Event: BK John Gotti is First Place Winner
Result: Sixty-Third National Shooting Dog Futurity
Location: Bloomingdale, Ohio
Post Date: Nov 11, 2026
Submitted By: Mike Husenits
63rd National Shooting Dog Futurity (l-r). BK John Gotti with Brooke Lanning, Rebels High Impact with Zaynah and Jeanette Tracy, Backcountry Jetson with Chris Catanzarite, Mohawk Mill Easy with Mark Hughes Standing Eric Clink, Stacie Goodie, Wendy Tracy, Brian Riggle (Judge), George Tracy, Jeff Haggis (Judge), Greg Strausbaugh, Mark and Karen Janiec.
The sixty-third running of the National Shooting Dog Futurity took place September 23 and 24 over grounds owned by the Mingo Sportsman's Club near Steubenville, Ohio. This breeder's classic is one of the most prestigious derby events on the shooting dog circuit and has produced a large percentage of winners that developed and became champions on the Major Shooting Dog Circuit.
Historically, pheasants are the primary game bird, both native and released, but credit is allowed and given for handling quail, grouse or woodcock per established futurity guidelines.
The original concept and planning for shooting dog futurities occurred in 1961 with the inaugural running held October 4th, 1964, at Baldwinsville, New York. Futurity founders were all well respected patrons and veterans of the sport, including stalwarts and Hall of Fame members, namely Dr. Tom Flanagan, Bob Wehle, Harold Crane, Frank Ash, Anthony Imbesi, Dr. Alvin Nitchman, Richard Shear, Harry Townsend, Lee White plus several others. This event, coupled with sister, United States Quail Shooting Dog Futurity and Mid-States Futurity are recognized as the premier prestigious annually held derby events of the major shooting dog circuit. Early renewals drew 40 to 50 starters annually, increasing throughout the 60's into the mid 90's, averaging 60 to 70 starters with 1982 having a record high of 106. Throughout the early years several large breeding operations were active and nominated 80 to 100 litters annually. More recently, large pointing dog breeding operations have declined noticeably, resulting in a decline of litter enrollments to current levels of 10 to 20 annually and starters at 25 to 35. However, on the brighter side, superior performance levels witnessed over the past several decades has proven higher quality derby age contenders are being produced and/or developed selective breeding practice.
Primarily, the established performance criteria for futurity contenders is to recognize potential in young dogs capable of developing into competitive performers in the most prestigious shooting dog championships. Namely, the National Pheasant, the National Open Shooting Dog Championship and the National Amateur Championships.
Eligibility for dogs to compete in the Futurities is a simple process, requiring breeders to contact the secretary and nominate their litter within 60 days of whelping.
Futurity secretary, Mark Hughes handles the details and maintains the necessary records, handles inquiries, the drawing and pre-trial arrangements. He is assisted by Semi-Retired Secretary Mike Husenits who reports annually, a task Mike has managed for the past 23 years. Prior to Mark Hughes and Mike Husenits, Futurity secretaries were Keith Severin for 22 years, Verle Farrow for 16 years and David Miller the first 2 years. Current futurity President is Mike Tracy, a two-year rotating position. Chris Catanzarite and Mike Husenits are Vice-Presidents. Chris Catanzarite is extremely instrumental for ensuring this event succeeds. Chris serves as co-chair and handles procurement and daily release of strong flying pheasants. Additionally, Chris and Mark Hughes share marshalling duties.
Others that made notable contributions include Mary Tracy, who always assists in every way needed plus generally keeps the program on track, plus provides snacks and coffee for daily breaks. Appreciation is extended to Dave Hughes for his efficient performance handling the all-important dog truck duties and making sure plenty of goodies and water are on board for morning and afternoon breaks. Bill and Murial Primm rode in the dog truck at times along with this reporter. Plenty of memorable reminiscing of by-gone trials, dogs, characters and incidents provided on-board entertainment. Bobby Verderosa pitched and assisted with any need that arose.
Owners and participants noted in attendance included several members of the George and Mary Tracy family, Alex and Tiffani Smith, Stacie Goodie, Greg Strausbaugh, Mark and Karen Janiec, Mike Martino, Ralph Gillota, Pete DelCollo, Dave McKay and apologies to anyone I missed.
An annual highlight is the presentation of an oil painting by Alabama artist Mary McPherson of the previous year's futurity winner, that was Hightailing Pink, pointer female owned, bred and handled by Kevin Joyce. Unfortunately, the painting arrived late, but as always, Mary McPherson created a beautiful work of art. Neither Kevin nor Maureen Joyce could attend but nonetheless sponsored a marvelous Italian themed dinner on Wednesday evening from Pastiao Italian Restaurant featuring chicken Picotte, roasted vegetables and homemade pasta.
Sincere appreciation is extended to Greg Blair and Purina for their continued financial sponsorship and furnishing Pro Plan dog food for the winners.
Judges for this renewal were a pair of seasoned fair-minded veterans in Jeff Haggis and Brian Riggle. Jeff resides in Ontario, Canada and has been heavily involved with field trial participation, owned and handled multiple winners in addition to manufacturing high-quality saddlery and tack. Brian resides in Greene County, Pa and has competed with his field trial Brittany's for many years. These two were attentive and gave every dog their undivided attention. Their decisions were well received.
The rainy conditions that prevailed the day before the futurity made for muddy conditions, plus warm temperatures tested stamina, especially in the afternoon hours. Golden rod and autumn olive growth has expanded in height and denseness making visibility limited and flushing birds somewhat difficult in certain areas along the courses.
An analysis of the 22 entries bloodlines reveals the most popular sire was Waybetter Rebel with six entries followed by Springflow's Backcountry P.
The Winners
BK John Gotti, beautifully conformed orange marked male pointer owned, bred and handled by Brooke Lanning was named to the "spotlight" position following his noteworthy performance in the first brace. Readers can refer to the account of the running for more details. The B K prefix is fast becoming synonymous with high styled bird dogs. Sergio Velez, of Boss Kennels, is credited for the B K line of winners. John's sire, B K Real McCoy placed in this futurity previously, his dam B K LA Paloma Blanca a classy producer. John's effort here featured a consistently applied ground effort directed to the heavy cover on both sides of the path but never on the path.
Second placed Rebels Hi Impact, pointer male owned and bred by Muriel Primm and Allen Linder, handled by veteran Hall of Famer George Tracy was a close second. His blood lines indicate a strong connection to the Rebel line of winners, sired by Waybetter Rebel, his dam Dominator's Heir Kate, both tracing to Dominator's Rebel Heir linage.
Backcountry Jetson, black marked pointer male owned by Paul Tipping and handled by Chris Catanzarite, who also bred the litter, was third. Chris and his Backcountry Kennels have bred and developed multiple winners over many years that have won major championships. Jet was sired by Springflow's Backcountry P, his dam Apple Annie's Sweet Delight, a producing cross of multiple winners from this and previous matings with four from the current litter competing in this Futurity.
Fourth placed Mohawk Mill Easy, liver marked pointer male owned by Tony Gefert and handled by Mark Hughes, rendered a classy forwardly applied effort to gain the judge's favor. Easy was bred by Mohawk Mill Kennels, owned by Gary & Ellen Winall, sired by The Treasure Chest, his dam Mohawk Mill For Real. His pedigree includes famous producers Chasehill Little Bud and Stoney Run's Buddy that trace to Beaver Meadow Benjamin and Jeb's V D.
The Running
Brace 1-BK John Gotti (B. Lanning) and High Drive Second Chance (G. Tracy). Off and running at 8:05, both attractive with Chance going wide, John more modest in range but hitting the cover on both sides with determination. John made contact at 7 on a pheasant and stopped for the shot. Chance was well ahead and found pointing at 12 on hillside headed to the stone pile crossing with John coming on the scene and backing beautifully. At flush of a cock pheasant Chance went in hot pursuit then, failed to regain the front and counted out. Meanwhile, John scored at 16 beyond road crossing, added a second stop to flush on a pheasant, then pointed a covey of quail with high style and granite-like intensity at 21with fall derby manners, then finished his stint ahead, hunting the heavy cover with power and enthusiasm.
Brace 2-Martino's Gold Standard (M. Martino) and Backcountry Jetson (C. Catanzarite). Start made at 8:44 near the pond, gold forward but soon out of pocket and gone for the count. Jet pointed stylishly at 5 along goldenrod edge with nothing produced or relocated. Sent ahead, the black marked pointer ranged well forward and hit the cover nicely, notching a mannerly pheasant find at 18. After crossing the road at the water tub Jet made a big swing along hilltop and slammed into point at 29 near a stand of locust. After long flush attempt, handler sent Jet to relocate and he pinned the pheasant nicely directly ahead of his original stand, demonstrating more than acceptable manners for the flush and shot.
Brace 3 - Sweet Emotions Big (M. Martino) and Rebel's Miss Michele (G. Tracy). Released at 10:08 after coffee and snacks, Big started strong but was up early after youthful contacts on pheasants. Miss was somewhat sociable early, pointed at 7 with no results and was on the lead early.
Brace 4 - Mohawk Mill Easy (M. Hughes) and Calico's Nacho Dog (A. Smith). Released at 10:53, Easy started strong showing plenty of running style and hunting the cover with enthusiasm. He pointed at 14 with beautiful style and intensity on hillside, demonstrating advanced manners as a pheasant was put to wing. Easy finished well ahead going strong. Nacho, large nearly all white pointer looked strong and proved to be strong with a front running ground heat but failed to connect with game.
Brace 5 - G's Backwoods Pocket Rocket (M. Hughes) and Rebel's Jack Frost (G. Tracy). Start at 1:35 after a leisurely lunch break, Rocket was all business in application thought not overly extreme in range, proving to be a bird finder with a pair of finds at 11 and 20, both with more than acceptable manners. Jack showed signs of greatness at times but his overall ground effort was inconsistent.
Brace 6 - Calico's Leather & Lace (A. Smith) and Bo Bodacious (M. Hughes). Start at 2:17 at the far end fields, both well forward and getting through the country with plenty of drive and eye-appeal. Unfortunately, the only bird contact was a stop to flush for Bo.
Brace 7 - Rebel's Fancy (G. Tracy) and Easy Enough (M. Martino). Away at 3:08, both were forward at medium range but shortened with Fancy up at 10 and Easy soon afterward.
Brace 8 - Carry On Poncho (M. Martino) and Backcountry Gator (C. Catanzarite). Final brace of the day started at 3:34. Poncho started strong but was up at 18 after shortening. Gator hunted hard with strong application until flying pheasants caused him to become overly aggressive and was picked up early.
Brace 9 - Backcountry Remmy (C. Catanzarite) and Rebels High Impact (G. Tracy). Start made at 8:08 with both away fast and furious showing plenty of running style and aggressively hunting the country. Both slammed on point at 6 along hedge row for a divided find with advanced fall derby manners as a pheasant was put to wing. Sent ahead, they exchanged complimentary cast after cast and appeared to be contenders but unfortunately Remmy got on the wrong side of the last turn and failed to finish within the grace period, tracker requested. Impact did make the last turn and finished his stint well ahead at breakneck speed.
Brace 10 - B K Main Attraction (B. Lanning) and Bowser's Backcountry Girl (M. Hughes). Released at 9:05, Attraction laid down a classy hard hunting ground race at medium range but failed to contact game. Girl also hunted hard to the front, her only contact a stop to flush at 26, both finishing ahead.
Brace 11 - B K Wild Thing (B. Lanning) and Rebel's Dominator (G. Tracy). Wild hunted with plenty of eye-appeal at medium range but sans bird work. Dom started strong but was soon off the forward stage and up early.
Bloomingdale, Ohio, September 23
Judges: Jeff Haggis and Brian Riffle
63RD NATIONAL SHOOTING DOG FUTURITY - 22 Pointers
1st-BK JOHN GOTTI, F1724177, pointer male, by BK Real McCoy-B K Lapaloma Blanca. Brooke Lanning & Eric Clink, owners; Brooke Lanning, handler.
2d-REBELS HI IMIPACT, F1732481, pointer male, by Waybetter Rebel-Dominator's Heir Kate. Allen R. Linder & Muriel Primm, owners; George Tracy, handler.
3d-BACK COUNTRY JETSON, F1724436, pointer male, by Springflow's Backcountry P-Apple Annie's Sweet Delight. Paul Tipping, owner; Chris Catanzarite, handler.
4th-MOHAWK MILL EASY, F1720935, pointer male, by The Treasure Chest-Mohawk Mill For Real. Tony Gefert, owner; Mark Hughes, handler.
Rebels Hi Impact second in the 63rd National Shooting Dog Futurity.