Result: Western Open Championships

Location: Reno, Nevada

Post Date: Aug 11, 2022

Submitted By: Jared Tappero

Pacific Coast Derby Championship. From left: Gina Bosio (Judge), Nard Bailey, Austin Turley, Larry Smith with Touch's Amazing Greyce, Jarry Walton, Linda Smith, Sean Kelly, Jim Ledington, Lori Steinshouer with I'm Gallant, Mike Wilkin, Jim Morehouse, Randy Anderson, Jared Tappero, Brad LaVerne, Torben Hansen, Terry Erickson, Clifford Mesnard II (Judge).

The 2022 renewal of the Western Open Championships, hosted by the Bay Area Bird Dog Club, were held at the BLM field trial grounds at Red Rock, 15-miles north of Reno, Nev. The Pacific Coast Derby Championship and Western Championships stakes began after the conclusion of the Region 11 Amateur All-Age Championship, which started Saturday, April 23rd, and concluded Monday, the 25th; the Amateur stake drew 34 entrants, all of which started. The four championship stakes ran over a period of nine days under variable weather conditions, with handlers from ten different states participating.

The Red Rock grounds are located on the western edge of the Great Basin; the Sierra Nevada mountain range rising ominously from the high-desert floor to the west. At 5300-feet elevation the grounds are located on a rolling sage-covered landscape with deep cuts, steep hills, long ridges, rock outcrops, grassy basins, and large patches of western juniper.

Pacific Coast Derby Championship

The Derby Championship began shortly after 8am Tuesday, April 26th, and concluded the following day, Wednesday, April 27th. Twenty-one canine athletes were entered and started in this National Championship qualifier, Purina Open Derby and Handler of the Year Points stake.

The Winners
Declared champion was Touch's Amazing Greyce, white, liver & ticked pointer bitch, owned and handled by Austin Turley of Molt, Mont. I'm Gallant, white, black and ticked pointer dog owned by Jay McKenzie of Eureka, Kan., and handled by Randy Anderson of Vinita, Okla., was named runner-up. Judges for the championship were Gina Bosio of Modesto, Cal., and Clifford Mesnard II of Clyde, Ohio.

The Running
I'm Gallant (J. McKenzie/R. Anderson) and Idaho's Lucky Mike (R. Heaton). Were cast-off from camp at 8:05am. Both dogs were wide to the left initially then forward through the junipers into the big basin. Gallant crossed the front onto the bluff then made his way through the juniper clump at the bottom of the basin. Both Gallant, and Mike, covering the ground nicely with high cracking tails. Both dogs were on the uphill side of the bench near the red top, with Gallant coming to the front near the north trough then making a move to the right in the higher bluffs. After a short lapse in contact Gallant swung to the front proceeding forward to the chute, where Mike regained the front with him. At 36, on the ridge, Gallant was seen pointed-up with high head and tail. As Anderson went in for the flush a single chukar left the mannerly dog; all was in order at the shot. Gallant was then on the bluff and swung deep into the basin, coming up through the junipers. Mike was on the uphill side moving forward toward the basin above camp. At 46 Gallant was found standing in the burnt basin. After a short flushing attempt Gallant was relocated but nothing was produced. Both dogs were watered at Brittany road, then sent on. In the rocks Mike was working the uphill objectives and Gallant the lower. At time both dogs were to the front at nice range near the rock piles approaching the gate.

Dunn's Ever'n Onward (W. Dunn) and Perkin's Rebel Within (C. Perkins/A. Turley). Both dogs left the line with high tails, Within quick to the gate, while Onward made a move high onto the rocky ridge. Into the rocks Onward remained high, and Within was more moderate and forward. At the big draw Onward was to the front and continued forward past the road trough toward the junipers. Within was watered-up at the trough and sent on. Both were forward at nice range through the junipers and into the big basin. Past the concrete trough Onward made a move onto the big ridge, showing distantly as he climbed and pushed onward. Within handled well through the basin and into the chute, he finished his hour at the top of the basin birdless. The tracker was requested for Onward.

Touch's Cocaine Blues (M. Griffith/R. Anderson) and Sleepless Money Maiden (J. Wolthuis/S. Twer). Matt Griffith, Shawnee, Okla., was in the gallery to ride the day and watch his Cocaine Blues dog run. Maiden was forward through the junipers quickly and wasn't seen again, the tracker requested at 15. Blues had a moderate race initially then opened up about halfway through his hour. At 54 he was seen pointed near a rockpile, with high head and tail. After a prolonged flushing attempt Blues was relocated but nothing was produced for the stylish pointer.

Miller's Newest Version (B. Owen) and IH Pearls Blindsider (J. Tappero) were cast off from the base of the Petersen's. Both Version and Blindsider covered the ground stylishly but at fairly moderate range. At 35 Blindsider put up a jumpy chukar as she high-sticked into her find, and was harnessed. Version finished her hour birdless.

Skydancer Marksman (B. Houston/R. Anderson) and Hales Honey Badger (B. Hale) were cast off from camp just after lunch. At 5 Marksman pointed-up nicely at a clump of sage, but went with the bird as it flushed, and was harnessed. Badger made a nice move to the front then was collected at the botton of the basin and sent on. Past the red top Badger made a wide swing onto the high bluffs and made her way to the front near the north trough. At 30 Badger pointed staunchly in the little ravine, was relocated, but nothing was produced. The last half of her hour Badger made some big swings and finished deep in the basin near Brittany road.

Dunn's Sneak'n In (W. Dunn) and Carbonato's Silver Sage (A. Turley) applied themselves nicely but both were picked up for infractions in bird work. Sneak'n In was found standing atop a ridge at 10, and prior to being relocated moved on his own. Sage had a find near the edge of the big bench at 37, but had a bit of forward movement at the flush.

Steens Mountain Outlaw (J. Tappero) and Painted Owyhee Coal Mine (B. Ledington) were released from camp just after 8am Wednesday morning. Both dogs had nice forward races, with Outlaw pushing it a little harder than Coal. Coal's finish in the rocks was lower and a little more moderate than Outlaw. Outlaw made a nice move to the rocky ridgetops, hunting the objectives nicely. Both finished the hour birdless.

Awaken (M. Pendergest/W. Dunn) and Copper Jim's Little Bud (M. Cuneo/S. Kelly) were off to the front and through the gate quickly. In the rocks both were forward and hunting the objectives nicely. From Brittany road and through the burnt basin both had a nice lapse in contact, then showed on the bench near the middle trough. Awaken made a nice move around the top of the junipers into the big basin, Bud was a little more direct in his application. Near the north trough both made nice swings on the hillside and were to the front at the chute. Both dogs finished the hour birdless near the juniper clump at the bottom of the basin.

Painted Hank (J. Ledington) and Man O War (B. Hale). Both dogs started with moderate races and as the hour progressed got bigger. Near the red top both made swings to the right then were forward at the cement trough, War a bit wider than Hank. Before the chute both were high on the ridge then forward to the burnt basin where Hank was seen low and forward. War had a bit of a lapse in contact then was recovered near the trough at Brittany road, where both dogs were watered. War and Hank finished their hour to the front, high in the rocks, without birdwork.

World Class Moonshiner (M. Marietta/R. Anderson) and Touch's Amazing Greyce (A. Turley) were cast of from the base of the Petersen's, Moonshiner swinging to the left and Greyce to the right, then both were forward to the gate. Moonshiner was forward into the rocks, Greyce swung lower into the flats. Both were seen going through the big ravine and then forward across the spine and into the junipers. After a lapse in contact they showed again at the basin above camp and continued forward through the junipers. Across the big basin and onto the two-track Greyce showed nicely to the left while Moonshiner swung to the right through the junipers. The dogs were gathered-up and sent on near the north tank with Moonshiner making the chute before Greyce. Greyce headed down the ridge where at 50 she had a find which produced three chukar as the handler rode up. All was in order at the shot. Onto the top of the big basin both dogs were well forward, showing to the front and going away. Shortly after time was called, both dogs were recovered. Moonshiner finishing his hour without birdwork.

Mauck's Wyeast Owyhee Ajay (A. Mauck) ran as a bye from camp in the last brace of the stake. Ajay was to the left initially and then forward through the junipers, and across the big basin. Near the concrete trough she swung into the lowlands and made her way forward to four corners where she proceeded onward, then swung onto the bench where she was watered. Ajay made a nice swing into the little ravine then was forward to the bottom of the chute. At 42 Ajay pointed, self-relocated a couple times, then moved on towards Brittany road. At 59 Ajay was seen standing near the last of the rock piles near the fence. Upon flush she took a couple steps and her bid ended. This concluded the Pacific Coast Derby Championship.

Reno, Nev., April 26 - One Course
Judges: Gina Bosio and Clifford Mesnard II
PACIFIC COAST DERBY CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 18 Pointers and 3 Setters
Winner-TOUCHS AMAZING GREYCE, 1693629, pointer female, by Touch's Grey Street-Intentional. Austin Turley & Keith Wright, owners; Austin Turley, handler.
Runner-Up-I'M GALLANT, 1696254, pointer male, by Valiant-Double Swami Dexie. Jay McKenzie, owner; Randy Anderson, handler.

Western Open Shooting Dog Championship
The shooting dog championship began the morning of Thursday, April 28th, and concluded the following morning, Friday, April 29th. This Purina Top Shooting Dog and Shooting Dog Handler of the Year Points stake drew 16 canine entrants, all of which started. All dogs which competed in this stake are owned, and were handled, by amateur handler's.

The Winners
Named champion was Lone Tree Splish Splash, white & orange pointer bitch, owned and handled by Bill Owen of Santa Barbara, Cal. Maybellene, white, black and ticked setter female owned and handled by Tom Griffin of Esparto, Cal., was named runner-up. Judges for the Championship were Randy Anderson of Vinita, Okla., and Will Dunn of Lebanon, Ky.

The Running
Double M's Deliverence (C. Mesnard II) and Charlie's Zip Tie (B. Owen). Deliverence was fast and forward at the breakaway, and not to be seen again under judgement; the tracker was requested at 23. Zip Tie had a big forward race from camp, through the junipers, and on across the big basin. Past the hawks nest he was forward to the concrete trough and onward to the north tank, where he was watered. At the little ravine he was seen standing with high head and tail. All was in order at the shot for the stylish setter. Zip Tie was then forward across the contour above the big basin, and across the top of the junipers. He was found standing stylishly at 50 near the juniper clump at the edge of the little basin; all in order at flush and shot. Zip Tie had a nice forward finish approaching Brittany road.

Mauck's Wyeast Owyhee Dallee (A. Mauck) and Horizon's Bea (T. Erickson) were cast off from Brittany road and were forward across the big ditch and into the rocks. Both dogs hit objectives nicely as they worked through the rocks, then, were on through the gate. Bea was forward across the two road crossings while Dallee was wide right at a rock pile where she had a find on wild chukar at 20. On through the big ravine Dallee was low in the basin making her way through the junipers, while Bea was more forward on the contour. At the big basin and on to the bench below the red top both setters were to the front when they finished their hour.

Touch's California Dream (Griffin) and SB Always Dreamin (Owen) were cast off from below the concrete trough. Dream was just past the north tank at 6 when he stood with high head and tail near the brush patch. After an unsuccessful relocation, the dog was back on course when again he pointed at 10 near the little ravine. This time a bird was produced for the stylish dog. At 22 Dream was again found standing on the edge near the junipers. With birds running in front of him, Dream was mannerly through the flush and shot. Across the top of the burnt basin and Brittany road both dogs were forward, when at 30 Always Dreamin had a find near a rock pile. With high head and tail the dog stood mannerly through the flush and shot. Both pointers were forward at good range the last half hour, and finished strong.

Skydancer's Deal Maker (Griffin) and Tucalota's Rebel Touch (Mayhew) were off from the galvanized tank towards the rocks. Maker showed well through the rocks and on to Brittany road, where Touch joined him at the front near the narrow ridge. At 15 after a good lapse in contact Touch was found standing at the burnt basin with high head and tail; a single chukar produced for the stylish pointer. At 30 Maker was picked up at the edge of the bluff near the hawks nest. And at 45, after another lapse in contact, Touch was picked up.

Miller's Newest Version (B. Owen) and Tucalota's Rebel Rush (E. Mayhew) were off from camp after lunch. Through the junipers and into the big basin both dogs were forward at moderate range, their race consistent in this manner across the bench and around to the north tank. At 30 Version was seen pointing, with high head and tail, on the hillside before the chute. At flush she marked her birds but didn't have any forward movement. Both dogs were forward through the chute to the top of the big basin then along the contour towards the junipers. At 43 in the little basin Rush came to the gallery with a chukar in his mouth and was picked-up. At 54 Version pointed near the trough at Brittany road, was relocated, but nothing was produced.

Love Train (T. Griffin) and Deception's Wild Justice (J. Gilbertson) were cast off from Brittany road and were through the deep ravine and into the rocks in short order. At the far end of the rocks at 12 Justice was picked up. At 31 Love Train pointed-up near a rockpile, an as the handler went in to flush Train moved forward and was harnessed.

Maybellene (T. Griffin) and Lone Tree Splish Splash (B. Owen) were cast off from camp just after 8am Friday morning. Both dogs had a consistently forward race from camp, through the junipers, across the big basin and onto the bench near the red top. At 17 Maybellene was seen standing staunchly on the edge near the juniper. At the handlers approach the chukar flew but she remained mannerly; all was in order at shot. At the north tank Splash was wide onto the bluff then around through the saddle and to the front. At 26 point was called for Maybellene on the side-hill by the little ravine, Splash coming in for the back. All was in order for both as the birds were flushed and a shot fired. The dogs were forward through the chute with Maybellene high on the right and Splash to the left. Splash, a little more forward, was to the top of the big basin first and forward along the contour towards the junipers. At the juniper patch, Maybellene was to the right on the hillside, Splash came from the bottom into the little basin. Across the burnt basin and through the deep ravine both were forward into the rocks, with Splash showing at greater range. At time Splash was found standing at a rock pile near the fence with high head and tail; all was in order at the flush and shot.

Face to Face (J. Gilbertson) and Skydancer's Gold Rush (T. Griffin). The two setters were cast off from the galvanized tank towards the Petersen's. Face was picked up at 5 and Rush was picked up at 12. This concluded the Western Open Shooting Dog Championship.
Judges: Randy Anderson and Will Dunn
WESTERN OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 9 Pointers and 7 Setters
Winner-LONE TREE SPLISH SPLASH, 1672171, pointer female, by Frontline Shack Attack-Whippoorwill Wild Spark. Bill Owen, owner and handler.
Runner-Up-MAYBELLENE, 1660385, setter female, by To The Point-Iron Mistress. Tom Griffin, owner and handler.

Western Shooting Dog Championship. From left: Marc Cuneo, Bill Owen, Bridget Ledington with Lone Tree Splish Splash, Jim Ledington, Jared Tappero, Randy Anderson (Judge), Jarry Walton, Will Dunn (Judge), Sean and Julie Kelly. Tom Griffin and Maybellene were not available at the time of the picture.

Western Open All Age Championship
The all-age championship began just after 11am the morning of Friday, April 29th, and concluded Sunday, May 1st. This National Championship qualifier, Purina Dog of the Year and Handler of the Year Points stake drew 30 canine athletes, 27 of which started.

The Winners
Named Champion was Kelly's IB Butler, white, liver & ticked pointer dog, owned and handled by Sean Kelly of Loomis, California. BMB's Free Ride, white, liver & ticked German shorthair pointer dog, owned by Brandon and Jennifer Blum of Berthoud, Colorado, and handled by Brandon, was named Runner-Up. Judges for the championship were John Keel of Fresno, California, and Jarry Walton of Reno, Nevada.

The Running
Dunn's Sneak'n In (W. Dunn) and Seahawk's Bam Bam Kam (P. Spencer/T. Smedley). Kam was scratched and Painted Owyhee Breeze (B. Ledington) was brought up from the fifteenth brace. Both Sneak'n and Breeze were cast off from camp, and to the front quickly at good range. After a short lapse in contact both appeared in the junipers and crested the hill into the big basin. At 11 Sneak'n was picked up. Across the basin and to the concrete trough Breeze made some nice forward swings. At 28 Breeze was found pointed at the white rock pile. With high head and tail Breeze was mannerly at flush and shot. Breeze continued on with her wide and forward race from the chute to the little basin, then onward across Brittany road into the rocks; Breeze was high and forward through the rocks, and at 59 was found standing at a rockpile near the fence. During the flushing attempt Breeze went with the running covey, ending her bid.

T's Quadrunner (T. Smedley) and Born On The Forth of July (J. Gilbertson). T's Quadrunner was scratched, leaving Born to run as a bye. Born was forward and through the gate, and after a lapse in contact was seen again at the burnt basin. At 23 in a juniper clump Born was found standing stylishly. The flushing attempt produced a covey of birds which ran and flushed wildly as Born stood mannerly. Birds continuing to fly as the dog was collared and moved on. From the basin trough to the north trough, Born was forward and made some nice swings. Time was called in the grassy basin, and a short time later Born was shown to the front.

Brock Force (S. Twer) and Bonner's Bulletproof (C. Cornman/R. Anderson). Force and Bulletproof were cast off from camp after lunch, shortly after 3pm. Both were wide initially then forward through the junipers and onto the big basin. At the hawks nest both dogs were to the front on the bench with Force showing a little higher on the hillside. Past the north tank, through the chute, and onto the grassy knoll both made some nice forward swings, showing well on the hillsides. At time, the dogs were upslope and to the front in the rockpiles near the gate, where they finished the hour without bird-work.

Kelly's I B Butler (S. Kelly) and I'm Gallant (J. McKenzie/R. Anderson) were cast off from the base of the Petersen's in the last brace of the day. Initially, Butler and Gallant faded to the left for the high ground, then both were seen crossing the front at good range into the rock piles with heads high and tails cracking. At 18 Gallant was found standing near Brittany road with head and tail high, nothing being produced for the mannerly dog but feathers. From Brittany road through the burnt basin and over the ridge both dogs had a lapse in contact. Then Butler was seen making a big move across the little basin and into the junipers, the dog crossing the front distantly and cresting the bluff heading on to the big basin. Gallant came from the bottom and was moving onto the bluffs, then swung right and was forward at nice range. Both dogs again with a lapse in contact, when at 37 Butler was seen stacked-up on the bluff below the concrete trough. All in order at flush and shot for the mannerly dog. As Butler was released from the location of his find, Gallant came from the bottom and both moved on. At 45 Gallant was found standing high and tight in the brush below the white rock pile, only to be rewarded with a hawk-killed bird. Butler at this time was high on the hillside crossing the front and heading toward the ridge above the chute. At 54 Gallant was found standing on the bluff at the bottom of the chute, the stylish dog moving as his birds were flushed. Butler was to the front on to the bluff and forward at distance towards the junipers. At time he was not visible, but was recovered in short order.

Sleepless In Sacramento (J. Wolthuis/S. Twer) and Lester's Stemwinder (D. Hensley/R. Anderson) were cast off from camp just after 8am Saturday morning. Both dogs were quick across the flats and into the junipers, with tails cracking nicely. Neither was seen across the big basin. At 12 Stemwinder showed to the front on the bench past the hawks nest, Sleepless then showed a couple minutes later on the grassy knolls above the bench. At 16 Stemwinder was seen standing near a lone juniper with high head and tail, Sleepless came in and backed him nicely. After an extended flushing attempt Sleepless was moved on, and Stemwinder relocated, but nothing was dug up. At 27 near the north trough Stemwinder was picked up. Contact had been lost with Sleepless after moving on from Stemwinders find, and the tracker was requested at 45.

Smak's Red Rum Mike (J. Wolthuis/S. Twer) and Tian's Butterbean (C. Mesnard II) left the base of the Petersen's with a full head of steam. Mike made a nice move to the high rocks and then went forward. Butterbean was more direct and forward through the gate. Through the rocks, across Brittany road, and across the burnt basin neither dog was seen. At 25 the tracker was requested for Butterbean, and at 28 it was requested for Mike.

S F Hardfork (L. Smith) and Touch's Cocaine Blue's (M. Griffith/R. Anderson) were cast off from camp in the third brace of the day, Blues making a nice cast to the junipers while Hardfork was more constrained in his application. Across the big basin both dogs were forward and covering country with style, but not hitting the limits. At 50 Blues was picked up. Hardfork finished his hour near the base of the Petersen's without bird-work.

Highground Gidget (L. Steinshouer) and Dunn's Ever'n Onward (W. Dunn) were forward from cast-off and then went left to the higher objectives above the galvanized trough. After a 12-minute lapse in contact, Gidget came to the front and was watered. Onward hadn't been seen since his initial move high into the rocks and at 25 the tracker was requested. Gidget was then low and swinging to the front towards Brittany road, and was forward through the burnt basin and across the flats. The tracker was requested for Gidget near the far edge of the big basin.

Booneville Explorer (M. Cuneo) and Miller's L'eletto (K. Concilio/R. Anderson) were cast off from camp after lunch. L'eletto was picked up at 5 in the flats before the junipers. Explorer had a nice race and was forward throughout, but finished his hour without bird-work.

Highground Toby (J. Gilbertson & L. Steinshouer/L. Steinshouer) and Kelly's Rebel Louie (S. Kelly) were cast off from the base of the Petersen's in the last brace of the day. At 5 Louie got birdy, stood, then moved on. Toby was forward and had two big lapses in contact, both times being seen to the front. Louie and Toby were forward past Brittany road, through the burnt basin, and onward to the north trough. At time neither dog was visible. Toby was recovered to the front in the junipers after a short search. Point was called for Louie high in the basin about ten minutes after time had elapsed. After a short flushing attempt a covey was produced for the stylish dog.

World Class Moonshiner (M. Marietta/R. Anderson) and Dunn's Tried'n True (W. Dunn) were cast off from camp in the first brace Sunday morning. True was to the right edge of the flat along the edge of the junipers making his way forward. Moonshiner was to the left and making his way forward in the same fashion. Both dogs were then onto the bluff and forward into the basin. When seen next, Moonshiner was wide left and a bit behind, the tracker being requested at this time. True made a couple wide swings on the bench past the hawks nest, and onward to the north trough, then faded to the front near the white rock pile. Through the chute, up onto the contour and forward to the burnt basin, True never resurfaced. At 47 the tracker was requested.

Double M's Deliverance (C. Mesnard II) and Painted Owyhee Toad (B. Ledington) were cast off from the base of the Petersen's. Toad made a nice move left to the rock piles, while Deliverance was more direct in his application. At 11 Toad was found standing below the trail at a rock-pile, with high head and tail. At the flush and shot Toad marked his bird but there was no forward movement. Through the rocks, across Brittany Road, and on toward the spine, Toad was forward. At 22 Toad was found standing at the junipers with high style, all in order at flush and shot for the mannerly dog. At 26 the tracker was requested for Deliverance. Toad was forward to the north tank but not pushing the limits, then started to extend his race. At time Toad was not visible but was shown to the front shortly thereafter.

B M B's Free Ride (B. & J. Blum/B. Blum) and Como Thunder (D. Russell/R. Anderson). Free Ride was forward and to the left initially and Thunder was forward at moderate range to the junipers. Onto the big basin Free Ride was seen very distantly making his way along the contour to the front. Thunder was to the front and beginning to stretch it out. At the owls nest Thunder was seen working the edge of the junipers; Free Ride was uphill, completing his wide and distant swing, and making his way to the front. At the concrete trough both dogs checked-in, then moved-on. Both were watered at the north trough. At 22 just below the white rock pile Free Ride was found standing; Thunder was above the standing dog making his way through the rock pile. After an extended flushing attempt and a couple relocations nothing was produced for Free Ride. The dogs were through the chute and forward to the junipers, and on to the little basin. They were next seen near the spine before Brittany road, where they were watered at the trough. Thunder then made a big forward move into the lower basin, Free Ride was to the front into the rock piles where at 50 he was found standing. After an extended flushing attempt, and relocation, a single chukar was flushed uphill from the dogs initial stand; all was in order at the shot. At time Thunder was distant working a rock pile near the lower cattle guard, and Free Ride was forward near the galvanized trough.

B M B's Freeloader (B. & J. Blum/B. Blum) and Touch's Fire Away (G. & C. Adams/Anderson) were cast off from the Petersen's at 12:25pm Sunday, in the last brace of the stake. Fire Away made a nice initial move across the road and up the ridgeline to the rocks, Freeloader made a low cast to the right and was then forward, joining Fire Away through the gate. The dogs were seen casting high through the rocks, then across the deep ravine and Brittany road. Through the burnt basin the dogs were to the front, and at 22, found standing staunchly in two separate locations in the junipers. All was in order at flush and shot for the mannerly dogs. At 27 near the trough, Freeloader was picked up. Fire away continued on across the big basin and onto the bench, at good range, but not pushing the limits. Past the north trough and down through the chute Fire Away was reaching forward with a high cracking tail. Onto the bluff and into the basin Fire Away was showing nicely, and at time was in the junipers. Shortly after time, Fire Away was gathered up and shown to the front.

Southwind Joy's Resurgence (M. Eades/T. Smedley) and Painted Owyhee Breeze (B. Ledington). Joy was scratched and Breeze was moved to the first brace. This concludes the Western Open All Age Championship.
Judges: John Keel and Jamy Walton
WESTERN OPEN ALL-AGE CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 24 Pointers and 4 Setters
Winner-KELLY'S I B BUTLER, 1675374, pointer male, by Kelly's Rebel Louie-Wells Fargo First Lady. Sean Kelly, owner and handler.
Runner-Up-B M B'S FREE RIDE, 1660979, German Shorthair male, by Kimber Tactical-Time To Pay the Piper. Brandon & Jennifer Blum, owners; Brandon Blum, handler.

Acknowledgements
Members of the Bay Area Bird Dog Club would like to thank our great cadre of judges which put a number of days in the saddle watching a good selection of class bird dogs. A big thank you to Gina Bosio, Clifford Mesnard II, Randy Anderson, Will Dunn, John Keel, and Jarry Walton; all of whom have a number of years behind them sorting out field trial bird dogs. The judges were attentive, gave our dogs the fullest attention, and their decisions were well received. We would also like to thank both Nestle-Purina (Purina) and SportDog for their contributions and continued support of the Western Championships. Purina provided certificates for their Pro Plan dog feed for the winners, covered the trial advertisement in the UKC Field, and co-hosted the Wednesday night barbeque banquet.

This year thirty-two folks attended the mid-week banquet, that was once again, prepared by Andy's BBQ & Beans, and served-up by Mel Belding. All who attended enjoyed an amazing meal that included ample helpings of barbeque-smoked beef tri tip accompanied by chili beans, a cole slaw and tossed-green artichoke salad, fresh sourdough bread, soft-drinks and other refreshments. Continued support by SportDog, which generously provided training collars as prizes for the winners, is much appreciated. Jim Morehouse, representing both Purina and SportDog, was on the grounds for the mid-week banquet and spent several days with us riding shotgun in the dog truck and visiting with folks on the grounds.

The support provided by Purina and SportDog representatives Greg Blair and Jim Morehouse is unsurpassed. Thanks again this year to the folks at the Western Village Inn & Casino for offering field trialers such generous rates and excellent accommodations. Clear Creek Outfitters of Chico, Calif., provided us with lively chukar again this year. Lori Steinshouer graciously allowed us to utilize her facilities for dog and horse water throughout the week.

Thanks again to our go-to man Bradley LaVerne who manned the dog truck, kept bird bags full, and set up the lunch fixings daily this year. And thanks to Terry Erickson, Mike Wilkin, and Sean Kelly for additional help around camp and on the courses.

In addition, many thanks go out to all the participants whom this year traveled from ten different states across the US to make the Western Open. We were blessed to have such good friends, and such a well-attended event. Thank You!

Western All-Age Championship. From left: Larry Smith, John Keel (Judge), Jeff Gilbertson, Jarry Walton (Judge), Robbie Thompson with B M B's Free Ride, Brandon Blum, Jim Ledington, Sean Kelly, Kay Kelly with Kelly's I B Butler, Linda Smith, Randy Anderson, Brad LaVerne, Bridget Ledington.