Event: Southwest Florida training and trials
Result: Associated Field Trial Clubs of Florida, AFTCF
Post Date: Sep 15, 2025
Submitted By: Petie Brown
At our spring meeting, Cason Pope, a biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FFWC), reported on the grounds, scheduled burns, and the bird count. The feed plots had millet and Egyptian wheat planted for the season. There has been an abundance of rain, which is seasonably normal for this time of year. Members cheered when Cason told us that 38 hogs were taken out in one day, since they are destructive to the feed plots.
The Babcock Webb field trial grounds are attached to "the big area," which is also open for training and hunting. The grounds are located off I-75 with amenities such as gas stations, restaurants, shopping centers, and hotels nearby. Rolling in after work to set up for a training session is about as relaxing as it gets, until it's time to pack up and leave. Training fees are still $20 a day, or $200 for the season, which ends February 18, 2026. The grounds are open for training the two days following each trial, and there are also plenty of scheduled dates for training prior to the trials.
Trial entry fees are $50 for a half-hour stake and $80 for an hour stake. This year, AFTCF will host the Region 16 All-Age Championship on January 30-February 1, with two days of training available following the trial. The advertisement will be forthcoming with details on entries and running order.
The campgrounds include stables, kennels, showers, and a large, covered picnic area with a fire pit. The air-conditioned clubhouse is spacious enough to include comfortable seating and lounging, especially for resting judges, along with a large poker/drawing table, restrooms, and a full kitchen. We have enough room to comfortably dine indoors, when necessary, though we usually gather under the covered area where the grilling takes place.
Purina has been a generous supporter of our trials, for which we are most grateful. They have supplied Purina Pro Plan to the winning placements and sponsored a catered Purina Dinner during the December Everglades trial.
Fairly new to our neck of the woods, but learning the grounds fast, Jeff Arnold revealed how he got his start, and like most of us, it was the same story. His dad, he said, was an amazing dog trainer and handler, passing his wisdom and love for the sport on to him. Jeff's reference is similar to another field trialer, Dave Vernasco, who said he couldn't wait to retire to Southwest Florida, after reading my father's reports over the years in the American Field. For those who are retired and love this sport, it is truly a dream. For those interested in judging a trial and combining it with training, please note the dates or contact one of our officers for a schedule.
2024-2025 AFTCF Dog of the Year Awards
All-Age
1st, Arnold's Notorious Ranger, pointer male, Jeff Arnold
2nd, Checkmates Country Sunshine, pointer female, Vince Feltner
3rd, Holopaw's Cracker, pointer male, Justin & Kenny Muzynski
Shooting Dog
1st, Holopaw's Rear Axel, pointer male, Justin & Kenny Muzynski
2nd, Myakka Rebel, pointer female, Petie Brown
3rd, Checkmates Country Sunshine, pointer female, Vince Feltner
Derby
1st, Checkmates Prime Time One, pointer male, Vince Feltner
2nd, Mc Ewens Southern Pride, pointer male, Katie & Debbie McEwen
3rd, Myakka Revolution, pointer female, Beth Brown
Congratulations to Jeff Arnold for having this year's Top Dog. Jeff's love for the sport, the dogs, and the horses that are very much part of the team, is apparent. Watching Jeff handle his dogs is nothing shy of fun. Listening to his tone change based on the dog's performance and range (or out of range) and watching how they respond, it is apparent that the love is mutual. His dogs are eager to please. Jeff and Arnold's Notorious Joe Ranger delivered big time.
Jeff Arnold with AFTCF's Dog of the Year, Arnold's Notorious Ranger ("Joe").