quail finds in the first series. His race was buoyantly gaited in a purposeful rolling ground heat. At times, he cast to the side but was quickly met by scout or had point called. During his hour brace, there was a large gallery expanding from the 18 that started at 1:30 to a group of 30-plus as we passed below the clubhouse. And that does not include the two handlers, scouts, judges and the multiple car gallery spectators. Tanglebriars Will had solid birdwork in locating game and was steady to wing and shot at 20 and 40, and the frosting was his find at 58, where the covey was well to the left with the strong wind bringing scent to Tanglebriars Will. Scouting for Tanglebriars Will was Lefty Henry.

Third place went to Deena Jet Boyer, a Pointer female bred by Nick Marietta, owned by Darren and Steve Boyer from Grantham, Pennsylvania, with Mike Tracy. Deena Jet Boyer had a find just after the break away whistle was heard. The quick point with a rigid poise surprised everyone, although everything was in good order as birds were flown and shot taken. She required a lot of scouting by scout George Tracy as she covered the course in a very big way with no further bird work scored. Deena Jet Boyer and other derbies found quail difficult to locate despite the fact that bird availability at Hoffman this year is good. Deena Jet Boyer's mostly white body, with a narrow female frame, caught your eye as she reached forward with beautiful casts to areas promising quail. Deer were seen at 35, with Deena Jet Boyer luckily on the other side of the clearing. She paced herself from beginning to end with a consistent rate at a moderate range. During her hour, she had no further bird indication. Her find in the first series would earn her a ribbon in the combined tabulation of assets.

Fourth place went to another Pointer female, Hunt's Centerfold, who was bred by and is owned by Jason Hunt, to be part of the Shawn Kinkelaar team. Jason is from Blakely, Georgia. Hunt's Centerfold moved snappily on the ground with forward and lateral casts. Hunt's Centerfold had a strong and never-halting search for a quail opportunity, which she succeeded in finding at 42. No complaints with style or reaction to wing and shot. Her medium-to-distant-ranging rhythmic animation took her forward for an hour. On point, she stood with a pleasing style.

The First Series Running
The opening brace of the 61st United States Quail Futurity called Honky Tonk Thunderstruck (Hirollins B K Bushwacker-Hirollins Jammin Jade), a Pointer male bred and owned by Dr. Stan Wint with Scott Miller and his wife Jamie as the scout to be bracemate for Heatseeking Hurricane, (Miller's Heat Seeker-War Creek Daizie), a Pointer male bred by L. J. Lundsford. The handler was George Tracy, with Mike Tracy scouting for this derby belonging to Muriel and Bill Primm. The group was ready and on the line with breakaway whistles heard at 8:05 following announcements by chairman Gary Miller and prayer by committee member/ wagon driver Greg Robinson. The dogs burst to the front with scouts dispersed early, leaving the gallery to take in the howling of handlers and the rattling of the wagon carrying the dogs for the next five braces. At 13, things were looking grim, and by 20, each handler took their location devices when no dogs were seen. We really didn't see enough of this pair to comment; however, it appeared they were in a foot race.

Brace two was away by 8:29 with English Setter male Texas Snow (Merritt's Bear-Shamrock Snow Shadow) bred by Fred Potts and owned by John Fort. This Setter is part of the Calvin Curnutte team residing at the Merritt Kennels as Drowning Creek Bird Dogs in Derby, North Carolina. Wayward Stewed Tomatoes (Wayward Flyin Tomato-Doodle Ridge Fern), an English Setter male bred and handled by Mark Hughes, was the bracemate. Wayward Stewed Tomatoes is owned by Bruce Mueller and is enrolled in the Hughes team from Pennsylvania who spend some January and February time here in the local south. Texas Snow required scout Hunter Pruvet to kick his horse into action quickly, although Snow showed a strong, independent mind today. Wayward Stewed Tomatoes was scouted by Chris Catanzarite as he moved along the course in a moderate medium race. At 21, his classy gait was close at hand as he crossed the field ahead of the wagon. This was a brace with two very white athletic setters who, unfortunately, went birdless in this first series.

Brace three welcomed Pointer male BK Real McCoy (Bittersweet War Cry-Bittersweet Recovery) with Brooke Lanning on her first trip to these spectacular trial grounds. Brooke is co-owner of McCoy with Sergio Velez, as well as handler. Bracemate Pointer male Bittersweet War Dance is a littermate to BK Real McCoy. War Dance is owned by Pete Del Collo, although due to a horse accident, Pete had veteran trainer Pat Casey handling. Pat does not enter every year, but when he does, he brings a derby that makes a callback or better. Both dogs hunted to the front at a strong medium range with a bouncy gait. On hand to scout were Steve Browder and Chris Catanzarite. Once again, these two promising entries went birdless.

Sterling Ridge Carly (Caladen's Tennessee Red-Caladen's Dream Maker), a Pointer female, was the top dog in brace four with her owner Frank Scarpinato in the gallery to watch as Mike Tracy guided her on course five. Carly was bred by Ross Callaway. At about 20, she was watered and appeared to limp. Handler and scout dismounted to closely evaluate her before returning her to the wagon for further evaluation. Backcountry Fearless (Springflow's Backcountry P-Apple Annie's Sweet Delight), a Pointer female bred, owned and handled by Chris Catanzarite, was the bracemate. The pair had a good breakaway when turned loose in the long field adjacent to Derby Road, allowing the gallery to watch them skirt the edge and round the corner at bear claw beyond Jacob's corner. Fearless had a forward medium-range race requiring very little scouting by Mark Hughes. No birds were flown.

Brace five found English Setter male Tanglebriars Will (covered earlier) and bracemate Miss Bullette (Rentz's Hijacker x Dominator's Heir Kate), a Pointer female bred by Joe Rentz, although now owned by the team of Primm and Saniga as part of the Mike and George Tracy team. Each of these dogs had satisfactory races with bird contact.

By 11:05, brace six was on the ground, bringing the morning competition to an end. Mohawk Mill Lady Justice (Imagine-Mohawk Mill Dolly), a Pointer female bred by Gary and Ellen Winall, had recently been purchased by Ed and Megan McCay to be trained and handled by Matt Basilone. Pointer female Hunt's Centerfold is covered with the winners above. Justice was snappy on the ground and moved inconsistently, some lateral; however, always gleefully moving. She did not locate birds. Sheperd's pie was served for lunch with salad and cookies. By 1:30, the wagon had picked up 12 more dogs, and the judges were at the breakaway, ready to get back to work.

Brace seven started on course one, as the Futurity always runs these courses in reverse. Brace seven had Mojo's Winston Joy (Wayward Flyin Tomato-Doodle Ridge Fern), an English Setter male bred and handled by Mark Hughes although owned by Bruce Moelders. Joy's race was short and immature. Mike Tracy had bracemate Cool Hand Luke (covered earlier under the winners).

The eighth brace called Marty Moore's Pointer male, Moore's Base Hit (B K Bonafide Stallion x B K Hirollins Wild), bred by Sergio Velez to the line with Scott Miller. Mike Hester had Tomb Stone (Quickmarksman's Excalibur-Little River Psycho), a Pointer male bred, owned and handled by Mike himself. This pair presented two good races, Base Hit often lateral and then forward. At 28, Base Hit pointed just before pick-up was called. Despite a long flushing effort and a relocation attempt, no quail were flown. Tomb Stone began his 30 minutes with a nice point at 7 as quail lifted, all steady to wing and shot.

Brace nine paired two Pointers, Haneys Juggernaut (Pleasant Run Samuel x Pleasant Run Sally), a Pointer male bred and owned by Jason Hunt, although under the command of Kinkelaar. Bracemate was Bowser's Backcountry Mickey (Springflow's Backcountry P-Apple Annie's Sweet Delight), a Pointer male bred and handled by Chris Catanzarite, although recently purchased and now owned by Tyler Bowser, who could not make the futurity trip. Juggernaut had a very good ground race, hitting the right spots for quail, although he found no one home during his 30-minute search. Bowser's Backcountry Mickey was closer with a cautious use of his nose. He had an immature find at 10, as well as a second quail contact at 25; however, he broke into a big chase at shot, causing difficulty in getting him back into a forward hunting mode for a few minutes.

George Tracy was on the line at 3:30 with Speck of Gold (Miller's Heat Seeker-War Creek Daizie), a Pointer female bred by John Chambers. She is owned by Primm and Linder. She jumped off the breakaway, never looking back, and was seen much later via a locating device. The English Setter male, Ravenwood Game On (Shagtime Max-Shagtime Zee), was bred by Chris Cagle and owned by Joe Cincotta with Matt Basilone handling. He carries a nice waving tail, although, on these grounds, his race was a little short. He scored an unproductive at 4.

Brace 11 called up Silver W Wildflower (Elhew Sinbad-Silver W Free Spirit), a Pointer female bred by Brooke Lanning, although owned and handled by Debbie Ozner. Bracemate was Buffalo Junction Calico (Erin's Redrum-Calico's Country Strong), a Pointer female bred by Calico Kennels and now owned and handled by Al Dahl. Their races were similar, both reaching so that the gallery could only get glimpses of their animated races. Silver W Wildflower had a big covey find at 8 with acceptable derby manners. Buffalo Junction Calico had a consistent forward hunt, showing plenty of style and determination. His first series was birdless.

The final brace of day one was brace 12 with Backwoods Dine & Dash (Springflow's Backcountry P-Apple Annie's Sweet Delight), a Pointer male bred by Chris Catanzarite and now owned by Justin Mason. Mark Hughes is now the trainer and handler. Bracemate was Bluebar Maggie (Miller's Heat Seeker-War Creek Daize), a Pointer female; another from John Chambers breeding. The owners are Hood and Primm, with the dog under the whistle of Mike Tracy. Backwoods Dine & Dash zipped through the back fields, approaching the back of the barn. He had a covey located at 23, although he happily gave an extended chase. He repeated the use of his nose to locate at least two more covey, although your reporter did not see how they were handled as by then, he was well off course. Bluebar Maggie had a happy tour of the course, always to the front, although she did not locate any quail.

Day two arrived with a chill in the air and light frost on the grass. Brace 13 called River Keeper (Shagtime Smoke-Merritt's Princess), an English Setter male bred at the Terry Merritt Kennel, owned by John Fort and handled by Calvin Curnutte. Bracemate was Hirollin's Relentless (Hirollins Gone and Done It-Hunter Run's Libby), a Pointer male bred and owned by Tim Miller is in the string of the Scott Miller's fine derbies. River Keeper glided across and over the high grasses with ease and class. He kept a good forward pattern at a medium range. Hirollin's Relentless had a solid medium race, required little scouting, and scored a nonproductive before his 30 minutes were up.

Heat Seeker's Pearl (Miller's Heat Seeker-War Creek Daize), a Pointer female, headed up brace 14 with a Hood and Primm derby bred by John Chambers and handled by George Tracy.
Another Pointer female, JL Sparkle Express (Miller's Heat Seeker x Rock Hill Marie Laveau), bred by the Walkers, is owned and handled by Earl Drew. These two females were look alikes, one with orange and blue collars, the other with two blue collars. They were merrily off the line and forward. Handlers and scouts had to look closely to distinguish their charge. At 20, the course crosses the sand road beyond a thick plum brush area. Heat Seeker's Pearl and JL Sparkle Express were seen to the far right near the thicket, with scouts pulling out of the group to head in that direction. Pearl returned and moved on with handler and scout while JL Sparkle Express hunted further into the area known to harbor quail; however, she was missed by the scout. Both handlers took their locating devices before the 30 minutes were up. (A report from an assisting friend states JL Sparkle Express was found standing in that area with a covey of 12 quail, remained solid for flush, and shot before being roaded back to the wagon.)

Brace 15 had Longmeadow Wendy (Bozeann's Rex-Bozeann's Tailwind), an English Setter female, another setter from Ben Dillard's litter, this one owned by Ben as well, with Mike Hester handling. Bracemate was Deena Jet Boyer (covered with winners above). Wendy ran happily, always to the front at a medium range, although had no bird contact.

The 16th brace called upon Marques Trail Boss (Lester's Boss Man-Marques Lucky Lady), a Pointer male bred and owned by John Ivester. Trainer Lefty Henry had control over Boss. Bracemate was Pointer male Honky Tonk Hiroller (Hirollins Gone and Doneit-Pine Hollow Kate) bred by Warren Parrott. He is owned by Dr. Stan Wint and handled by Scott Miller. Boss runs with an active tail in a powerful gait. He was strong on the ground, although scout Matt Basilone had to stay on his toes. Honky Tonk Hiroller ran a medium-ranging race, although wide and lateral. Nearing pick up at the foot of the hill before the barn point was called for Honky Tonk Hiroller. As the judge approached, handler was on the ground, called bird, and shot. The judge had not seen the bird.

Bootpoint's Enforcer (Quickmarksman's Excalibur-Little River Psycho), a Pointer male bred and handled by Mike Hester, was in brace 17. The owner is Harold Walker. Bracemate was Thunder Road (Rentz's Hijacker-Dominator's Heir Kate, a Pointer female bred by Joe Rentz. The owner is Muriel and Bill Primm with George Tracy as the handler. Enforcer started with an eye-appealing spark; however, her active race lessened as time elapsed. She did have one find. Thunder Road had a big race forward, although her independence required considerable use of scout Mike Tracy.

The 18th brace had Pointer male Backcountry Jacob (Springflow's Backcountry P-Apple Annie's Sweet Delight), another of Chris Catanzarite's nominated litters. Millers Customized Upgrade (Miller's Upgraded Version- Hackberry Hustler), a Pointer male, was the bracemate. The breeder was L. J. Lundsford for this derby owned by Allen Linder and granddaughter Madison McDonald. Handling was George Tracy. With Mike Tracy scouting. Jacob ran a big forward race with no bird work. Millers Customized Upgrade had a very big race with much side-to-side mobility. No quail this brace.

Following lunch, one first series brace remained, with four callback dogs loaded into the dog wagon to begin the hourly callbacks after the final brace.

The last brace, 19, mulled around outside the clubhouse before mounting horses, climbing into the gallery wagon or private vehicle to catch the final brace and the start of the callback house. With the anticipation of callbacks to follow soon, the gallery was large: nearly 30 riders. The English Setter male, I'm Crossroads (Hot Blooded-Shamrock's Miss Grace), bred by Tom Green, is owned and handled by Sam Giddens. The Pointer male, Zero Tolerance (Haney's All In-Haney's Two Dozen Roses), bred by Chris Cagle and owned by Marty Moore, is part of the Scott Miller team. The large gallery sat tall and rode fast to keep an eye on these two. Crossroads required a little scouting as he traversed the course without bird contact. Zero Tolerance hunted forward, although just inside the tree line. Both of these two maintained a medium to long race, albeit no birdwork for either dog.

One-Hour Second Series Callbacks
The judges chose 12 dogs for the one-hour callback second series. On Friday afternoon, the course allowed for two hours of unused course. The first two dogs were BK Real McCoy with Brook Lanning, who had run in brace three on the first day of the futurity. Bracemate was Tanglebriars Will, with Mike Hester. McCoy's owner was the handler, Brooke and Tanglebriars Will's owner, Tom Smith, was once again present to watch Hester hunt with his dog. The brace was put down in a good open area headed toward the hill approaching the clubhouse and a promising bird area as indicated by ribbons for the feed tractor on his scheduled quail feeding trips. BK Real McCoy was fancy-moving as she exhibited a willingness to attack the cover in her quest for quail in a consistent forward pattern. As we rode up a slight knoll, she and her bracemate were trekking through the field before reaching the area below the clubhouse. Handler called point when she was seen to halt in point position; however, as handler neared the dog, the point was waved off. This was the handler and dog's first trip to Hoffman, and they had given the judges two very promising runs; however, she had not secured a find on this trip. Bracemate Tanglebriars Will is covered with the winners above.

The second hour callback dogs were Bittersweet War Dance, with Pat Casey, and Hunt's Centerfold, with Shawn Kinkelaar. With strong purpose, as well as an intensely strong race, Bittersweet War Dance toured the end of course two into three. At 38, we thought he had secured a ribbon position; however, as tall as he stood and as proud as he awaited handler to flush birds, the result was not what he needed. He returned to hunting with an unwavering attitude; however, once again, no quail were located as his sixty minutes came to an end. As I heard someone remark, "All he needed was bird." Hunt's Centerfold is covered above with the ribbon winners. This pair had medium to distant range with classy style in their individual rhythmic gaits.

Friday evening events were covered above. Saturday arrived with a light frost on the grass and temperatures around 27. The judges had announced on Friday evening that they were calling back eight more dogs for the hour callbacks.

Brace three of the callbacks had Cool Hand Luke, with Mike Tracy, and Haneys Juggernaut, with Shawn Kinkelaar. The judges deemed this brace the most exciting of the callbacks, with both dogs just a blur across the horizon, appearing when and where they should. The opening for this brace was heaven-sent with a long, wide acre to roll out into. Their stamina for the hour unchanged as the hour came to a close. Haneys Juggernaut had an unproductive at 58, which had everyone holding their breath awaiting a successful covey rise, which did not happen. Unfortunately for Haneys Juggernaut, despite showing ground intelligence in searching the areas birds should have been found, did not produce birds, and he concluded his attempt to place with no birds. In the final four minutes, both dogs were showing no sign of having run for an hour as they continued a forward march in search of birds. It was at this time that deer were spotted at the top of the next hill; however, no dogs had reached the summit before time was called, and handlers rode to gather their charges.

Callback brace four was whistled away at 9:20: Bluebar Maggie, with Mike Tracy, and Marques Trail Boss, with Lefty Henry. John Ivester was present to watch his Marques Trail Boss bid for a placement. Bluebar Maggie had a medium-ranged race and hunted as if in a mutual understanding with handler that he would guide her to game. Her animated carriage was appropriate, although not powerful on this second day. In the long field adjacent to Derby Road, she stuck to hunting in the woods, returning to the field near the end where she was watered and then sent on to resume hunting. She scored no observed bird contacts. Marques Trail Boss is a well-built and powerful dog on the ground, although, in this second series, he was very independent and required equally strong scouting skills by his scout. At 50, he had been missing for a while, and handler took a locating device.

Brace five called Backcountry Jacob to the line with Chris Catanzarite as bracemate for Honky Tonk Hiroller with Scott Miller. Both dogs had qualified for this opportunity to be called back with good ground energy and strength in a positive hunting pattern during their first 30 minutes. Backcountry Jacob had a medium race, showed a good response to handler's commands, and had a find at 12 and a nonproductive at 55. Honky Tonk Hiroller raced down the fields in a good forward pattern with a few side-to-side detours. He required some scouting. Your reporter's notes indicated he stood at 12; however, I was corrected that he had checked in and was watered at that time. He finished his hour without any bird contact.

The final brace of the 61st Futurity was taken to the line at 1:30 after a hot lunch in the spacious clubhouse. The Adsits are responsible for most meals at the clubhouse and do a spectacular job preparing meals for all who attend. If you do not join in the social lunch time you are missing part of the trial. The Futurity committee feels that meals are a thank you for nominating litters and seeing that they are entered; consequently, there is no charge for noon meals or the handler's evening meal.

Deena Jet Boyer, with Mike Tracy, and Buffalo Junction Calico, with Al Dahl, were the final two called back. The bird availability at Hoffman this year is good, although, at times, it seemed challenging for these derbies. Deena Jet Boyer is covered with the winners above. Buffalo Junction Calico had a busy forward race in the first series at a medium range. He required a little scouting, especially after his two finds during this callback. At 17, he crossed the sand road approaching Baggett Lake. He stood in the thick to the right of the dog wagon and awaited handler for flush. He remained somewhat solid, although was getting a little uncertain as handler approached. When the covey lifted, Buffalo Junction Calico could stand it no more and gave an energetic chase for several minutes before handler and scout were able to convince her to move forward in the search for more birds. She made her way forward with some scouting, although gleefully moving as we awaited her next quail contact. We were not disappointed when, at 46, she definitely proved she was a bird dog by locating a second large covey. Once again, she was away with the birds. We maintain a derby need not be fully broke; however, one may take a few steps but stop when cautioned or strongly spoken to by handler but not chase as a puppy would chase. This situation is always discussed when you have several other derbies that are either completely staunch and steady or at least are staunch until shot rings out and take only a step or slight turn.

Hoffman, N. C., January 2
Judges: Tommy Brigman and Steve Mills
61ST UNITED STATES QUAIL FUTURITY [Thirty-Minute Qualifying Series; Sixty-Minute Finals] - 29 Pointers and 9 Setters
1st-COOL HAND LUKE, F1714223, pointer male, by Southpoint's Speedy G-Lone Tree Last Snow. Bob & Linda Bergen, owners; Mike Tracy, handler.
2d-TANGLEBRIARS WILL, F1705427, setter male, by Bozeann's Rex-Bozeann's Tailwind. Thomas Smith, owner; Mike Hester, handler.
3d-DEENA JET BOYER, F1718103, pointer female, by Touch's Fire Away-World Class Dialing Out. Darren & Steve Boyer, owners; Mike Tracy, handler.
4th-HUNT'S CENTERFOLD, 1718110, pointer female, by Touch's Mega Mike-Broomsedge Tiny Rebel. Justin Hunt, owner; Shawn Kinkelaar, handler.

Presentation to Chairman Gary Miller by committee: Margaret Drew, Earl Drew, Gretchen Adsit, GB Hatcher, and John Adsit.

Presentation of painting of 60th winner Backcountry Champagnesupernova by artist Leah Brigham. Gary Miller, Margaret Drew, Chris Catanzarite, and Earl Drew.