Result: U. S. Complete National Open Shooting Dog Championship

Location: Hoffman, North Carolina

Post Date: Mar 11, 2025

Submitted By: Margaret C. Drew

U. S. Complete National Open Shooting Dog Championship (l-r): Mark Hughes with Smoke Rise Jake, Cliff Monroe with Mohawk Mill Knight Hawk, Fred Rose, Mary Walters, Tony Bingham, Ashby Morgan, Maggie Maier, Earl Drew, Bob Young, Barbara Young, Fred Potts, Dave Huffine, Bob Phillips, Daryl Grantham, Lynn Deaton, and Greg Robinson.

Since 2018, the U. S. Complete Shooting Dog Association has held its National Open Shooting Dog Championship on the prestigious state grounds known as J. Robert Gordon Field Trial Area in Hoffman, North Carolina. These grounds host walking, horseback shooting dog, and all-age trials from October through March. The state provides a dog wagon with 16 vented cages under an elevated people carrier. Although the ride is not necessarily comfortable, it does allow folks to see much of each brace. The dog wagon driver picks up the dogs needed for the three hours and returns them before lunch or after the afternoon braces. Breakaway is at 8 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. daily so that spectators can join the troop. After the first two years of running at Hoffman, the committee decided to start Course 1 below the clubhouse halfway through the horseback Course 1. The afternoon courses begin behind the barn, this year right at the barn instead of the traditional end of the piney woods area. The courses have water and manmade water holes, a few brook crossings, and always water on the dog wagon. There are horse stalls in the barn and outside corals, dog kennels, power for electrical hook-up, and running water in several areas.

Let me share a little history of our well-known field trial area: In early 1968, the Wildlife Commission proposed a ten-year development plan for 950 of these sandhill acres. About 87 acres of these blocks were within the 31-mile planned planted strips. The first trial was held in 1954, which precipitated the completion of plans for a barn and circular dog kennels in 1955.
By 1970, the NC Wildlife Commission had expressed that the area had developed a favorable environment and wanted to attract more outsiders. They set out to promote the hosting of national and large regional events. In 1971, additional dog kennels were built, and horse corrals and water were made easily available. In 2022, with outside funding, the NC Wildlife staff erected red horse corrals where water is readily available. Additional electrical outlets were also installed.

In the '70s, wild quail had declined, and the field trial association petitioned the NC Wildlife Commission to allow the release of quail in the fall before the field trial season begins. The trial schedule is decided in July at the summer association meeting, with trials held from October through the end of March. As of July 2023, the number of days trials may be held each year is 16. With the cooperation of the NC Wildlife's area staff, the grounds are kept mowed, roads kept passable, and water holes are maintained. The NCFTA is responsible for purchasing and releasing of quail in September. The association purchased a tractor and added a new spreader in 2024 so that the birds could be fed and water would be provided. Since 1981, quail have been released and watched over at the Hoffman Field Trial grounds.

The 1985 plan introduced improved seed crops by the state, with the NCFTA adjusting its feeding program to augment the planted crops. The clearing and maintaining of courses was continued, as were five-year plans for burning. The Redheaded Woodpecker was also part of the 1985 plan to preserve trees where woodpeckers were making their homes. Visitors will see white-painted bans on trees; these are woodpecker protection trees.

In the early 2000s, an additional loop was added to the acres behind the clubhouse. Some folks called it the Dr. Bill Andrews Loop or Naked Creek Loop, Course 6. Early trials were all walking, regardless of the dog's range. As time progressed, horseback was introduced. Today, the grounds attract walking, horseback shooting, and all-age events. Each group is appreciative of the birds and courses good for all bird dogs. During the 2025 championship, 47 coveys were counted, plus probably some others not noted or reported by scouts for the count.

There are six fairly equal courses, all well marked where to begin or end. In 2021, the state put up road signs on main dirt roads to allow folks to get around better. Three courses begin in front of the clubhouse and finish three hours later behind the clubhouse. Three more courses begin behind the barn and traverse in a loop to cross near the clubhouse in about an hour and 45 minutes before setting out on the loop, ending an hour later behind the clubhouse. Each weekend, clubs alternate a.m. and p.m. courses starting place.

No quail hunting has been allowed since the beginning of field trials on these NC State Wildlife grounds. However, this is a large area, and many hunters have not taken the time to read the wildlife handbook, so violations have occurred. The local game wardens cover a large area and have limited success finding those in violation. The NC Wildlife staff has stepped up to assist in solving this problem. Large orange signs with bold lettering are being posted, indicating NO HUNTING. Additional signs concerning vehicle traffic are placed on key access roads. The clubhouse has a posted list of game wardens and wildlife staff to assist trialers in reporting any violations they observe. It is recommended that photographing the license plate is very helpful.

The U. S. Complete Walking Shooting Dog Association was founded in 1981 by Robert Lee, Jack Myrick, and Gerald Shaw. Their combined talents made the organization a success. In 1983, the American Field awarded the group a championship. Since Ted Riley proposed and worked to bring the championship to Hoffman, it has remained and grown each year. Anyone wanting to join us or learn more about the U. S. Complete organization should visit our website for rules and expectations.

The most difficult job in any trial, especially a championship, is serving as a judge. This year, two experienced bird dog people served. Tim McClurg from Ohio also resides in North Carolina for the winter, where he trains and shows his Pointers. Tim had agreed to fill in when the posted judge had suffered a horseback fall resulting in broken ribs. Past U. S. Complete Association president Ashby Morgan from Virginia served as the other judge.

Purina and Garmin are very supportive sponsors for the U. S. Complete National Open Championship. Purina funds are also used to assist with daily hot lunches prepared by John and Gretchen Adsit. The Adsits spend six months in Vermont and six months in North Carolina. They, too, have bird dogs.

The 2025 championship drew 58 dogs this year and 13 derbies. On Friday evening, there was a catered dinner by Fred Rose in honor of last year's winner, Smoke Rise Jake. Tony Bingham is his handler. It is with pleasure that I announce his winning this 42nd running, and we can expect another great dinner in 2026. Thanks, Fred. A Purina-sponsored dinner was held for handlers and community bird dog folks on Saturday evening. As you can see, we do eat well at Hoffman. The birds were plentiful, the company enjoyable, and with bird dog stories long, you need to plan to join the group in February 2026.

The Winners
Six-year-old Pointer Smoke Rise Jake once again bested the field of 58 entries to obtain the title. Owners Fred Rose and Mary were in the gallery to watch. Jake covered every inch of Course 2 with speed and determination. Jake is a large, framed male whose powerful ground attack is consistent from start to finish. Jake stood proudly and tall for a perfect covey rise at 6. By 16, the course climbs a rather steep hill, crosses an open area, and traverses through a piney woods area. Here, Jake checked with the handler, gulped a little water, and continued around the course with plenty of drive, covering all areas known to harbor birds. The championship's most "picture-perfect find" was caught on video at 47. As the group approached the candy tree area, Jake was found standing to the right of the course. He had to stand for a long time as handler Bingham approached. The heavily loaded wagon held their breath as they watched Jake, with Bob's Elhew Sage, coming out of the field to the left and stopping to back. A wonderful sight! Bingham attempted to flush well into the wooded area. When no birds were found, he was returning to Jake when he stepped in the right spot, and a large covey burst into the air, fluttering skyward and horizontality while both dogs stood staunch and proud. With only three minutes left, Jake reached the knoll to take him down a small hill, handler heavy on the whistles, encouraging him to finish with strength and continued drive. He finished going away.

The runner-up spot went to Mohawk Mill Knight Hawk, PM, owned by Gary and Ellen Winall, under the whistle of Tony Bingham. Coming from the 17th brace, Mohawk Mill Knight Hawk covered a lot of ground in quick time. He and his bracemate were frequently watered to keep them in line with the heat. He seemed to roll forward and on reaching for the elusive quail. Mohawk Mill Knight Hawk was found firmed up at 40, well versed in field trial manners; he stood patiently waiting flush as bracemate backed. Mohawk Mill Knight Hawk's bird contact had charged his spirit as he began casting further and further. When time was called, he was well to the front and required a mounted scout to return him to the truck.

The judges also noted that they had carried Low Country Katie, PF, owned and handled by Steve Ferrell; Saddled Up Sadie, PF, owned by Joe Cammisa with Mark Hughes; Smoke Rise Bull, PM, owned by Fred Rose with Tony Bingham; and Erin's Battle Cry, PM, owned and handled by Dennis and Hope Beauford.

The Running
Brace 1 gathered behind the barn on Course 4 and awaited a blessing by Greg Robinson. Following a welcome by co-chairman Dave Huffine, the brace was announced and whistled off.
Cow Creek Redbud, PF, with Tony Bingham, was on the line with Can Am Cooper, PM, and Jamie Leitch. Cow Creek Redbud left the line with ample speed, crossed to the right, and marched forward. Once reaching the end of these piney woods, he was out of sight, and despite calls from the handler and a scout sent, the handler took his recovery device at 30 minutes. Can Am Cooper was forward, quartering a little, and then moved on course as expected. By 10 minutes, both handlers had rounded the corner, where Can Am stopped and joined the flush as a covey lifted.

The second brace was on the ground by 8:45, this time Adam Dubriske with a young ESM, Pool Brook Dobby. His Bracemate was Low Country Katie, PF, with owner/handler Steve Ferrell. Dobby toured the course with an animated, snappy gait. Although he hunted in many of the right areas, he was unable to locate quail. Steve Ferrell had a fun hour with Low Country Katie as she searched woods and fields. Following a brief absence, she returned at 20. Katie stood at 24; however, no birds were flown despite a good flushing attempt. This did not distract Katie, and she moved forward smoothly, crossing at a good distance before skirting the wooded edge. She scored a nice find at 32 and a second find at 45.

Following a welcomed coffee break, especially by all riding the wagon feeling a brisk breeze, not to mention those mounted on horse, brace No. 3 was released. Bingham had My Way Little Bud, PM, and Brian Ralph with his PM, Ralphy's Chasehill Rip. Little Bud had tightly laced sneakers and was not seen after the opening two minutes. Chasehill Rip had a good hunting race, remaining strong on the ground for his hour. He stood solid and sharp on a nice covey find at 53. All in order for wing and shot.

Lunch in the clubhouse was ready at noon, with an afternoon breakaway announced for 1:15.

The afternoon course starts below the clubhouse where Course 1 crosses Nursery Lane Road. Dave Huffine had his Sweet Grass Skeeter, ESM, as bracemate for Kelly's Rainbow Roy, ESM, with Mark Hughes. This pair of light-colored Setters marched up the slight hill, with Skeeter casting to the left, while Rainbow Roy checked out the waving grasses before being cautioned by his handler and snapping into a forward march. Sweet Grass Skeeter applied himself to the woods, making casts along the field edges. He, unfortunately, had a nonproductive at 12 and again at 50. He and his bracemate were classy running Setters with forward casts, Roy a little more handier than Skeeter's in-and-out sweeping casts.

Brace No. 5 was filled by Frank Joyal and his PF, Once In A Bluemoon, and Mark Hughes, with PF, Saddled Up Sadie. Blue Moon is an orange and white well-structured female and wore a bell. Saddled Up Sadie is a liver and white female with a light body. Both dogs were stylish and determined in their casts. Bluemoon scored a nice find on the far side of the plum thicket at 12. All in order. Handler Joyal kept his dog along the field and wood line where he had found quail. The two handlers got separated during Bluemoon's find; when the dog reached the front, co-handler Hughes offered the dog water. The dog then returned to his handler, Joyal. Bluemoon was affected by the heat and shortened his range, although he never stopped hunting. Saddled Up Sadie ran a classy forward race with a consistent pattern and range. She handled well for Mark, scoring one very large covey at 47. Her last 10 minutes were spent hunting.

The final brace of the day called Neo, a very white ESM owned and handled by David Theroux. His bracemate was Mohawk Mill War Hawk, PM, with Tony Bingham. Neo was never far from his handler as he hunted the course. He was somewhat spiral from the center of course before stretching to the front and returning for a repeat. He found his own much-needed water along the course. He backed his bracemate at 33. Handler Theroux walked up a covey of birds on his way to stand by his backing dog. Mohawk Mill War Hawk had a long absence early on, and then the scout called point at 33 in the woods. No birds were flown, and the dog did not relocate well. By 50, handler Bingham called for the locating device.

Day two dawned slightly foggy after a brief period of rain the preceding night. The judges called for brace No. 7 to be released after a blessing with Sweet Grass Slim, ESM, with owner and handler Dave Huffine was braced with Millers Dusty Version, PF, owned by Mike Husenits, with Mark Hughes answering the command. This pair were briskly through the piney woods behind the barn and rounded the corner between plumthick brush and a wide, thick, and tall broom straw area. At 5, birds were seen rising above the brush and grass, both dogs in the vicinity. When the handlers arrived, Slim was standing, although ticking, and Millers Dusty Version was accused of not backing as he passed near Slim. Dusty Version was taken to the truck, and Slim continued his hour swinging happily around the course at a good range. Slim stopped at 18, although not showing a positive location as he loosened up. He was tapped on by his handler for a relocation with no success. A second nice find was recorded for Slim at 40. However, with only three minutes left, his hour came to an end when another nonproductive was recorded. A long flushing attempt and relocation ended his hour.

Brace No. 8 found A Distant Spec, PF, owned by Mike Husenits with Mark Hughes, and Smoke Rise Bull, PM, owned by Fred Rose with Tony Bingham. The pair started forward through the cover with Bull on the left and Spec on beating a straight path toward the road crossing. The gallery heard a shot ring out at 3. This shot was taken for Bull by Bingham. Shortly after, well to the front, point was called for Spec, who was found proudly standing among small scrub saplings. Unfortunately, no birds were found at this 5-minute mark. The pair of dogs skirted the field and were down wide mowed paths as they stayed to the front with high scores in style. At 12, Spec stopped, and Bull backed. However, no quail were located, and Spec was returned to the truck. Bull continued his hunting and was given water several times, with the temps rising as the morning fog had lifted. Bull suffered an unproductive at 51. While the group enjoyed a break with snacks, coffee, and water, two horses decided that wandering away was better than ground tying. Cliff Monroe quickly mounted his scout horse and galloped after the horses. Cliff returned with one horse and reported that the second had continued rapidly toward the clubhouse. (He was later found beside his trailer.)

Finally, at 10:45, Quickmarksman's Dan, PM, owned by Mike Hester, although with Adam Dubriske today as bracemate for Smoke Rise Doc, PM, another owned by Fred Rose with Tony Bingham, were collared, judges given location devices, and dogs unleased. When the whistles sounded, the dogs were independent across the grass and up the slight hill in the area. Doc ran at a moderate range while Dan hunted at a distant range. At about 20, both dogs were beyond the area adjacent to Derby Road, and everyone could relax. As the wagon turned, we could see the pair running in tandem past "Jacobs Corner" toward Bear Claw. Something seemed amiss as the pair were tagging along. Doc acted as if Dan were a female ready to be bred. The dogs were separated and watered. Dan was taken to the left and turned free. Doc was also watered and taken to the far right; however, nothing changed with Doc racing to Dan and pinning him on the ground. Doc was leashed, and Dan returned to hunting. Dan continued hunting forward satisfactorily, stopping at 40 and then moving in before the handler arrived, and a covey fluttered skyward out of the plum thick shelter. The next 30 minutes was a ride back to the clubhouse, where hamburger pie was awaiting us. With everyone full, the wagon was loaded, maybe even overloaded, dogs put in dog boxes, and the mounted gallery went down to the breakaway where, by 1:35, we were once again under way in search of quail.

Lincoln County Buddy Boy, PM, owned and trained by Gary Whitworth, was with Tony Bingham paired up with Henry's Suzie Q Dot, ESF, owned and handled by David Theroux. Wasting no time, brace No. 10 saw both dogs rapidly up the path and out of sight. Dot quickly turned to the left at the top of the hill while Buddy Boy marched straight on. We saw very little of Buddy Boy, catching a brief glimpse at 17 down over the lower right edge. Shortly thereafter, he was checking with the handler more frequently in search of water; however, with temperatures near 70, the handler elected to return him to the wagon. On the other hand, Dot ran a snappy race, increasing her range and determination as her hour progressed. Dot's frequent check-in with the handler allowed her to be watered frequently, plus having some water in this area of the course was helpful. She showed no distraction from the heat; however, she located no birds.

Brace No. 11 had Miller's Hopped Up Version, PF, owned by Carlos Escalante with Mark Hughes and Margie Ridings with their family-owned PM, Georgia Born Windstorm. By this time, the temperatures were well into the low 70s, resulting in hot, dry sand. Windstorm ranged forward up each small hill and cast to the right into the woods. At 20, she emerged from the cover to pass the wagon. She was leased at 26, with the heat snapping her energy. Miller's Hopped Up Version covered the ground with a brisk gait, although he came in frequently for water. She had a nice find at 33 as we approached the soldier's camp; however, as birds flushed, she turned and marked their flight. This was too much when she gave a few hops as well.

As the wagon passes by the soldier's camp area, many spectators get off and walk a short distance to the clubhouse. Today, many folks chose to walk back and head home early. Brace No. 12 would end the day with Aristotle, ESM, owned by John Fort, with Calvin Curnutte and bracemate The Treasure Chest, PM, owned and handled by Cliff Monroe. Both dogs were quickly forward; however, Treasure Chest continued on independently charged in her hunting tour; consequently, a retrieval device was put into action at 34. Aristotle is a very large white Setter with a strong athletic gait. He ran with an eye-catching, classy style. Despite the high temperatures this afternoon, he maintained a solid power on the ground. He required some scouting and took some water; however, he maintained a stretching gait unaffected by the heat. He went birdless.

The day got off to a poor start with Smoke Rise Hanna, PF, with Tony Bingham, whose owner, Fred Rose, was present to observe. Jimmy Crandall had his PM, Jake The Joker, as bracemate. The pair were eagerly forward to reach the open area beyond the piney woods area behind the barn. As the two turned right, their paths were obscured by the plum brush. It appeared the pair had gotten into a little foot race as two sets of paw prints were found in the sand road crossing at 16, and no dogs had been seen since the corner. With scouts riding wide in search of their charges, handlers continued calling and walking. At 26, both handlers took their retrieval devices. (The scout reported one dog standing under plumthick and the other dog returning on its own, albeit a little late.)

Brace No. 14 followed with an enthusiastic crowd undampened by the brief race. The gallery had 12 mounted riders and eight riders on top of the dog wagon, all followed by several trucks. Super Storm Cliff, ESM, owned by Mike Rosano, was here to watch Adam Dubriske guide his hunting trip. His bracemate was Double Deuce Zeke, PM, belonging to Doug McMillen and handled by Mark Hughes. Cliff is an orange and white Setter who quartered at a good range and proper speed, his merry tail always visible. At 5, he had a nonproductive, with a lengthy relocation attempt failing before he was tapped on. As he made his way through the thick cover before the brook, he stood and waited for the handler to flush one lone quail as his bracemate had just passed through and had a covey flown by his handler. When Cliff became overly cautious, stopping and starting, self-relocating, he was picked up. Double Deuce Zeke moved with a consistent pattern, showing plenty of motion as he checked out all the appropriate spots to locate quail. He had one nice covey pinned on the hillside adjacent to the brook at 22. He ran a nice race and had that one find, but judges did not like that the handler had taken his dog on at one point where judges thought the dog had been pointing.

Brace No. 15 was a moving brace, which took us to the clubhouse in time for lunch. Cairds Lefty, PM, owned by the Ridings and handled by Sam Ridings today, was braced with ESM, Emert's Grouse Ringer T, owned and handled by Daryl Grantham. Each of these dogs covered the ground in front of the judges with a pleasing motion at a good hunting range in a windshield-wiper pattern. Lefty has recovered from a serious health issue but showed that he still loves to hunt and be a strong player in the field trial game. Ringer T executes his casts at a wider range, nevertheless moderate in range and fancy moving. Neither dog had any bird contact.

Brace No. 16 started at the bottom of the hill below the clubhouse off Nursery Lane Road. At the sound of the whistle, the pair appeared to have been blasted from a cannon, with both dogs rounding the top of the slight knoll and disappearing out of sight. These two were Pinekone Rappatomac Hawk, ESM, owned and handled by Jimmy Crandall, and Miller's Special Upgrade, PF, owned by Carlos Escalante, with Mark Hughes. Obviously, neither dog completed their hour, although Special Upgrade did have a nonproductive at 30.

At 2:37, brace No. 17 called Sweet Grass Skipper, ESM, owned and handled by Dave Huffine as bracemate for Mohawk Mill Knight Hawk, PM, with Tony Bingham. (Mohawk Mill Knight Hawk is covered under winners). These two dogs covered a lot of ground quickly, with power on the ground as they dug into the cover in search of quail. Both handlers gave water to their dogs at 12 before releasing them to return to their hunting role. At 35, the dogs cast to the lower side of the long field with a slight hill in the middle seeming nothing to the pair, although a warm jaunt to the handlers. A small covey lifted as Skipper spiritedly raced across the field to join his bracemate, Mohawk Mill Knight Hawk, for a back. Skipper was returned to the truck.

The final brace of this third day before the much-anticipated handlers' dinner set for 6:30 found Backwoods Wild Fire Blaze, PM, owned by Justin Mason, with Mark Hughes as bracemate for Georgia Born Braveheart, PM, owned by Sam and Margie Ridings, with Margie handling. Both dogs went directly to work in a moderate hunting pattern, checking many probable spots; however, not finding anything to point ranged out a little wider. Both dogs showed good style and good range. At 14, both were off to the left, checking a double football field area of deep and high grasses adjacent to two very large, long-leaf pines. Hughes called point as Braveheart was heading in his direction. Braveheart did not back, perhaps distracted by a brave redtail hawk who had been following the trial party. The hawk was seen to have landed in the big pine and then to divebomb to the grounds and snatch a quail before flying to another tree at the forest edge. As the hawk swooped down, a huge covey lifted with Braveheart now collared and Backwoods Wild Fire Blaze still standing. This had been a wildlife adventure, as usually seen on a wildlife discovery program; however, we all got to see it firsthand. AWSUM! Braveheart was returned to the wagon, while Wild Fire Blaze went on hunting with exaggerated speed, although keeping a close proximity to the handler. He scored a second find at 47 with all in order.

As we gathered on Sunday morning, we were all a bit apprehensive as the weatherman was predicting sun, heat, and possible showers, all demons for the field trialer and his dog.

Brace No. 19 started with a small morning gallery to watch Knight's Last Chipster, PM, owned and handled by Dennis Beauford, and bracemate Tenacee Rowdy, PM, with Greg Isenberg. These two dogs darted forward, passing straight into the large area of tall grasses. By 5, the handlers and judges had reached the corner, and judges spotted both dogs standing with only heads and tails seen. Birds were flushed as a divided find. Everything was in order, so the group moved on. Chipster checked in a few times while moving forward with an animated, albeit spiral, pattern. During these 20 minutes, Rowdy was living up to his name by not checking back in until 18. Unfortunately, the weather affected their performance today, causing inconsistent hunting. Chipster obediently scored a back at 37 and 45; however, he missed the scent of quail approaching the nearly dry water hole, his hour ending early. Rowdy had unproductives at 37 and 45, preventing 60-minute performances.

Joining the bid for a championship was Hirollins All American, ESM, owned and handled by Warren Parrott with PM, Meghan's Special Edition, owned by Meghan and Travis Riggs with Sam Ridings handling.

Brace No. 20 found both dogs quickly into admirable hunting patterns at appropriate ranges. Hirollins All American's speedy forward race began to change, and despite the handler watering several times, he was returned to the wagon at 43. Following an absence, Special Edition was offered water again, although, by 47, he was also returned to the wagon.

Brace No. 21 called another of the Ridings' dogs to the line, this time with Georgia Born Apache Wind, PM, owned and handled by Sam Ridings. Bracemate was Attitude's Night Train, PM, owned and handled by Dennis Beauford. On the ground, these two dogs maintained a good cadence with diversity in the woods and some through the tall waving amber grasses. The course crosses Firetower Road and travels west along Derby Road toward the Jacobs' winter residence before turning right, rounding the traditional bear claw area (now often referenced as Jacob's Corner). With Apache Wind casting well to the front, Night Train had to catch the front after being a little difficult to turn at the bear claw corner. (Thanks to Dave Hughes for driving Derby Road edge to prevent dogs from getting onto the blacktop where traffic can be dangerous). Apache had a nonproductive at 35 with a back at 53. His manners failed a little here, and he was taken to the truck. Night Train ran a good ground race, some in the woods and some in the grass, although seen from a distance most of the time. With 8 minutes to go, Night Train stood to await the handler to flush his game; however, when quail lifted, he went with the quail as they flushed.

Brace No. 22 called Daryl Grantham to the line with his ESM, Lincoln County Jack, as bracemate for PM Tenacee Franklin with Greg Isenberg. Jack's long stride did not hold up in the heat today despite being given water. Handler elected to pick him up early. Tenacee Franklin had a strong forward race, maintaining a consistent pace in the heat. He, unfortunately, had unproductives at 31 and 51.

Beaver Meadow Bit, PF, owned by Joe Cammisa, with Mark Hughes, comprised brace No. 23 with Roger McPherson's PF, Suemac's Wicked Sister under the whistle of Tony Bingham. These two dogs stretched their legs from the start, Beaver Meadow Bit having possible birdwork at 17; however, nothing was flown, and Bit raced onward, requiring the retrieval device as we approached the soldier's camp. Suemac's Wicked Sister was equally evasive, allowing us to get a glimpse here and there; however, she, too, needed a retrieval device to be returned to the truck.
*Handler Bingham took the tracker and borrowed a horse from owner McPherson. After 45 minutes, he had not returned, and a truck was sent to check on him as he was in the next brace, and the dog was also in the truck. With no success and time ticking on, the judges called the day's running, and the gallery was divided into groups to locate Bingham. EMS was notified that there might be a problem; however, just within the two-hour limit, the handler and dog returned. The swamp had prevented them from a speedy or safe return.

Brace No. 24 was ready at 8 a.m. with Santee River Pawley Girl, PF, owned by Mike McKenny, with Tony Bingham, and Mulberry Fields Molly, SF, owned by Norm Meeder, with Mark Hughes, all eager to get started on Sunday morning. Pawley Girl checked in at 7 and was found standing at 12. The handler failed to produce quail, and she did not relocate. When tapped on, she was out of sight and seen only after a retrieval device located her at 39. Mulberry Fields Molly is a small, mostly white Setter with lots of punch. She bounces through the cover, whether tall grasses or the 2 feet scrub oaks. She was picked up at 43 after she pointed, stopped, self-relocated, and repeated the process without solidly pointing to indicate game.

Brace No. 25 was a good race for dogs with a gallery watching. Doodle Ridge Elroy, ESM, owned by Bruce Mueller, was under the whistle of Mark Hughes and Erin's Battle Cry, PM, owned by Hope and Dennis Beauford with Tony Bingham. This 9:20 breakaway had two very competitive dogs, with animated and stylish movement at a good range, as they flew through areas where birds should have been waiting. The pair were released beyond a nearly dry water hole and were found standing forward several fields away, both in the amber tall grass for a divided find. Doodle Ridge Elroy is a very white setter who shows his excitement with leaps and bounds, stopping at 26 for another well-located find. Erin's Battle Cry reached out and forward, standing at 26 for a back and then returning to his hunting trip through the scrub oak trees that carpet the ground under the longleaf pines. At 56, while Doodle was being watered, it was noted that Battle Cry was missing. When his hour ended, he still had a few minutes to be located, which he was. The judge recorded that the dog had been found standing well to the front--a covey was with him.

Brace No. 26 found Cliff Monroe with My Way Coal Train, PM, owned by J. D. Waters, as bracemate for West Wind Big Jake, PM, owned by Gerry and Jane Mercatoris with Mark Hughes. Coal Train was briefly with us, although his hour ended when he was returned to the wagon via the use of a retrieval device. Big Jake had a close-ranging, although very animated, race. At 32, he had a stop to flush and a return walk to the dog truck.

Brace No. 27 was another exciting hour filled by Bob's Elhew Sage, PF, owned and handled by Bobby Phillips, and braced with Smoke Rise Jake, PM, handled by Tony Bingham. (Smoke Rise Jake covered with the winners). Sage is a small-framed female who flies through the cover with purpose and determination, with a gait that catches your eye. She was seen at a distance, making everyone look closely to determine who was who. At 16, the course climbs a rather steep hill, crosses an open area, and then traverses through a piney woods area. At 18, in these piney woods, Jake took some water while Sage made her way forward on the left, deep in the woods. She pointed; however, no birds were flown. With only three minutes left, the dogs reached the knoll to take them down a small hill, their handlers heavy on their whistles, encouraging them to finish with strength and continued drive. Both dogs finished going away with both handlers and judges smiling.

Brace No. 28 called for Mooselook Texas Star, PM, owned by Jack McNulty, was with Adam Dubriske as bracemate with Mohawk Mill Shake Up, PM, owned by Gary and Ellen Winall and handled by Cliff Monroe and Tony Bingham. The air was cooler on this final day; therefore, these dogs were eager to be free of their cages after five days, as evident in their spirited launch off the breakaway. A real nice breakaway that was topped by Mohawk Mill Shake Up pointing at 8, with Mooselook Texas Star backing. All in order for wing and shot allowed both to be taken on. The pair hunted independently, ranging well with animation and ease of handling. Water was given to the pair a couple of times, Moose checking for some at about 50 near the wagon. At 54, Shake Up had a nonproductive after a change of handlers.

The final brace was filled by Blue Water Reb, PM, owned by Tom McCluskey, although handled by Daryl Grantham today. His bracemate was Braggabull, PF, with Mark Hughes. Dogs were on the ground and into a hunting mode immediately. Blue Water Reb made game a few times before stopping at 26, where he had an unproductive. He did not complete his hour. Braggabull moved as the veteran she is, although she did not complete her hour with bird contact.

Hoffman, N. C., February 6
Judges: Tim McClurg and Ashby Morgan
U. S. COMPLETE NATIONAL OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 43 Pointers and 15 Setters
Winner-SMOKE RISE JAKE, F1684876, pointer male, by Stoney Run's Buddy-Smoke Rise Mariah. Fred Rose, owner; Tony Bingham, handler.
Runner-Up-MOHAWK MILL KNIGHT HAWK, F1685481, pointer male, by Mohawk Mill Pirate's Legacy-Katie Lee's Wild Side. Gary Winall, owner; Tony Bingham, handler.

Open Derby Classic
Following five days of every type of weather for the National Championship, we were able to get the Derby Classic run on Tuesday, February 11. Thirteen dogs were drawn. First place went to veteran trialer Bobby Phillips from Tennessee with his PF, Bob's Elhew June. She had one good find and two other bird contacts. Her race was strong, hunting and forward. Second went to Sweet Grass Slick, ESM owned and handled by Dave Huffine. Slick had a very strong, swinging wide, forward race with no bird contact. Third went to Mark Hughes with Justin Mason's PM, Backwoods Dine & Dash. He covered the ground with a good ground pattern with classy motion while moving. The judges said many birds were seen, although not all pointed.

Judges: Ashby Morgan and J. D. Waters
OPEN DERBY CLASSIC - 8 Pointers and 5 Setters
1st-BOB'B ELHEW JUNE, F1706401, pointer female, by Triple E Elhew White Lighting-Triple E Go Girl Kate. Bobby Philips, owner and handler.
2d-SWEET GRASS SLICK, F1706149, setter male, by Shagtime Max-Shagtime Zee. David Huffine, owner and handler.
3d-BACKWOOD'S DINE & DASH, F1718950, pointer male, by Springflow's Backcountry P-Apple Annie's Sweet Delight. Mark Hughes, owner and handler.

Open Derby Classic (l-r): Bobby Phillips with Bob's Elhew June, Ashy Morgan, Roger Nooe, David Huffine with Sweet Grass Slick, Fred Rose, Mark Hughes with Backwoods Dine & Dash, Tony Bingham, and J. D. Waters.

A heavily loaded viewing wagon also carrying dogs for the next three braces.