Event: Deena Jet Boyer wins Purina Top Derby of the Year and the
Result: 89th New England Shooting Dog Futurity

Location: East Windsor, Connecticut

Post Date: Jun 4, 2025

Submitted By: Margaret C. Drew, Reporter

89th New England Shooting Dog Futurity (front, l-r): Steve Boyer (seated), Darren Boyer, Grace Lawson, Erin Stolgitis, John Stolgitis, Mike Tracy with Deena Jet Boyer, Peter Labella, Tim Cavanaugh with Hog Hill Fafo, John Olfson, Hailey Moreland with Cool Hand Luke, Doug Ray, Matt Basilone, and Ed McCay with Mohawk Mill Lady Justice. (Seated on right): Parker McCay, Mia Basilone, Melissa Basilone, Emma McCay, Earl Drew, Miranda Basilone, George Tracy, and Mark Janiec.

When the New England Shooting Dog Futurity was first proposed as a regional futurity in the 1930s, the proposal was not well received. Herbert G. Silver pushed forward and headed a group that proposed a regional futurity despite recognizing the need for more breeders. He and the group found defining eligibility and other rules proved to be a challenge. Despite these roadblocks, they still moved forward, and in April 1937, the first futurity was held, although in name only, as no set rules could be agreed upon for the entry of 17 derbies. However, breeders and other dog people acknowledged that a regional futurity was necessary to move the bird dog community forward, so a regional set of guidelines was established, and 21 dogs were entered. These rules and whelping dates were adhered to until 1939, when a June whelping date helped to change the venue to run in October, beginning in 1941. The futurity nominations and entries remained a regional entry base for several years, expanding in the late '70s. In the '80s, a few litters from outside of New England increased the futurity. By the early '90s, litters and entries were once again declining, luckily followed by a surge to 50 to 60 entries from 35 litters into the early 2000s. During that time, a guaranteed purse of $2,000.00 encouraged participation. However, with the litter nominations declining, which means entries as well, this policy could not continue. The association would like to return to that position; however, litter nominations and entries are the key.

The Flaherty Field Trial Area is a perfect location and facility for field trials. The clubhouse displays a wall of Life Patron plaques, taxidermy of upland game, various regional historic plaques, and engraved retired trophies. In an adjacent room is a pictorial history of the construction and progress of the present clubhouse. In a second framed plaque, there are historic photos from trials with identified patrons, dogs, and the trial that is portrayed. This is a very nice historic piece of work. Most of the elderly participants are much younger in those photographs, and many in the photographs are no longer with us. We now need to gather photos of today's events to create another pictorial of "now." Many of the photos displayed are thanks to Truman Crowles' family and Dick Bembenek's gathering and compiling. Dick is also responsible for the making and donating of a wooden memory board of all the New England open winners from its origin in 1929 with spaces through 2028. The New England Open is most noted for its many years at the Ragged Hill Farm in Pomfret, Connecticut; however, about ten years ago, the land was lost to field trials, and it is now run at Flaherty just prior to the futurity. The futurity now runs in late April so as to remain in conjunction with the New England Open Championship at Flaherty and the Region 1 Amateur All-Age Championship. The original sterling silver tray is full and is now well displayed at the Bird Dog Hall of Fame in Grand Junction, Tennessee. A trip to the museum is a must for all bird dog followers, including the walk of memory bricks as you enter the building. Plan on a few hours there as it is an impressive display of all types of bird dog events.

The grounds at Flaherty were in excellent condition this spring. The grounds are still easily accessible for horseback and walking as a result of the road improvements made a few years back. Gravel-filled walkways and culverts over wet areas are all still functioning well. The beavers had tried to dam an area below the clubhouse by the lowest culvert; however, the state was dismantling the dam on both Thursday and Friday, so that walking was not as wet.

The next project will be relocating the beavers. As noted earlier, the Flaherty area has ample parking for all types of vehicles, running water, fenced areas for several horses, as well as ample room for staking horses and dogs out. The clubhouse has bathroom facilities, heat for colder weekends, a full kitchen, and a modern bird room. There is also a gallery wagon which was in use during the futurity thanks to trucks provided by Chairman Bill Bonnetti and Smooth Carter. Drivers were Bill Bonetti, Tom Smith, and Darren Boyer. Maybe even someone I missed. The advantage of having a gallery wagon for at least part of the course encourages more participation; everyone wants to watch a bird dog work, especially if you are the owner or breeder.

The 89th New England Futurity once again used a single course for 30-minute heats, breaking away down a slight hill on the northeast side of the grounds near the wooden rails approaching the horse corrals. We then moved forward toward the open area leading to the pond with plenty of choices for a dog to venture. After passing the traditional tree stop area, dogs are encouraged to search the wooded quail habitat to the left of the pond before reaching to the front and through the tree island. Following the tree island area, the course swings westerly where dogs can make three choices: Up the center road, or to the left through an open field toward Fox Hill, or right down a wooded edge where birds were often located. At the end of this area, we are about 15 minutes to the first large culvert crossing and up the long tobacco hill. After frequent bird contact at the top of Tobacco Hill, the course makes a long cast down a hill with full cover to the culvert where the beavers were trying to impede our fun. After crossing the culvert, the course winds through cover and trees and below the clubhouse, where folks can get to view at least a few minutes of bird dog excitement before the course finishes in the area below the starting hill and on toward the long "deerborn" area under the power lines. These final five minutes often make or break a dog, and a scout is often required. Did the derby have the desire and energy left in him to finish still hunting?!

Birds for the futurity were planted faithfully by Chairman Bill Bonnetti and assisted by Gene Casale and a few others. Once again, John Stolgitis stepped up and made the futurity a great success. When assigned judge Brian Sanchez was unable to judge due to an injury, John stepped up to fill in. He and Doug Ray were two of the best judges a club could have serving in the judging position. Thanks guys. When it came to the evening meal in honor of the 88th winner, Miller's Upgraded Patent (PM) owned by Dr. Bob Canada and Harold Ray, John prepared and served a complete prime rib feast. Last year's winning handler was Doug Ray, and he commented on the great job of appetizers and a meal by John Stolgitis. The Bonnettis had helped prepare and serve lunches daily for the New England Open Championship and the Futurity. Announcements were made before dinner thanking owners and handlers, and a reminder that DNA would be required within the year for the win to be recognized. Judges were thanked, Purina recognized for their continued support, and a thank you to the committee and handlers for their assistance.

The Placements
Deena Jet Boyer (PF) from the Touch's Fire Away x World Class Dialing Out litter, owned by Darren and Steve Boyer, although handled by Mike Tracy. This winner was hands down the top of the class with owners present to watch. Her race was wide and powerful, always catching your eye with a glimpse of white gliding across the fields. At 5, by the pond, she stood patiently for handler Mike to produce and flush her first quail. By 16, we thought she might have left us; however, she was tucked beneath the trees for additional quail to be flushed once we reached the top of Tobacco Hill. As time ticked to a close, time was called as the handler once again put his hat in the air, signing her third find. She stood proudly as quail were flushed with all in perfect order. Both owners were present to observe this sterling performance.

Second was Hog Hill Fafo, who ran a medium-to-long-range race with good style. He had a consistent pattern from beginning to end, with one good find at 12.

Third place was awarded to Cool Hand Luke, running a medium race, showing good style on the ground as well as on point. He had a find in the island tree area, making his way forward to score a find at the top of Tobacco Hill. He finished his time without further birdwork.

Fourth went to Mohawk Mill Lady Justice, who ran a short-to-medium race, consistent from start to finish. Lady is from a litter bred by Ellen and Gary Winall from Imagine x Mohawk Mill Dolly, belonging to Ed McCay, who was present with his whole family to participate as Matt Basilone handled. She ran with good style and scored well, located and handled finds at 15 on Tobacco Hill and a second at 20 before reaching the powerlines.

The Running
The opening brace called for Bluebar Maggie (PF/Mike Tracy) and Deerfield Pure Royal (PF/Matt Basilone). Bluebar Maggie from a litter by Miller's Heat Seeker x War Creek Daizie, with owners Primm/Hood. Deerfield Pure Royal from Confident Nation x Wiggins Pree Dawn Reward, with owners Lordi/Gillis. This pair responding quickly with a prompt cast taking them to the bottom of the short hill and out into the clearing. Both dogs made their way to the front and past the pond. Both dogs were seen nearing the island tree area and then briefly out of sight. Bluebar Maggie cast down the right edge of the field, making forward progress, with Deerfield Pure Royal checking the island area before attempting to catch the front. At the top of Tobacco Hill, Pure Royal suffered an infraction and was leashed, while Bluebar Maggie continued marching forward and was soon out of sight, requiring a locating device for return to the trailer.

Brace 2 featured Mike Tracy and Heat Seeker's Pearl (PF), bred with the same breeding as Bluebar Maggie, and bracemate Hog Hill Fafo (PM), bred, owned, and handled by Tim Cavanaugh from his litter Tattle Tailer x Ms. Antebellum. Once again, their breakaways were sufficient, taking them around and beyond the pond. In the tree island area at 11, Pearl had a stop to flush, although by 25, she was missing. (Hog Hill Fafo is covered above with placements.)

Brace 3 had Deena Jet Boyer (PF), owned by Darren and Steve Boyer although handled by Mike Tracy. (This winner is covered above with placements.)
Bracemate for Denna Jet Boyer was Ride N Dirty (PM), also from the Miller's Heat Seeker x War Creek Daizie litter. He is owned by Marcus Ramseur, who was present to scout and assist as Matt Basilone handled. As bracemate was having her first find flushed scout for Ride N Dirty was coaxing him toward the quail habitat area. He continued forward and made it to the tree island, where he stopped at 12 with much activity after the flush.

Brace 4 had JL Sparkle Express (PF) from the Miller's Heat Seeker x Rock Hill Marie Laveau litter with George Tracy. Bracemate was Birdpatch General Lee (ESM) from the litter of Bozeann's Rex x Knitone Pearl Too, owned by Smoot Carter under the whistle of Matt Basilone. JL Sparkle ran a medium race with a sprinkle of shorter casts. She had plenty of body motion, moving, and a great pointing style. She had perfect quail finds at 13 and again at 17. She left Tobacco Hill and crossed up the hillside beyond the culvert before making it to the end of Deerborn as time was called. Her owners are now Linder/McDonald/ Primm/Drew, with George Tracy in charge for the past three weeks. Birdpatch General Lee ran with short casts, stopping near the pond for a nonproductive. At 10, he was catching the front, and as he crossed the culvert and turned right, a bird flushed from the left wooded area for his bracemate, but glided right over his head. I guess bad luck is the term for this.

Brace 5 called upon Mike Tracy with Cour's Open Fire (PM) from Touch's Fire Away x Rawhide Primal, although owned by Mike Cour. His pattern was a little short, although his pointing style was good and solid. He had a find at 5 and a stop to flush at 14, albeit he did not complete his 30 minutes. Bracemate was Deerfield Warrior Prince (PM), also from the Confident Nation x Wiggins Pree Dawn Reward litter. He is owned by Lordi/Gillis under the training of Mike Tracy. He was very stylish when standing for his nonproductive at 8 and located more quail at 17 with much enthusiasm. His race a short to medium range.

Brace 6 called Millers Customized Upgrade (PM) from Miller's Upgraded Nation x Hackberry Hustler, belonging to Linder with George Tracy to the line as bracemate for Erins Simple Man (PM), Erin's Perfect Storm x Erin's Country Nell, owned and handled by Kevin Stuart. Both dogs were eagerly off the line, maybe even considering a little footrace until they reached the open territory where each chose an individual course. Customized Upgrade checked with the handler often, scoring a find at 5, although strangely disappearing before 30 minutes. Erins Simple Man cautiously toured the course, hitting the right spots until he finally found success at 15; however, he was startled by a big pheasant popping up instead of a quail. He did not handle the surprise appropriately.

Brace 7 had Cool Hand Luke (PM), Southpoint's Speedy G x Lone Tree Last Snow, owned by Robert Bergen with Mike Tracy, and bracemate was BK Real McCoy (PM), Bittersweet War Cry x Bittersweet Recovery, bred, owned, and handled by Brook Lanning. (Cool Hand Luke covered above with the placements).
BK Real McCoy was seen only briefly for the first six minutes on the back side of the pond. With the scout checking frequent places and the handler moving forward, it was thought we would find him; however, as we approached the top of Tobacco Hill, the judge gave Brook her locating device.

Brace 8 called upon Thunder Road (PM), Rentz's Hijacked x Dominator's Heir Kate, belonging to Primm/Linder/McDonald with Mike Tracy. Bracemate was Mohawk Mill Lady Justice. (Mohawk Mill Lady Justice is covered with the placements above.)
Thunder Road has heavy, dark body spots, so he was easily seen as he proudly cast down the opening hillside and made a sharp turn to the right and was out of sight. A location device was requested at 12.

Brace 9 found both George and Mike Tracy as the handlers. George had Speck of Gold (PF), another from the Miller's Heat Seeker x War Creek Daize litter, belonging to Primm/Linder/McDonald. Mike had One Day Wayne (PM), One Day Lucky Strike x Panda Express, belonging to Frank Scarpinato from New York. Frank had been present to observe his derby and his shooting dog the day before; however, a call from home caused an early departure, and he did not get to see Wayne. Speck of Gold started on a promising cast; however, by 6 she was seen under a quail in the pond's quail habitat area. One Day Wayne had a nice find at 7 near the pond and then hunted closely to the top of Tobacco Hill. He did not finish his time.

The final brace was a bye-dog from the Cour family with Mike Tracy. Cour's Angel Fire (PF), Touch's Fire Away x Rawhide's Primal Shockwave. Without bracemate or competition, Angel Fire cast wildly off the start line as if to find every quail left out on course. After reaching the bottom of the opening area, Angel was not seen. A scout was sent, and the handler rode to the other side of the course, where he caught a glimpse of her well out off the course toward Deerborn. A location device was taken, and the trial was over.

East Windsor, Conn., April 25
Judges: Doug Ray and Brian Sanchez
89TH NEW ENGLAND SHOOTING DOG FUTURITY - 18 Pointers and 1 Setter
1st-DEENA JET BOYER, F1718103, pointer female, by Touch's Fire Away-World Class Dialing Out. Steve & Darren Boyer, owners; Mike Tracy, handler.
2d-HOG HILL FAFO, F1711945, pointer male, by Tattle Tailer-Ms. Antebellum. Tim Cavanaugh, owner and handler.
3d-COOL HANK LUKE, F1714223, pointer male, by Southpoint's Speedy G-Lone Tree Last Snow. Robert Bergen, owner; Mike Tracy, handler.
4th-MOHAWK MILL LADY JUSTICE, F1706908, pointer female, by Imagine-Mohawk Mill Dolly. Ed McCay, owner; Matt Basilone, handler.