Result: Prairie Field Trial Club

Location: Mayflower, Arkansas

Post Date: Feb 3, 2026

Submitted By: William S. Smith

Open All-Age (front, l-r): Larry Huffman with Wynona's Nickleback Sugar, Mike Lemons with Haney's Hurricane Seeker, and Matt Cochran with Wild Covey Strikezone. (Back row): Chris Rider (judge), Roger Martin, Allen Vincent, William Smith (judge), David Russell, and Andy Daugherty.

The 2026 edition of the Prairie Open qualifying trial returned to the grounds of Camp Robinson, Arkansas. Camp Robinson is a storied venue dating back to the mid-1950s. The trial has been headquartered in several different locations since its inception and has even been run in Broomhill, Canada, and now Mayflower, Arkansas.

Mr. Ben Hogan was a road contractor in the Little Rock/Conway area. He was a bird dog enthusiast who envisioned a facility that would be reserved for future generations to have and enjoy. Mrs. Mary Oliver, of Arkansas Ranger fame, shared Mr. Hogan's vision. These two influentials, along with several others of the same belief, began the process of negotiating with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the U.S. Government to establish a wildlife demonstration area for all sporting dog enthusiasts' usage.

Camp Robinson in North Little Rock is home to the Arkansas National Guard and is the principal training area for the Arkansas Army National Guard. It is also used by a number of other military and civilian agencies. This facility was chosen by Mr. Hogan and his group as the target of their endeavors. An agreement was reached with the federal government, and a 4,200-acre tract was leased to the Game and Fish Commission for 99 years. The Game and Fish department was also given the role of administrator for the site.

Soon, field trials were being contested over the grounds. A wooden barn in the shape of a "U" was built along with kennels. A clubhouse was built in the mid to late 1950s, with Arkansas stone covering the exterior walls. Years later, the Arkansas Hall of Fame was formed and was situated inside the spacious clubhouse. The clubhouse was one of the first of its kind in the country. Many photos of the early trials and the people who attended covered the walls of the clubhouse. Of course, the Hall of Fame housed many priceless artifacts, but sadly, the clubhouse and everything in it were lost in the tornado of April 27, 2014.

The 2014 tornado also destroyed the barns, the kennels, the area manager's house, a Game and Fish maintenance shed, and hundreds and hundreds of trees. Access into the area was blocked until the many fallen trees were removed. Much later, after much of the debris had been cleared away, talk began of rebuilding. There were some obstacles to overcome before the rebuilding process, but through working together with Game and Fish, Legislators, state government agencies, and the many volunteers, like a Phoenix, Camp Robinson has risen from the ashes.

If you ride the field trial courses, you will hear names like Quail Alley, Nursery Pond, Dead Horse Curve, Rabbit Pen Ridge, and the Mountain--all having special meaning to those who saw the field trial area resurrected. If you contrast the winding courses of Camp Robinson to Dixie Plantation, the Mountain to Horse killer Hill of Grove Springs, the abundant hardwood areas to Ames Plantation, and the facilities of Hell Creek, you will have a pretty good idea of what Camp Robinson looks like. It is one of the most beautiful field trial settings in the world.
The Prairie began on Tuesday morning, January 6, with the All-Age running. Chris Rider traveled from Smithfield, Pennsylvania, to arbitrate. Chris has years of experience in all phases of field trials and is a much sought-after judge. The Prairie was lucky to get him! Your scribe came from Moscow, Tennessee, to fill the second judicial saddle.

Thirty-three all-age entries--32 pointers and one lone setter--vied for the crown. The accompanying Derby stake drew 16 hopefuls, all pointers. All 49 dogs competed.
The venue presented some challenging adjustments for both handler and dog, but the competition was not lacking in any fashion.

The setter, Wynona's Nickleback Sugar, ran in the 14th brace, and her performance was deemed to be the best of the best. Sugar is not a stranger to the winners' circle, as she has been there in all-age and shooting dog competitions. She finished with a nice covey find at 26 and one nonproductive stand to go with the winning race. She was handled by Allen Vincent.
Haney's Hurricane Seeker was handled by his owner, David Russell. Seeker ran in the 12th brace and scored a find on a large covey that lifted wild but was seen officially by the judiciary. He was also credited with a back of his bracemate at 25. His performance garnered him the runner-up spot.

Wild Covey Strikezone handled by the veteran, Andy Daugherty, scored a divided find at 8 on a covey that lifted in waves. He went on to run a commendable race, earning him the final placement of the stake.

The winners of the Derby stake were all placed on all-age potential. First went to Westfall's Florida Line, handled by Andy Daugherty. Second was Game Pride, handled by his owner, Dr. Fred Corder, and third place went to Red Dirt Road Mondo, handled by Allen Vincent. Dirt's owner, Jay McKenzie, was mounted to watch his entry.

Our thanks go to Rita Corder, who prepared the great lunches that reminded one of eating at Cracker Barrel. She was very much appreciated. Roger Martin again drove the dog wagon, and he should be nominated for Dog Wagon Driver of the Year! Roger is the retired Superintendent of this venue.

The club wishes to thank all the handlers and owners who supported this trial. Without their patronage, the continuation of this trial would not be possible.

Purina sponsored this trial and will sponsor countless others during the season. Without their assistance, many clubs would be hard-pressed to host a trial. Our caps are off for Purina.

Mayflower, Ark., January 6
Judges: Chris Rider and William Smith
OPEN ALL-AGE [One-Hour Heats] - 32 Pointers and 1 Setter
1st-WYNONA'S NICKLEBACK SUGAR, F1690017, setter female, by T's Nickleback-Carpenter's Don't Ya. Bruce Sooter & Brad Tolson, owners; Allen Vincent, handler.
2d-HANEY'S HURRICANE SEEKER, F1698759, pointer male, by Ransom-Haney's North Star. David Russell, owner and handler.
3d-WILD COVEY STRIKEZONE, F1697326, pointer male, by Open Range Terminator-Open Range Ice Breaker. Tony King, owner; Andy Daugherty, handler.

OPEN DERBY - 16 Pointers
1st-WESTFALL'S FLORIDA LINE, F1720655, pointer male, by Westfall's Black Ice-Westfalls World Class. Ryan Westfall, owner; Andy Daugherty, handler.
2d-GAME PRIDE, F1710580, pointer male, by Haney's Silver Dollar-Game Belle. Dr. Fred Corder, owner and handler.
3d-RED DIRT ROAD MONDO, F1711695, pointer male, by Texas Wild Rex-Hard Rock April Showers. Jay McKenzie, owner; Allen Vincent, handler.

Open Derby (front, l-r): Matt Cochran with Westfall's Florida Line, Rita Corder with Game Pride, Allen Vincent with Red Dirt Road Mondo. (Back row): Chris Rider (judge), Andy Daugherty, Mike Lemons, William Smith (judge), Dr. Fred Corder, Jay McKenzie, Roger Martin, and David Russell.