Result: 45th Missouri Open Shooting Dog Championship and 37th Midwestern States Futurity

Location: Grovespring, Missouri

Post Date: Jul 7, 2025

Submitted By: Tony King

Missouri Open Shooting Dog Championship (front row): Tony King with Westfall's Mandalay and Virgil Moore with Upfront's Southern Star. (Behind): Mike Northwood, Todd Meyers, Justin Hess, Andy Daugherty, Harold Gearhart, Mark Johnson (judge), Mike Poehler (judge), Bob Burchette, Bill Stapleton, Doug Swingley, Hyatt Burchette, Mark Johnson, Gailen Cooper, Chris Catanzarite, Brook Lanning, and Eric Clink.

That's a wrap on another year's running of the Missouri Open Shooting Dog and the Midwestern States Shooting Dog Futurity. It's amazing to think about the longevity and the existence of these field trials and how they have weathered the ever-changing landscape of field trialing. Once again, a great team of field trial club members, ample bird work, a quality judicial panel, and a competitive consortium of field trial handlers and dogs made for a successful week-long event.

A planned Tuesday start was delayed two days due to one day of steady rain and then a day of snow and frigid temps, thus leading to a Thursday morning start. Although a few schedules had to be rearranged, the delay worked out, thus providing five days of consistent running. Temps varied throughout, with some afternoons becoming unseasonably warm. As always, the Missouri Sportsmen's Association facilities and grounds were in great shape. This year, cover was challenging due to snow and icy conditions in January and February. A consistent feeding program at the grounds did yield success, as seven different pre-released September coveys were found. Coupled with these coveys and a daily bird release yielded an overwhelmingly successful event.

As with tradition, this year's events were sponsored by two of the sporting dog industry's best companies. Purina and SportDOG once again continued their commitment to the sport of field trialing by providing both dog food and e-collars for the winners. Special thanks to Greg Blair of Purina and Jim Morehouse of SportDOG for their continued support. The Board of Directors of the Missouri Open Shooting Dog Association and the Midwestern States Shooting Dog Club would like to thank these great sponsors and look forward to a lasting partnership.

No field trial event is successful without the commitment of its host club members. This was a year in which schedules worked out, and we had a great team of club members throughout the event. This year, Jerry Hailey, Adam DeLude, Mark Johnson, and Bob Bakas stepped up in a big way, making long journeys from Northern Illinois and Wisconsin to help run the event. Also, Andy Daugherty filled in when needed. On Sunday evening, Bob Bakas hosted an outstanding barbecue, with Sharleen Daugherty, Valerie Burchette, and Michelle Weaver providing an excellent variety of sides and desserts. It was an outstanding evening of fellowship and camaraderie, thus providing a reminder of what field trials are truly about.

One of the goals for the Missouri Shooting Dog Association and MWSD Futurity is acquiring a quality judicial panel. Anyone who hosts field trials understands how hard it is to acquire judges who aren't familiar with the dogs competing or have no affiliations with the handlers participating. It has and will always be a goal of this field trial group to provide an environment that offers a level playing field. This year, Mike Poehler from Buffalo, Missouri, Mark Johnson from Albany, Wisconsin, and Mike Northwood from Waunakee, Wisconsin, met the required criteria. For both the Championship and Futurity, these gentlemen maintained a consistent pace and a cheerful attitude while giving each and every handler and dog a fair opportunity. Special thanks to these gentlemen for their time in the saddle and consideration throughout this event.

The Winners
The 45th MOSD Champion appeared in Brace 8 of the running. It was apparent from the breakaway that Westfall's Mandalay, handled by Andy Daugherty, for owner Jim Santarelli, was on a mission. Mandalay had five well-spaced finds throughout his hour, all the while heeding to Daugherty's beckoning. It was a masterful team effort that could best be described as rhythmic and powerful. In typical Andy fashion, the Hall of Fame handler sat right out in front of the judges, letting Mandalay devour the country as the dog seamlessly floated on the front end while checking every covey haunt.

Westfall's Mandalay was away on Course 2 with Game Sport for handler Harold Gearhart and owner Bart Hicklin. Both dogs made Lil Vine and were forward towards Sycamore. Game Sport was on the board at :09 with a nice find on the right edge. If you have never seen Game Sport run, it should be noted that he has tremendous style and composure on game. From there, both dogs were applying themselves nicely, with Mandalay reaching more throughout. At :22, point was called for Mandalay with Game Sport exhibiting a stylish back. All was in order for the flush and shot as the dogs were sent uphill. The same outcome occurred at :31 above Andy's at the ole faithful draw on the left edge. From there, bird work was plentiful with both dogs trading punches as they headed towards the Twin Barns and the Blue House. Game Sport scored his second find at :38 with Mandalay scoring at :35 and :40. Through the Twins Barns pasture and entering the Bull Pasture, both dogs were ahead. Before exiting the Bull Pasture, Mandalay was found standing, for his fifth and final find, behind the little pond before making the turn towards Climer's pasture. This was a dandy, and I believe it was the only time these birds were pointed during the trial. From there, Mandalay powered forward and through Climer's. Andy gathered him up on the knob before exiting Climer's while overlooking the Corral Bottom. Freshly watered and with three minutes left in the brace, Mandalay was loosed heading down hill, grabbing the left edge in the Corral bottom while heading straight East with Andy sitting on the hilltop blowing the go whistle. Faithfully trusting his scout, Andy entered the Corral bottom and then cantered uphill towards the Clubhouse. At the call of pick up, Mandalay made the swing heading uphill and poking out front of the gallery. It was a courageous display of handling and a brilliant finish!

The runner-up for the 45th renewal occurred in the 16th brace of the stake. Even at almost 10 years of age, Upfront's Southern Star, for owner Lance Schulz and handler Shawn Kinkelaar, let everyone know that a field trial is never over until she has a chance to run. Although this seasoned Purina Award winner may not have the mph she once had, her hour was still effective and intelligently applied. Star applied herself throughout and utilized every objective. She was smooth and forward, and as the brace went on, she grew stronger. She had two dug-up finds, all the while bending with Kinkelaar's handling. She required little scouting and finished forward, gaining reach while searching for more country to hunt.

With conditions warming and scenting conditions changing, Brace 17 brought Alliwood's Eleventh Hour, for owner and handler Adam DeLude, to the line with Upfront Southern Star on Course 1. The dogs were away with enthusiasm, with Star reaching more throughout. Star was on the board early with a beautifully handled find at :14. With all in order and Kinkelaar back in the saddle, she scored again eight minutes later with Eleventh Hour exhibiting a beautiful back. Both of Star's finds were immaculately handled and crisp. After her early bird work, it seemed the birds shut off as both dogs hunted well for the remainder. DeLude decided to put Eleventh Hour in the harness at :53 as her quest became frustrating. Meanwhile, Star and Kinkelaar continued as the veteran champion continued to devour more country while showing a strong, forward finish.

The Running
Ramblin Rivers Natural for owner and handler Bill Stapleton was away with LMD's Can't Touch This for handler Virgil Moore and owner Donna Markey. Ramblin Rivers Natural ("Earl") was his consistent self, being fast and forward during the hour. Earl had three, well-located finds and a good finish. Can't Touch This was a nice running setter, showing a fluid gait while hunting, but struggled to point game and was up early in the hour for a breach of manners.

Brace 2 brought two veteran competitors in Hale's Smooth Touch for the Kinkelaar/Hale team and Westfall's Wheels Up for owner Bill Westfall and handler Andy Daugherty. This was a very exciting brace with Wheels Up having three finds and two backs, and Smooth Touch having four finds. Both dogs were forward, snappy, hunting well with Smooth Touch extending more. A wrong turn in the Bull Pasture was the only thing that marred a "great" performance for Smooth Touch, thus keeping him out of the winner's circle.

Topp's First J R for Gearhart and Topp was away in Brace 3 with White Privilege for Kinkelaar and Jackson. J R was fast and forward early, having one find and a back in his expedition. Gearhart elected to call it quits when J R became bullish near the 40-minute mark. Privilege, on the other hand, went hunting early, having five finds, but an error on his final find kept him from continuing on.

Georgian, handled by Virgil Moore, and Shagtime Sunny for Shawn Kinkelaar competed in Brace 4. Both dogs were fast, forward, and competitive on the ground, with Sunny being more consistent throughout. Both dogs were in the harness at :45 as Georgian suffered a UP early in the brace, and Shagtime Sunny only having one find in Davis Bottom.

C S Snapdragon for Steve Hurdle and owners Tony and Becky Gibson came to the line with Haney's Pure Joy for the Cagles and handler Shawn Kinkelaar in Brace 5. C S Snapdragon had a nice find at :08, an armadillo at :24, but suffered an unproductive at :29. He was smooth and classy while hunting well. Pure Joy exhibited beautiful backs at :08 and :29 but failed to point birds. Both handlers elected to pick up at the 45-minute mark.

Another Lance Schulz and Shawn Kinkelaar competitor, Upfront's County Seat was away in Brace 6 with Adam DeLude's pointer female, Alliwood's Never Say Never. County Seat had a nice find at :14 but later encountered an armadillo to end his bid. Never Say Never was flashy, forward, and eye-catching during her hour. DeLude elected to put his young competitor in the harness at :47 after suffering an error on a covey of birds.

Friday morning brought Silver W Shining Star for owner Dr. Debbie Ozner and handler Shawn Kinkelaar to the line with Sherri Tangsrud's German Shorthair pointer female, Stoney Hill's Pinnacle Dee, aptly handled by Kirk Loftin. This brace proved to be very eventful as both dogs went to work from the breakaway. Dee was exceptional during her hour as she had finds at :12, :16, and :19. She was fast, forward, and strong throughout. She yielded to Kirk's handling when necessary and checked in at appropriate places. Her pattern was well applied, and she never left an edge she started. Her performance was good enough that, under different circumstances, she could have been awarded championship accolades. Shining Star started well with a back at :19 and scoring a find at :26. Her effort shortened, and she was put in the harness at :45.

Brace 8 was previously reported.

Big Man On Campus, for owner Sylvester/Smith and handler Kinkelaar, was by himself for Brace 9 as C S Dirty Harry was scratched. Big Man had nice finds at :14, :16, and :26. He was big and forward with extreme range. At :40, Kinkelaar asked for the tracker as Big Man On Campus could not be found by the scout.

Upfront's McQuade, for Schulz and Peterson, and handled by Kinkelaar, was away with Uodibar's Lover Boy for Tangsrud and Loftin. Both dogs broke away and seemed to be pushing each other. After 30 minutes and no dogs in tow, both handlers asked for the tracker.

In Brace 11, Kirk Loftin brought another German Shorthair pointer to the line for owner Sheri Tangsrud with a pointer male, Outer Edge Jack, for owner J.D. Smith and handled by Virgil Moore. These two hunted well, but the extra warm temperatures ended their bids early.

Fresh off a recent win at the Invitational, Doug Swingley was riding in support of his dog Thunder's Wild Agin for Kinkelaar with Anchor Down Sunny Mike for Hicklin/Gearhart. Both dogs broke away with purpose, pushing the front and reaching the outer limits. As the conditions became increasingly warm and windy, the bird movement became non-existent, causing both handlers to put their competitors in the harness and save them for another day.

Brace 13 brought N V Clyde for owner/handler Mike Northwood to the line with Upfronts Hammer Down for Shawn Kinkelaar and owner Lance Schulz. Both dogs were forward and reaching, hunting well, and were rewarded with multiple pieces of bird work during their time on the ground. As the brace progressed, though, their pursuits wavered, and the handlers had them in the harness at :50.

Thunder Bolt's Storm, being handled by Harold Gearhart, was loosed with Silver W Thunderbolt's Boom for Kinkelaar. These competitors were fast, snappy, and fun to watch. Storm's charge ended early as the temptation of walking birds was too great. Boom had finds at :06 and :20 but was in the harness early as his application shortened.

Brace 15 showcased Lester's Another Shockwave for the team of Schulz, Moisson, Jackson, Peterson, and Mann, and handled by Kinkelaar with Mike Northwoods's talented young vizsla, N V Jasper. Both dogs were big and forward by the Twin Barns and through the Bull Pasture.

Shockwave had finds at :16 and :18, showing impeccable style on game. Not to be outdone, Jasper had a big covey at :29. Unfortunately, both dogs were in the harness after exiting Climer's as their quests shortened.

The 17th brace brought Westfall's High Cotton for Gearhart and Topp with Saginaw Luke Skywalker for owner/handler Mark Johnson. Skywalker showed nice speed and made some big moves but was picked up early as he was not pleasing his owner. Cotton's charge was similar as he got off track near the Twin Barns.

Chelsea's Mae West for Kinkelaar and Rockwoods Home Grown for Northwood were in the final brace of the Championship. Both dogs were doing a nice job on the ground, but were up near the halfway point as neither produced game.

A peaceful Sunday evening provided a fitting end to the 45th running of the MOSD Championship. All returned to their trailers to complete chores and prepare for the evening's festivities. Bob Bakas, along with Sharleen Daugherty, Michelle Weaver, and Valerie Burchette, had prepared a wonderful feast. The winners' announcements were made, and all were well received. The Futurity would start the next day.

Grovespring, Mo., March 5
Judges: Mark Johnson and Mike Poehler
45TH MISSOURI OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 29 Pointers, 3 Setters, 4 German Shorthairs, and 3 Vizslas
Winner-WESTFALL'S MANDALEY, F1682881, pointer male, by Strut Nation-Erin's Amazing Grace. Bill Westfall, owner; Andy Daugherty, handler.
Runner-Up-UPFRONT'S SOUTHERN STAR, F1662579, pointer female, by Ransom-Double Wild. Lance Schulz, owner; Shawn Kinkelaar, handler.

The 37th Midwestern States Shooting Dog Futurity
The Futurity started bright and early Monday morning due to the delayed running of the Shooting Dog Championship. Board Members, along with consultation from Purina committee members, allowed for a variance in the running format. To complete the Futurity in a timely manner and allow the National Vizsla Association to start their Championships, it was decided that all Futurity entries would run for one hour instead of the 30-minute qualifying series and additional callback series. This improvised change provided an opportunity to improve logistics, but also provided a format that allowed the judicial panel an opportunity to adequately evaluate the contenders properly.

The running of the 37th MWSD Futurity drew a solid entry of 12 canine competitors. Judges Mike Poehler and Mike Northwood noted there were several performances that met the standard and noted they discussed all performances in detail.

The first-place dog in the 37th running of the MWSD Futurity ran in Brace 1 of the stake. Haneys Juggernaut took top honors for owner Zach Hilton and handler Shawn Kinkelaar. At the morning breakaway, Juggernaut was loosed with Backcountry Jacob for owner and handler Chris Catanzarite. Both these dogs were away with purpose and punch from the start, with Juggernaut being the stronger of the pair. Juggernaut had four well-spaced finds during his hour (:12, :14, :27, and :42). Although headstrong at times, Kinkelaar was able to keep him in check, allowing Juggernaut to cruise through the country in biddable fashion. As the hour progressed, Juggernaut settled in nicely for Kinkelaar. Juggernaut was powerful and showed when needed. His bird work was developed, and his application was intelligent. He really hunted the country with power and speed as he finished just as he started, earning him first place. Backcountry Jacob was also commendable throughout. He was fast and forward, hunting the country thoroughly. Jacob backed nicely at :12 and scored at :14. You could really tell that Catanzarite had a solid connection with this young competitor as the pair seemed to be in sync throughout.

Brace 2 was a brace of excitement, containing lots of bird work and a showy pair of derbies. Although only one of these dogs received a placement, both performances were very respectable. Erin's Sunshine Kate, for owner/handler Mark Johnson, was paired with BK Real McCoy for Brooke Lanning. Away on Course 2, both dogs were trading punches early. At :09, McCoy was found standing with Kate backing. At :19, the scene was reversed. Johnson's contender final find came at :43. Erin's Sunshine Kate was robust throughout, making some big swings but yielding to Johnson's whistle. She finished, still working and punching the front. After backing at :19, McCoy put on a show. He really went to work, showing when needed. He was not extreme, but very well applied. McCoy scored two more times at :35 and :43. His bird work was exemplary, showing maturity and style. McCoy's fluid gait proved well as he finished with purpose, thus earning 3rd place honors.

The second-place Futurity winner came in Brace 3. Alliwood's War Hero, for owner/handler Adam DeLude and scouted by Bob Bakas, was braced with Silver W Wildflower for handler Kinkelaar and owner Dr. Debbie Ozner. During his hour, War Hero scored three times (:28, :33, and :35) over the hills and hollers of Course 3. War Hero started with zeal, showing a fast, snappy gait, and was a little bullish early on. After his first find, Hero really lined out for DeLude, growing more confident and applying himself with resolve. His second and third finds were both culminations of big, intelligent casts. As with most of Adam's dogs, his bird work was stylish and complete. As the hour transpired, War Hero grew stronger, more ambitious, and possibly had the best finish of any of the derbies. This performance landed him second place on the titular podium.

After lunch, Fifty Shays of Grey for owner/handler, the other Mark Johnson, and Cash Flow, for owner Willis Wright and handler Shawn Kinkelaar, broke away hard and fast towards the front. Grey's day ended early as she checked out before crossing the road. Cash Flow had bird work at :12 and :17, but her inexperience with edge country prevailed as Kinkelaar asked for the tracker at the halfway point.
Lux's She's A Doozy, for handler Virgil Moore and owner Tom Kliebert, was away with another DeLude contender in Alliwood's Shady Street. She's A Doozy had one find at the halfway point but suffered an injury during the brace and was lifted early. Shady Street had her track shoes on and was lost at Horse Killer Hill.

The final brace of the Futurity brought Hunt's Centerfold for Justin Hunt, handled by Shawn Kinkelaar, to the line with Chris Catanzarite's Backcountry Fearless. With warming temperatures, both dogs went to work with purpose. Centerfold started methodically but got better throughout. He hunted well as his application grew ambitiously through Sycamore and the Bull Pasture. He was biddable and strong, hunting every birdy objective. His quest yielded fourth-place honors. Fearless was on the board early with a piece of work at :16. She was forward and snappy throughout, but new country seemed too much at times.

The 37th running of the MWSD Futurity ended late Monday afternoon. Trial participants and well-wishers gathered at the clubhouse to receive the announcements and take pictures. Once again, this time-honored stake ended with congratulations and happy participants. The Board of Directors and club members of the Missouri Shooting Dog Association and MWSD Shooting Dog Futurity would like to thank all of its owners, handlers, and breeders as we prepare for another field trial season.

Judges: Mike Poehler and Mike Northwood
37TH MIDWESTERN STATES SHOOTING DOG FUTURITY [One-Hour Heats] - 12 Pointers
1st-HANEYS JUGGERNAUT, F1716275, pointer male, by Pleasant Run Samuel-Pleasant Run Sally. Chris Cagle, owner; Shawn Kinkelaar, handler.
2d-ALLIWOOD'S WAR HERO, F1706021, pointer female, by Touch's Grey Street-Alliwood's Shady Shay. Adam DeLude, owner and handler.
3d-BK REAL MCCOY, F1705532, pointer male, by Bittersweet War Cry-Bittersweet Recovery. Brooke Lanning & Sergio Velez, owners; Brooke Lanning, handler.
4th-HUNT'S CENTERFOLD, F1718110, pointer male, by Touch's Mega Mike-Broomsedge Tiny Rebel. Justin Hunt, owner; Shawn Kinkelaar, handler.

Midwestern States Shooting Dog Futurity (Front row): Virgil Moore with Haneys Juggernaut, Bob Bakas with Alliwood's War Hero, Brooke Lanning with BK Real McCoy, and Doug Swingley with Hunt's Centerfold. (Back row): Tony King, Mike Poehler (judge), Shawn Kinkelaar, Adam DeLude, Eric Clink, Mark Johnson, Mike Northwood (judge), and Chris Catanzarite.