Result: National Open Shooting Dog Championship

Location: Union Springs, Alabama

Post Date: May 1, 2023

Submitted By: Elton Bray

National Open Shooting Dog Championship. From left: Bill Lee, Joe Varner, Tony Gibson, Steve Hutto, Bo Brewer with C S Code Blue, Judge Jonathan Burch, Steve Hurdle, Judge Squire Lee, Anna Grace Tompkins and Judge Elton Bray.

The 62nd renewal of the prestigious National Open Shooting Dog Championship began Monday, January 30 and concluded February 7. A string of 64, which included 53 pointers and 11 setters were drawn to compete for the best of the best. Twenty of the most renowned, professional and amateur dog handlers vied for the title of their dog to be named Champion.
The venue for this historical event was none other than the famous Sedgefield Plantation, near Union Springs, Ala. If one has never visited there, you should add it to your list. The towering pines, native grasses, and food plots make for the perfect bob white habitat. Sedgefield is owned by Raymond and Katheryn Harbert. Without their continued generosity of usage of their beautiful facilities and grounds, it would be almost impossible to hold such a prominent event. The Harbert's are to be commended for their kindness and hospitality.

A huge thank you also goes out to Jason Howard, Sedgefield manager and field trial board member. He and all the plantation staff help make the trial run smoothly. From manning the road crossings to making sure the trash barrels are empty. It all gets done every day. Another notable board member and major part of the Sedgefield operation is Bill Lee. He is on hand daily as the stake manager and does whatever it takes make the trial run fluently. He is also a head marshal during the stake. His love for the sport and the people is well noted throughout the field trial world. If something needs to be addressed during the running, Bill Lee is the "go to" man who always has a plan. The club President, Joe Varner was also on hand each day assisting with the chores and was on horseback for much of the running. Joe is a Union Springs native and his passion for the sport and the outdoors run deep. He and his wife, Shirley contribute a generous amount of time and resources for the National, but also support all surrounding bird dog events.

Most all successful field trial clubs have a secretary and treasurer, but none are lucky enough to have Heather Klinck. Heather can do it all and does it all. She takes care of the Ad, entries, judges, dog wagon goodies, and does all the scheduling for each day and night events. From flower arrangements to judges books, Heather gets everything done. Klinck's time and dedication are one of the major parts of the trials success each year.
Steve Hutto was in charge of the dog wagon duties. Hutto is always in the right places at the right times. He is also in charge of making sure the wagon is stocked full of snacks and drinks each day. This year's dog wagon sponsors were: The Perote Ladies; Shirley Capps, Sarah Hixson, and Darlene Hixson; Lawton Huggins, Missy's Hair Salon - Missy Lawrence, Kara Williamson, Hunter and Addi Smith, Union Springs Chamber of Commerce, Lisa and Justin Clark, Joe and Cecelia Moorer, and Mare and Diane Fratessa of NK Cattle Ranches.
Minding the marshaling duties were Hunter McDuffie, Chance Kelley, Harrison Lee, Brian Sanderson and Harold Johnson. With these men in attendance no handler took wrong turns, and judges were never left behind.

Helping out in the barn and washing the judge's horses after each ride was Anna Grace Tompkins. Her sweet attitude and attention to detail was greatly appreciated by all.
Advertised judges for this year's competition were: Jonathan Burch, Holly Springs, Miss., returning for his 3rd consecutive year; Squire Lee, Pike Road, AL returning for his second tenure; and Mike Jackson, Battle Ground, Ind. Unfortunately, Jackson fell ill the night before the starting day, and asked to step down if a replacement could fill in. Your scribe was asked to step in as the 3rd judge. I humbly accepted the honor.Purina is the official dog food sponsor. Their representative, Greg Blair was in attendance for several days, and was accompanied by his daughter, Maddie, a student at Auburn University. Purina is a very important part of this championship, not only do they provide financially, but also with rewards, gifts and dog food to the winner. Without the support of Greg Blair, and Purina our sport would be nearly dissolved. Other official sponsors for the trial were: Garmin, 5 Star Equine Products, Dan's Hunting Gear, and The Saddle Guy.

A full course breakfast was served each morning during the running. It was provided by the Tourism Council of Bullock County, and their large number of Sponsors. The delicious lunches were prepared and served each day by Ginny Allen and the Union Springs Country Club.
A function was held every evening during the running. Sunday night's kickoff party started with a catered wild game supper sponsored and prepared by Terry Rienke and Doug White. Elk, Mule deer, trout and goose, along with several other meats and sides were enjoyed by all in attendance. The cocktails for the evening were sponsored by Partners Real Estate, T. J. Williford.

Monday night everyone was invited to the Country Club for a steak dinner sponsored by Purina. Tuesday, we had dinner at the Field House which was sponsored by Union Springs Home Center with cocktails provided by Jimmy Cook Chevrolet. On Wednesday night, all gathered at the Country Club for a steak dinner in honor of 2022 Champion, Bo Bunda.The dinner was hosted by Bo's owner Mr. Jack Arlington. A beautiful portrait commissioned by Ross Young was presented to Mr. Arlington. All enjoyed visiting, and listening to/of the stories from Mr. Jack. Thursday evening, we were treated again to another delicious meal at the Field House sponsored by the Tourism Council of Bullock Co. The cocktails were provided by Phillip's Seed and LC May. Friday night, trial officials and several club members gathered at the Field House for hamburgers. Saturday night, field trailers were hosted a delicious meal sponsored by the Human Society, with cocktails provided by Ginny and David Allen. Sunday evening, everyone gathered at the Field House again for a low country boil, catered by the Country Club with the cocktails being sponsored by Mossy Oak Realty, Tony Reynolds. The final night a delightful meal was hosted at the Field House, and the cocktails sponsored by Amber and Steve Money. The help and support of these sponsors from all over Bullock County sure gives everyone a welcoming feeling.

This year's running was slightly different than a normal year at the National. Sedgefield along with Tall Timbers has put together a wild bird program for the afternoon courses. Therefore, no pre-release was done this year, and not many birds were found on the afternoon side. There were several dogs that competed in the afternoons with great performances, but birdless. To give those deserving a fair chance at finding birds, the judges decided to have a call back which was run only on the morning courses. Four years ago, Tall Timbers started the wild bird project on the morning courses. As you will find out from the brace by brace report below, it was very successful. If the afternoon courses are as successful as the morning, within the next few years, Sedgefield Plantation will be all wild birds.
The Call Backs
Earning the title of National Champion is everyone in the field trial fraternity's goal and dream. Large amounts of time, effort, hard work, determination, and of course a little luck, is what creates champions. This year's Champion was CS Code Blue. Blue is owned by Tony and Becky Gibson of Union Springs, Ala. He was handled by Steve Hurdle. Blue is a four-year-old white and orange pointer male by Sundance Kid and out of House's Snow White. Mr. Tony and Mrs. Becky have owned and campaigned an abundance of shooting dogs and all-age competitors over the years. Many of these went on to be great winners and Champions. this was thier 2nd National Championship win. The first for the Gibson's was in 2016 with CS Shoeshine. This was Steve Hurdle's 5th time to handle a National Champion. On the all-age circuit he has won it with Shell Creek Coin, Connor's EZ Button, and Coldwater Thunder. This was his second time for the shooting dog, the first being Spirit's Blaze in 2004. To many people's knowledge, Steve is the only handler to have one either of these National's twice. Several other handlers have won both, once.

Blue ran in the 2nd brace of the callbacks which were held on Tuesday morning. He was paired with Silver W Jill Z who is handled by Shawn Kinkelaar and owned by Debbie Ozner. The breakaway was just behind the dog cemetery. Jill had a nice find to the front at 13 nearing the Eagles Nest. She had not been seen for several minutes and we all rode up to find her on point. She was pretty around her game and all was in order. At 22, Kinkelaar spotted Blue standing still nearing the edge of the Lake, and called point. Hurdle arrived to see his competitor pointed flawlessly on the edge of the food plot. He made only a few steps before the large wild covey flushed back to the left. Jill was not seen just after her find, and Kinkelaar asked for the retrieval device at 32. Blue was credited with his 2nd impressive find at 33 on the left side of the course past the levee at the Big Lake. Scout, Bo Brewer was riding the left side and found him on point. Blue ran at a forward snappy pace for the duration of his 45-minutes. He showed at the right places at the right time, hunted with intension and was a stylish gentleman around his game. This combination earned him the title of National Champion.

Starting out the callbacks with brace 1 was Reynold's Party Starter handled by Tony Reynolds and owned by Brian Sanderson. He competed with Reedy Creek Dial Tone, handled by Mike Tracy and owned by Joe McHugh. Starter began the callbacks on the right foot with a very nice classy find at 7 just before crossing the road behind the Church. Scout, Hunter McDuffie found him on point. His second find came at 27 just before crossing the Old Bridge Road. Handler, Mike Tracy was riding the left side looking for his dog when he called point for this brace mate. The judges arrived, and Starter stood there quite staunching while the birds lifted. Nearing the corner at Hwy 29, at 38, Reynolds spotted his dog on top of the hill standing still with his head held high. The birds flushed which awarded him with find number 3. The judges called pick up at the 45-minute mark. Tone competed to the front the majority of the heat, but was not seen at pickup.

In the 3rd brace was Bitter Sweet War Cry, handled by Mike Tracy and owned by Joe Lordi Jr. and Ralph Gillota; and Charitable Deed, handled by Tommy Rice and owned by Keith Finlayson. They were released from the Coke Barn. Cry was hunting the left side of the course at 12 when he swapped ends. Tracy called point, dismounted and flushed a nice bevy for his classy competitor. He was credited with a 2nd nice piece of bird work at 17 just before Bicolor Hill. Deed was unsuccessful at 35, and was harnessed. Cry was picked up at 37.
The Running
Drawn in the first brace was Lester's Another Shockwave (Shawn Kinkelaar) and Miller's Newest Version (Bill Owen). It rained nearly a half inch on Sunday night, an stopped just before we turned them loose Monday morning. The temperature was 58 degrees and cloudy. The dogs were released at 8:01 at the morning breakaway. The trial started off with a bang at the 4-minute mark when scout, for Version, Alex Mauck, called point for Another Shockwave. Kinkelarr and the judges arrived to see him standing perfectly in the pines between the course and the road. Kinkelaar flushed a large covey rewarding his dog with the first find of the championship. At 22 Kinkelaar called point for both dogs on top of the hill on the left side of the course. Kinklelaar and Owen both shot after the covey rise. Making the strait away along side County Road 23 at 31, both handlers called point. When the judges arrived, they stated the birds had already flown, and both handlers carried their dogs on. Version was credited with his second find classy find at 1:05 just after making the turn behind the dog cemetery. Another Shockwave went missing from the front just after the hour mark, and Kinkelaar asked for the retrieval device at 1:15 at the Eagles Nest. Version completed the 90-minute heat on hill near the crossroads at the Coke Barn Road.

Released at the Coke Barn for Brace 2 was Bully Rock (Mike Tracy) and Hillhaven's Good Time Rail (Michael Martino). The temperature had dropped a few degrees and a light fog and mist had set in. Rock had his 1st find at 4 minutes on top of the hill before making the left swing. He was credited with his 2nd at 18 on the right side. Tracy called point and Rock stood staunching for the flush. His 3rd find came at 22 on the left side of the course next to the plowed field. Rock was found on point again at 43. Tracy was unsuccessful producing game. He relocated and the only thing flushed was a cotton tail. Just after crossing the levee at the Big Lake, Rock swapped ends at 1:04 on the right side. This time producing a very large covey of wild bob whites. His 5th successful find came at 1:18 on the left side of the cross roads in front of the main lodge. The sixth and final find for Rock was at 1:22 just after crossing the Big Pipe at the Northfork Church. Rock completed the hour and a half. Good Time had not been seen since the 5-minute mark, and Martino got the tracker at 29. The total covey count for the morning including dog finds and gallery ride ups was 24!

Paired in Brace 3 Miller's Southern Gossip (George Tracy) and Miller's Stray Bullet (Clay Ferguson). They were turned loose from the Field Trial Barn at 1:01 with temperature at 61 degrees. Ferguson asked for the retrieval device at 1:04, and Tracy asked for his at 1:16.

Turning loosed at the Ladies Restroom for the 4th brace was Miller's Unfinished Business (Clay Ferguson) and Lone Tree Splish Splash (Bill Owen). Business pointed at 22 after crossing the Duck Lake but was unsuccessful. Both dogs were picked up at 1:07.

Running in the 5th brace starting off Tuesday morning was Wind Ridge Sugar (Eddie Taylor) and Silver W Jill Z (Shawn Kinkelaar). The fog delayed the breakaway until 8:31 with the temperature at 62 degrees. Jill started the morning off with an impressive forward find at 20 on the left side of the course before crossing at the Old Road Bridge. Sugar was not seen at 17 and Taylor asked for the retrieval device at 35. Jill's second piece of pretty bird work came at 58 just pass the Eagle's Nest. Kinkelaar rode on top of the hill searching for his competitor and found her standing quite staunching. Jill ran the front the entire 90-minute heat with enthusiasm and style.

Breaking away from the Coke Barn with brace No. 6 was Erin's Big Casino (Mike Tracy) and Upfront's Southern Star (Shawn Kinkelaar). Star had an absence at 21 and asked for the tracker at 36. Casino pointed at 1:05 nearing the Big Pipe. Tracy relocated twice, but no game was produced. He was harnessed at 1:21.

Tuesday afternoon brought out the sunshine and warmer temperatures for the 7th brace. Mauck's Wyeast Owyhee Dallee (Alex Mauck) and Miller's Extreme Heat (Mike Tracy) were released from the field trial stable at 1:15. Dallee was picked up at 1:03. Heat finished the hour and a half on Turkey Ridge.

Drawn in brace No. 8 was Miller's High Heat Index (Mike Tracy) and Mauck's Wyeast Owyhee Jack (Alex Mauck). Index competed at a strong, ambitious pace hunting the front the entire 90 minutes. He completed the brace on the north side of the Dove Field. Jack was picked up at 46.

Running in the 9th brace on Wednesday morning was Hale's High Flyer (Eddie Taylor) and Thunderbolt Wild Again (Shawn Kinkelaar). ] A light fog was in the air and temperature was 58 degrees when the dogs were turned loose at 8:02. At 15 scout, Virgil Moore called point for Flyer on the right side of the course after the road crossing. As Taylor rode up, the birds flushed and all was in order. Again was credited with his first find at 20 on the left side of the course. As Kinkelaar dismounted the large covey flew. At 27 Flyer pointed again. He was relocated twice but was unsuccessful. Flyer's 2nd find came at 32 nearing the Old Bridge Road. His 3rd piece of bird work came at 42 on the right side just passed the New Town Creek Bridge. Scout, Virgil Moore was given the credit for finding him on point once more. Again has his second find at 55 behind the Sedgefield Kennel. Just a minute later Flyer was pointed about 200 yards just down the hill, but was unable to produce game. Again suffered his second unproductive at 59 and was harnessed. Flyer found a nice bevy of bob whites at the hour mark just pass the turn behind the kennels crediting him with his 4th find. He completed the 90 minutes.

Drawn for the 10th brace was Cheap Hill Thrill (Tommy Rice) and Hillhaven's Wild Child (Jeanette Tracy). The temperature was dropping and the birds were feeding. Thrill was making a cast on the top right side of the course before the first crossing at 8 when she swapped ends. Her brace mate was there to honor as Rice flushed the large wild covey. Her second find was at 48 before making the swing towards the Big Lake. Just before crossing the levy at 51, Child was found on point on the left side. After a relocation she had them pinned, awarding her a nice stylish find. Her 2nd piece of bird work came at 1:09 just before crossing the Big Pipe. Thrill was harnessed at 1:17, and Child completed the hour and a half.

Competing in brace No. 11 was Erin's Thunder Backus (Shawn Kinkelaar) and Neely's Business Man (John Neely). Business Man was hunting the front and pointed just before the crossing behind Bill Lee's house at 21. He was very bold and pretty on point, but unfortunately no game was produced. Backus was not seen at 41 and Kinkelaar requested the tracker at 54. Man completed the 90 minutes on Turkey Ridge.

In the 12th brace, turning loose at the Ladies Restroom was Tug O' War (Shawn Kinkelaar) and Hatteras Rip Tide (Doug Ray). Tide disappeared just after the breakaway and Ray called for the retrieval device at 24. Tug O' War pointed at 47 to the right side of the Deer Stand, but as the birds flushed, he took one too many steps earning him the rope.

Thursday morning there was a light mist and cooler temperatures for brace No. 13 which drew Thunderbolt's Storm (Shawn Kinkelaar) and Charlie's Zip Tie (Bill Owen). Storm pointed at 7 on the right side just behind the Church at the road crossing, but was unsuccessful. Tie made game at 22, but moved a little too much and was picked up. At 34, scout Tommy Rice called point for Storm alongside the fence row parallel to County Road 23. A very large covey flushed as Kinkelaar dismounted. Storm was picked up at 48 after a slight mishap.

Released from the Coke barn in brace No. 14 was Nella's Belgium Brew (Tommy Rice) and Waybetter Rocky (Mike Tracy). At 19 nearing Bicolor Hill at the Joe Varner line, Brew came to a standstill and Rocky standing just behind honoring. They were each relocated, but were unlucky. At 25 as the gallery topped the far side of Bicolor Hill, everyone was able to see Rocky stopped. As soon as he stopped the birds flew, and Tracy dismounted and fired. Nearing the Roy Warren Deer Stand at 23 scout, Harrison Lee called point for Brew. As soon as Rice dismounted the birds flew to the right, and all was in order. Rocky was deemed his 2nd find at 46 along the road. He pointed again at 1:20 just before making the left swing back toward the church, but no birds were found after two attempts. Brew scored her 3rd covey just 3 minutes later nearing the road crossing at the Church. After a nice relocation she had them pinned. Both dogs completed the brace.

Thursday afternoon was overcast and 51 degrees. Panther Creek Rosie (Tommy Rice) and Miller's Strolling for Gold (George Tracy) were released at 1:03 for the 15th brace. Gold suffered an unproductive at 43 and was harnessed. Rosie was picked up at 56.

Running in brace 16 was Class Act Express (Anthony Martino) and Miller's Big Iron (George Tracy). Iron was not seen at 4 and Tracy asked for the tracker at 18. Express pointed at 16 just after crossing the Duck Lake, but was unfortunate. He was picked up at 50 at the road crossing.

Brace No. 17 on Friday morning drew CS Code Blue (Steve Hurdle) and Reedy Creek Dial Tone (Mike Tracy). The temperature was 56 degrees, and the clear skies seemed to bring out the quail. Blue started the brace off at 6 with his first staunching piece of bird work on the left side of the course just before the road crossing. At 7 his brace mate pointed at the road crossing just behind the Church. He too was awarded with a bold classy find. Tone's 2nd find came at 40 just after crossing the New Road Bridge on the right side. As Tracy was crossing the bridge, he was calling point. Just after the shot, Hurdle was calling point for Blue on the left side of the course. As the judges arrived a nice bevy flew to the left in front of the pretty white pointer. At 47 Blue pointed just passed the deer feeder behind the Dog Cemetery. As the judges were cantering to the point, the birds flew and were in judgement sight crediting Blue with his 3rd. His fourth find was at 56 nearing the Eagle's Nest. Hurdle was in search of him when found him standing intently and fashionably to the front. Blue's 5th dashing find came at 1:16 just past the Big Lake on the back side of the levee. Tone was regarded with his 3rd piece of fashionable bob white location at 1:24 nearing the Coke Barn Road. Both pointer males competed at a strong pace and each completed the brace hunting stylishly to the front.

Breaking away from the Coke Barn with Brace No. 18 was Oahe Buck (Tommy Rice) and Greypointe Nubarron (Calvin Crunutte). Nubarron was unsuccessful at 30 and 42 which earned him the rope. On his second unproductive he was honored by his brace mate. Buck had a nice piece of work at 35 after crossing the Whaley Road. Scout, Harrison Lee, called point for the pointer male. He stayed staunch for the flush and shot. At 53 Buck was found on point again nearing the road crossing. He was relocated but no game was produced. Rice decided to pick up at 1:14 at the Big Pipe.

Competing in the 19th brace was Town Creek Hardaway Jill (Michael Martino) and Miller's Record Heat (Mike Tracy). At 44 making the horseshoe swing on the east side of Bill Lee's driveway, scout, Casey Foster called point for Heat. A single flush after Tracy made only a few steps. Heat went missing at 57, and Tracy called for the retrieval device at 1:12. Jill was not able to find any bob whites during her heat, but she did hunt the front until time was called.

Drawn for the 20th brace was Erin's Three Leaf Shamrock (Tracy Swearingen) and Miller's Locked and Loaded (George Tracy). Shamrock was scratched due to unforeseen circumstances, therefore Loaded had the course all to himself. At 22 just after crossing the Duck Pond Levee, Loaded was found on point, but unfortunately no bob whites were found. He was picked up at 1:03

Call Me Clyde (Michael Martino) and Miller's War Bonnett (Mike Tracy) were drawn for the 21st brace which began Saturday morning. The sun was shining but the temperature was just above freezing. Just past the Old Bridge Road Crossing both dogs were seen on point together at 25. Both handlers attempted to flush, but no birds were found. At 46 they were both found pointed together again, unfortunately no game was produced here either, and both were harnessed.

Running in No. 22 breaking away from the Coke Barn was Phillip's Wind Line (Anthony Martino) and Levi Express Visa (Virgil Moore). Line had a nice find at 17 just before making the swing onto Bicolor Hill. Visa was credited with his first classy piece of bird work at 28 just before making the turn headed toward Whaley Road. Moore had to make several passes before the tightly covey of bob whites would fly. At 41, Visa was unsuccessful, and his brace mate failed to honor which earned him the rope. Visa scored again at 52 and 1:01. He was harnessed at 1:11.

In brace No. 23 was Suns Out Guns Out (Eddie Taylor) and Nonami's Johnny Come Lately (Ray Pierce). Taylor got the tracker at 22 after his dog was not seen after the 6-minute mark. Lately suffered an unproductive at 16, and another at 47. He was picked up after his second.

Drawn for the 24th brace breaking away at the Ladies Restroom was Bittersweet War Cry (Mike Tracy) and Charitable Deed (Tommy Rice). Deed was unsuccessful at 18 after crossing the Duck Lake. She went birdless for the heat but stayed strong and hunted the front for the duration. Cry was unsuccessful at 1:08. He too hunted with intent and completed the hour and a half.

Sunday morning was overcast and 43 degrees. Turning loose with the 25th brace was Cheyenne Jack (Mike Tracy) and Doc's Second Wind (Virgil Moore). Jack pointed right off the breakaway at 4 on the right side before the road crossing, a large covey flew as the judges arrived awarding him with his first find. Wind was there to honor. At 19 handler Moore called point for Wind. He stated the birds had lifted before the judges arrived. He shot and went on, but Wind's find was not in judgement. Just up the course on the left side Tracy called point at 23 just before the Old Road Crossing. A nice wild covey flushed just after Tracy dismounted. Wind was ill-fated again at 34 and was picked up. Wind was awarded a 3rd find just before crossing the New Bridge at 43. He was unsuccessful at 51 and was harnessed.

Releasing from the Coke barn in Brace No. 26 was Miller's Heat Seeker (George Tracy) and Senah's Back in Business (Clay Ferguson). Business was having a little bad luck and was picked up at 14. Seeker was accorded with a nice find at 38 after scout, Mike Tracy found him pointed on Bicolor Hill at 38. He was put on the wagon at 1:03.

Brace No. 27 drew Reynold's Party Starter (Tony Reynolds) and Kool Hand Luke (Virgil Moore). They broke away from the Field Trial Stables at 1:04. Just before making the turn back towards the Dove Field at the power line at 17, Reynolds was riding the left side in search for his dog when he found him standing on the edge of the woods. When the judges arrived, he stood there boldly and quite sure of himself. Reynolds made several flushing attempts before he decided to ask Starter to relocate. He moved up only about 15 yards where he had them pinned which credited him with an impressive relocation find. Luke was unsuccessful at 25 and was harnessed at 51. Starter competed eagerly and fashionable for the remainder of the heat, and completed the hour and a half on Turkey Ridge.

The 28th brace turned loose from the Ladies Restroom with Two Spot Tommy (Doug Ray) and Faithful (Mike Tracy). Tracy asked for his tracker at 41, and Ray requested his at 45.

Monday morning started off sunny and 62 degrees with Chelsea's Mae West (Shawn Kinkelaar) and Miller's Upgraded Version (George Tracy). Just off the breakaway at 2, West pointed on the right side, but no game was located after 2 relocations. She pointed again at 20 nearing the Old Bridge Road this time producing a nice bevy of wild bob whites. Version was standing stylishly behind honoring the find. Version was awarded with a very nice find at 46 just after crossing the New Bridge on the left side of the course. Both competitors were picked up at 53.

Braced in No. 30 was Sandland's Shooter (Calvin Crunette) and Upfront McQuade (Shawn Kinkelaar). Neither were suiting their handler. Shooter was harnessed at 42 and McQuade at 44.

Running the 31st brace on Monday afternoon with the temperature at 65 was Grand Prairie Thrill (Tommy Rice) and I'm Spartacus (Doug Ray). Thrill was not seen just after the breakaway and Rice asked for the tracker at 18. Spartacus wasn't competing to please his handler and was put on the wagon at 32.

The last brace, No. 32, drew SB Always Dreaming (Bill Owen) and Woodland's Ridge Jim (Calvin Curnutte). They were both picked up at 34.
Union Springs, Ala., January 30
Judges: Elton Bray, Jonathan Burch and Squire Lee
NATIONAL OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [Ninety-Minute Heats] - 54 Pointers and 10 Setters
Winner-C S CODE BLUE, 1692316, pointer male, by Sundance Kid-House's Sow White. Tony & Becky Gibson, owners; Steve Hurdle, handler.

Judge and Reporter Elton Bray, Judge Jonathan Burch, Stake Manager Bill Lee, Judge Squire Lee.

Michael Martino and Jack Arlington pose as Mr. Jack accepts the painting of his 2022 Champion Bo Bunda. Presented by Bill Lee.