Event: Nonami's Johnny Come Lately Named Champion; Erin's Three Leaf Shamrock Runner-Up
Result: Masters Open Shooting Dog Championship

Location: Albany, Georgia

Post Date: May 11, 2023

Submitted By: Steve Standley

Nonami's Johnny Come Lately with Shon Powell and Ray Pearce, Erin's Three Leaf Shamrock with Tracy Swearingen, joined by Derek Bonner (judge), Chris Peek (judge), Club officials, and friends.

Each year March 1 is a very special time for like-minded parties to meet at the Potter Center in Albany, Ga. This date marks the beginning of the Masters Open Shooting Dog Championship. This year the event was held over two of the most magnificent private plantations in the country. Wild quail are prevalent on Wildfair Plantation and Nonami Plantation. Wildfair owner Joe Davenport, and Nonami owner Ted Turner, graciously allow the Southern Field Trial Club to host this major Championship over these historic grounds. This venue and this trial should be on every bird dog enthusiast's bucket list.

Club President Shon Powell and Southern Field Trial Club members are committed to this quality Championship's historical integrity and high standards. Club members Kevin Beane, Wildfair manager, and Nonami manager Ray Pearce are to be commended for their efforts in this great Championship. Both men and their staffs concluded their very busy hunting schedule on February 28, and they willingly ride and marshal every brace of this trial over their plantations. Club Secretary/Treasurer Tim Moore and Vice President Steve Wiley ride the entire trial and are helpful to everyone. Retired Wildfair manager Ronnie Beane rode with us often, and his calm, warm presence added to the mix. Robbie McCue of Wildfair served as back marshal and assisted in numerous ways. It was good to see Cody McLean of Nonami in the field with us.

Judges for this stake were Derek Bonner of Forest City, N. C., and Chris Peek of Albany, Ga. Derek is a full-time Tennessee walking horse trainer who works out of the show barn where he began work as a teenager. He and his wife Deb bought the barn and established themselves in the walking horse business. Derek has also judged the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration three times.

He began as a bird hunter and was later mentored by Ferrell Miller to learn the fine art of field trialing. Derek and his wife, Deb, whelp and raise dogs for the "White Dog Company." He is very studious in his passion for bird dogs and is an asset to the sport. Runner-up Champion Miller's Martha White and Miller's Hot Rize are among his brag dogs.

Chris Peek grew up in the Albany, Ga., area. He spent vast amounts of time in his youth at Southern Heritage Plantation, where his grandfather was the assistant manager. He learned about horses and dogs in that setting. Also, it was here that he met Ferrell Miller when Mr. Miller came down to work dogs on the plantation. Chris was still a kid when Mr. Miller would take him out to work dogs, and from this start, Chris learned his craft. Chris currently works out of nearby Gillionville Plantation, and he specializes in taking young dogs to the Dakotas for summer training.

Both men were focused on the dogs' performances and were fair to all. We thank them for their time and commitment to the sport and this Club.

Sponsors included Flint Ag and Turf, Albany's premier John Deere dealer, and Nestle Purina. Our sport would suffer greatly without the assistance of Purina, whose support of many championships and clubs throughout the nation is vital to the continuation of our beloved game. Greg Blair, senior representative of Purina's sporting dog group, is a true bird dog man. His love and commitment to the sport are both personal and professional. A hearty thanks are due to Greg for his efforts.

Excellent home-cooked meals were prepared by Hannah Sholar Marchbanks and served daily in the dining area. Hannah operates Hannah Jeans Restaurant in nearby Smithville, Ga. She was assisted by her mother, Carol Sholar.

The Qualifying Series
Sixty-nine dogs (63 pointers and six setters) were drawn to run in the 30-minute qualifying series, and ten dogs were called back for the one-hour finals. This was a new format for this Championship, and it proved to be a successful one.

The Running
It was 67 degrees and clear as Trumped (Swearingen) and Walden's Ridge Slap Shot (Ray) were released onto Wildfair at 8 a.m. Trumped drew the first blood with a find at 5 on a single bird. Slap Shot had an unproductive during the first quarter hour. At 20, both handlers had to go deep to the right to gather their dogs. Tracy returned with his, and Ray did not. No further game contact was witnessed.

Brace No. 2 featured Hatteras Rip Tide (Ray) and Upfront's McQuade (Kinkelaar). The female setter Hatteras had a forward find at 3, all in order. A single bird lifted at our approach, and several flushed nearby when Ray moved in. After this, Ray's entry bore off to the right and was not returned to judgment. McQuade looked good at 12 as he stood in a mature pine line, but Kinkelaar could not raise any game. The pointer shortened in the middle but ran deeper as the brace continued. His cast along the Colquitt Ford line was strong and eye-catching. He hunted ahead and out of sight, and if he could have been found pointed at the end could have been considered for the callbacks, but this was not the case.

Sioux Bull Run (Lundstrom) and Erin's Three Leaf Shamrock (Swearingen) were poised to continue the westward line along Colquitt Ford Road in the direction of Gator Pond. Scout Mike Tracy found Shamrock to the fore. This was an excellent limb find, and Shamrock connected again at 9. The setting was near a lone oak with nearby scattered pines among gridded-out cover. As soon as Swearingen was on the ground, the spread-out covey took to the air. The setter maintained perfect high and tight composure during the formalities. Lundstrom came in for his retrieval device at 15 for Sioux Bull Run. The white and black setter set a benchmark during his brace as Swearingen rode at a flat walk and allowed his dog to hunt ahead. He displayed numerous driving, high-tailed casts and appeared when it was appropriate. He earned his spot in the finals with this effort. This performance set a standard early in the stake.

Waybetter Rocky (Tracy) and Chelsea's Mae West (Kinkelaar) were released in brace No. 4 just before Gator Pond. It was still overcast, hot, and humid. Mae West pointed right after the breakaway, high-tailed and attractive with all in order after a relocation. Rocky suffered a barren stand at 10, albeit with high style. A second unproductive was gained at the quarter hour, and Tracy had the rope. We regained the front at 18, and Kinkelaar was on the ground flushing for Mae. He had to work for it, but the birds were put to wing just before the pigeon house. Once released from this find, Mae West offered another stand up the hill as another Wildfair covey flew before the motionless pointer. She finished on an excellent "going away" cast.

It was 11 a.m. as Big Man On Campus (Kinkelaar) and Bully Rock (Tracy) were released. Bully Rock owners, Ernie and Karen Saniga, were in the field for their beloved pointer. Big Man On Campus had a good find at 6 among the remains of an old burn pile. The liver-headed Big Man scored again at 13 to keep everyone's attention. At 17, Tracy had an unproductive with Bully Rock. Both handlers remained in their flat walk as we continued. At 21, Kinkelaar called flight of birds which was unseen officially. The dog was carried on. By 26, Kinkelaar was again on the ground; the pointer was posed on the outer circumference of the spreading oak limbs. Shawn flushed and was advised that a rabbit had exited the area. Kinkelaar acted as though he did not hear the comment. He continued to flush and produced a medium-sized bevy for his composed dog at 28. This was three finds for Big Man in his 30-minute brace.

On Nonami, we had Frontline Nation (Tande) and Miller's Extreme Heat (Tracy) hunting ahead after lunch. At 4, Extreme Heat pointed, and during Tracy's relocation effort, this writer went on to see Frontline Nation, which was pointed separately. As Jim flushed, Tracy's dog entered the area, stopped, and backed on his own. Tande flushed his birds and shot to good manners. At 19, Heat pointed ahead, and Mike flushed and shot for his composed dog. At 24, Tracy had a good forward find with Extreme Heat as owner Joe McHugh watched. Nation came into the area, and both dogs were released at 25 in sight of the Blue Springs headquarters. Extreme Heat pointed at time near the equipment shed, and Tracy called flight of birds. This was not seen officially, but Mike shot to end the hour.

It was 2 p.m. as Smooth Talkin (Ray) and Lewis Bluegrass Punchline (Rice) were cast away. At 7, Ray had a good find ahead; the pointer stood high as the birds were flushed and the gun was fired. Right after this, Tommy Rice raised his hat. Smooth Talkin stood some 125 yards ahead, and Ray lifted his hat. Neither of these stands was productive. When released, Ray Pearce called point for Punchline as he stood under the sweeping limbs of a live oak. The writer believes a find ensued, but the action was jumbled and spread out. Rice did have an unproductive near the dirt road, and Tommy withdrew his entry. Doug pulled the plug on his effort as well.

CS Four Seasons (Ray) and Hauser's Hard Line (Tracy) made up brace No. 8. Hard Line produced game at 10, but Tracy reached for the harness at 13. Four Seasons traveled with a cracking tail, but his performance suffered in the afternoon heat, and he was on the rope in the closing minutes of the brace.

Proof Nation (Rice) and Absolute Tornado (Ray) were off in brace No. 9. Joyce and Johnny Taylor were in their saddles for Tornado. Joining Joyce in the field was her sister Carol Stephens of Blue Springs Plantation. Blue Springs manager Marty Adams also joined us in the field. Both dogs stood at 8, and a divided find was credited to the pair of pointers. Just past the quarter hour, both dogs crossed the main entrance road. The pair styled up near each other, Rice came and picked his dog up, and Ray shot for Tornado, who had birds ahead. At 27, Doug pointed out Tornado on a strong, attractive cast near the breeding ground. The pointer scored a good find at 29 giving Doug a chance to show the Taylor entry on a good closing finish.

Melrose Rebel Heart (Chastain) and Faithful (Tracy) made up the last brace on Wednesday. Rebel Heart suffered an unproductive in the early minutes, but she looked good doing it. Faithful pointed with style at 11, but this, too, was unsuccessful. Faithful had a clean find ahead at 13. At 18, Faithful had another tentative contact, and Tracy lifted the female pointer. Rebel Heart pointed, and at least two, if not three, coveys lifted as Terry James fired for his Melrose entry. Chastain had another clean find at 26 with a single bird. We ended near the north end of Nonami with the irrigation fields in sight.

Thursday morning started with brace No. 11 with Hauser's Rollin' Thunder (Tracy) and S B Always Dreamin (Owen.) The action began at 8 when Thunder pointed ahead in gridded cover. As we approached, birds lifted some 80 yards ahead. Meanwhile, the Owen entry pointed over to the side some 100 yards. Tracy dismounted, walked in front of his dog, shot, and Owen flushed birds for Dreamin and fired his gun. At 21, Mike Tracy had a clean find on a single with the Hauser entry. A few minutes later, we climbed a slight grade. As we reached the high point, birds flushed ahead. When we could see the area, Thunder was standing, and Tracy walked in front of his dog and shot. Pickup was called with both dogs on forward casts.

At 8:45, Reedy Creek Dial Tone (Tracy), with owner Joe McHugh mounted, was paired with Tallokas New Business (Loper.) As we climbed a hill, Loper called point to the front. He relocated his dog and did raise birds for his attractive pointer. All was good at the shot. We were running through the series of small fields that parallel Colquitt Ford Road when Business pointed, scout Tommy Rice pointed out a rabbit leaving the scene, and Jason took his dog on at 16. Dial Tone had his running shoes on today, and Tracy asked for his tracker at 23. At 28, Loper had a strong independent find to the fore on a falling grade. Jason flushed to impeccable manners, fired his gun, and quickly mounted to show his dog with a strong finish. Tallokas New Business earned his spot in the callbacks. He is a derby at this point, and this writer feels sure we will see him again in the future.

Brace No. 13 comprised A Buccaneer (Ray) and Miller Unfinished Business (Ferguson.) Miller Unfinished Business has won this Championship three times, once with Fran Miller as a derby, then two more times handled by Joel Norman. Now under the whistle of Clay Ferguson, he had our attention. Business worked the front deeply and not always in sight. At 7, Mike Tracy called out, "There's a dog standing on that hill up there." When he came into our line of sight, Business, or "Dan," was posed in a most attractive stance on a distant hill. Dan stayed for the action in good form. Dan again produced a scenic stand at 13, ahead in a dry pond. This was called out by his scout, and Clay performed the ritual with all in order. His next find was in heavy cover, which we had ridden past, but once spotted, all was good. Business did suffer an unproductive at 27 near Gator Pond, and he went on to finish. A Buccaneer was strong in his effort and stayed to the front throughout his brace.

Lone Tree Splish Splash (Owen) and Pavo Thrill (Rice) made up brace No. 14. The pair of dogs held the front, and at 8, Splash pointed. Bill Owen stepped off his horse, the scattered covey took flight, and Bill fired his gun for his staunch pointer. Later Splash pointed again, and the pointer marked flight and was out of consideration. Pavo Thrill stayed to the front and offered several excellent forward casts punctuated by a find at time.

Erin's Tough Grit (Rice) and Bittersweet War Cry (Tracy) were released at 11 a.m. War Cry did have a bird contact, but the heat appeared to take its toll. The Tracy entry gave it all he had in this last brace of the morning, but Mike called it at 25.

Thursday afternoon, the highly successful veteran Charitable Deed (Rice) and Absolute Dominator (Doug Ray) were released onto Nonami Plantation. Johnny and Joyce Taylor were in the field for their Absolute entry. They were again joined by Joyce's sister, Carol Stephens, and Blue Springs manager Marty Adams. The temperature remained high, but this was a very good brace, with both dogs earning their spot in the finals. Charitable Deed, or "Rachel," truck the first blood at 45 seconds with a clean find off the breakaway. Soon both dogs stood on the edge of a forward green fallow field. Tommy took the back as Ray flushed for Dominator to no avail. The following relocation resulted in an unproductive. Rachel stood at 16 near Blue Springs Road, appeared uncertain, and carded her own empty stand. As we caught the front, Dominator had an excellent find ahead on the right. We continued northward on Nonami, and Rachel showed well in a weedy strip and produced another clean piece of bird work. The course bends right, but Rice cast Rachael straight ahead for the closing minutes. As she dug in, she yielded to the right to parallel the course and showed well on the pay line for a good finish. Judge Peek saw her disappear into the cover on the Blue Springs line. He stated that it was not necessary for him to see the dog after time, but he wanted to see her gathered up. At 29, Ray called point near the Blue Springs headquarters. He quickly called flight, but birds were not officially seen. A bevy flew as the gallery rode near, and Doug went up to collar his dog away. A forward finish ensued.

Judge Bonner described this brace as exciting, noting that it was probably the best performance by a pair of dogs so far.

Miller's High Heat Index (Tracy) and J N Bolt Action (Kinkelaar) were released just past the equipment shed. Index was scouted by his owner Casey Hollander. Bolt Action pointed quickly, but Shawn didn't like what he saw, and the pointer was taken on. Action went on to some other connection with birds; the writer is unsure what transpired. Kinkelaar had him on the rope shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, Tracy called point ahead, and we were off to witness the successful standby Index. By 25, Mike Tracy came in for his retrieval device to end No. 17.

After lunch, we had Walden's Rainstorm (Ray) and Cold Creek Thrill (Rice.) The latter suffered an empty stand at 6 in some rough hardwood scrabble. As we went to Thrill, Doug Ray called point for Rainstorm some 150 yards ahead in an independent action. This, too, was empty. Rice was not seeing what he wanted and withdrew Cold Creek Thrill at 22. Rainstorm worked ahead in the gridded cover just before the northern ag fields. He finished his time in that endeavor.

It was 3:30 as Waybetter Rebel (Tracy) and Earl's 38 Special (Ferguson) began No. 19. Tracy had a good find ahead at 4. By 10, we had swung around the golf course and were in sight of the horse barn as Rebel pointed ahead. 38 Special came in and backed with little enthusiasm. Judge Peek gave the tracker to Ferguson at this time. Mike went on to complete the action for a good find. We crossed the main entrance and the service road by 17. Rebel went on for his best stand at 20, the black pointer showing great style. A few minutes later, Tracy called point, then called flight of birds. After a short discussion with the judge, Mike shot his gun and carried his dog on. Waybetter Rebel earned his spot in the finals.

The last brace of the day on Nonami began at 4:05 with a soft, light, misting rain and an ever so slightly cooler temperature. Neither Great River Stallion (Ray) nor Tug O'War (Kinkelaar) rose to the occasion offered by the improved climatic conditions or the potential offered by this course. Quail flushed everywhere, both dogs seemed unsure of themselves, and little was accomplished during this brace.

Friday morning was 68 degrees and clear as Oahe Buck (Rice) and Miller's Stray Bullet (Ferguson) broke away onto Wildfair. Bullet stood staunchly and in high form at 4 for a good find. There was a slight cool breeze which was most welcomed. Ferguson called point at 11, and a find was recorded. Buck pointed at moderate range at 4, but Tommy took him on when he did not tighten up. It was 18 when Ferguson returned to the front with Bullet as Buck pointed ahead. The find was good, and we continued. Bullet finished his time running in the 9 o'clock position. Buck had a find at time, but he had lost his pizazz at that point.

Cheyenne Jack (Tracy) and Due Respect (Tande) made up brace No. 22. Willis Wright scouted Tande's setter and called point at 8. Jim waved it off as we headed that way. During this time, Tracy had a successful contact. Just past the quarter hour, we turned right at Colquitt Ford Road and had a find with the setter at medium range. Meanwhile, Jack offered an eye-catching ground effort through the series of small fields, and Judge Peek rode to gather a better view. Tracy took his dog to a nearby water tank to cool off. The pair of dogs finished in their westward effort.

Neely's Standing Ovation (Wall) and Hard Truth (Ray) made up No. 23. Ovation had an empty stand at 3 in a birdy spot. By 11, he repeated this action and was on the rope.

We crested the hill at Hawkon's Pond with Hard Truth on his own. The Ray pointer couldn't take advantage of the situation and was harnessed at 28 after an unproductive.

It was 10 a.m., and we were on the west side of Wildfair for brace No. 24, which featured Thunder Bolt's Storm (Kinkelaar) and Miller's War Bonnet (Tracy.) Joe McHugh was in the saddle for his War Bonnet. The course goes westward and then bends to the right parallel to Gator Pond. War Bonnet dug in toward the south end of this mostly dry large wet, weather pond. The pond is probably a half mile wide at this point as War Bonnet bent to show out in the low prairie grass about 100 yards off of what would be described as the bank. The pointer styled up in this area for a most scenic find, all high and tight, as the birds took flight and the gun was fired. At 25, we were heading toward the pigeon house, and Kinkelaar called out his dog, and quickly both handlers called point. Both handlers shot, and it appeared that both dogs had separate bevies. The pair of dogs went on to finish in good order.

Rester's Cowboy Bill (Kinkelaar) and Erin's Big Casino (Tracy) were off for No. 25. Soon, we could see Cowboy Bill as he stood on a rising grade just past the young longleaf pines. The long-legged Big Casino was visible about 20 yards away when we arrived. Both handlers shot to good manners. By 20, both dogs were out front and showing well. They continued on this course as we passed the Big Jolly Pond on our left. At 29, Cowboy Bill stood under the broad sweeping limbs of a heritage-class live oak for an excellent piece of bird work. Both dogs finished this brace.

It was Friday after lunch on Nonami. It was windy and felt like it could rain as Two Spot Tommy (Ray) and Erin's Thunder Backus (Kinkelaar) were released. Tommy pointed right off but decided to move on. Backus had a beautiful find at 13, the black male pointer high on both ends and offering perfect manners for the wing and the shot. Backus repeated this performance at 17 with all good. Meanwhile, we moved on up a rise, and we could see Tommy Two Spot, also an attractive black male pointer, on a distant cast some 300-400 yards ahead. Backus went on to point and came up empty. At this time, Doug Ray was on the ground near Blue Springs Road, flushing for Tommy. This writer was distant from this action but was advised by Judge Bonner that Doug did shoot for his dog. Shawn suffered a barren stand at 26 with Backus. Next, Ray called point over near Blue Springs headquarters, followed by calling out flight of birds. This was not officially acknowledged, but Doug dismounted and fired his gun. No further action was recorded.

Mike Tracy had the tracker early for Miller's Record Heat in No. 27. Doug Ray had some game contact with I'm Spartacus, and Judge Bonner gave the go-ahead to keep him on the ground. Spartacus was finished without further bird work.

It was 2:50 as Lester's Another Shockwave (Kinkelaar) and Senah's Back in Business (Ferguson) were released. At 6, scout Tommy Rice called point deep to the left fore for Shockwave. This resulted was an empty stand.

We continued past Cody McLean's house on our way to the north end of Nonami, and at 19, Ferguson came in for his retrieval device. The wind was blowing strongly at 24 when Kinkelaar called point ahead. We rode to the stylish pointer as he stood in brushy cover. Shawn dismounted, walked in, and a strong covey lifted just where the dog indicated. All was good. With one minute left, Shawn again called point ahead, and another find was in the books. Another Shockwave finished ahead as co-owner Lance Schulz rode in support.

Hatteras Sand Storm (Ray) and Miller's Lock And Loaded (Tracy) crossed the main entrance road as we hunted ahead into the sweet spot of Nonami. Soon the Ray setter and the Tracy pointer were posed at off angles to each other. Both were motionless and statuesque, looking like a Sports Afield cover from when this writer was a boy. Both handlers flushed, and both handlers shot to complete this classic scenario. This situation was later repeated, and Tracy took the back as Doug flushed. By 23, Ray took his dog on, and Mike put his on the rope. Hatteras Sand Storm finished ahead.

The last brace on Friday contained the pointer female, Cheap Thrill (Rice), and the setter male Charlie's Zip Tie (Owen), as the pair hunted ahead toward the breeding ground area. Zip Tie pointed at 4, but this resulted in an unproductive. Cheap Thrill had her running shoes on, and after offering some deep casts, she left the contest, and Rice had to ask for his tracker. The setter also decided to leave our presence, and the day ended.

Frank and Colleen Rutland rode to see their Panther Creek Rosie (Rice) run with Scott Jordan's Nine To Five Nation on Saturday morning. Both dogs stood beautifully amidst a long grid at 2, but their handlers took them on. Rosie is a stylish-looking pointer but did not thrive on the 70-degree sunny day. Rice came in for his retrieval device at 20. Scott Jordan's Nine To Five Nation was all style and run as she pointed with a high head and tail at 29. This scribe was not at the scene as Scott flushed, but he did fire his gun to conclude the brace.

It was 8:45 as Nonami's Johnny Come Lately (Ray Pearce) and Upfront's Southern Star (Kinkelaar) were released onto Wildfair. Lance Schulz, one of Star's owners, was in the saddle. Johnny, or "John," was found pointed off the edge of a green strip at 2. The Nonami pointer was composed as Ray quietly walked in to complete the formalities. The action continued back-to-back. When we returned to the front, Southern Star had a clean find at 5. Next, Pearce was on the ground, ahead some 25 yards with John's next bevy. A series of long narrow fields run westward and parallel to Colquitt Ford Road. These are classic bird locations, plowed fields amid brushy, gridded cover with the occasional small plum thicket. This is a bird hunter's paradise! Ray had an excellent forward find in a similar setting at the quarter hour. John stood about 20 yards off the field edge in hardwood sapling scrabble. Then, a point was called for Star on the right as Judge Bonner rode to observe. My assistant reporter came in to describe the scene, "Star stood among the yellow grass under a live oak with two squirrel nests where Kinkelaar had a good find." Ray had an excellent forward find next at 17 with all attractive, unhurried, and in order.

We went on to top the next rise, and Kevin Beane called out from his marshal position that Star was pointed ahead. We rode to the stylish pointer female, and a covey of birds took wing some 30 yards before we got to her. Shawn asked Judge Chris Peek if that was "good enough." Chris responded, "Probably so, but I would still like to see you flush in front of your dog." Shawn dismounted and walked in front of Star, and a larger covey flushed right where Star indicated they were. One could have made a great short movie of this action-packed brace!

We continued west, and Kinkelaar had yet another find ahead near some young longleaf pines. Meanwhile, John had not been seen for several minutes and probably did not have to be. Time was called with Star to the front as Ray went to collect John. As stated earlier, the dog did not have to be seen at time. Nonetheless, we heard a shot at 36, and Ray came in to report that we had ridden past John by some 30 yards off the path.

Judge Bonner later commented that the dogs set out on a mission when Nonami's Johnny Come Lately and Upfront's Southern Star were loosed onto Wildfair. It was delightful to witness. Both dogs were invited back for the callbacks.

Thunderbolt Wild Again (Kinkelaar) and Miller's Newest version (Owen) began No. 33 toward Gator Pond. We topped the hill at 7 with both dogs to the fore. Scout Payton Gunby found Bill Owen's dog ahead deep in the corner before we turn right near Highway 91. This was a good scouting job. Upon returning to the front, Shawn was on the ground for Wild Again. No birds were observed. Next, Wild Again redeemed himself at 29 with all good.

Neely's Business Man (Neely) and Nella Belgian Brew (Rice) were cast off from Gator Pond in a northward direction. Belgian Brew had a good forward connection after being found to the front at 12. It was a nice, shaded spot for them to sit. Business Man bore off to the left, with Neely following to reconnect. By 20, Rice's pointer had made several excellent casts as she was shown to the front at good range. No further action was recorded for Brew as Rice finished her ahead. Neely returned to the front in the closing minutes with Business Man but to no avail.

The last qualifying brace contained the byedog, Hale's Smooth Touch (Kinkelaar.) Touch was out early after an unproductive and breach of manners on a relocation.

The Callbacks
From this field of 69 dogs, the judges asked ten dogs to return for the one-hour callback braces. This began Sunday morning, March 5, and it was a most exciting and enjoyable day afield. An editorial note from this scribe refers to the fact that this event is a true Championship. The men that officiated this event knew the significance of this stake and were committed to upholding the integrity of the sport and what a championship means. The quality of these grounds and the Southern Field Trial Club standards are very high. The standards of the dogs who win this stake are to be honored and respected.

The Winners
The 2023 Masters Open Shooting Dog Champion, Nonami's Johnny Come Lately, was found in brace No. 4 of the callback series. It proved to be a most exciting pairing of successful field trial pointers. Nonami's Johnny Come Lately, a pointer male owned by Ted Turner and handled by Ray Pearce, was runner-up here last year and just recently won the Southeastern Open Shooting Dog Championship in February at Lake City, Fla.

Joining John was Miller's Unfinished Business, owned by Benjy Griffith and handled by Clay Ferguson of Senah Plantation in Leesburg, Ga. Unfinished Business, or "Dan," was bred and started by Jack and Fran Miller. He is nine years old and has won the Championship three times.

The brace began at 1:30 p.m. on Nonami. Temperatures were in the 80s with a bright shining sun. In the opening minutes, John was seen sweeping the fore from 11 to 2 at extreme range. At this time, Dan was strong but a bit more moderate. At times the pair almost looked identical. Both white and orange pointers were difficult to identify in the beginning minutes. It was a rocky beginning in that both handlers called point and waved it off. Point was called on the left at 16. As we arrived, the scout stated that the birds had left, so the dogs were carried on.

At the half, Ferguson called point on the left, and as we arrived, Clay dismounted to attend to his dog. At this time, some 125 yards further down course, Pearce was on the ground for John. The results were separate clean finds by both dogs toward the Blue Springs line. Scout called point at 39, and we cantered some 250 yards near Blue Springs Road to the last pine line on the edge of a fallow field. It was here that John stood on point. He was stacked up like a million bucks as Ray quietly walked in and flushed his birds. Impeccable manners were on display, and it was all scenic.

We regained the front, and John moved ahead and offered a beautiful standover near the road on the right. This was a field trial find as Ray and the judges ran their horses to the distant location.

The dogs were released and went out the front, then crossed and went into cover. Point was called, and Judge Peek described the scene with one dog on the near side of the cover with the other dog on the distant side. This was a truly divided find.

Dan suffered an unproductive next on the left. Right after this, Pearce was on the ground at 53, proving to be a strong find for John. He stood perfectly for the gun six times during this hour and maintained his composure amid confusing conditions. None of his finds were close or near the horse. John ran the entire hour strongly under hot conditions and never showed any stress or letdown. All in all, a true championship performance.

Judge Bonner said that all six of Ray's finds were field trial finds, all to the fore and none on the path. Impeccable manners were displayed.

Runner-up Champion Erin's Three Leaf Shamrock, owned by Tucker Johnson and handled by Tracy Swearingen, was found in the first brace of the callback series. Waybetter Rocky (Tracy) and Erin's Three Leaf Shamrock began at 8 a.m. Sunday, the coolest morning, 51 degrees, that we had experienced in this stake. Shamrock, call name "Jake," struck the first blood at 4 when he was found pointed out front on his own. It was clean, high-tailed, and striking as Tracy pushed the birds up and fired.

Point was called for Waybetter Rebel to the right fore at 9. Rebel was backing the setter when we arrived, who was posed forward in a classic, proud stand among the gridded cover. The birds were put to wing as impeccable manners were displayed.

At the quarter hour, Mike Tracy withdrew his entry.

Moments later, Tracy Swearingen had his hat in the air up the course. Jake was posed calmly and staunchly. Tracy flushed ahead, turned back, and birds lifted closer to the dog. Another step by Tracy and a different covey burst forth. Tracy commented, "Why didn't you do that the first time I walked by? That's bad on my heart."

Jake was absent for almost ten minutes; Tracy rode the front, and scout Luke Eisenhart rode the left wing. The setter checked in, and he hunted ahead in strong form. As we turned west, Tracy rode the front as we ran from field to field. Tracy eased off to the left and discovered Jake pointed at 39 for his next excellent find.

At 46, Marshal Kevin Beane called out flight of birds to the left fore and advised Tracy to get his dog and carry him on. Tracy did so, and this non-event did not color the performance.

At 50, as we entered the "1000-yard field," Tracy called birds, but they were not seen officially. As the setter moved through the brushy thicket, a couple of birds hopped up as Tracy rode through. This was unrelated to the setter, and Jake was carried on to have an unproductive at 56.

Jake was out of sight for the last few minutes, and Tracy gathered him up at time to complete an exciting performance. The black and white setter carded five finds in his one-hour performance.

Callback Running
Lester's Another Shockwave (Kinkelaar) and Absolute Dominator (Ray) were released at 9:20. Dominator's owners, Joyce and Johnny Taylor, were riding for their pointer. Another Shockwave co-owner Lance Schulz was also mounted.

Gary Lester was also in the field to see the offspring of his National Champion Shockwave as Lester's Another Shockwave scored a good find at 7. The birds were well located. At 19, we bent to the right toward Gator Pond; the Absolute dog kept digging in toward Highway 91 to our west instead of making the bend with us. This behavior often produces a limb find in that area. We continued to ride as we expected the call of point by Doug Ray. This never came, and after an absence, the Ray entry was out of contention. Another Shockwave did run strongly, but Kinkelaar picked him up at 52.

In the third callback brace, Charitable Deed, known as "Rachel," pinned a breakaway covey at 2, with all in order. Rachel scored again at 11 in a plum thicket. Miller's Extreme Heat (Mike Tracy) had owner Joe McHugh in the field. Extreme Heat was covering the country, keeping scout Casey Hollander busy. By the half, it was in the 80-degree range as both handlers stopped on the big hill past Gator Pond for an extended water break for their charges. Next, at 41, scout Jason Loper called point for Rachel. After some work, Rice had to accept the empty stand. At this time, Mike Tracy called point on the far right. This writer believes that resulted in a good find. Rachel suffered a second unproductive and was up. Extreme Heat had a good find at time past the turn for the normal finish. Extreme Heat performed in extreme heat and scored two finds under challenging conditions.

Brace No. 4 of the callbacks contained the Championship performance.

The last brace was Upfront's Southern Star (Kinkelaar) with co-owner Lance Schulz in the saddle and Tallokas New Business (Jason Loper.) The Tallokas entry is a son of Miller's Unfinished Business. New Business had a good find at 8, and Star followed immediately with his clean connection.

Jason's dog had a barren stand at 15, and we left to rejoin the front. He redeemed himself at 17 on the way to the fore. We continued in a leftward swinging arc toward the road crossing. Loper called point to the front. Jason called flight and shot his gun.

With this brace, the Championship ended without further action.

Albany, Ga., March 1
Judges: Derek Bonner and Chris Peek
MASTERS OPEN SHOOTING DOG CHAMPIONSHIP [Thirty-Minute Qualifying Heats; One-Hour Finals] - 63 Pointers and 6 Setters
Winner--NONAMI'S JOHNNY COME LATELY, 1694190, pointer male, by Ransom-Pinewood's Jenny Bell. R. E. Turner, owner; Ray Pearce, handler.
Runner-Up--ERIN'S THREE LEAF SHAMROCK, 1669152, setter male, by Erin's Hidden Shamrock-Northwoods Chardonnay. S. Tucker Johnson, owner; Tracy Swearingen,
handler.

Sidelights
Greatly missed was long-time Southern Field Trial Club member Paul DeLoach. Through his relationship with the Miller Brewing Co., Paul arranged a long-time sponsorship of this Championship. A true gentleman, Paul rode every brace of this trial for years.

Johnny and Joyce Taylor of Little Rock, Ark., attended to see their Absolute dogs compete under the whistle of Doug Ray. Joyce was joined in the field by her sister Carol Stephens, who, along with her husband Witt Stephens, own neighboring Blue Springs Plantation. Joyce and Johnny host the U. S. Shooting Dog Invitational Championship each year in Conway, Ark.

Blue Springs manager Marty Adams enjoyed the trial and the company of his daughter Madison. Speaking from experience, every man loves to have his daughter ride with him. Marty's wife, Lisa, rode the dog wagon on the morning of the finals and brought some tasty baked goods.

Ray Pearce's wife Kim, their two daughters, and a large entourage were in the field to support Nonami's Johnny Come Lately's championship performance during the finals.

Ernie and Karen Saniga rode every day to enjoy the Southwest Georgia plantation country as well as to support their dogs with Mike Tracy. Missed were their dear friends Bill and Muriel Primm, who were in south Florida dealing with storm damage repairs on their home.

Owner Lance Schulz of Bismarck, N. D., flew in to see his dogs with Shawn Kinkelaar and to help drive Shawn to the Missouri Championship following this event.

Three of Joe McHugh's dogs, Miller's War Bonnet, Reedy Creek Dial Tone, and Miller's Extreme Heat, were in this stake with Mike Tracy, and Joe rode to see them all perform.

Cold Creek Thrill owner Terry Reinke drove her rig down from Monument, Colo., to see Tommy Rice run her dog. Terry has been involved in field trials since 2010. This was her second trip to the Masters Open Shooting Dog Championship.

Frank and Colleen Rutland drove over from Pike Road, Ala., to see their Panther Creek Rosie run under the whistle of Tommy Rice.

Tammie Crouch and Melissa Green were down with their father, Ferrell Miller, and rode with us in the field. Both are accomplished horsewomen who grew up in the sport and spent many hours in the saddle accompanying their father. Also, Mr. Miller turned 90 years old during this trip down south. He still rides and is devoted to his dogs and his mentees.

Pinebloom Plantation manager Wendell Hines and dog trainer Jeff Ivey came and rode a day with us. Tommy Bridges from Nilo Plantation and his wife Lorine also rode with us.

We were pleased to see Marcus Cornwell of Pineland Plantation in the field with us.

Also missed were George Hickox and Debbie Ozner, who had to remain at their home in Ochlocknee to manage the upcoming delivery of an important litter.