Event: Miller's Little Duce Coupe Wins 59th Running
Result: 59h U.S. Quail Shooting Dog Futurity

Location: Hoffman, North Carolina

Post Date: Mar 21, 2023

Submitted By: Margaret C. Drew

United States Quail Shooting Dog Futurity Winners (first row, from left): Fran Miller with Miller's Little Duce Coupe, Jack Miller, Mike Tracy with Miller's Miss Congeniality, Doug Ray with Great River Stallion, Joyce Bishop, Carl Bishop with Waybetter Thor, and Ellen Clements. (Second row, from left): George Tracy, Mary Tracy, Alfred Wood, Greg Robinson, Frank Cox, and Ginny Emerson. (Top row, from left): Gretchen Adsit, Gary Winall, Earl Drew, Judge Jim Crayne, Frank Joyal, Jim Emerson, and John Adsit.

The 59th U. S. Quail Shooting Dog Futurity is hosted annually at the H. Robert Gordon Field Trial Area in Hoffman, N. C. In 2023 the renewal date was the first Monday of January. As with any futurity, litters are nominated by the breeder at the time of whelping. As the pups grow and reach a year and a half to two years, the owners of each pup, now called a derby, enter their prospects with the futurity secretary. Litter alignment is confirmed, and the derby entered for the futurity drawing about a week before the trial. This year 37 litters were nominated, with 44 entries drawn for the renewal.

For those unfamiliar with a futurity, entries come from breeders' prenominated litters. The individual derby entries are entered by their owners or often the trainer handling the derby. At the quail futurity, all entries run in the 30-minute first series. The judges then decide whom to call back according to whom they feel has demonstrated the potential to develop into an adult shooting dog that can compete in the National Shooting Dog Championship run at Sedgefields Plantation, Union Springs, Ala. The second series requires the derby to run for an hour. Before a derby can earn one of the four placements, it must point a bird in the first or second series and show the judges that it was style and stamina on the grounds.

The standards for judgment are a dog that covers a prescribed course while showing bird sense and independent hunting while remaining in contact with the handler to some degree. These dogs' range should be so that a hunter could shoot at birds located by the dog. There should be no extremes of closeness or distance, although this objective remains controversial in today's trial events. However, those objects which remain a priority are a dog with extreme class, style pointing, and stamina in run. These dogs must show that they can adjust their gait and range as the terrain of the course changes. These dogs are derbies and need not be completely broke, but most are by this time. Backing is nice but not required unless a dog interferes with his bracemate. In the quail futurity, all entries run in the 30-minute first series, and then judges call back dogs showing the most promise of these objectives to run an hour. All dogs placing in the quail futurity must point birds and be shot over.

The NC Wildlife maintains the grounds at Hoffman at the Sandhill Gamelands through state funds. The quail are funded and fed by the North Carolina Field Trial Association through association fees obtained from clubs. The Richmond County Tourism Development Authority and the Twentieth Century Fund make donations annually. The bird program is chaired by John Ivester, with Robert "Lefty" Henry performing the actual feeding. During the futurity, few coveys were seen. The total for the four days was 17, with perhaps an additional few ridden up by scouts. The NC Wildlife does planting and mowing of these beautiful grounds. This year planting of feed plots and a different mowing pattern were employed, leading to more cover for the quail. The first two courses are marked with colored signposts, so people know what course and how far into the course you have moved. This year's weather was warmish, about 15 degrees above the normal North Carolina temperature for January. The week began on Monday with a heavy fog, locking us into the clubhouse until 10 a.m. and rolling in again shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday was a glorious day from sunrise to sunset. Wednesday began with cloud-to-ground lightning at 5 a.m. with torrential rain. This cleared for about four hours allowing us to run the two braces remaining in the first series and one of the hour callback braces. Then the sky gave way to sheets of rain as the first brace of callbacks ended. The afternoon was canceled for safety with thunderstorms with strong winds, and more rain was forecast. The judges announced more callbacks at noon, with the start and finish time to be Thursday, January 5, 2023.

At the Hoffman Field Trial Area, there are outside horse corrals, inside barn stalls, and outside dog kennels. A limited number of electrical outlets are available for camper hookups for a minimal $10 daily fee. There are six one-hour courses where quail coveys are released in October and fed weekly. The state grooms the courses. This year there was a lot of cover, plus the feed plots. The state added street signs in 2020-21, which makes getting around easier. This year we found that the state has begun adding more signage along the courses. The signs mark off a mile and then at one-half-mile intervals. Clubs are assessed a daily $200 usage fee. This fee includes the use of a spacious clubhouse with an excellent kitchen.

As head of the kitchen, Chairman Gary Miller was assisted by committee members Gretchen Adsit, John Adsit, and Greg Robinson. Noon meals were always hot and ready at noon. On Tuesday evening, a BBQ from Smithfield was funded in honor of last year's winner by the owners of Waybetter Rebel. Thank you, Muriel and Bill Primm and Carl and Colin Bishop. The handler had been Pat Casey. The oil on canvas painting of Waybetter Rebel had not been received due to framing and shipping issues. It will be mailed directly to Carl Bishop. Forty-four guests attended the gathering.

The futurity is grateful for the continued support from our sponsor Purina who provides feed to the winners, covers the ad, and makes a financial donation. Without breeders nominating litters and owners bringing their derbies along with all the time and struggles training, we would have no futurities. That would mean no benchmarks for purchasing dogs.

Judging the futurity is a challenging task. Jim Crayne from Centre, Ala., and Marty Robinson of Carrollton, Ga., accepted the judicial roles. Jim was a returning judge, serving that capacity for the 58th running. These two are well known for their involvement with bird dog field trials as handlers and judges. Thanks for a job well done. The dog wagon driver was Alfred Woods, who is ever vigilant that dogs are on board, safely locked in, and riders who wish to ride are also boarded. There are cushions stored beneath the benches for those who want to ride. There is often a car gallery following as well. On Monday, we had a small, mounted gallery; however, Tuesday saw large galleries. Of course, Wednesday's weather discouraged many. Only scouts, handlers, and judges rode on Wednesday morning, accompanied by a single marshal. Marshaling during the trial fell mostly to Bob Young and Gary Miller. On Thursday, the expected large gallery did not materialize; once again, only the necessary rides were on course with the wagon and car gallery filled.

The Winners

Miller's Little Duce Coupe, a pointer female, with George Tracy, earned first at the 59th United States Quail Shooting Dog Futurity. Little Miss Duce Coupe was bred by Jack and Fran Miller with Walden's Ice Breaker and Miller's Upgraded Version. Allen Linder and granddaughter Madison McDonald are the owners. We broke away, not far from the barn, in the short piney woods section before several open fields, followed by rolling fields that enter into course No. 6. The master of field trials, Hall-of-Famer George Tracy, showed all present how it's done. Miller's Little Duce Coupe happily moved thru the piney wood area, swinging to the left, where she soon stopped in the cover near the sand road crossing. Handler Tracy rode over and promptly flushed a small covey. We watched an animated dog hunt forward in windshield wiper wide casts for the next several minutes. This petite Miss Duce Coupe is bouncy and animated from head to toe. In the first series Miller's Little Duce Coupe ran in brace No. 10, the second brace on Tuesday morning. At 5, she had a covey find before proceeding to check off every objective a judge would look for during her remaining 25 minutes in the callback series. On course No. 6, we round a curve halfway before heading back toward the clubhouse. This planted, open area allows a dog to hunt, birds are often located, and the gallery can see the dogs well. Duce Coupe reached the water hole before seeming to float across the knolls out of sight. The scene was quiet for a while, all ears and eyes searching for the dogs. We could only hear the whistle or occasional yodel of the handler's song to keep their dogs with them. The gallery saw no dogs as we exited the backfield and traversed through another wooded area before entering some long fields with field strips. Ahead on the right, we saw G. Tracy put his hat in the air as he came upon Duce Coupe. We eagerly rode in anticipation of seeing quail lift. However, we were all disappointed when despite a relocation attempt, nothing was flown. With ten minutes remaining, Duce Coupe was watered and allowed to continue hunting. The judges' voices rang out, "PICK 'EM UP," without any further bird contact by the dogs. The snappy Miller's Little Duce Coupe was again out of sight, and her handler had to ride to a distant front before returning with her in a harness.

Second went to Joe McHugh's pointer female Miller's Miss Congeniality with Mike Tracy. She was bred by Dr. Susan Wells with Quail Roost Too x Miller's Upgraded Version. The still gray sky and thick moist air were interrupted by the handlers' commanding whistles and yodeling song as they unleashed their dogs for the hour's hunt. Miller's Miss Congeniality was a powerhouse on the ground, straight to the front, swinging through the woods where applicable and grabbing an edge along mowed feed plots at other times. Strong with desire and overloaded with style, we followed her around "bear claw."

Miller's Miss Congeniality holds the 59th futurity record of scoring the first covey find this year. She had scooted to the right at 12 and swung out of sight, where she was found standing in heavy cover. Quail lifted in three different rises on this find, while the dog just stood proud as punch. One judge's comment, "an outstanding race full of style." In the callback hour, not long after reaching the top of the hill after "bear claw" and taking a woods tour, Miller's Miss Congeniality emerged from the cover, was stopped by the handler and given water, then whistled on. In two minutes, we watched handler Tracy raise his hat in the air while shouting point. Fancy Miss Congeniality stood tall and solid as birds flushed toward the gallery wagon some 5000 feet off course in the woods. Not long after, she did have a nonproductive. Miss Congeniality continued an animated tour of the course like a mine sweeper, stopping on the lower left hillside for additional birds to be flown at 46. The judges reported a divided find was had, although your reporter had not been where I could observe it. The hour was strong, and a forward-moving hunting machine was not hampered by the sky opening up at 50; the flowing pattern was a pleasure to watch despite the turn in the weather.

Third place went to Great River Stallion with Doug Ray. This litter was bred by Sergio Velez and is owned by Brian Sanchez. Great River Stallion was braced with Miller's Little Miss Duce Coupe in the last brace of the futurity. (That brace follows, printed in its exciting entirety). Great River Stallion's white body is a powerhouse with wide forward casts on the ground. In the back of course No. 6, you bend slightly to the left before heading back three miles to the clubhouse. At this time, Stallion kept to the far right as we watched him step out as far as the eye could see. As time was called, he was on the left and responded to the handler for pick up. Great River Stallion had run in brace No. 12 in the first series, putting down an excellent race with consistent wide casts and a spectacular find at 17.

Fourth place went to Waybetter Thor, a pointer male from a litter bred by Carl Bishop with Waybetter Rummy x Waybetter Rocky. Muriel and Bill Primm own him, with Carl and Colin Bishop. Mike Tracy is the handler. Handler and dog had contact at 11 with water being given. The big white, athletically built pointer made many good casts. Thor ran in a late afternoon brace in the first series on day two. That afternoon, Thor stood statuesque and very sure of himself at 5; however, a wide-sweeping attempt by the handler and a good relocation attempt did not produce quail. At 40, Thor pointed, rock solid and seemingly accurate; however, when no birds were flown, he was tapped on. Thor's powerfully strong stride kept our eyes in his direction during both series. At 55 during the callback series, the course goes down a hill and, on the other side, crosses the dirt Field Trial Road with the clubhouse and barn on our left. Today Thor and his bracemate were whistled away just after crossing the road in hopes of another going away long cast. However, today both dogs made a left-hand swing into the wooded edge and soon were standing. Standing in a second picturesque find, a large barkless, downed dead tree was lying on the ground, with a seeming statue dog on either side. Handlers and judges cautiously approached and were elated when several quail began lifting. Two shots rang out, and handlers soon returned to the course and whistled their dogs on. Thor had presented sixty minutes of energetic forward casts.

The First Series: 30 Minutes

The opening brace of the 59th Quail Futurity called upon Phil Stevenson to bring Send The Bullet, a pointer male owned by J. Keohane, to the line as bracemate for L. Earles' Quickmarkman Southwind, a pointer male, this week guided by pro handler Lefty Henry as his usual handler was unable to be in attendance. At the handler's command, the dogs were briskly forward with Send The Bullet next seen crossing the front with determination before taking an animated side tour threw the piney woods with scout watching. He consistently covered the ground in a medium to long-ranging pattern, a few times a little lateral. Quickmarkman Southwind, owned and bred by Larry Earles, handled well for his substitute handler as he showed off his powerful, well-ranging race. At 15, he checked with the handler near the first water hole on course No. 4 while at the same time continuing. Handler called point at 18 and then waved it off a few minutes later. The dog once again had an independent hunting excursion through the wooded island near the second water hole. Finding no birds, he responded to the handler's calls and made his way to the front. When time was called, both dogs had reached the small stream, crossed it, and were seen rounding the next hill. The handlers rode to gather their derbies, with Send The Bullet returning from the right side and Southwind reaching far to the front was located to the front as the next brace prepared to depart.

Brace No. 2 called Pill Stevenson once again with a dog from one of his litters, although Gigi Broken Halo, a pointer female, is now owned by K. McCaslin. Bracemate was Backcountry Pure Gold, a pointer female owned and bred by Chris Catanzarite, who planned to attend and run his dog; however, illness kept him in Pennsylvania. Handling went to Mike Martino, who did a fine job. To the delight of the gallery, this second brace zipped forward and made several wide, extremely stylish casts for all to view. Both dogs had brief absences. Their paths were often parallel as they reached the bunker area. Backcountry Pure Gold was the stronger on the ground, although both pointer females you would want to take home and have a litter with.

Brace No. 3 had Tommy Rice with Cold Creek Thrill Tuff. Shawn Kinkelaar had Iditarod, a pointer male owned by N. Lombardi and D. Swingley, as the bracemate. Eager off the wagon after a bumpy ride, they were both happy to be released to hunt. After starting the brace as a foot race, their half-hour mainly was in tandem, although Cold Creek Thrill Tuff did get away and make some nice casts, which led to Iditarod having to hunt himself independently. At 23, Kinkelaar called point for Iditarod; however, he waved it off when the dog moved on.

Brace No. 4 found The Defender, a setter male bred and owned by J. Fort, with Shawn Kinkelaar, as bracemate for Hauser's Hard Line, a pointer male bred and owned by the Hausers and now part of the Tracy Summer Hill Kennel team. The Defender slowly got into a hunting mode, while Hauser's Hard Line marched quickly into a search showing a good gait in his forward casts. Both dogs were watered at 8. Hard Line was charged with a nonproductive at 27. The Defender meandered through the country, stopping at 27 with his bracemate just before the sandy hill climb below the clubhouse crossing. He was also charged with an unproductive.

Brace No. 5 called Kinkelaar again to the line, this time with a pointer male, Backus White Privilege, proud owners T. Jackson and J. Moisson. Miller's Miss Congeniality, a pointer female bred by S. Wells, is another of J. McHugh's dogs with Mike Tracy. After a brief lunch, this pair of dogs were walked to the start line across the dirt road in front of the clubhouse. Privilege cast to the left and quickly jolted forward, with bracemate Miller's Miss Congeniality on the right, and then left to catch the front quickly. This brace started well for both dogs, with Miss Congeniality scoring the first quail covey find of the 59th Futurity. She had scooted to the right toward a thick area where she stopped to await the handler for flush. Quail lifted in three different rises on this find, while the dog just stood proud as punch. The two dogs made some good casts, Privilege often a little dependent of the handler. Miss Congeniality made consistent swinging casts. One judge commented, "an outstanding race full of style." Just before Miss Congeniality's find, four deer darted across the road only 500 feet in front of the gallery wagon as we stretched to see where the dog was. The pair made intelligent casts; Privilege often handy. Miss Congeniality made consistent big swinging casts.

Brace No. 6 was on the ground just before 2:57 with Lone Tree Last Snow, a pointer female bred and owned by Phil Stevenson, as bracemate for David Huffine's setter male, Sweet Grass Skipper. These two dogs were put down on the second part of course No. 1, now also labeled as orange 1. The state has begun placing orange markers with mileage, so folks will know where they are, or help will be more easily obtained in an emergency. Sweet Grass Skipper is a very classy moving, young setter who today demonstrated much potential while simultaneously showing inconsistent course adaptability. He made some good casts, although he often chose the easy route. Lone Tree Last Snow handled well and was stylish on her nonproductive at 22. She stood proudly to the left of orange marker 1: 4.5. The handler claimed flight of quail; however, the judge had not seen the birds.

Brace No. 7 had two young female derbies, Isabull, a pointer female owned and handled by Ernie Saniga, as bracemate with I Dream of Jeannie, a setter female owned and handled by Kyle Whitfield. By this time, we had reached course No. 2, which is now also marked with green mile markers. Isabull hunted at a medium range, fearless in tackling the tall grassy cover. At 16, she scored a well-pointed quail with staunch manners and all in order. I Dream of Jeannie ran with classy ground style and made several nice casts before returning to the handler for encouragement. Her race was moderate. The afternoon was warming, and handlers watered each dog.

Brace No. 8 called Mark Hughes to the line with Roger and Suzie McPherson's pointer male, Suemac's Hoodoo Man, to be braced with Susan Wells' pointer female, Quail Roost Tipatina, with Mike Tracy. Hoodoo Man laid down a good solid hunting race at a medium range, hunting in the heavy field cover and taking a few passes through the piney wooded edges. He stood at 15; however, self-relocated before the handler could flush any quail. At 26, he stopped again; this time, he had pinned and stood well to await the handler to flush a covey just around the corner adjacent to the soldier's camp. Quail Roost Tipatina was gone from the breakaway, seen only as a flash of white as we started down the open field. At 14, the handler took his locating device; however, as the remainder of the brace moved on, Tipantina appeared from the side and was put in a cage on the wagon.

Brace No. 9 found Mike Martino with J. Gilbertson's pointer male, Check Out, as bracemate for Phil Stevenson's Wiggin's family's pointer male, Wiggins Ike Charger. Check Out is well-named, as he had a long opening absence before returning and putting down a good hunting race with a pleasurable running style. Wiggins Ike Charger hunted hard from the beginning, showing intelligent adaptability to the course. He kept a good range for his 30 minutes.

Brace No. 10 called upon George Tracy to be on the line with Allen Linder's Miller's Little Duce Coupe. Allen's granddaughter Madison McDonald is a co-owner of this derby bred by Jack and Fran Miller, who had made the trip to Hoffman this year to run two derbies and watch some from litters they had bred. A bucket list item down for the Millers! Shawn Kinkelaar had one of John Fort's setter males, Georgian, join the team. John was the breeder and owner of this fine moving setter. Little Duce Coupe scored a tall and perfect find at 5 and then polished her 30 minutes by checking off every objective a judge looks for. Georgian ran a medium race and showed plenty of style, although he did appear a bit too independent a few times. He topped off his thirty minutes with a nice find before pick up.

Brace No. 11 had setter male Ironstone's Ironstone, bred by Rich Guiliano in Rhode Island and owned by Massachusetts resident and AFTCA representative Eli Richardson. The handler was Mike Tracy. He was braced with pointer male Mohawk Mill Shake Up, owned by Gary Winall from Virginia. Ironstone was strong on the ground as well as strong-minded. He was picked up at 24 after showing too much independence. Mohawk Mill Shake Up showed appropriate style and ran a consistent race, although at a medium range. Unfortunately, he had no bird work to top his bid for placement.

Brace No. 12 found Great River Stallion, a pointer male with Doug Ray, as bracemate for Suemac's Wicked Sister, a pointer female with Mike Tracy. Great River Stallion laid down an excellent race with wide casts while showing super style and wrapped it up with a spectacular find at 17. Suemac's Wicked Sister had good style as she hit the appropriate areas and maintained a good range. She stood with her bracemate at 17 for a divided find.

Brace No. 13 had S. Kinkelaar with pointer male Hunt's Full Moon Rising, bred and owned by J. Hunt. The bracemate, pointer male Quail Roost Rewind, was also bred by his owner Susan Wells and under the whistle of Mike Tracy. Both of these dogs were under consideration for their consistent and moderate hunting races, although they did not have quite as much range and punch as those called back.

Brace No. 14 called Tommy Rice to the line with Jeff Loper's owned and bred pointer male, Tallokas New Business. Bracemate Wildland Hide The Wine, a pointer male, was bred by Mark Hughes. Owner Eric Munden was mounted to watch. Tallokas New Business ran a very forward and strong race with power on the ground. He had a find at 26. Wildland Hide The Wine ran a moderate race, hindered by two unproductives.

Brace No. 15 called Mike Martino and Phil Stevenson to the line again. This time J. Cappucci's pointer male, Light It Up, with Martino and Whitley Stephenson's pointer male, Southpoint's Gun Powder with Phil Stevenson. The two stepped out with independence. We saw them to the front and then each disappearing for brief times. When we could see one or both of them, they were powerful on the ground, often seen only as a distant white speck. In the long field above Baggett Lake, it was exciting to watch their forward march down separate edges of feed plots. Both were seen just beyond the judges, causing a slight pick-up challenge.

Brace No. 16 called Jack and Fran Miller to the line with one of their home-bred setter males, Miller's Concealed Weapon. Bracemate was Donald Terrell's pointer male, Miller's Grey Street, with Dennis Snyder. From the first sounding of the whistle, the pair were forward down long feeding plot strips. Concealed Weapon was classy moving, often choosing a mowed path in a spiral ground pattern. Grey Street ranged well in a very stylish motion, hunting in appropriate areas. He shortened after 23 by then choosing the easy path to move forward.

Brace No. 17 found Mark Hughes with pointer male Parkway as bracemate for Wintersets Patch of Ice, setter belonging to Tom Winters with Mike Tracy. Parkway looked ready to hunt as he fidgeted while having the collar attached. When set free, he cast a moderate forward path from side to side. He then began to have a bad day in his attempt to locate quail. He scored three unproductives before being returned to the dog wagon. Winterset Patch of Ice was not in sync with the handler when she was released. Before the dog wagon could move, Ice returned to the wagon, and despite someone trying to collar her forward, she would not leave. The wagon moved on, hoping to encourage Ice; however, at 18, she was picked up somewhere behind the wagon without the handler or scout.

Sam Giddens came to the line for brace No. 18 with I'm Peter The Great, a pointer male he owns and is bringing along. Bracemate was Calico's Sugar 'N' Spice, a pointer female, recently purchased by Jeff Smith out of a Waybetter Rocky litter. Carl and his wife Joyce were in attendance to enjoy the futurity. Also present for the day were Pat Casey, Frankie Henderson, and owner Jeff Smith. Tommy Rice was the handler. The breakaway was in the long field approaching the soldier's camp. Peter laid down a medium but flashy ground heat. He had one nice quail location at 29 with all in order for wing and shot. Sugar 'N' Spice opened her 30 minutes with several good casts and plenty of action to accompany them. However, she quickly warmed to the sand heat, causing the handler to elect to pick her up at 20.

Brace No. 19 was the next brace and, in some way, must have been the lucky brace. Both of these dogs were called back for the one-hour second series. Pointer male Waybetter Thor and M. Tracy were called back for brace 3-1, and CS Four Season's Gunner, a pointer male, was called back with D. Ray in brace 2-2. Running shoes laced and ready would be the phrase for these two power-on-the-ground derbies. Both dogs were forward at a fair distance, seen taking edges forward and up the rolling hillside beyond the stream crossing, each handler pointing out his dog at 25. Ray got his more quickly as time was called. Thor was gathered up a short distance beyond by Tracy riding to him.

Brace No. 20 had two pointer females; B. Cain's Dollywood Thrill with Tommy Rice and Mark Hughes with J. Cammisa's Saddled Up Sadie. These two dogs complimented each other with long casts and very snappy movements. The afternoon temperatures had risen, and handlers smartly offered their dogs water. Dollywood Thrill continued reaching in her happy movements and at a good hunting range. Saddled Up Sadie had a few slow minutes and then seemed to get a second breath. She reached the far end of the field from where she nailed a covey. She stood tall and firm, barely visible, awaiting Hughes to reach her. The judges recorded a nice find when he had flushed a good-sized late afternoon covey. With two minutes left, she was whistled on as the handler was ordered to pick her up.

On Wednesday morning, there were heavy storms with thunder and lightning before dawn. Once some of us gathered in the clubhouse and watched the radar, we decided to use the four-hour open window to complete the two remaining 30-minute braces and do one or two of the hour callbacks announced the night before. The plan was to announce more callbacks to run after lunch; however, Mother Nature took charge, and the afternoon was canceled when predictions and radar showed strong storms and thunderstorm activity until 4 p.m.

Brace No. 21 had Mike Martino taking Eli Richardson's setter male, Ironstones Dark Horse, from the dog wagon as bracemate for Jack and Fran Miller's pointer male, Miller's Promotional Upgrade. A good breakaway for both dogs, each making the turn without difficulty as they marched onward. At 11, Fran pointed out Promotional Upgrade making great strides along a feed strip almost out of sight. Dark Horse was difficult to follow as the fog had rolled in a little, and he has a very dark body. When we could see him, he was moving to the front or skipping across the mowed ways. At 27, he was found standing in a likely bird spot, although no birds could be located. He made a determined bouncy attempt to relocate; however, a nonproductive was recorded. Thirty minutes ended as we reached the brook. The judges placed these two dogs in the group of promising futures with moderate ground races in today's brace.

Brace No. 22, the final brace of the first series, was put down at the top of the steep hill above the brook. The honors went to Phil Stevenson with J. Keohane's pointer male, Air Express, and G. Tracy with pointer male Miller's Upgraded Design, owned by Allen Linder. Air Express ran a happy race, eager to find game. At 5, he pointed in the woods to the right, where birds are often found; however, not today. When asked to relocate, he snapped around, and the handler allowed him to catch the front. Except for one time he was in front of the gallery when the scout needed to bring him forward. The dog and handler sprinted beyond the bunkers and into the field adjacent to the water hole. Miller's Upgraded Design was not seen much, having one long absence, although attractive when we could observe him.

When the first series was complete, we took a coffee break before rechecking the radar. About an hour-and-a-half clear and the same distance from the clubhouse, brace No. 1 of the hour callbacks was unleashed.

The Hour Callbacks

The judges named the four callbacks they hoped to see on Wednesday morning before Mother Nature took charge. Four additional callbacks were announced at noon on Wednesday, bringing the total to eight dogs. The first brace of hour callbacks called to the line after a brief snack and coffee break around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. We turned loose before the water hole on course No. 5 with Tommy Rice commanding Talloakas New Business and Joe McHugh's pointer female, Miller's Miss Congeniality, with Mike Tracy (covered with winners above).

The still gray sky and thick moist air were interrupted by handlers' commanding whistles and the yodeling song as they unleashed their dogs for the hour's hunt. These were two powerhouses on the ground, straight to the front, swinging through the woods where applicable and grabbing an edge along mowed feed plots at other times. At 3, Tallokas New Business stood tall and sure, although despite a lengthy flushing attempt, nothing was flown, and the dog was tapped to catch the front. Strong with desire and overloaded with style, we followed the pair as distant specs around "bear claw." From the dog wagon and truck gallery, we watched the first one, and then the other dog search the edges of mowed strips and march up the next hill. Scouts were dispatched to the right, and before long, Tallokas New Business's long white stride was spotted deep in the woods, making his way to the front. The judges reported a divided find was had, although your reporter had not been where I could observe it. The hour with these strong, forward-moving hunting machines was not hampered by the sky opening up at 50: their flowing patterns were a pleasure to watch despite the turn in the weather.

Thursday morning found brace No. 2 on the line at 7:55 as judges made their way to the start line. CS Four Season's Gunner, pointer male with Doug Ray, and Southpoint's Gun Powder, pointer male with Phil Stevenson. The appreciation for the weather returned to normal seasonal North Carolina conditions was celebrated by all. The handlers had chosen experienced scouts, with Fran Miller and Mike Tracy filling the slots respectfully. Both dogs flew off the leash and were quickly to the end of the open wooded area. One turned slightly left into the bordering field while the other continued forward and out of sight.

By 4, we watched one dog cross from the left to right well to the front of course. Shortly after that, scout Fran was seen coming through the woods with Gunner still deep in the woods, winding his way to the front. Gunner and Gun Powder were fast on the ground in what appeared to be casts through birdy objectives; however, by 25, Gun Powder was seen less and less. Soon after that, the retrieval unit was taken. With Stevenson and his scout in the next brace, the tracker did not put Gun Powder in the wagon, as the distance was at the far end of the courses not used this morning. He was returned about two hours later, returning happily to the clubhouse. Further to the front on course, Gunner marched down the feed strips and across the top of the knoll above the brook.

At 31, the handler called point after finding Gunner buried deep in the cover on this westerly slope where birds are often found. All mounted folks and dog wagon riders strained to see quail lift; however, not this early morning. Ray took Gunner to the path and across the brook before commanding him to return to his hunt. At 35, we watched a distant speck snap into point downhill and across the gully in the piney woods. As the handler waved his hat to indicate point, the gallery enjoyed the prettiest find of the stake--the piney woods canopy overhead with rays of sunlight on the golden grasses covering the forest floor. As handler Ray approached, several quail lifted and continued as shot rang out. All in order, we continued. The next 10 minutes found Gunner stretching out, and when he caught up to the handler, he was healed to the water hole. Minutes later, he again continued with his excitement and was soon a distant spot. His hour was wide and forward except for two times, always at a determined and strong pace.

Brace No. 3 of the callbacks found Mike Tracy with pointer male Waybetter Thor as bracemate for Lone Tree Last Snow, pointer female with Phil Stevenson. (Waybetter Thor's run is covered with winners above). Even though it was now 9:20, the previous day's rain still hung on the golden broom straw, appearing to be millions of diamonds as reflected by the sun. A treat for all who made the morning three-hour tour of course. Both dogs had handler contact at 11, with water being given.

The two big white, athletically built pointers made many good casts and were given water several times. At 40, Thor pointed, rock solid and seemingly accurate; however, when no birds were flown, he was tapped on. Thor's powerfully strong stride kept our eyes in his direction. At 55, the course goes down a hill and, on the other side, crosses the dirt Field Trial Road with the clubhouse and barn on our left. Today both dogs were whistled away just after crossing the road in hopes of another going away long cast. However, today both dogs made a left-hand swing into the wooded edge and soon were standing. Standing in a second picturesque find: There was a large barkless downed dead tree laying on the ground, with a seeming statue dog on either side. Handlers and judges cautiously approached and were elated when several quail began lifting. Two shots rang out, and handlers soon returned to the course and whistled their dogs on. Last Snow's race was wide and a little inconsistent, although a pleasure to watch with his muscular large white body. Thor had presented sixty minutes of energetic forward casts.

The final brace of this 59th Futurity followed a brief coffee break, and the first and third placements came from this brace. Great River Stallion, a pointer male with Doug Ray, and Miller's Little Duce Coupe, a pointer female with George Tracy. We broke away, not far from the barn, in the short piney woods section before several open fields, followed by rolling fields that enter into course No. 6. The master of field trials, Hall-of-Famer George Tracy, showed all present how it's done. Miller's Little Duce Coupe happily moved thru the piney wood area, swinging to the left, where she soon stopped in the cover near the sand road crossing. Handler Tracy rode over and promptly flushed a small covey.

We watched two animated dogs hunt forward in windshield-wiper wide casts for the next several minutes. Great River Stallion's white body is a powerhouse on the ground, while the petite Miss Deuce Coupe is bouncy and animated head to toe. Rounding the curve halfway through course six, we head back toward the clubhouse. This planted, open area allows the dogs to hunt, birds are often located, and the gallery can see the dogs well. Duce Coupe reached the water hole, while Great River Stallion had kept to the far right and was just a speck several knolls to the front. Duce Coupe seemed to float across the knolls, and soon both were out of sight. The scene was quiet for a while, all ears and eyes searching for the dogs. We could only hear the whistle or occasional yodel of the handler's song to keep their dogs with them and to the front. As we exited the backfield and traversed thru another wooded area before entering some long fields with field strips, the gallery saw no dogs. Ahead on the right, we saw G. Tracy put his hat in the air as he came upon Duce Coupe. We eagerly rode in anticipation of seeing quail lift. However, we were all disappointed when despite a relocation attempt, nothing was flown.

With ten minutes remaining, Duce Coupe was watered and allowed to continue hunting. Great River Stallion continued to hunt with his power gait from side to side in this area with plenty of ground cover. The judges' voices rang out, "PICK 'EM UP," without any further bird contact by the dogs. The snappy Miller's Little Duce Coupe was again out of sight, and her handler had to ride to a distant front before returning with her in a harness. Great River Stallion was on the left, soon with his handler, and headed to the wagon. All on the wagon knew these two would be among the four named with the placements; the discussion was: "where will each place?"

Hoffman, N. C., January 2
Judges: Jim Crayne and Marty Robinson
UNITED STATES QUAIL SHOOTING DOG FUTURITY [Thirty-Minute Qualifying Series; One-Hour Finals] - 36 Pointers and 8 Setters
Send the Bullet, pointer male, by Broken Halo-Witt's Sissy. Phil Stevenson, breeder; Johnny Keohane, owner; Phil Stevenson, handler. With
Quickmarkman Southwind, setter male, by Bonner's Excalibur-Sweet Child O Mine. L. S. Earls, breeder and owner; Lefty Henry, handler.
Gigi Broken Halo, pointer female, by Broken Halo-Rocky River DeeDee. Phil Stevenson, breeder; Keith McCaslin, owner; Phil Stevenson, handler. With
Backcountry Pure Gold, pointer female, Springflow's Back Country P-Backcountry Tornado. Chris Catanzorite, breeder and owner; Mike Martino, handler.
Cold Creek Thrill Tuff, pointer male, by Just Thrillin-York's Hollywood. Horseshoe Plantation, breeder; Burl Hicks, owner; Tommy Rice handler. With
Iditarod, pointer male, by Showtime Sam Houston-Chelsea's Mae West. Brad Sadler, breeder; Nicole Lombardi & Douglas Swingley, owners; Shawn Shawn Kinkelaar, handler.
The Defender, setter male, by Erin's Wild Atlantic Way. Larry S. Earls, breeder; John P. Fort, owner; Shawn Kinkelaar, handler. With
Hauser's Hard Line, pointer male, by Miller's Dialing In-Nemaha Snow Rebel. Sean & Debra Hauser, breeders and owners; Mike Tracy, handler.
Back White Privilege, pointer male, by Touch's Mega Mike-Silver W Zee Z. T. Jackson & J. Moisson owners; Shawn Kinkelaar, handler. With
Miller's Miss Congeniality.
Lone Tree Last Snow, pointer female, by Broken Halo-Lone Tree Rose. Mitch Solt, breeder; Mitch Solt, owner; Phil Stevenson, handler. With
Sweet Grass Skipper, setter male, by Sweet Grass Slim-Tower Hill Zoey Zee. Taylor Todd, breeder; David Huffine, owner and handler.
Isabull, pointer female, by Miller's Heat Seeker-Dominator's Heir Kate. Tommy Walker, breeder; Ernie & Karen Saniga, owners; Ernie Saniga, handler. With
I Dream of Jeannie, setter female, by Hot Blooded-Shamrock's Miss Grace. Thomas M. Green, breeder; Kyle Whitfield, owner and handler.
Suemac's Hoodoo Man, pointer male, by Double Deuce Zeke-Beaver Meadow Rose. Mark Hughes, breeder; Roger & Susie McPherson, owners; Mark Hughes, handler. With
Quail Roost Tipatina, pointer female, by Miller's Upgraded Version-Quail Roost Too. Dr. Susan Wells, breeder and owner; Mike Tracy, handler.
Check It Out, pointer male, by Erin's Redrum-Justice Served. Mike Sweet, breeder; Jeff Gilbertson, owner; Mike Martino, handler. With
Wiggins Ike Charger, pointer male, by Small White Charger-Wiggin's Snow Trace. Donald Wiggins, breeder; Keith McCaslin, owner; Phil Stevenson, handler.
Miller's Little Deuce Coupe. With
Georgian, setter male, by Erin's Wild Atlantic Way-Quickmarksman's Silky. Larry S. Earls, breeder; John P. Fort, owner; Shawn Kinkelaar, handler.
Ironstone's Ironstone, setter male, by Mohawk Mill Lucky Charm-Richfield Oakley. Richard A. Giuliano, breeder; Elias Richardson, owner; Mike Tracy, handler. With
Mohawk Mill Shake Up, pointer male, by Mohawk Mill Trail Warrior-Legendary. J. D. Goodwin, breeder; Gary S. Winall, owner and handler.
Great River Stallion. With
Suemac's Wicked Sister, pointer female, by Miller's Heat Seeker-Dominator's Heir Kate. Tommy Walker, breeder; Roger & Susie McPherson, owners; Mike Tracy, handler.
Hunt's Full Moon Rising, pointer male, by Touch's Mega Mike-Gone with the Wind. Justin D. Hunt, breeder and owner; Shawn Kinkelaar, handler. With
Quail Roost Rewind, pointer male, by Miller's Upgraded Version-Quail Roost Too. Dr. Susan Wells, breeder and owner; Mike Tracy, handler.
Tallokas New Business, pointer male, by Miller Unfinished Business-Tallokas Sun Dial. Osceola Kennels, breeder and owner; Tommy Rice, handler. With
Wildland Hide the Wine, pointer male, by Double Deuze Zeke-Beaver Meadow Rose. Mark Hughes, breeder; Eric Munden, owner; Mark Hughes, handler.
Light It Up, pointer male, by Miller's Unbridled Forever-All On. John Capocci, breeder; Brent Cox, owner; Mike Martino, handler. With
Southpoint's Gun Powder, pointer male, by Wiggins Prairie Night-Mike's Powderhorn. Mike Burpo, breeder; Whitney Stephenson, owner; Phil Stevenson, handler.
Miller's Concealed Weapon, setter male, by Miller's Black Butte-Alaqua Dee. John W. Barksdale, breeder; Bill Owen, owner; Jack Miller, handler. With
Miller's Grey Street, pointer male, by Touch's Grey Street-Hirollins Fancy Lady. Rodney Poston, breeder; Don Terrell, owner; Dennis Snyder, handler.
Parkway, pointer male, by Grouse Trails Tuscarora-Halestorm. Dave Park, breeder; Mark Hughes, owner and handler. With
Wintersets Patch Of Ice, setter female, by Eri's Big Casino-Sadie Oak Boo. Ian Seletzky, breeder; Tom Winters, owner; Mike Tracy, handler.
I'm Peter the Great, pointer male, by Hirollins Gone and Doneit-Hunter Run's Sky Too. Kasey Lenz, breeder; Sammy & Nida Giddens, owners; Sam Giddens, handler. With
Calico's Sugar 'N' Spice, pointer female, by Waybetter Rocky-Waybetter Rummy. Carl Bishop, breeder; Calico Kennels, owner; Tommy Rice, handler.
Waybetter Thor. With
Dominator's Ghost Rider, pointer male, by Just Irresistible-Pearl Again. Jamie Daniels, breeder; Harold Ray & Tony Gibson, owners; Doug Ray, handler.
Dollywood Thrill, pointer female, by Just Thrillin-York's Hollywood. Horseshoe Plantation, breeder; Benny Cain, owner; Tommy Rice handler. With
Saddled Up Sadie, pointer female, by Double Deuce Zeke-Beaver Meadow Rose. Mark Hughes, breeder; Joe Cammisa, owner; Mark Hughes, handler.
Ironstone's Dark Horse, setter male, by Maximum Resistance-Deciding Point. Robert Watts, breeder; Elias Richardson III, owner; Mike Martino, handler. With
Miller's Promotional Upgrade, pointer male, by Miller's Upgraded Version-Quail Roost Too. Dr. Susan Wells, breeder; Fran & Jack Miller, owners; Jack Miller, handler.
Air Express, pointer male, by Broken Halo-Rocky River Dee Dee. Phil Stevenson, breeder; John J. Keohane, owner; Phil Stevenson, handler. With
Miller's Upgraded Design, pointer male, by Miller's Upgraded Version-Walden's Ice Breaker. Squire Lee, breeder; Allen R. Linder, owner; Mike Tracy, handler.

1st--MILLER'S LITTLE DEUCE COUPE, 1700309, pointer female, by Miller's Upgraded Version-Walden's Ice Breaker. Allen Linder & Madison McDonald, owners; George Tracy, handler.
2d--MILLER'S MISS CONGENIALITY, 1699548, pointer female, by Miller's Upgraded Version-Quail Roost Too. Joe McHugh, owner; Mike Tracy, handler.
3d--GREAT RIVER STALLION, 1702396, pointer male, by Bk Bonafide Stallion-Bk Hirollins Wild. Brian Sanchez, owner; Doug Ray, handler.
4th--WAYBETTER THOR, 1697818, pointer male, by Waybetter Rocky-Waybetter Rummy. Carl & Collin Bishop, owners; Mike Tracy, handler.