Event: Char-Lee Trial
Result: Associated Field Trial Clubs of Florida

Location: Punta Gorda, Florida

Post Date: Feb 21, 2023

Submitted By: Michael Tiberii

The Char-Lee field Trial of the AFTCA was held at the Cecil B. Webb field trial grounds on November 26-27, 2022. As is usual with this group of field trialers, all the entries appeared the night of the drawing, Friday, November 25, and a large entry it was, unusual in the fact that there was an equal number of dogs entered in each event: 14 shooting dogs, 14 derbies, 14 all-age dogs.

It was said that the eye of hurricane Ian passed directly over our field trial grounds near Punta Gorda. The damage was extensive. We owe one of our own a debt of gratitude for hauling his company's heavy equipment from hours away to be the first to start the cleanup process of the horrible mess that Ian left behind. The Ken Muzinski family worked for days clearing land so we could enjoy this field trial season. Their long hours are very much appreciated. Ken Muzinski celebrated his birthday on the evening of our trial. He and his family's generosity will not soon be forgotten.

As the trial is run on a continuous course this made for some interesting logistical problems. Due to the course layout we try to run 3 hours in the morning, take a lunch break, then finish with three hours in the afternoon. As we are approaching the shortest daylight hours of the year this has added to the complexity of the situation. All the participants were aware of the potential problem of running out of daylight; everyone pitched in to make it happen. Despite the unforeseen (vehicles stuck in the mud, lost dogs that had to be retrieved) we were able to meet our daily objectives and finish the trial in a timely fashion.

The weather was unusually warm for late November, with temperatures in the low 80's by late afternoon, with only a light breeze to help spread the scent. The birds knew all this, as bird contact was minimal throughout the weekend, regardless of the time of day. This added to the difficulty for the judges to pick their placements.
I must extend a special thanks to our judges: Dr. Tom Bass and Tiffany Bass for the shooting dog stake; Kary and Dave Jorgensen for the all-age and derby stakes. They watched carefully and their decisions were well received.

Don Wood, our long-time leader of ceremonies for awards, history, and sociability, was absent this Saturday evening as he was in his final days of battling cancer. Don passed away 2 days later. Often referred to as the Ever-Ready Bunny, he had more energy than a man half his age. Don was a kind man, always ready with a helpful suggestion and a sincere offer to help. He did more behind the scenes for our trial group than will ever be known. His work made what we do possible. Don loved running and training his dogs. His whoop could be heard far across the prairie and his dogs responded. He raised, trained, and campaigned many dogs to their championship; always humble about their accomplishments. Don was loved by all and will be missed.

As is our tradition we ended Saturday with our cookout and awards presentation. We had some repeat winners and some newbies this year, and it goes as follows.
Punta Gorda, Fla., November 25
Judges: Tiffany Bass and Dr. Tom Bass
OPEN SHOOTING DOG - 13 Pointers and 1 Setter
1st-MYAKKA FREDDY THE FREELOADER, 1654682, pointer male, by Funseeker's Rebel Tex-Nacho Myakka Miley. Beth Brown, owner and handler.
2d-MYAKKA REBEL, 1669365, pointer female, by Elhew G Force-Myakka Hey Jude. Petie Brown, owner and handler.
3d-DOUBLE DOWN ON DADO, 1685979, pointer male, by Erin's Tin Soldier-Erin's Margarita. Dave Vernasco, owner and handler.
Judges: Dave Jorgensen and Kasy Jorgensen
OPEN DERBY - 9 Pointers, 2 Setters, 1 Brittany and 1 German Shorthair
1st-CHECKMATES COUNTRY SUNSHINE, 1702591, pointer female, by Nacho's Texas Rebel-Nacho's Drama Ma Ma. Vince Feltner, owner and handler.
2d-HIGBY ARCADE FIRE, 1700551, pointer male, by Panola Bacon-Higby Bon Hiver. Judith Hamilton, owner and handler.
3d-HIGBY MATTIEL, 1699678, pointer female, by Panola Bacon-Higby Bon Hiver. Judith Hamilton, owner and handler.
OPEN ALL-AGE - 10 Pointers and 1 Setter
1st-MYAKKA TIME SHIFTER, 1670324, pointer male, by Guard Rail-Myakka T Marie. Beth Brown, owner and handler.
2d-DOUBLE DOWN ON DADO, 1685979, pointer male, by Erin's Tin Soldier-Erin's Margarita. Dave Vernasco, owner and handler.
3d-FUNSEEKER'S TEXAS PREACHER, 1667330, pointer male, by Funseeker's Rebel Tex-Nacho Myakka Miley. Don Wood, owner and handler.