Result: Region Amateur Shooting Dog Championship

Location: Grand Junction, Tennessee

Post Date: Jan 15, 2026

Submitted By: Kent Walker

Coldwater Paradise, Winner of the Region 6 Amateur Shooting Dog Championship

Twenty contenders came to the line to test their skills on the historic grounds of the Ames Plantation, located in Grand Junction, Tennessee, home of the National Championship. The trial was run December 19-20, 2025.

Winning this year's event was Coldwater Paradise, a 7-year-old veteran performer for owner Gary McKibben of Hernando, Mississippi. Runner-up laurels went to Kenton Bryant's young setter, Bryant's Give It A Rip. The winner was credited with five finds during her hour, with one unproductive stand coupled with a smooth, well-handled ground race. The runner-up had two finds along with one unproductive to go with a strong forward race.

During the event, there were a total of 35 coveys seen; 33 by the dogs and two others ridden up. The weather was favorable for the trial, with morning temperatures in the mid-30s reaching near 60 in the afternoon. The Ames Plantation has undergone some well-received changes in the off-season. The parking area at the Rhea building and horse barn has new gravel everywhere, creating additional parking, and it really looks good. Many road crossings have been cleaned up, and additional mowing has been done. There has also been one major course renovation on the third hour that vastly improved the flow. The Ames crew has definitely been busy. Judging this year's event were Mike Lemons and David Russell. Both gentlemen successfully campaigned their own dogs on both the amateur and pro circuits and gave each contestant their full attention. Their decisions were well received.

As always, there are many people to thank for making a trial a success. Hats off to Lisa Little for all the great meals and for her role as secretary of Region 6. Mr. Ken Blackman drove the dog wagon, and Chris Weatherly marshaled. My thanks again to Matt Backus and the Ames Plantation for allowing us the opportunity to run, and to our ongoing and faithful sponsor, Sportsman's Pride Dog Food, for all they do for this trial and for others throughout Region 6.

Grand Junction, Tenn., December 19
Judges: Mike Lemons and David Russell
REGION 6 AMATEUR SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 14 Pointers and 6 Setters
Winner-COLDWATER PARADISE, F1684062, pointer female, by Coldwater Spectre-Coldwater Belle. Gary McKibben, owner and handler.
Runner-Up-BRYANT'S GIVE IT A RIP, F1701553, setter male, by Erin's Wild Atlantic Way-Cline's Live Oak. Kenton Bryant, owner and handler.

Bryant's Give It A Rip, runner-up in the Region 6 Amateur Shooting Dog Championship