Result: Sandlapper Field Trial Club

Location: Camden, South Carolina

Post Date: Dec 18, 2025

Submitted By: Katie Courtney

The Sandlapper Field Trial Club kicked off its fall trial on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the historic Mid-Carolina Field Trial Grounds in Camden, South Carolina. Clear, cool air greeted handlers and horses at the 8 a.m. breakaway, setting the stage for a fantastic weekend of competition. With 17 Open Shooting Dogs, eight Open Derbies, one Open Puppy, 24 Amateur Shooting Dogs, five Amateur Derbies, and 10 Puppies on the books, this was one of Sandlapper's strongest fall entries in recent memory.

The sport was well-represented by familiar faces and newcomers alike. Special recognition goes to Amateur Bradley Collins, who made the five-hour haul from Tennessee to ride in his very first horseback trial. We also welcomed a dog owner from as far west as Missouri (Mr. Ronnie), reminding all in attendance how wonderfully far the love of field trialing can travel.

Open Stakes
The Open Stakes were judged by the dynamic duo of Tom Brigman Jr. and Kyle Boone, whose steady horsemanship and watchful eyes set a high bar for the weekend. Thursday's courses ran under clear, dry skies with limited bird contact, yet the dogs made the most of it and showed plenty of heart and range.
Friday morning's Open Derby told a different story--the birds were out and moving. From coveys to singles, the young dogs were given ample opportunity to demonstrate manners and potential, making for an exciting start to the day.

Amateur Stakes
The Amateur program commenced on Friday at 1 p.m. as trialers lined up and filled the grounds with anticipation. Amateur Shooting Dog judges were led by Calvin Curnutte with support from rotating judges Judith Hamilton (ASD), Ed Jesson (Derby), and Katie Courtney (Puppy). A special thank you is owed to Calvin not only for competing but also for judging and sharing wisdom on running a successful trial--a true demonstration of sportsmanship.
After five Amateur Shooting Dog braces on Friday afternoon, daylight and chores called the day to a close. Saturday dawned overcast with excellent scenting conditions, and bird work was abundant. A large gallery turned out, from seasoned horsemen to young riders experiencing their first field trial from horseback. All three placements in the Amateur Shooting Dog would ultimately come from this strong Saturday slate, with multiple dogs delivering notable races and stylish finds.

Derby and Puppy Stakes
Following a hearty lunch of BBQ chicken and Perlo prepared by Matt White of Turbeville, South Carolina--a beloved fixture on the field trial catering circuit--handlers enjoyed a crowd-pleasing banana pudding prepared by Mrs. Gaye Lilly, whose desserts have become part of the Mid Carolina tradition.
The Amateur Derby featured five promising youngsters who showed the kind of drive and composure that bode well for future shooting dog careers. The Puppy stake rounded out the day in dramatic fashion: the final brace finished as the sun slipped below the tree line, and if the pups hadn't been white, they might have disappeared into the dusk entirely.

Acknowledgments and Closing
This event was successful thanks to many hands. Tim Ruff and Nick Mellon handled bird planting. Dog wagon duties were supported by Tim Ruff, Mr. Ronnie of Missouri, Mac Stidham, Jammie and Scott Miller, Trey Courtney, and Butch Lilly. The Sandlapper Field Trial Club extends sincere appreciation to Purina and the AFTCA for their event sponsorship, providing Pro Plan dog food for placements and underwriting ribbons and awards.
This year's trial benefited greatly from the outstanding quality of birds supplied by Hunter Run Farms of Chesterfield, South Carolina. Their strong-flying quail were a highlight of the weekend--energetic, healthy, and exceptionally well-conditioned.

The Mid-Carolina grounds are in excellent shape this season, offering a beautiful blend of cover and open country that highlights a dog's range and style. With this trial in the books, the race is officially underway to qualify for the South Carolina Amateur Shooting Dog Invitational in March at the storied Little Hobcaw Plantation. Follow ASCFTC on Facebook for more details!
Sandlapper will return to host the H. Cooper Black Amateur Shooting Dog Classic beginning Thursday, January 29, 2026, featuring a 30-minute Open Derby, 30-minute Open Shooting Dog, and one-hour Amateur Shooting Dog. This upcoming Classic will count for both Purina Points and ASCFTC Year-End Points.

Camden, S. C., November 6 - One Course
Judges: Kyle Boone and Tm Brigman Jr.
OPEN SHOOTING DOG - 12 Pointers and 5 Setters
1st-HIROLLINS TALKIN SMACK, F1678552, pointer male, by Fastforward's B K Gunner-Wiggins Miss Stella. Scott Miller, owner; Scott Miller, handler.
2d-ZERO TOLERANCE, F1716832, pointer male, by Haney's All In-Haney's Two Dozen Roses. Marty Moore, owner; Scott Miller, handler.
3d-OLIVER'S FAST CASH, F1702064, pointer male, by Hirollins B K Unforgetable-Moehill's Carolina Dial In. Kerry Oliver, owner; Scott Miller, handler.

OPEN DERBY- 7 Pointers and 1 Setter
1st-THE BUNKER BUSTER, F1711280, pointer male, by Haney's Silver Dollar-Hainline's Silver Jill. Marty Moore, owner; Scott Miller, handler.
2d-RAYNE'S SAM, F1720821, pointer male, by Miller's Blindsider-Tennessee Coldwater Gal. Rick Thone, owner; Scott Miller, handler.
3d-MISS REVLON, unreg., pointer female, by Miller's Blindsider-Miss Clinique. Gary Miller, owner and handler.

Judges: Calvin Curnutte and Judith Hamilton
AMATEUR SHOOTING DOG - 22 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st-HARBOR CITY MOON, F1704585, pointer male, by Harbor City Crusher-Waybetter Bella. Tom Brigman Jr., owner and handler.
2d-RESTER'S BAYOU BANDIT, F1722228, pointer male, by Touch's Blue Knight-Rester's Katie Lee. Kyle T. Boone, owner and handler.
3d-MUNSON POND FLO, F1702881, pointer female, by Scape'ore Rip-Cane Savannah Becca. Katie Courtney, owner and handler.

Judges: Calvin Curnutte and Ed Jesson
AMATEUR DERBY - 3 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st-HAINLINES RAW HONEY, F1708726, pointer female, by Small's White Charger-Blue Mound's Mainstreet. Trey Courtney, owner and handler.
2d-HIROLLINS GAME CHANGER, F1716498, pointer male, by Hirollins Gone and Doneit-Hunter Run's Hirollins Shug. Warren Parrott, owner and handler.

Judges: Katie Courtney and Calvin Curnutte
AMATEUR PUPPY - 7 Pointers and 3 Setters
1st-DOT, unreg., pointer male, breeding not given. Drew Bastian, owner and handler.
2d-SPOOK, unreg., pointer male, breeding not given. Nathan Hanchey, owner and handler.
3d-DUKE, unreg., breeding not given. Bradley Collins, owner and handler.