Result: Rolling Fork Bird Dog Club

Location: Berea, Kentucky

Post Date: Mar 29, 2023

Submitted By: Magda Lear

Open Shooting Dog Winners (from left): Jim Hupp (judge), Adam Thomas with Coal Camp's Annie, Kenny DeLong with K Del's Eagle Magnum Hotshot, and Jonathan Dunn with Island Dancer.

The Rolling Fork Bird Dog Club trial was held on Central Kentucky Wildlife Management Area grounds the last weekend in January. The grounds were in excellent condition, improving each year, thanks to the relentless and educated care of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.

You never know what to expect from the weather in the middle of Kentucky winter; this year, the weather was beautiful. It was sunny and cool with favorable scenting conditions. The birds were plentiful, and each brace had multiple bird contact. During the first brace of the day, a pre-released covey of birds lifted from the first big field, smart enough to leave the course but visible enough to elate the mood of the participants (human).

Ten dogs of four breeds competed in the Amateur Shooting Dog stake. The first place went to Scott Luther's English setter Bang Bang's Longshot ("Max"), the first-year shooting dog. Max had four mature finds with outstanding bird manners and a nice forward hunting race. Second place was awarded to Jim Humphrey's English setter female Coal Camp's Annie under Adam Thomas' handling. This little female is a great bird dog checking every part of available cover. The third place was awarded to Annie's bracemate Kenny DeLong's Brittany male K Del's Eagle Magnum Hotshot ("Shooter"). Shooter's race was strong and forward but less diligent than Annie's.

The Open Shooting Dog followed with eight dogs competing. Coal Camp's Annie, handled by Adam Thomas, placed first for her continual busy hunting. At the time of her run, the birds were hiding in heavier cover, and she was finding birds where other dogs did not hunt; five broke finds with no mistake. Second place went to Brittany K Del's Eagle Magnum Hotshot (Kenny Delong). Shooter proved that he is a serious hunter and competitor. He was far-reaching, running all edges, and ended with three finds. Third place went to a young English setter female, Island Dancer (Jonathan Dunn). She was still a derby but showed a good hunting race with nice steadiness on birds. She had two well-spread finds and looked gorgeous on point. We look forward to seeing her in the future.

Six dogs were entered and competed in the Open Derby. The first place went to English setter male Boatright's Maverick, owned by Terry Boatright and handled by James Kleve. This young setter ate the country and showed his birdiness with one solid find. Second place was awarded to pointer male May's Legacy of Justice, owned and handled by Kenny DeLong. This pointer ran a strong, well-forward race and had one nice broke find. Third place was awarded to English setter female Outcast Starfire, owned by James Kleve and handled by Kelsey Kleve. This littermate of the winner had a nice race but was closer ranging, with two good finds. Another competitor, an English setter female handled by a newcomer, is worth mentioning. The setter had a very nice hunting-range run, always busy and looking for birds, and ended with two finds but needed a little more manners to finish in the winning circle of present competitors.

The trial was completed in the late afternoon. Big thanks need to be said to our judges, Jim Hupp of Custer, Ky., and David Riddle of Mt. Vernon, Ky., who gave their time and attention to all competitors. Their judgment was well appreciated. Also, thanks to all participants for bringing and showing their dogs. Hopefully, everyone had a great time, and see you next year!

Berea, Ky., January 27 - One Course
Judges: James Hupp and David Riddle
ABHA OPEN SHOOTING DOG - 6 Pointers and 2 Brittanys
1st--COAL CAMP'S ANNIE, 1687566, setter female, by Full Blast-Herbie's Asta La Vista. Jim Humphrey, owner; Adam Thomas, handler.
2d-K DEL'S EAGLE MAGNUM HOTSHOT, 1685770, Brittany male, by Magnum High Velocity-K Del's Eagle's Chance To Soar. Kenric J. DeLong, owner and handler.
3d-ISLAND DANCER, 1699150, setter female, by Islander-Island Girl. Jonathan Dunn, owner and handler.

Judges: James Hupp and David Riddle
ABHA OPEN DERBY - 1 Pointer and 5 Setters
1st--BOATRIGHT'S MAVERICK, 1694705, setter male, by Rufus Del Fuego-Outcast Starburst. Terry Boatright, owner; James C. Kleve, handler.
2d-MAY'S LEGACY OF JUSTICE, 1695469, pointer male, by Faith's Maximum Justice-Chasehill Mighty May. Kenric J. DeLong, owner and handler.
3d-OUTCAST STARFIRE, 1697384, setter male, by Rufus Del Fuego-Outcast Starburst. James C. Kleve, owner and handler.

Open Derby Winners (from left): James Kleve with Boatright's Maverick, Kenny DeLong with May's Legacy of Justice, and Kelsey Kleve with Outcast Starfire.

ABHA AMATEUR SHOOTING DOG - 1 Pointer, 5 Setters, 2 Brittanys and 2 Irish Setters
1st--BANG BANG'S LONGSHOT, 1696304, setter male, by North Creek Scooter- Blue Ridge Molly. Scott Luther, owner and handler.
2d-COAL CAMP'S ANNIE, 1687566, setter female, by Full Blast-Herbie's Asta La Vista. Jim Humphrey, owner; Adam Thomas, handler.
3d-K DEL'S EAGLE MAGNUM HOTSHOT, 1685770, Brittany male, by Magnum High Velocity-K Del's Eagle's Change To Soar. Kenric J. DeLong, owner and handler.

Amateur Shooting Dog Winners (from left): Jim Hupp (judge), Scott Luther with Bang Bang's Longshot, Adam Thomas with Coal Camp's Annie, Kenny DeLong with K Del's Eagle Magnum Hotshot, and Magda Lear.