Event: Intensive I'm On Fire Winner and Alliwood's Eleventh Hour Runner-Up of the
Result: Illinois Open Shooting Dog Champioinship

Location: Chandlerville, Illinois

Post Date: Apr 2, 2025

Submitted By: Jeff Wagoner

Illinois Open Shooting Dog Championship: Kirk Loftin (judge), Pat McInteer with Intensive I'm On Fire, Steve Auxier (owner), Mark Johnson, and Aaron McAfee (judge).

The Illinois Open Shooting Dog Championship was contested on February 28 and March 1, 2025. The weather changed significantly from the previous few days to a much chillier event. The weather went from sunny and warm to breezy and cold, with a high temperature of around 30 degrees. Although this is an open championship, the field of contestants consisted of strictly amateur owners and handlers. The support from Purina and SportDOG as event sponsors is greatly appreciated. Their generous support of field trials and field trialers continues to enhance the sporting events we attend. Purina continually supports by providing top-notch high-quality feed to the winners. The AFTCA Purina Events Sponsorship Program has proven to be a great asset to clubs holding events. SportDOG collars are always a sought-after prize due to their quality and effectiveness in training.

The champion, Intensive I'm On Fire, is owned and handled by Mr. Steve Auxier. This is the first title for her and the first for Steve as a handler, making this an extra special occasion for both. Intensive I'm On Fire ran in the seventh brace, scoring two finds with a classy, smooth, and strong forward race. Her manners on her finds were impeccable. The first find at 26 was divided with her bracemate as both were well to the front and moving swiftly. Upon shot after the flush, both dogs were collared and subsequently sent on in search of more quarry. She continued to flow to the front with ease, showing great speed and style. With two minutes left in the hour, she disappeared to the front. As we rode forward, we found her standing high and tight on her game. The birds were flushed, and she remained standing with all the style and intensity you can ask for. Time was subsequently called, ending the brace. Her special performance is one to remember.

The runner-up, Alliwood's Eleventh Hour, is owned and handled by Mr. Adam DeLude. She and Adam are a formidable pair, as they have found themselves in the winners' circle on many occasions previously. During her brace, she backed at 6 and scored finds at 22, 27, and 38. Her find at 22 was quite impressive as she was found standing on a limb find. This may very well have been the find of the trial. Her gait, style, and ground application were flowing and easy on the eyes. This was another exceptional performance from a truly great performer. It is clear she and Adam have a connection and bond that will continue to land them in the winners' circle in the future.

Much like the Shooting Dog Championship, the Max Eldred Companion Derby stake proved to have high-quality contenders.
First went to Erin's Sunshine Kate, owned and handled by Mark Johnson. She has a classy, well-applied race, continuously searching in all the right places to find game. She displayed advanced hunting smarts by using the wind to her advantage. She is a pleasure to watch with her flowing gait and stylish way of moving.
Second place went to Alliwood's War Hero, owned and handled by Adam DeLude. Her effort in covering the country was quite noteworthy. It was clear she is developing into what will be a true contender at the next level in the adult stakes. Her application, style, and stamina showed through. Her find showed advanced manners for a juvenile showing her promise for the future. She also hunted the country well, using the available ground to show her desire to seek and find game in a well-applied manner.
Third place went to Alliwood's Shady Street, owned by Adam DeLude and handled by Bob Bakas. His ground race was wide and strong, with class to spare. He ran strong and fast, hitting all the right objectives. It was a pleasure watching him apply his effort through the brace. He and his handler navigated the course well, consistently showing to the front. It is clear he is well on his way to being a quality dog in future competitions.

Last but certainly not least, we would like to thank all who came and supported the event. A special thank you to Pat Sheehan for providing his machine and planting birds; Kirk Loftin and Aaron McAfee for judging; Jeff Wagoner for coordinating everything and marshaling; Mark Johnson for pre-trial coordination and assistance throughout; Frank and Mike Vicari for the setup and clean up assistance; and all the handlers who also assisted in anything needed as the trial was conducted. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has done an outstanding job at Jim Edgar Panther Creek, ensuring the facilities are well maintained and preparing the grounds for field trials. I am sure there is someone we have missed thanking, as this is, and always will be, a group effort.

Chandlerville, Ill., March 1
Judges: Dr. Kirk A. Loftin and Aaron McAfee
ILLINOIS OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 4 Pointers and German Shorthairs
Winner-INTENSIVE I'M ON FIRE, F1698936, pointer male, by Valiant-Coldwater Belle. Steve Auxier, owner and handler.
Runner-Up-ALLIWOOD'S ELEVENTH HOUR, F1695563, pointer female, by Touch's Grey Street-Alliwood's Shady Shay. Adam DeLude, owner and handler.

MAX ELDRED MEMORIAL OPEN DERBY - 6 Pointers
1st-ERIN'S SUNSHINE KATE, F1709940, pointer female, by Erin's Bad River-Erin's Wild Covey. Mark Johnson, owner and handler.
2d-ALLIWOOD'S WAR HERO, F1706021, pointer female, by Touch's Grey Street-Alliwood's Shady Shay. Adam DeLude, owner and handler.
3d-ALLIWOOD'S SHADY STREET, F1706020, pointer male, by Touch's Grey Street-Alliwood's Shady Shay. Adam DeLude, owner; Bob Bakas, handler.

MID-STATE BIRD DOG CLUB

Chandlerville, Ill., March 7
Judges: Hunter Livingston and Jeff Wagoner
OPEN SHOOTING DOG - 12 Pointers
1st-STELLAR'S NATURAL DISASTER, F1684712, pointer female, by Chelsea's Thunder Bolt-Lacy Underall. Michael & Suanne Duvall, owners; Michael Duvall, handler.
2d-REDBUD'S SOUTHERN BOY, F1697099, pointer male, by Walker's Legacy-Redbud's Country Girl. Aaron McAfee, owner and handler.
3d-THUMPER'S ANYTHING BUT, F1658927, pointer female, by Royal Rocks Mr. Thumper-Brown's Starhawk. Michael & Suanne Duvall, owners; Michael Duvall, handler.

Judges: Aaron McAfee and Michael Duvall
OPEN DERBY - 4 Pointers
1st-REDHAWK'S BAD JACK, F1709046, pointer male, by Covi Elhew Jake-Cade's Sinbad Lady. Stephen Crossen & Jeff Wagoner, owners; Jeff Wagoner, handler.
2d-WAUBEEK FREDA ROAM, F1720011, pointer female, by Crosswind Jim-Gordon's Fancy Lace. Mark Livingston, owner and handler.

Max Eldred Open Derby: Mark Johnson with Erin's Sunshine Kate, Kirk Loftin (judge), Adam DeLude with Alliwood's War Hero, Aaron McAfee (judge), and Steve Auxier with Alliwood's Shady Street.