Result: Southern Championship

Location: Blue Mountain, Mississippi

Post Date: May 28, 2025

Submitted By: Jeremy Taylor

Southern Championship (l-r): Kyle Graves (judge), Korry Rinehart with Miller's King Poast, Jack Griffin, Gary Lester, Mike Lemons with Como Thunder, David Russell, and Brad Kennedy (judge).

The Southern Championship began on March 3, 2025, on the spacious grounds of the Hell Creek Wildlife Management Area near Blue Mountain, Mississippi. The trial was originally scheduled to run from January 9 to 12, but a winter weather warning of extreme cold and snow gave us no choice but to postpone. We would like to thank Mr. Justin Hughes with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks for allowing us to obtain this rescheduled date. Also, a big thanks to Mr. Jack Griffin for pitching in when needed and driving the dog wagon. Advertised judges Jonathan Burch and Daniel Bolden had to withdraw due to work commitments, but we were able to obtain Brad Kennedy and Kyle Graves to fill the judicial saddles. We appreciate their filling in and the time and attention given to each competitor. Seventeen dogs were drawn and came to the line for their shot at the title. Competing handlers were Gary Lester, Pat Siebels, Mike Lemons, David Russell, and Korry Rinehart.

We thank each of them, as well as the owners, for supporting this trial. In the qualifying series, birds were plentiful, with all dogs having game contacts. Fifteen coveys were pointed in the qualifying series.

Judges Kennedy and Graves called back six dogs: Miller's King Poast, handled by Gary Lester; Como Thunder, handled by David Russell; Valor's Lace and Grace, handled by Korry Rinehart; Mayfield Storm Messenger, handled by Pat Siebels; Mr. Arkansas, handled by Mike Lemons; and Lester's War Bird, handled by Gary Lester. Taking the champion title was Miller's King Poast for handler Gary Lester, and runner-up honors went to Como Thunder for handler David Russell. Both the champion and the runner-up were braced together. Both dogs ran huge front-running races with multiple finds to claim their respective titles. The judges also wanted to make mention of the sportsmanship displayed during the running, with all handlers helping each other scout and working together in every way, true sportsmanship. Thanks again to everyone who supported this trial.

Blue Mountain, Miss., March 3
Judges: Kyle Graves and Brad Kennedy
SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Qualifying Series; One-and-a-Half-Hour Callbacks] - 16 Pointers and 1 Setter
Winner-MILLER'S KING POAST, F1702090, pointer male, by Lester's Storm Surge-R W Suzie Q. Al Bryson, owner; Gary Lester, handler.
Runner-Up-COMO THUNDER, F1687714, pointer male, by Skyfall-Catch Me Dot. B. K. & Rachel Blackwell, owners; David Russell, handler.