Result: National Amateur Free-For-All Championship

Location: Union Springs, Alabama

Post Date: May 15, 2026

Submitted By: Morgan Brewer

National Amateur Free-for-All Championship: Darron Hendley, Mike Moses with Just Sayin, Chris Campbell, Morgan Brewer (reporter), Hunter McDuffie, Ted Roach with Late Hit, Bill Goolsby, Sean Derrig (judge), Mindy McDuffie, John Neely (judge), Todd Montgomery with Miller's Concealed Weapon, Steve Hutto, and Bill Owen.

The National Amateur Free-For-All Championship officially kicked off its renowned field trial on February 22, 2026, at the breathtaking Sedgefields Plantation in Union Springs, Alabama. Each year, amateur competitors from across the country eagerly return, all vying for one of the most prestigious titles in the history of amateur field trials. Owners Raymond and Kathryn Harbert have graciously opened their grounds to host this storied event. Their unwavering dedication and support, along with the board of directors, are the foundation that keeps this longstanding tradition alive. The board's commitment is instrumental to the trial's continued success, and the Free-For-All Board stands among the very best. Hosting a championship of this caliber is truly a team effort. Jason Howard, Bill Lee, Chance Kelley, and the entire Sedgefields crew consistently go above and beyond. Their meticulous care and preparation of the grounds create an unparalleled setting, arguably the finest in the country to ever turn a bird dog loose.

The running would not proceed nearly as smoothly without the steady hand of an experienced dog wagon driver like Steve Hutto. He keeps the running order on track while also making sure participants are well supplied with refreshments. Harrison and Squire Lee served as head marshals, joined by board members Harold Johnson and Hunter McDuffie. Their guidance kept handlers moving in the right direction, and their efforts were sincerely appreciated. And words fall short in expressing gratitude for Annie Buce. She was outstanding throughout each day, unsaddling, washing, and returning the judges' horses to their stalls. Her cheerful smile was a welcome sight at the close of every long day.

Sean Derrig of Illinois and John Neely of Georgia shared this year's judging duties. They rode tirelessly, giving dogs a fair and attentive evaluation, and their time and commitment throughout the week were truly invaluable. "Thank you" hardly seems sufficient for the magnitude of their efforts; we are deeply grateful to both of them.

As always, Purina generously provided four bags of dog food to the champion, three to the runner-up champion, and two to the Top Qualifying Dogs. Both Purina and Greg Blair continue to be invaluable supporters of this Championship and the sport as a whole. Garmin contributed tracking collars for both the champion and runner-up champion. Locally owned Union Springs Home Center, operated by Leigh and Jay Moorer, graciously upheld the longstanding tradition established by former owners Becky and Tony Gibson, presenting thoughtful gifts to the judges and the reporter. The generosity of these sponsors is sincerely and deeply appreciated.

Each morning, a hearty, satisfying breakfast was served in the field house, generously sponsored by the Bullock County Tourism Council. The effort is made possible through the combined community members and friends who contribute to the council, helping cover the cost of meals, hiring cooks, and providing the welcome signs and banners throughout town. Your continued support is vital to keeping this trial running, and it is sincerely appreciated.
Delicious hot lunches were served daily in the field house, accompanied by desserts and drinks. Allison and Ban Stewart consistently do an outstanding job, offering a varied menu that keeps everyone coming back day after day. Each meal is carefully planned to appeal to a wide range of tastes.

Saturday night, everyone was invited to the Union Springs Country Club for the kick-off, drawn down, and dance. The owners' and handlers' party was held on Sunday at the Sedgefields Field House, sponsored by AmeriFirst Bank and the National Amateur Free-For-All Board of Directors. The anticipated "Friends' Party" was held on Monday night at the home of Hunter and Addie Smith. Hunter and Addie graciously opened up their beautiful home and hosted the event along with Catherine and Jimmy Bassett, Beverly and Andy Calloway, Linda and Jay Clark, Lisa and Justin Clark, Amy and Stan Connally, Chris and Pete Del Collo, Becky and Tony Gibson, Darlene Hixon, Frank Moorer, Maureen and Kevin Joyce, Heather and Charles Klink, Jane and Jim Klinger, Beverly and Robin Kruger, Sue Ellen and Tom Lanier, Renita and Tommy Main, Colleen and Frank Rutland, Brooke and Brian Sanchez, Sandra and Jim Smith, Shirley and Joe Varner, and Addie and Hunter Smith. The food was exceptional, and all had a good time. Thompson Tractor hosted Tuesday night's dinner at the Union Springs Country Club. Wednesday night's party was in honor of Mrs. Bootie Smitherman and Mrs. Ginger Austin, hosted by more friends of the National Amateur Free-For-All held at the Sedgefields Field House. Last and certainly not least, the inaugural McDuffie and Company Party was Thursday night at the Sedgefields Field House. Hunter and Mindy McDuffie planned this fun party along with a plethora of others, and it was the perfect way to close this year's social events.

The Running
1st Brace: Face To Face (Jeffery Gilbertson) carded a find at 42 and finished the 45 minutes. Miller's Upgraded Version (Fran Miller) recorded a find at 6 and also finished.

2nd Brace: Game Changer (Junior Sims) was ordered up at 20 for a breach of manners. Erin's Katie Elder (Ted Roach) notched finds at 25 and 27 and finished strong.

3rd Brace: Miller's Concealed Weapon (Bill Owen) had finds at 14 and 39 and finished the 45 minutes. Ironstone's Matickia (Garrison McClary) was picked up at 39 for a breach of manners.

4th Brace: Miller's Family Tradition (Roach) recorded a find at 32 and had a nice finish. Crossroads Easy Street (Wayne Pope) turned in a clean race and finish.

5th Brace: Twin Willow Troubadour (Addison McDuffie) recorded a find at 36 and finished the 45 minutes. Erin's Grey Ghost (Owens) turned in a clean race and finished.

6th Brace: Awakened (Brent Cox) had an unproductive at 42 and finished. Erin's Mason Man (Roger Key) also had an unproductive at 42 and finished.

7th Brace: Miller's Southern Gossip, handled by Madison McDonald, finished the 45 minutes. Dominator's High Maintenance (J. Hutwagner) was handed the retrieval unit at 31.

8th Brace: Ray Banne (Robbie Thomas) recorded a find at 40 and finished. Shearjoy's Triple Threat (Betty Shearouse) also finished with a clean effort.

9th Brace: Erin's Ty Breaker (Roach) had an unproductive at 18 followed by a find at 37. Erin's Young Offender (Key) had a back at 37 and an unproductive at 43.

10th Brace: Miller's Upgraded Dot Com (Miller) finished the 45 minutes. Pineywoods Wildfire (Darron Hendley) carded a find at 35.

11th Brace: Miller's Upgraded Design (Miller) finished the 45-minute brace. Erin's Storm Chaser (Key) had an unproductive at 17 and finished.

12th Brace: Wonder Dog (Bobby Dubose) had an unproductive at 33 and finished. Como Skyline (Todd Montgomery) turned in an impressive performance with finds at 2, 23, and 35, finishing the brace.

13th Brace: Late Hit (Hunter McDuffie) finished the 45 minutes. Miller's Little Duce Coupe (McDonald) had an unproductive at 2 and finished.

14th Brace: Panther Creek Rosie (Frank Rutland) finished the brace. Miller's Flowers and Lace (McDonald) recorded a find at 36 and finished.

15th Brace: Prairie Stormseeker (Quinton Wiseman) had a back at 20 and finished. Supreme Confidence (Roach) carded a find at 20, followed by an unproductive at 37, and finished the 45-minute brace strong.

16th Brace: Just Sayin (Mike Moses) finished the brace. Calico's Sky's The Limit (McDonald) recorded a find at 1 before the retrieval unit was requested at 25.

17th Brace: Millers Authentic Version (Miller) had a find at 40 and finished. Due Respect (Jim Tande) recorded an unproductive at 40 and finished the 45 minutes.

18th Brace: Osceola's Rebel Chief (Roach) carded a find at 36 and had a strong front-running race. C S Snapdragon (H. McDuffie) asked for the tracker at 33.

19th Brace: High Drive Drinkaby (McDonald) recorded an unproductive at 3, followed by a find at 8, and finished. Redeemed (Shannon Nygard) finished with a clean effort.
The Top Qualifier title went to Miller's Concealed Weapon, owned and handled by Bill Owen.

Callbacks
1st Callback Brace: Shearouse Smooth As Silk (Betty Shearouse) recorded a find at 34, an unproductive at 40, and another find at 72 before finishing the 90 minutes. Miller's Concealed Weapon (Bill Owens) carded a find at 34 and finished strong.

2nd Callback Brace: Miller's Upgraded Version (Fran Miller) recorded an unproductive at 8 and 21. Supreme Confidence (Ted Roach) had unproductives at 8 and 42.

3rd Callback Brace: Late Hit (Hunter McDuffie) had an exceptional race and carded a find at 81. Awakened (Brent Cox) had an impressive race but unfortunately came up short with bird work.

4th Callback Brace: Just Sayin (Mike Moses) delivered a strong championship effort with finds at 12 and 61, along with an unproductive at 41, before finishing the 90 minutes in impressive fashion. Bracemate High Drive Drinkaby (Madison McDonald) recorded a find at 16, but later requested the retrieval unit at 47.

5th Callback Brace: Erin's Storm Chaser (Roger Key) carded a find at 13 before being picked up at 54. Ray Banne (Robbie Thomas) answered with a find at 46 but was picked up shortly thereafter at 49.

Congratulations to the 2026 National Amateur Free-For-All Champion, Just Sayin. Owner and handler Mike Moses, along with scout Hunter McDuffie, assembled a consistent championship to earn the coveted title. Their dog demonstrated the class, stamina, and bird-finding ability required to rise above a talented field of competitors.

Runner-up Champion honors went to Late Hit, owned by Chris Campbell and handled by Hunter McDuffie, with Ted Roach serving as scout. Late Hit turned in a strong and consistent championship performance from start to finish and proved himself a worthy contender throughout the week.

The Top Qualifier award was presented to Miller's Concealed Weapon, handled by Bill Owen, whose outstanding qualifying performance earlier in the championship earned well-deserved recognition among a deep field of talented competitors.

Union Springs, Ala., February 22
Judges: Sean Derrig and John Neely
NATIONAL AMATEUR FREE-FOR-ALL CHAMPIONSHIP - 34 Pointers and 6 Setters
Winner-JUST SAYIN, F1698956, pointer male, by Erin's Redrum-Worth The Wait. Mike Moses, owner and handler.
Runner-Up-LATE HIT, F1687601, pointer male, by Miller's Blindsider-Abigail Lil. Christopher Campbell, owner; Hunter McDuffie, handler.