2010 National Bird Dog Championship

User avatar
Sharon
GDF Junkie
Posts: 9113
Joined: Fri May 09, 2008 4:46 pm
Location: Ontario,Canada

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by Sharon » Mon Feb 15, 2010 9:23 pm

GrayDawg wrote:
Ron R wrote:
Sharon wrote:ROFLMBO
What does that mean :?:

Ron
Rolling On Floor, Laughing My B*lls Off
Just saw this.
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Are you trying to ruin my rep. Graydawg?
That is not what it means Ron.
It means "Rollin' on the Floor, Laughing my BUM off".
" We are more than our gender, skin color, class, sexuality or age; we are unlimited potential, and can not be defined by one label." quote A. Bartlett

User avatar
Sharon
GDF Junkie
Posts: 9113
Joined: Fri May 09, 2008 4:46 pm
Location: Ontario,Canada

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by Sharon » Mon Feb 15, 2010 9:25 pm

GrayDawg wrote:Any updates from this morining's brace? Looks like the weather
will slowly get better as the week goes on...........

Rob

No running all day to-day.
Last edited by Sharon on Mon Feb 15, 2010 9:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
" We are more than our gender, skin color, class, sexuality or age; we are unlimited potential, and can not be defined by one label." quote A. Bartlett

User avatar
postoakshorthairs
Rank: 4X Champion
Posts: 648
Joined: Tue Dec 09, 2008 10:43 am

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by postoakshorthairs » Mon Feb 15, 2010 9:25 pm

GrayDawg wrote:
Ron R wrote:
Sharon wrote:ROFLMBO
What does that mean :?:

Ron
Rolling On Floor, Laughing My B*lls Off
I would bet since Sharon wrote it it stands for "rolling on the floor laughing my butt off".....unless there's something she's not telling us.

User avatar
ezzy333
GDF Junkie
Posts: 16625
Joined: Fri Aug 20, 2004 3:14 pm
Location: Dixon IL

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by ezzy333 » Mon Feb 15, 2010 9:40 pm

Sharon wrote:
Just saw this.
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Are you trying to ruin my rep. Graydawg?
That is not what it means Ron.
It means "Rollin' on the Floor, Laughing my BUM off".

I was wandering just how he came up with his definition. Sure didn't sound right to me.

Ezzy
http://www.perfectpedigrees.com/4genview.php?id=144
http://www.perfectpedigrees.com/4genview.php?id=207

It's not how many breaths you have taken but how many times it has been taken away!

Has anyone noticed common sense isn't very common anymore.

User avatar
GrayDawg
Rank: 5X Champion
Posts: 712
Joined: Fri May 22, 2009 12:14 pm
Location: New England

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by GrayDawg » Tue Feb 16, 2010 1:16 pm

Mea' Culpa...........
ezzy333 wrote:
Sharon wrote:
Just saw this.
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Are you trying to ruin my rep. Graydawg?
That is not what it means Ron.
It means "Rollin' on the Floor, Laughing my BUM off".

I was wandering just how he came up with his definition. Sure didn't sound right to me.

Ezzy
May all your dog's points be productive & your arrows avoid all timber

User avatar
Birddog3412
Rank: 2X Champion
Posts: 491
Joined: Sat Jan 02, 2010 12:09 am
Location: Oblong, Illinois

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by Birddog3412 » Tue Feb 16, 2010 2:04 pm

Is there some reason why the All Age Championship is not moved back a month or so because of the weather in the midwest??

User avatar
PntrRookie
GDF Junkie
Posts: 1870
Joined: Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:41 pm
Location: SE Wisconsin

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by PntrRookie » Tue Feb 16, 2010 2:56 pm

Today was canceled as well.

Busterb
Rank: Junior Hunter
Posts: 30
Joined: Wed Nov 26, 2008 12:10 pm

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by Busterb » Wed Feb 17, 2010 6:05 pm

Birddog3412 wrote:Is there some reason why the All Age Championship is not moved back a month or so because of the weather in the midwest??
They must have believed AL Gore and Global warming... :P :P

I would guess that it's a tradition that has been in place for over 100 years.

lvrgsp
GDF Junkie
Posts: 2511
Joined: Sat Jun 10, 2006 9:12 am
Location: ILLA NOISE..................

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by lvrgsp » Wed Feb 17, 2010 6:42 pm

Birddog3412 wrote:Is there some reason why the All Age Championship is not moved back a month or so because of the weather in the midwest??
I was talking to my buddy about this very thing the other day, and they used to start it on the third week of Feb, but moved it back to allow for more time to burn fields.....

User avatar
GrayDawg
Rank: 5X Champion
Posts: 712
Joined: Fri May 22, 2009 12:14 pm
Location: New England

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by GrayDawg » Thu Feb 18, 2010 9:58 am

So what's the word at the stables? Is In The Shadow's 10 find performance the one to beat?
Or has there been another eye-opening performance that surpasses ITS's ?

Rob
May all your dog's points be productive & your arrows avoid all timber

User avatar
BrettBryan
Rank: Master Hunter
Posts: 252
Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:12 am
Location: Arlington, TN

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by BrettBryan » Thu Feb 18, 2010 10:29 am

Greydawg,

I'll be up there tomorrow. I plan on riding both morning and afternoon braces. I'll ask around when i'm up there and see if i hear anything different.
Old dogs, children, and watermelon wine

User avatar
BrettBryan
Rank: Master Hunter
Posts: 252
Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:12 am
Location: Arlington, TN

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by BrettBryan » Fri Feb 19, 2010 5:25 pm

Well, I went up to Ames this a.m. and rode the morning brace.

Gamemaker found birds. I counted i believe 9 times. He found birds along a road, fenceline right before pickup as well. I also saw 2 coveys rode up by us in the gallery too. Marques Lucky Strike had about 3 or 4 finds as well. Don't quote me as the official scorekeeper, but that's what i counted.

I can't say who's in the running to win it now, but i believe Gamemaker will be there along with In the Shadow. I did not see In the Shadow run, so i don't know how he finished. I'm sure the judges can tell which one finished the stronger dog.

I have several pictures i will try to post if i can get them uploaded in a bit.

It was a beautiful day, wish i could do that more often than get too.
Old dogs, children, and watermelon wine

User avatar
BrettBryan
Rank: Master Hunter
Posts: 252
Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:12 am
Location: Arlington, TN

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by BrettBryan » Fri Feb 19, 2010 5:45 pm

Here are a few pictures, i have several more. I can't size them smaller? I'm not sure how too.
Last edited by BrettBryan on Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Old dogs, children, and watermelon wine

User avatar
BrettBryan
Rank: Master Hunter
Posts: 252
Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:12 am
Location: Arlington, TN

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by BrettBryan » Fri Feb 19, 2010 6:55 pm

.
Last edited by BrettBryan on Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Old dogs, children, and watermelon wine

User avatar
BrettBryan
Rank: Master Hunter
Posts: 252
Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:12 am
Location: Arlington, TN

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by BrettBryan » Fri Feb 19, 2010 6:58 pm

.
Last edited by BrettBryan on Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Old dogs, children, and watermelon wine

User avatar
Birddog3412
Rank: 2X Champion
Posts: 491
Joined: Sat Jan 02, 2010 12:09 am
Location: Oblong, Illinois

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by Birddog3412 » Fri Feb 19, 2010 7:12 pm

Cool, I can only see one of the pics, but it is better that most of the long range shots on the ames plantation website.

User avatar
birddog1968
GDF Junkie
Posts: 3043
Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 2:40 pm
Location: Wherever I may roam

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by birddog1968 » Fri Feb 19, 2010 7:19 pm

Brett if you upload them to a free photobucket account it will automatically resize them.
The second kick from a mule is of very little educational value - from Wing and Shot.

Hunters Pale Rider

Hunters Branch Jalapeno

User avatar
BrettBryan
Rank: Master Hunter
Posts: 252
Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:12 am
Location: Arlington, TN

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by BrettBryan » Fri Feb 19, 2010 7:54 pm

I got them on photobook, now i can't figure out how to get them posted on here. AAAHHHH!!! makes me want to scream..
Old dogs, children, and watermelon wine

User avatar
BrettBryan
Rank: Master Hunter
Posts: 252
Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:12 am
Location: Arlington, TN

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by BrettBryan » Fri Feb 19, 2010 7:59 pm

Image
Old dogs, children, and watermelon wine

User avatar
BrettBryan
Rank: Master Hunter
Posts: 252
Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:12 am
Location: Arlington, TN

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by BrettBryan » Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:01 pm

Image
Old dogs, children, and watermelon wine

User avatar
BrettBryan
Rank: Master Hunter
Posts: 252
Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:12 am
Location: Arlington, TN

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by BrettBryan » Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:04 pm

Image

Gamemaker's final find at the end of 3 hours.
Old dogs, children, and watermelon wine

User avatar
Birddog3412
Rank: 2X Champion
Posts: 491
Joined: Sat Jan 02, 2010 12:09 am
Location: Oblong, Illinois

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by Birddog3412 » Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:12 pm

Birddog3412 wrote:Cool, I can only see one of the pics, but it is better that most of the long range shots on the ames plantation website.
I stand corrected, todays pics are ok.. Yours are cool though. Is Gamemakers chest as broad as it look??

User avatar
BrettBryan
Rank: Master Hunter
Posts: 252
Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:12 am
Location: Arlington, TN

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by BrettBryan » Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:16 pm

Image
Old dogs, children, and watermelon wine

User avatar
BrettBryan
Rank: Master Hunter
Posts: 252
Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:12 am
Location: Arlington, TN

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by BrettBryan » Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:17 pm

Image

Gamemaker on a find, if you can look through the gallery on this one.
Old dogs, children, and watermelon wine

User avatar
BrettBryan
Rank: Master Hunter
Posts: 252
Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:12 am
Location: Arlington, TN

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by BrettBryan » Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:18 pm

will post more later if anyone wants to see anymore. i'm drained, over and out.

birddog 1968, thanks for the help, i needed it :lol:
Old dogs, children, and watermelon wine

User avatar
birddog1968
GDF Junkie
Posts: 3043
Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 2:40 pm
Location: Wherever I may roam

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by birddog1968 » Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:21 pm

great pics thanks brett
The second kick from a mule is of very little educational value - from Wing and Shot.

Hunters Pale Rider

Hunters Branch Jalapeno

User avatar
glk7243
Rank: Senior Hunter
Posts: 148
Joined: Sun May 28, 2006 9:58 am

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by glk7243 » Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:52 pm

Great Pics.
Thanks for sharing

User avatar
Sharon
GDF Junkie
Posts: 9113
Joined: Fri May 09, 2008 4:46 pm
Location: Ontario,Canada

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by Sharon » Fri Feb 19, 2010 9:11 pm

Sticking my neck out here......

Why are so many folks who trial, fat?

We work dogs, we ride, we walk, we exercise more then most but.......... I don't get it. :)
" We are more than our gender, skin color, class, sexuality or age; we are unlimited potential, and can not be defined by one label." quote A. Bartlett

User avatar
birddog1968
GDF Junkie
Posts: 3043
Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 2:40 pm
Location: Wherever I may roam

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by birddog1968 » Fri Feb 19, 2010 10:50 pm

Good country folk and good vittles go hand and hand huh? :lol:
The second kick from a mule is of very little educational value - from Wing and Shot.

Hunters Pale Rider

Hunters Branch Jalapeno

User avatar
dan v
Rank: 5X Champion
Posts: 1166
Joined: Mon Aug 06, 2007 12:33 pm
Location: Central MN

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by dan v » Sat Feb 20, 2010 7:10 am

Sharon wrote:Sticking my neck out here......

Why are so many folks who trial, fat?

We work dogs, we ride, we walk, we exercise more then most but.......... I don't get it. :)
Why are the majority of Americans fat?
Dan

User avatar
Oscar
Rank: Master Hunter
Posts: 200
Joined: Wed Aug 01, 2007 10:23 pm

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by Oscar » Sat Feb 20, 2010 9:26 am

Wybdancer, true nice gordon in your avatar.

I am Stan friend ( you know I think)

Oscar
Image

User avatar
birddog1968
GDF Junkie
Posts: 3043
Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 2:40 pm
Location: Wherever I may roam

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by birddog1968 » Sat Feb 20, 2010 10:03 pm

another big finder today....anyone know anything about cedar oak bee sting? whats he out of?


Seems like in the shadow and pete's finds came in more adverse conditions......
The second kick from a mule is of very little educational value - from Wing and Shot.

Hunters Pale Rider

Hunters Branch Jalapeno

shags
GDF Junkie
Posts: 2717
Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2008 4:57 pm

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by shags » Sun Feb 21, 2010 6:25 am

Bee - Cherokee Gunfire X House's Penny Annie

User avatar
GrayDawg
Rank: 5X Champion
Posts: 712
Joined: Fri May 22, 2009 12:14 pm
Location: New England

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by GrayDawg » Tue Feb 23, 2010 7:02 am

What gives? Any dogs run yesterday? When is the NBDC projected to finish?

Rob
May all your dog's points be productive & your arrows avoid all timber

User avatar
BrettBryan
Rank: Master Hunter
Posts: 252
Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:12 am
Location: Arlington, TN

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by BrettBryan » Tue Feb 23, 2010 7:09 am

Last dog runs this a.m. Barshoe Busy, pointer bitch. I'd say will hear real soon who the winner is.
Old dogs, children, and watermelon wine

User avatar
GrayDawg
Rank: 5X Champion
Posts: 712
Joined: Fri May 22, 2009 12:14 pm
Location: New England

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by GrayDawg » Tue Feb 23, 2010 7:32 am

I just saw that CedarOak Bee Sting had 9 finds on day nine and looked real good doing it!
Is it CedarOak Bee Sting & In The Shadow right now? Are they the dogs to beat?

What's the word?

BTW, I saw a picture of Whippoorwill Hot Dame, man- is she an incredible looking bitch!
Her muscle tone & shoulder structure alone left me breathless......Here she is.

http://amesplantation.zenfolio.com/p248022745/e2085b996

I can only imagine the kind of race a dog like this puts down.
Unfortunately, she was picked up at the 1:40 mark on day 7.

Rob
May all your dog's points be productive & your arrows avoid all timber

User avatar
Wagonmaster
GDF Junkie
Posts: 3372
Joined: Thu Jun 16, 2005 10:22 am
Location: Minneapolis, MN

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by Wagonmaster » Tue Feb 23, 2010 9:03 am

She looks all business to me.

User avatar
PntrRookie
GDF Junkie
Posts: 1870
Joined: Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:41 pm
Location: SE Wisconsin

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by PntrRookie » Tue Feb 23, 2010 9:37 am

Last dog has been picked up. Should know within the hour (or at least before lunch)!

In The Shadow or White Powder Pete...are my guesses w/ ITS taking it (although I picked WPP)!

User avatar
birddog1968
GDF Junkie
Posts: 3043
Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 2:40 pm
Location: Wherever I may roam

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by birddog1968 » Tue Feb 23, 2010 9:53 am

In the Shadow is doin 60 standin still :!:

http://amesplantation.zenfolio.com/p979 ... #h20f989c3
The second kick from a mule is of very little educational value - from Wing and Shot.

Hunters Pale Rider

Hunters Branch Jalapeno

User avatar
GrayDawg
Rank: 5X Champion
Posts: 712
Joined: Fri May 22, 2009 12:14 pm
Location: New England

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by GrayDawg » Tue Feb 23, 2010 9:58 am

Birddog,
I'm really hoping In The Shadow takes it, but after hearing that CedarOak Bee Sting had 9 finds, I thought
he had some serious competition. Will the fact that ITS & WPP did what they did in such adverse conditons, outweigh
what COBS did in better conditions?

Just wondering........

PntrRookie,
GREAT pic of ITS !!

Rob
Last edited by GrayDawg on Tue Feb 23, 2010 10:05 am, edited 1 time in total.
May all your dog's points be productive & your arrows avoid all timber

User avatar
PntrRookie
GDF Junkie
Posts: 1870
Joined: Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:41 pm
Location: SE Wisconsin

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by PntrRookie » Tue Feb 23, 2010 10:00 am

GrayDawg wrote:Will the fact that ITS & WPP did what they did in such adverse conditons, outweigh what COBS did in better conditions? Just wondering...Rob
Here is a cross post from the Cover Dog site addressing that question...I do think it should hold water, but believe it or not, I am NOT the judge ;)

"If they were going to bring two dogs back, I think it would be In the Shadow and White Powder Pete. Pete ran earlier the same day but the temps never exceeded 30 degrees. All the talk at the barn is Pete. He ran with the sides of his pads cut to shreds from the ice and bleeding and still finished to the front on a find. Sean's nice young dog was faster but Pete found three birds in his wake and went where few others went to dig up birds. He had seven finds — the first, in the second hour was a covey still on the roost it was that cold. The dog showed guts, endurance and great bird finding ability. How did the others with multiple finds that ran on bluebird days finish? "

User avatar
PntrRookie
GDF Junkie
Posts: 1870
Joined: Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:41 pm
Location: SE Wisconsin

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by PntrRookie » Tue Feb 23, 2010 10:46 am

Congrats to the 2010 National Champion IN THE SHADOW, owned by Carl Bowman, handled by Robin Gates, scouted by Hunter Gates

User avatar
GrayDawg
Rank: 5X Champion
Posts: 712
Joined: Fri May 22, 2009 12:14 pm
Location: New England

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by GrayDawg » Tue Feb 23, 2010 10:50 am

PntrRookie wrote:Congrats to the 2010 National Champion IN THE SHADOW, owned by Carl Bowman, handled by Robin Gates, scouted by Hunter Gates
I'm very happy for both Robin & Mr. Bowman............. way to go !!

Rob
May all your dog's points be productive & your arrows avoid all timber

User avatar
cgbirddogs
Rank: Master Hunter
Posts: 236
Joined: Mon Sep 18, 2006 5:55 pm
Location: Las Vegas

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by cgbirddogs » Tue Feb 23, 2010 11:32 am

I can't remember anyone predicting In the Shadow before the championship started. That's a testament to how deep the field was this year. Congratulations to Robin, Hunter and Mr. Bowman; and to ALL the entrants.

User avatar
Dwells
Rank: Junior Hunter
Posts: 50
Joined: Fri Jul 11, 2008 4:24 am
Location: Folkston Ga

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by Dwells » Tue Feb 23, 2010 11:53 am

How is In the Shadow bred?

User avatar
GrayDawg
Rank: 5X Champion
Posts: 712
Joined: Fri May 22, 2009 12:14 pm
Location: New England

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by GrayDawg » Tue Feb 23, 2010 11:56 am

Dwells wrote:How is In the Shadow bred?
I *believe*........

Miller's all over the top side and Joe Shadow as the Grandsire on the bottom

Here is a link to the pedigree of Distant Shadow, who is a sibling to In the Shadow.

http://www.perfectpedigrees.com/4genview.php?id=2055

Hope this helps.

Rob
Last edited by GrayDawg on Tue Feb 23, 2010 12:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
May all your dog's points be productive & your arrows avoid all timber

User avatar
cgbirddogs
Rank: Master Hunter
Posts: 236
Joined: Mon Sep 18, 2006 5:55 pm
Location: Las Vegas

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by cgbirddogs » Tue Feb 23, 2010 11:59 am

Dwells wrote:How is In the Shadow bred?
He's a son of Miller's White Powder out of a daughter of Joe Shadow and a Silverwood female. His littermate is Distant Shadow, who also ran in the National.

User avatar
Birddog3412
Rank: 2X Champion
Posts: 491
Joined: Sat Jan 02, 2010 12:09 am
Location: Oblong, Illinois

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by Birddog3412 » Tue Feb 23, 2010 12:21 pm

cgbirddogs wrote:
Dwells wrote:How is In the Shadow bred?
He's a son of Miller's White Powder out of a daughter of Joe Shadow and a Silverwood female. His littermate is Distant Shadow, who also ran in the National.
Thats awesome that two syblings are competing in this high of a caliber trial.

Neil
GDF Junkie
Posts: 3187
Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2009 12:46 pm
Location: Central Arkansas

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by Neil » Tue Feb 23, 2010 8:45 pm

They are litter mates, as is Ben Adams, another dog that is winning a good bit, not just siblings as often happens in a repeat breeding.

Neil

User avatar
gunner
Rank: 4X Champion
Posts: 603
Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2005 2:47 pm
Location: Indianapolis, IN. USA

Re: 2010 National Bird Dog Championship

Post by gunner » Wed Feb 24, 2010 6:34 am

In The Shadow's championship performance...

Brad Harter, official reporter for the National, compiled the following report on the brace in which the champion, In The Shadow, ran.

Brace 6, Thursday P.M. Feb. 11th In the Shadow (Buster) (owned by Carl Bowman, handled by Robin Gates and scouted by Hunter Gates) X (Mega Touch (Ted) (Owned by Bob & Sarina Craig & John Sayre, Handled by Andy Daugherty and scouted by Allen Vincent.

The temperature had reached the mid thirties and the ground was beginning to soften. At five years of age Ted re-qualified for the National by winning the Texas Championship. With 8 wins to his credit, Ted is a strong, prairie type of dog that likes big open country. Bob Craig was riding for Mega Touch. In the Shadow, Ben Adams & Distant Shadow are all littermates out of the fabulous cross between Miller’s White Powder & Doerr’s Claire’s Shadow who is out of Joe Shadow. All three dogs have distinguished themselves by winning many field trials.

Buster started his 3rd bid for the National Championship. His proud owner Carl Bowman of Louisville Kentucky was riding in the gallery to see his charge.

Released from the afternoon breakaway both dogs made impressive cast showing at the far end of the first long field. The weather was sunny and warmer making the conditions for humans somewhat nicer. It was almost perfect conditions to catch birds feeding if we had dogs with hunting on the brain

In The Shadow was on the board at the 16 minute mark on the left side of the Buster Graves pasture. Birds lifted just where he said they were as Robin walked towards his stylish dog. His manners were as good as it gets. Sent toward the front Buster wheeled and pointed to the left side of the Buster Graves driveway. Only three minutes had elapsed since his first find. If bird finding wasn’t on his brain from the very beginning, it certainly was now! With two finds in the book before the first road crossing the stage was set for what could become a great afternoon.

Crossing the Ames road Buster continued taking in the country at a pace that makes one wonder if he could keep this going for three hours. Those in the gallery that had witnessed Buster perform in the past knew that would be no problem. Buster had gained admirers with his showing in last year’s National Championship. His win in the Southeastern had re-qualified him to return.

Both dogs hunted past Cedar Hill and made the big turn in the horseshoe bend. Through the Chute area we were catching a glimpse of each dog as they crossed the front. Point was called for Ted on the left before we made the turn towards the Strawberry Patch. It was a pretty piece of work for this strong powerful dog.

Approaching the Strawberry Fields, Buster took the right side and disappeared over the hill. Hunter Gates was dispatched to find his dog. His call of point was muffled by the horses and the terrain. Joe Thompson rode to get Robin and the Judges who returned to find Buster buried in a thick fence row. Only the ability of a skilled scout could have found the dog in this situation. A large covey was put to wing and all was in order.

Catching the front Buster was using his experience and was hunting sedge field edges where he had been finding Quail which appeared to be out and feeding. At the old dairy pasture Buster took the right side and was quickly gone from view. After making the turn into Turkey bottom Hunter Gates, scouting Buster, was sent to search the area where the dog had been seen last. The handler, gallery and the judges rode on across turkey bottom and up the next hill. From a distant the call of point came from Hunter. After locating Hunter’s position it was determined we would have to ride back down and cross a large gulley to get to the pointed dog. Buster was standing next to a strip of soybeans in a location that could not possibly have been seen except for the keenest sight from an experienced scout. Hunter Gates is a respected member of the Gates team and one of the best in the business. Birds were flushed right where Buster indicated they were.

Regaining the front, Buster took the left side as we approached the Old Agronomy Shed. Hunter was dispatched and soon he indicated the dog was pointed. Hunter had seen birds running on the ground and informed Robin of this situation. Robin flushed but to no avail. Sent on to relocate, his dog was unable to pin the running birds which somehow had made their escape.

Rounding the Agronomy Shed, Buster pointed in a fence row. A single bird was seen, others possibly flushing from the far side. Everything was in order. Buster was showing class, strength and bird finding ability, everything you would expect from a dog vying for the National Championship.

Ted had not been seen for some time at near the two hour mark, Andy called for the tracking equipment ending Ted’s bid for the title.

For the next thirty minutes Buster hunted fast and forward toward Cox’s Ridge. Robin called Buster in and dried him with a towel. Released Buster went to the right and pointed in less than 50 yards standing in tall bi-color. His style and intensity was as grand as it had been on his first stand.

Just before crossing Caesar’s Ditch Buster pointed on the left side of the hill. He had a covey perfectly located for his seventh find.

Across Caesar’s Ditch Buster went to the front and was soon spotted standing on the edge of heavy cover. As we approached a deer bolted from directly in front of the stylish dog. Within seconds a large covey erupted, find number eight. Robin then announced that deer season was closed and we were hunting birds.

Sent on across Buford Ellington road Buster was hunting the front and still running strong. Buster took the edge towards Turner Road and with Judge Bryan watching him he wheeled to the right and stabbed his ninth covey almost in the same exact spot White Powder Pete had pointed them in the morning.

Turned loose across the big crop field Buster was slinging dirt as if he had just been turned loose. Buster made a bold cast towards the new pond basin as Robin rode on to the left. With 24 seconds left and all the judge’s eyes on him Buster swapped ends standing on almost bare ground. At the call of point Robin came from the far left. He evaluated his dog, looked at the lack of cover and must have wondered if his dog did have birds pointed. Walking to Buster birds began getting up everywhere. A shot was fired and the brace was over, a fitting end to a magnificent three hours.

Everyone present knew they had witnessed a great performance. The bar had been set for this 111th running of the National Championship at the historic Ames Plantation. The courage and wisdom that only come with brains and perfect conditioning was evident in this classic three hours of endurance and bird finding exhibited by this great, Champion pointer.

Would his performance hold up to the 27 dogs left to run? Only time could answer that question!

Post Reply