Result: National Open Shooting Dog Championship

Location: Union Springs, Alabama

Post Date: Mar 25, 2025

Submitted By: Elton Bray

National Open Shooting Dog Championship (l-r): Mike Jackson (judge), Tom Shenker with Late Hit, Jonathan Burch (judge), Hunter McDuffie, and Kevin Stuart (judge).

The 64th renewal of the prestigious National Open Shooting Dog Championship began Monday, February 3, and concluded Sunday, February 9. A string of 54, which included 46 Pointers and eight Setters, were drawn to compete for the best of the best. Nineteen of the most renowned, professional, and amateur dog handlers vied for the title of their dog to be named champion. There were handlers from as far as New Mexico, California, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia.

The venue for this historical event was none other than the famous Sedgefields Plantation near Union Springs, Alabama. If one has never visited there, you should add it to your list. The towering pines and native grasses make for the perfect Bobwhite habitat. Sedgefields is owned by Raymond and Katheryn Harbert. Without their continued generosity of usage of their beautiful facilities and grounds, it would be almost impossible to hold such a prominent event. The Harberts are to be commended for their kindness and hospitality.

A huge thank you also goes out to Jason Howard, Sedgefields manager, and field trial board member. He and all the plantation staff help make the trial run smoothly. From manning the road crossings to making sure the trash barrels are empty, it all gets done every day. Another notable board member and newly elected board president, Bill Lee, is a major part of the Sedgefields operation. He is on hand daily and does whatever it takes to make the trial run fluently. His love for the sport and the people is well-noted throughout the field trial world. If something needs to be addressed during the running, Bill Lee is the "go-to" man who always has a plan.

Most successful field trial clubs have a secretary and treasurer, but none are lucky enough to have Heather Klinck. Heather can do it all and does it all. She takes care of the ad, entries, judges, and dog wagon goodies and schedules the day and night events. From flower arrangements to judges' books, Heather gets everything done. Klinck's time and dedication are one of the major parts of the trial's success each year.

Steve Hutto was in charge of the dog wagon duties. Hutto is always in the right places at the right times. He is also in charge of making sure the wagon is stocked full of snacks and drinks each day.

Minding the marshaling duties were Harrison Lee, Squire Lee, and Harold Johnson. With these men in attendance, no handler took wrong turns, and judges were never left behind. Other board members helping with the day-to-day duties were Perry Hicks and Pete Del Collo.
Annie Buce was in charge of washing off the officials' horses. She does an excellent job and is very much appreciated. Annie was also seen on horseback throughout the trial.

As advertised, the judges for this year's competition were Mike Jackson, Battle Ground, Indiana; Jonathan Burch, Holly Springs, Mississippi; and Kevin Stuart, Schenectady, New York. Each gentleman has a rich history with bird dogs, and they watched each competitor with careful intent.

Purina is the official dog food sponsor. Their representative, Greg Blair, was in attendance for several days and was accompanied by his daughter, Maddie, a senior at Auburn University. Purina is a very important part of this championship; not only do they provide financially, but also with rewards, gifts, and dog food to the winner. Without the support of Greg Blair and Purina, our sport would be nearly dissolved. Other official sponsors for the trial were Garmin, 5 Star Equine Products, Dan's Hunting Gear, The Saddle Guy, Cook Chevrolet, Thompson Cat, AmeriFirst Bank, Phillip's Feed and Seed, Eater Plantation, the Whithurst family, Embrace Alabama Kids, Adams Motorsports, Mac Stidham and the Alabama Field Trial Association. Sponsoring the cocktails this year were Becks Turf, Blackbelt Land Management, Dykes Quality Automotive, Greenway Sportsman Club, Betsy and Ed Holland, Harrison Lee, Ted Roach, Justin Clark with Jackson Thornton Wealth Management, Three Notch Lodging, TJ Williford Partners Realty, Tracey McPherson with ALFA, Union Springs Home Center, Walking on the Moon Animal Hospital, Shenandoah Plantation, and Frank Moorer. The help and support of these sponsors from all over Bullock County sure gives everyone a welcoming feeling.

A full-course breakfast was served each morning during the running. It was provided by the Tourism Council of Bullock County and its large number of sponsors. A delicious lunch was prepared and served each day by Ban Stewart, which included a wide variety of options for everyone.

A function was held every evening during the running. Sunday night's kickoff party was at the Field House. Monday night, everyone was invited to the Country Club for a delicious steak dinner sponsored by Purina. Tuesday, we enjoyed a delicious meal at the Field House. Wednesday night, everyone was invited to the Union Springs Country Club for a dinner and party celebrating the 2024 National Open Shooting Dog Champion, Grand Prairie Thrill. The meal and celebration were sponsored by her owner, Mac Stidham. A beautiful portrait commissioned by Ross Young was presented to Mac. Thursday evening, we were treated again to another delicious meal at the Field House prepared by Ban Stewart and sponsored by the Alabama Field Trial Association. Friday night, everyone enjoyed dinner prepared by Taco Mama. Saturday evening, everyone gathered one last night for another delicious meal by Ban Stewart.
This was the second year of releasing wild birds on the afternoon courses. The program that Tall Timbers has set seems to be working. Six years ago, Tall Timbers started the wild bird project on the morning courses. As you will find out from the brace-by-brace report, it was very successful. Sedgefields is at the very top of venues for bird dogs.

The Champion
The 2025 National Open Shooting Dog Championship was won by the white, orange, and ticked Pointer male, Late Hit. "Jay" is owned by Chris Campbell of Shreveport, Louisiana. The Campbell family is no stranger to Bullock Co., Alabama, as they own the Easter Plantation in nearby Hurtsboro. Jay was whelped on 1/18/19 at Abigail Plantation with the direction of their dog man, Willis Wright. He is by National Ch. Miller's Blindsider and out of Abigail Lil. Late Hit has been with Tom Shenker since he was a puppy. Lee Philips had a large hand in Jay's training. Lee took him to the prairies, his puppy, derby, and first-year summers. Late Hit has 16 placements, which include winning the Continental Derby Championship, runner-up at the All-American Derby Championship, and, most recently, winning the Alabama Championship. He also won the Hobart Ames Memorial in January of this year. This National Open Shooting Dog Championship win gives Jay three championship titles covering All-Age and Shooting Dog stakes.

Late Hit was braced in No. 16 with Jolene Jolene (Mike Tracy). They broke away at the end of Bill Lee's driveway, which is the second afternoon course. Jolene was not seen at 32, and Mike asked for the tracker at 47. Just after the breakaway at 4, Jay styled up on the edge of the clump of trees on the right side of the Duck Pond Road. Shenker only took a few steps, and the large covey lifted. He stood proud and poker-tailed before, during, and after the flush. After crossing the Duck Lake in the Big Woods, Jay put on a show. He was always seen just over the next hill, hunting exactly where he needed to be. We crossed the Field Trial Road at 53, and just after crossing by the power line at 1:14, he styled up again. He stood just as staunch as before as the birds lifted, crediting him with a second impressive find. We were crossing Bill Lee's driveway when the judges called time. As Shenker rode in to gather his dog, he found him on point for a third time. Jay was standing majestic and tall as the judges arrived. Shenker flushed a very nice covey of Bobwhites, crediting Jay with a third spectacular piece of birdwork. Jay hunted with a strong drive and style to the front the entire hour and a half. This was a top championship performance, which earned Late Hit the title of the 2025 National Open Shooting Dog Champion.

Chris Campbell was not able to be present at the announcement due to a prior obligation. He asked Jimmy Bassett to please read this statement for him in his absence:
2/9/2025
"As you well know, I would not have missed this for anything except for a promise I made to my son to take him to the Super Bowl in New Orleans months ago. Today is my deceased father's 84th Birthday, and we try to celebrate it every year. What better way to celebrate than going to the Super Bowl?"

Shoutouts to:
The Bullock County citizens and elected officials. In my 57 years of life coming and going from Bullock County, they have always been so supportive and encouraging of the field trial community.

The Shooting Dog Field Trial Association and all its officers/officials. Please keep doing what you do and continue to always bring the National Open Shooting Dog Championship to Bullock County. What an awesome experience it is every year!

The Harbert family, the Jason Howard family, the Bill Lee family, and all the staff at Sedgefield plantation. What a blessing you all are to the community surrounding Union Springs and, most especially, the field trial community.

Tom Shenker and your wonderful family of Melody, John Samuel, Ann Jackson, and Garrison Shenker. What a blessing you all have been to our family. And what a dog whisperer you are, Tom! I knew it would happen at some point, as you are the epitome of excellence in all that you do!

The staff at Easter Plantation who continually support Tom in his quest to raise the standard in bird dogs to the highest level in the United States.

The horses, dogs, and wild quail that make all this such a gift to our community of upland hunters and field trial enthusiasts.

And finally, to our Lord and Savior, Jesus, who makes each and every day a gift to enjoy his beautiful outdoors.

On behalf of Easter Plantation, my family, and the Shenker family, we humbly accept this amazing championship trophy!"

The Running
Starting off the championship on Monday morning, in brace No. 1 were Hale's Smooth Touch (Shawn Kinkelaar) and Miller's Extreme Heat (Mike Tracy). They broke away at 8:01. It was a chilly 39 degrees, but the sun was shining brightly. Touch was absent just after crossing the road, and Kinkelaar requested the tracker at 31. At the hour mark, just under the Eagles Nest, scout George Tracy called point for Heat. Mike was unable to produce game for his classy female. She finished the 90 minutes behind the Big Lake.

Pine Straw Hot Chocolate (Mike Tracy) and Mauck's Wyeast Molly (Alex Mauk) were drawn in the second brace. They were released at the Coke Barn. Coming off Bi-Color Hill at 18, Chocolate was seen on point under a group of cedar trees. Tracy flushed a nice covey in front of his female setter. Her second nice piece of birdwork came at 32. She pointed once more at 59 just before crossing the big pipe and was awarded her third find. Molly came in from the side and honored. Both female Setters completed the 90 minutes just before crossing the New Bridge.

Monday afternoon drew Grand Prairie Thrill (Tommy Rice) and Thunder Bolt's Storm (Shawn Kinkelaar) for brace No. 3. The temperature had risen to 71 degrees by 1:15 when the dogs were released from the Field Trial Barn. Thrill was not seen after the Dove Field, and Rice requested the retrieval device at 17. Storm was birdless but completed the heat on Turkey Ridge.

Minnesota Red Confidence (Tommy Rice) and Lester's Another Shockwave (Shawn Kinkelaar) were released at the end of Bill Lee's Driveway in the fourth brace. Red pointed nearing the Duck Lake levee at 9 but was unsuccessful. Shockwave was not seen at 15, and Shawn asked for the tracker at 30. Red suffered his second unproductive at 1:10 and was harnessed.

Tuesday morning, in the fifth brace, were Miller's Concealed Weapon (Bill Owen) and Nonami's Johnny Come Lately (Ray Pearce). Weapon was credited with a nice find at 17, nearing the Old Bridge Road Crossing. His second find came just up the hill on the left side at 24. At 49, after crossing the New Bridge, Weapon pointed again. Owens relocated his Setter two times but was unsuccessful. Riding behind the Cemetery at 53, Owens called point again; this time, a nice covey was flushed, crediting him with a third find. At 1:11, Pearce called point coming behind the Big Lake. As the judges rode across the Trash Crossing, they could see him staunchly standing. A large bevy flew as Pearce made only a few steps. He scored again at 1:19, just before the Coke Barn Road. Weapon had his fourth find at the Coke Barn Road at 1:23 and scored once more at 1:27, thus awarding him five successful game contacts and a nice finish. Pickup was called, and Pearce and his scout, Cody McLean, struck out in search for Johnny. After two minutes, Pearce called point, crediting him with his third nice piece of birdwork.

Cheap Thrill (Tommy Rice) and Chelsea's Mae West (Shawn Kinkelaar) were drawn in the sixth brace. At 17, Mae was found on point on the Joe Varner Line, and Thrill was there backing. Unfortunately, no Bobwhites were found. Thrill pointed at 1:21 at the North Kelly Thomas, but she, too, was unsuccessful and was harnessed. Mae was not seen at pickup.

Waybetter Rebel (Mike Tracy) and World Class Terminator (Squire Lee) ran in the seventh brace on Tuesday afternoon. It was overcast and 72 degrees. Terminator scored a nice find just off the breakaway at 3 and again just up the hill at 6. At 57, scout Matt Basilone called point for Terminator on the west side of Bill Lee's Driveway, and a nice covey was produced. He was not seen at 1:04, and Lee asked for the tracker at 1:19. Tracy also asked for the tracker after Rebel's extended absence at 1:17.

Competing in brace No. 8 were Trumped (Mike Tracy) and Sandridge Big Iron (Allen Vincent). Trumped was unable to produce game at 7 just before the Duck Lake levee. He was not seen at 20, and Tracy called for the retrieval device at 33. Iron was birdless but was a very strong competitor. He hunted the front the entire 90 minutes with enthusiasm and style.

Starting Wednesday morning with the ninth brace were Ramblin Rivers Natural (Brian Gingrich) and Mayfield Storm Charger (Allen Vincent). It was sunny and 57 degrees. Natural pointed behind the Big Lake at 1:19. He was relocated twice but was unsuccessful. He and Charger both completed the hour-and-a-half heat.

Breaking away from the Coke Barn with the 10th brace were Awakened (Tony Reynolds) and Faithful (Mike Tracy). At 25, after passing the Joe Varner Line, scout Squire Lee called point for Awakened. She was styled up on the right side when Reynolds arrived. A large covey was flush as she stood proud. Her second nice find came at 33, just after crossing Whaley Road. She completed the 90 minutes. Faithful was not seen at 1:17, and Tracy asked for the tracker at 1:28.

Running in the 11th brace were BK Locked N' Loaded (Sergio Velez) and Miller's Southern Gossip (George Tracy). Coming out of the Dove Field at 17, Loaded pointed on the right side of the course. Sergio relocated her twice, but no birds were found. At 49, after crossing Bill Lee's Driveway, Sergio called point for a second time. As Loaded was standing staunchly, a nice bevy was flushed by her handler. At 1:27 on Turkey Ridge, scout Harrison Lee called point for Loaded. There, she was credited with a second nice piece of birdwork. She and Gossip both completed the heat.

In brace No. 12 was Miller's High Heat Index (Mike Tracy) and C S Dirty Harry (Steve Hurdle). Index suffered an unproductive at 1:17 but completed. Harry was unable to make game but hunted the front with style the entire heat.

Thursday morning started off with C S Snapdragon (Steve Hurdle) and Miller's Heat Seeker (George) Tracy, with brace No. 13. It was 63 degrees and overcast. Seeker had his first nice find at 24, just topping the hill past the Old Bridge Road Crossing. Snapdragon had an absence, and Hurdle retrieved the tracker at 31. Mr. George called point again at 33 just before dropping off the hill towards the New Bridge. Seeker stood tall and proud as the birds flew. He was credited with his third pretty find at 53, just below the cemetery. Seeker completed the hour and a half hunting the front behind the Big Lake.

Turning loose at the Coke Barn with the 14th brace were Melrose Big John (Terry Chastain Jr.) and LMD's Can't Touch This (Virgil Moore). Touch was found on point at 37 after crossing the Whaley Road. Moore dismounted and flushed a nice bevy. Both dogs were picked up at 54.

Drawn in the 15th brace were Bittersweet War Cry (Mike Tracy) and Wynona's Nickleback Sugar (Allen Vincent). At breakaway, it was sunny and 78 degrees. Vincent requested the tracker at 45, and Cry was picked up at 47.

The 16th brace produced the champion and was previously reviewed.

Starting out Friday morning with overcast sky and 65 degrees was the 17th brace with Steel Valley Raven (Mike Tracy) and Thunder's Wild Agin (Shawn Kinkelaar). At 19, before the Old Bridge Road crossing, Agin was awarded a nice find on the left side of the course. Tracy requested the tracker at 22, and Kinkelaar called for his at 29.

Running in the 18th brace was C S Code Blue (Steve Hurdle) and Mohawk Mill Gangster (Matt Basilone). At 3, Hurdle already has his hat in the air for Blue. As the judges arrived, Blue was standing proud. Hurdle produced game and shot. At 22, scout Squire Lee called point for Gangster on the Joe Varner fence line. The birds were not easy to find in the cedar thicket, but after two relocations, he pinned them. Blue was credited with a second find near Whaley Road at 25 and a third at 40. At 52, scout John David Smith called point for Blue. Hurdle relocated twice, but no game was produced. He had an absence at the hour, and Hurdle requested the tracker at 1:17. Gangster was picked up at 49.

Friday afternoon was sunny and 72 degrees as brace No. 19 turned loosed at the Field Trial Barn with Miller's Lock and Loaded (George Tracy) and Fort River's Lucky Charm (Matt Basilone). At 33, Loaded was credited with a nice find behind Bill Lee's House. Both dogs were harnessed at 50.

Turning loose in the 20th brace at Bill Lee's Driveway were Miller's Automatic Upgrade (Mike Tracy) and Touch's Steely Dan (Virgil Moore). Mr. George requested the tracker at 20; Dan was picked up at 53.

The 21st brace broke away Saturday morning at 8:01 with Real Thing Dolly (Tommy Rice Jr.) and Calico's Sky's The Limit (Mike Tracy). Dolly was found on point at 15 just after the road crossing along the fence. She was quite stylish as the birds flew to the west and Rice shot. She suffered an unproductive at 31 and was harnessed at 1:02. Limit was also picked up at that time.

Drawn in the 22nd brace were Circle B Wanted Ryder (Sergio Velez) and CS Four Season's Gunner (Steve Hurdle). Ryder had a very nice find at 29 on the Joe Varner line, with Gunner there backing. The birds were difficult to find, but after crossing the fence twice, Velez made them fly. Both were picked up at 48.

Brace No. 23 was Mohawk Mill King Pen (Matt Basilone) and Levi Express Visa (John Van Horn). Pen suffered an unproductive at 9 and another at 33. He was then harnessed. Visa was also harnessed at 33 after failing to back his brace mate.

Running in the 24th brace breaking away at Bill Lee's Driveway were Smoke 'N' Mirrors (Matt Basilone) and Upfront's Southern Star (Shawn Kinkelaar). Just before crossing the Duck Lake levee, the dogs were not seen, and the handlers were checking the field to the right when they both called point. The judges arrived, and both dogs were standing side by side. Both handlers flushed and shot, crediting their competitors with a nice divided find. Star was not seen after making the turn in the Big Woods, and Kinkelaar asked for the tracker at 33. At 44, just before nearing the Deer Stand, Basilone called point. He relocated his Pointer female twice but was unsuccessful. She was picked up at 55 at the Field Trial Road Crossing.

Competing in the 25th brace on Sunday morning were Hirollins Bad Boy (Matt Basilone) and BK's West Coast Remington (Sergio Velez). Remington was picked up at 31, and Boy was put on the wagon at 59.

Breaking away at the Coke Barn with brace No. 26 were Panther Creek Rosie (Tommy Rice) and B K Pablo Escobar (Sergio Velez). Escobar pointed at 11, but no game was produced. Rosie was found on point at 23 under the cedar thicket on the Joe Varner Line. She was bold and tight as the birds lifted. Escobar was credited with a nice find at 41 after the Whaley Road Crossing. Unfortunately, Escobar suffered his second unproductive at 1:27 and was harnessed. Rose was standing behind, honoring. She completed her 90-minute heat hunting the front near the Old Bridge Road Crossing.

Drawn in the last brace, No. 27, was Erin's Johnny Walker (Squire Lee) and BK Bulletproof (Sergio Velez). They were both picked up at 26 at the crossing behind Bill Lee's House.

Union Springs, Ala., February 3
Judges: Mike Jackson and Jonathan Burch
NATIONAL OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [Ninety-Minute Heats] - 46 Pointers and 8 Setters
Winner-LATE HIT, F1687601, pointer male, by Miller's Blindsider-Abigail Lil. Christopher Campbell, owner; Tom Shenker, handler.

(L-r): Judges Kevin Stuart, Mike Jackson, Johnathan Burch, and Elton Bray (reporter).

(L-r): Harrison Lee, Bill Lee, and Squire Lee.

(L-r): Link Howard and Jason Howard.