Event: Can/Am Open Shooting Dog Classic
Result: Setter Springs Field Trial Club
Location: Ontario, Oregon
Post Date: Oct 16, 2025
Submitted By: Bill Owen
Can/Am Open Shooting Dog Classic (front row): Sergio Velez with B K Pablo Escobar, Jim Ledington with Miller's Concealed Weapon, and Phil Bowden with Circle B Wanted Ryder. (Back row): Lisa Walters, Brad McCardle (judge), Jeff Walters, Bill Owen, Ryan Mulcahy (judge), Frank Bright, Sharon Bowden, Tom Loy, and Alex Mauck.
The Can/Am was the final of five trials held on the grounds on Moores Hollow Road near Ontario, Oregon. The trials started on September 27 and concluded on October 4. The trials were held on five one-hour courses, all on wild chukar and huns. Without the generosity of the landowners, the Bean Family, Leroy McBride, and the BLM, this would not have been possible. The support of our long-time sponsor, Purina, was very much appreciated. They provided their quality dog food for those winning placements, credits to the AFTCA store for judges' gifts and trophies, and we had a Purina banquet expertly put on by Cattle Drive Coffee and Grill, a local company that does a great BBQ. Wyatt and Amy Wood did an outstanding job. Many thanks to Purina and their representative, Greg Blair, for their continued support.
SportDOG helped sponsor the Can/Am by providing quality electronic training equipment for the dogs placing. SportDOG has helped us for many years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the SportDOG rep, Jim Morsehouse, a good friend to me and field trials, who is retiring and dealing with some difficult health issues. God be with you, Jim.
A trial does not succeed without a great deal of help. First, thanks to those who supported the trial by entering their dogs. Without you, there is nothing! Second, a big thanks to the judges, Brad McCardle and Ryan Mulcahy, for contributing their time and wisdom. They looked at every dog with an unbiased eye. Third, thanks to the team of people who actually make it happen. Kristina Wall served up a delicious hot lunch every day. She somehow made our cow loafing shed into an elegant clubhouse. Alex Mauck, who had just had hip replacement surgery a few days before the trials began, still drove the dog truck all day for 8 days and provided a water truck and made sure that everyone's horse troughs were full--every day. Sharon Bowden handled all the paperwork required, conducted the drawing, and filled out the judges' books. Her husband, Phil, did a lot of pretrial promotion and provided hay to everyone who needed it. Jim Ledington helped lay out the courses, opened and then closed all the gates, and solved any issues that came up. And we got unexpected help from Courtney, an extra-cute water truck driver on the crew installing electric transmission lines nearby, who made sure our big water trough and water truck were always full. Thanks, Courtney.
The birds on these grounds were quite good in April when we used them for the first time. However, the summer in Oregon was very dry, and there was serious concern that the hatch survival might not have been very good. However, while some of the coveys seen were rather small, there was plenty of bird contact. I don't believe there were any braces in the Can/Am that were birdless. The judges had four or five dogs from which to choose. First and second places went to bracemates from the second course on the last day. B K Pablo Escobar and Miller's Concealed Weapon both ran big forward races. The covey by the spring was seen, but not pointed. Then, at 40, Owen calls point for Miller's Concealed Weapon, and then points out the birds as they leave early. Upon approaching the dog, B K Pablo Escobar is also seen standing for what was probably treated as a divided find. Both dogs then finish strong to the front. Third place went to Circle B Wanted Ryder, who also placed in other stakes at this trial.
Ontario, Oreg., October 3
Judges: Brad McCardle and Ryan Mulcahy
CAN/AM OPEN SHOOTING DOG CLASSIC [One-Hour Heats] - 9 Pointers and 3 Setters
1st-B K PABLO ESCOBAR, F1681052, pointer male, by Fastforward's B K Gunner-Wiggins Miss Stella. Sergio Velez, owner and handler.
2d-MILLER'S CONCEALED WEAPON, F1699549, setter male, by Miller's Black Butte-Alaqua Dee. Bill Owen, owner and handler.
3d-CIRCLE B WANTED RYDER, F1702409, setter male, by T's American Gunfighter-Circle B Burning Stardust. Phil Bowden, owner and handler.