Result: Gulf Coast Open Shooting Dog Championship

Location: Union Springs, Alabama

Post Date: Mar 4, 2026

Submitted By: Lisa Littell

Gulf Coast Open Shooting Dog Championship: Jeff Gibbons, Darron Hendley, Tommy Rice III with Real Thing Cuz, Tommy Rice Jr., Tim Moore (judge), Morgan Brewer, Hunter McDuffie with Ray Banne, Brent Cox, Tony Reynolds, Brentson Cox, and Lawton Huggins. (Back row): Allison Stewart, Lisa Littell, Amelia Stewart, Harold Johnson, and Sister Cox.

The Winners
The winner of this renewal emerged in the 22nd brace on the fourth day of the trial in the form of Real Thing Cuz, a 5-year-old pointer male bred, owned, and handled by "Big" Tommy Rice and ably scouted by Tommy Rice Jr. The first afternoon course leaves the field house and goes south before turning west. Less than 100 yards after the breakaway point was called for Cuz, and bracemate Miller's Family Tradition handled by Squire Lee. It was noted that this is the only time during the five days running that this covey was pointed. Cuz made good use of the course and made several showy swings in the block leading to the new pond. Cuz was impressive as he hunted the cover and was swinging with his handler. He chose to hunt the cover rather than take the easy footing of the horse path. Into the block behind the machinery headquarters, Cuz was again standing at 30, and Tommy put up his second covey right where he said they were. Shortly after this find, Lee lifted his entry.

From there, the course heads to the Sawtooth Oak Grove, and just as we approached the grove, Cuz was pointed in the low cover off to the right of the course. After a thorough flushing effort and a workmanlike relocation, no game was produced. As the course approached the pond dam, Cuz was stacked up on the pine ridge for his third find. Again, he had the birds pinned and was proudly standing for the flush and shot. The gallery was sensing that the only thing Cuz needed was a strong finish to seal the deal, and Cuz did exactly that. Tommy took advantage of the open country and sent him across the pond dam and into the hay field, letting him fade out of sight as pick up was called.

The runner-up, Ray Banne, handled by Tony Reynolds for Robert Thomas, came to the line in the third brace with Late Hit, handled by Tom Shenker. Both dogs started well, but in the block behind the catch pen, Tom lifted Hit when it became apparent he was not feeling well. Ray went on to put on a front-running, easy handling, hunting hour and was rewarded for his hunting efforts at 25 with a good find on a morning when birds were hard to come by. Ray reached nicely when the country allowed and stayed in tune with Tony for the entire hour.
We extend our sincere thanks to Becky and Tony Gibson for their endless generosity and support of our field trials. Their support and dedication to the perpetuation of the sport of field trials are unrivalled.
Grateful appreciation also goes to our sponsors: SBHA, Purina, Eukanuba, SportDOG, and Jinks Crow, P.C., as well as our banner sponsors whose support made this championship possible.
Thank you as well to Ban and Allison Stewart and 5 Strings Catering for providing excellent meals throughout the trial, and to George Cole and Steve Hutto for cooking breakfast each morning. A special thank you to all of those behind the scenes who make the trials at Conecuh Station possible.

Union Springs, Ala., January 19
Judges: Harold Johnson and Tim Moore
GULF COAST OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 52 Pointers and 4 Setters
Winner-REAL THING CUZ, F1694070, pointer male, by Melrose Big Rambler-Melrose Ramblin Heart. Thomas Rice Jr., owner and handler.
Runner-Up-RAY BANNE, F1701033, pointer female, by Dogwood Bill-Sandhill Lil Juney. Robert Thomas, owner; Tony Reynolds, handler.

Tommy Rice III with Real Thing Cuz and Tommy Rice Jr.