Event: Miller's Heat Seeker Named Champion; I'm Spartacus, Runner-up of the
Result: South Carolina Open Shooting Dog Championship

Location: Cheraw, South Carolina

Post Date: Apr 7, 2025

Submitted By: Paul Kelly

South Carolina Open Shooting Dog Championship (front row, l-r): Miller's Heat Seeker with Mark Hughes and I'm Spartacus with Kaley Lee. (Second row, l-r): George Hickox, Dr. Debbie Ozner, Jamie Miller, Scott Miller, George Tracy, Paul Kelly, Gray Watson, Doug Ray, Drew Bastian, Mac Stidham, and Lefty Henry.

The South Carolina Open Shooting Dog Championship started on Tuesday, December 3, with 51 dogs competing in the championship and 15 competing in the companion Open Derby. We had exceptional judges to officiate the stakes. Dr. Debbie Ozner and Mr. George Hickox rode hard and gave their undivided attention to every competitor. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to you both. Officiating the Derby was our very own Drew Bastian and Gray Watson. They also did a stellar job, and we thank them for their efforts.

The winners both came from the 19th brace. Multiple Champion Miller's Heat Seeker ran a far-reaching race coupled with six excellent upfront finds. I'm Spartacus refused to be outdone. He had several backs to start, four finds of his own, and a nice race. Both dogs finished far to the front in the big field across the road and beyond the goose pond, setting themselves apart. Miller's Heart Seeker was handled by George Tracy and is owned by Murial and Bill Primm, Dennis Hood, and Jack and Fran Miller. I'm Spartacus, which Doug Ray handled, is owned by Jett Ferebee.

The companion Derby was an extremely competitive event. Each winner had finished multiple finds and excellent forward races.

Special thanks to our sponsors for their support--Purina Pro Plan, Southern Pines Land and Timber, Kalmbach Feeds, Tribute Horse Feed, and Gun Dog Supply.
Also, special thanks to the volunteers who worked behind the scenes to make this event a success. Namely, Mac Stidham, Roger Mcpherson, Jadie Rayfield, Katie Courtney, Drew Batian, and Gray Watson.

Cheraw, S. C., December 3 - One Course
Judges: George Hickox and Dr. Debbie Ozner
SOUTH CAROLINA OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 44 Pointers and 7 Setters
Winner-MILLER'S HEAT SEEKER, F1674886, pointer male, by Just Irresistible-Miller's Bring The Heat. Muriel & Bill Primm, Dennis Hood & Jack & Fran Miller, owners; George Tracy, handler.
Runner-Up-I'M SPARTACUS, F1695668, pointer male, by Miller's Upgraded Version-Miller's Special Edition. Jett Ferebee, owner; Doug Ray, handler.

Judges: Drew Bastain and Gray Watson
OPEN DERBY - 13 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st-ZERO TOLERANCE, F1716832, pointer male, by Haney's All In-Haney's Two Dozen Roses. Marty Moore, owner; Scott Miller, handler.
2d-MOORE'S BASE HIT, F1716833, pointer male, by B K Bonafide Stallion-B K Hirollins Wild. Marty Moore, owner; Scott Miller, handler.
3d-HEAT SEEKER'S PEARL, F1711974, pointer female, by Miller's Heat Seeker-War Creek Daizie. Muriel & Bill Primm, owners; George Tracy, handler.

Open Derby (front row, l-r): Zero Tolerance with Jamie Miller, Moore's Base Hit with Scott Miller, and Heat Seeker's Pearl with Mark Hughes. (Second row, l-r): Katie Courtney, Drew Bastian, Gray Watson, George Tracy, and Mac Stidham.