Result: Region 4 Amateur Shooting Dog Championship

Location: Bloomingdale, Ohio

Post Date: Apr 2, 2021

Submitted By: Ray Wheeler

This event like many others was cancelled last year, but now that we have a different federal administration and the mysterious virus doesn't seem to be dominating the "News" we are able to finally get back to having our beloved dog and pony shows.

The ever popular Mingo Sportsmens Club grounds in Bloomingdale, Ohio served as our venue this year. Other than a stiff breeze on Friday afternoon, the weather was great.

Through the efforts of Mr. Tom DeRosa birds were scattered throughout the courses before every brace and available all the contestants. Tom's efforts were a major reason for the success of the trial.

Judges for the trial were Jack Alexander of Vienna, Ohio who teamed in the saddles with his daughter Crystal. They have trained and competed with their Brittanys as well as pointers for many years. The pair was very attentive and took their job very seriously. Their decision was well received.

Competitors from six states come to show their dogs and enjoy the social aspects of the trial. It was good to see old friends and meet new ones. Kristine and Tim Hammons came from Berea, Ky.; we shared some memories from our thirty some years of competitive encounters. Kelsey Hajek came down from Mee-she-gan to scout for Sandy Maclean. Larry King made the trip from West By God Virginia and showed the judges two good bird dogs. Andrew Dawson also from West Virginia by way of "Alabama" come to run his young dog. Dave Park from western Pennsylvania brought a couple newcomers -- Justin Mason and the beautiful Miss Cora. They camped on the grounds, run their young dog and really seemed to enjoy themselves. We hope to see them in the future. Tim McClurg, a fellow club member was also on hand to help out and run his string of dogs.

Chris Cantanzarite and Lane Hodges have been battling for Purina and AFTCA Invitational points all year. They continued that battle here at the Region 4 and it was a head-to-head encounter with the two current points leaders One Day Frost and Springflow's Backcountry P braced together in the fifth brace. Both dogs provided the judges and gallery with an exciting hour.

THE WINNERS

This year's Champion emerged in Springflow's Backcountry P, five-year-old white and liver pointer male handled by Chris Cantanzarite. Pete ran a very stylish and purposeful race and also had five stylish and well handled finds. He is co-owned by Chris and Rick Beinhauer of Scenery Hill, Pa.

Pete has had a busy and successful year, competing in ten points trials and placing in six of them this year. He has placed in trials in Ohio, South Carolina, Georgia and New Jersey and Chris plans on entering several more trials this spring. Chris is also Pete's breeder.

Runner-up was One Day La Bandita, Derby-age pointer female. Bandit is owned and handled by Lane Hodges of Griffin, Ga. Bandit run a race that showed much more maturity than you would expect for at her age. She was fast and stylish on the ground and pretty on point as well, she had five well handled finds.

Bandit was bred by Bobby Dubose of Baker, Fla. This breeding goes back to Heard Hill's Queen Mary and Erin's Bad River. The litter has produced three champions, to date: the 2021 National Amateur Shooting Dog Derby Champion, the 2021 Runner-up National Amateur Shooting Dog Derby Champion, and now the 2021 Region 4 Runner-up Champion.

Bloomingdale, Ohio, April 2

Judges: Crystal Alexander and Jack Alexander

REGION 4 AMATEUR SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP

[One-Hour Heats] --15 Pointers and 3 Setters

Winner--SPRINGFLOW'S BACKCOUNTRY P, 1673025, pointer male, by Coosawhatchie Smoth Ride--Backcountry Bonnie. Chris Catanzarite & Rick Beinhauer, owners; Chris Catanzarite, handler.

Runner-Up--ONE DAY LA BANDITA, 1684577, pointer female, by Heard Hill's Memory Lane--Dubose's Snow White. Lane Hodges, owner and handler.