NBHA Nat'l Open Ch. Camp Robinson, AR
2013 NBHA Nat’l Open Ch.
March 5th, 2013
Camp Robinson, AR
By: Ken Sauer
Highlights:
At this year’s Nat’l Championship we had a few items that need special mention. Back in the spring of 2012 the NBHA wrote a letter and submitted an application to the AFTCA 20th Century Fund in behalf of Camp Robinson. The 20th Century Fund was gracious to include Camp Robinson in their donations this year. It was mentioned to the AFTCA if they in fact would approve this that the NBHA would reciprocate in an equal donation. We’re not sure if our request had any attributing factor for the 20th Century Fund but the Arkansas Fish & Game Commission received funding from not only the 20th Century Fund but also from the NBHA and AR Am Field Trial Assoc. to enhance the courses. This was a great help to get some clearing done that was long overdue. On Friday at lunch break between the second and third braces of the second series we presented Roger Martin with a check for $1,500.00 and an embroidered “Stone Creek” jacket in appreciation of the many years for the help he and his team have helped at the facilities and also kept our customary date for our Nat’l Championships the second week in March. Their efforts should not go unrecognized. Camp Robinson is a great facility and a true asset to ALL of the field trial community.
We had a quick scare in the sixth brace of the Derby event. Both brace mates took a hard left when the course went to the right. Scouts were dispatched. A few moments later a horse was charging across the field without rider or saddle. Team Minard’s scout (Neal Minard) was missing. Riders were off with a big scare. Neil was quickly seen walking back with saddle in hand. Fortunately his abrupt dismount to catch the dog he fell on a soft muddy ground. The cinch strap broke when the horse spooked. We were all thankful he was just a little sore and spirits were a little dampened. Also in one of the Shooting Dog braces when handler had asked for the Garmin Ronnie Miller was dispatched to gathered up the Jim Fork’s Jackson. A short time later another scout had to be sent out to gather up Ronnie’s horse that left him with the dog. Oh and we can’t forget about Travis Wheat turning into the shooting range and getting his truck and trailer stuck around 9:00PM. Yes he called the trial chairman (that would be me) that had been not only planting birds, marshalling, reporting, and running dogs all day to pull him out. So much for the early bedtime. I didn’t want to get stuck also so I contacted Oscar Whitt and he was kind enough to loan me his two horse trailer to get the horses and dogs to camp. I loaned him my truck and sent him on his way for the night. The next day Steve Schiber & Mike Sandifer went to go finish the job getting his truck & trailer. Steve noticed he didn’t have the 4-wheel drive hubs locked in. Travis drove the truck out. I think it was just an Aggie moment for poor Travis.
Special Mention:
We have to compliment all the NBHA sponsors. Purina steps up to the plate for the NBHA every year. A quick poll at this event we found a large (almost all) of the NBHA participants do support their fine products. Tri-Tronic’s is another great NBHA sponsor donating not only product to this event but to all our Championships. Garmin also this year offered us some help with product purchases for even more prizes to the winners. We were able to acquire the new “Alpha” unit for the Runner-Up Champion. Christie Enterprises helped us too with a new Trooper Saddle for the Champion. Gun Dog Supply also donated their gift certificated for participants. Our hats go off to ALL of the NBHA Sponsors and a very grateful “Thank You” goes out to each and every one of them. Stone Creek Hound and Hunting Supplies were also gracious to offer us discounts for the Judge’s event jackets. Initial Design Embroidery from Wisconson did all of our event embroidery.
We also have many more whom were instrumental with the success of this event. We have to thank our Judge’s. Fred Smith from Mt. View, MO and Dickie Sorrel from Hubbard, TX for their four days in the saddle. Ronnie Miller from Van Buren, AR and Steve Schiber from Driftwood, TX for Judging the Open Puppy Stakes. I have to thank Melissa Sauer (my wife) for literally not seeing me for four days while I was trying to keep this event moving. Speaking of keeping the trial moving without Glenn Cumbie’s efforts collecting all the entry fees, keeping dogs on the line, and managing the dog vehicle we would have had chaos. Ronnie Miller, Steve Schiber, and Bobby Taylor are and have been great assets to the NBHA form many years and this week helped getting the birds out and re-seeding. Entries totaling sixty-three this year helped make this event the best in several years.cThanks to all that entered this event.
First Series:
PM Remlap’s Doc Feel Good-“Doc” (Whitt) SM Kozikan’s Six Pop Gun-“Zipper” (Taylor) Both dogs had big casts in the opening break away. Zipper had a finds at 6, 14, & 19. At 35 he also had another find just over the mountain. At 50 Taylor asked for the Garmin. Zipper had been missing since his last find. Doc had finds at 9, 12, 25, 45 & 51. The final find for Doc Oscar had and extended flush to move the bird. In the last part of the course Doc was to the front going away.
PM KC’s Leer Jett-“Jett” (Sauer) PM Fireside’s High Noon-“Noon” (Minard) Both dogs made casts to the open field before the first creek crossing. At 7 Noon encountered a covey at the brush pile just off the trail. It was a little too much excitement for him and was leashed. Jett had a find in the open field while all this commotion was going on at 6. At 19 off a cast before the second creek crossing working the edge a bird lifted with Jett handling the stop to flush. At 30 another find was just over the mountain. At the finish he was seen going away.
PM Going For Broke-“Buddy” (Whitt) SM Kozikan-“Buck” (Taylor) At the break away before the first creek crossing Buck moved up on the bird at 5 and the bird lifted. Taylor put the leash on Buck. Buddy was seen after the first creek crossing at 15 with game being made. The wind didn’t seem right and Buddy moved up before re-establishing point. Oscar had trouble putting flushing the bird and elected to relocate Buddy. After re-establishing point handler put the bird in the air. At 30 Buddy had a stop to flush. Other finds came at 36, 42, and made game at 54 without producing a bird.
PM Jim Fork Jackson Redo-“Pete” (Snow) PF Pinnicle’s Elhew Dream-“Dream” (Whitt) In the open pasture before the first creek Dream established point with Pete failing to back. Both dogs were picked up.
SF Hard Rappen Fly-“Fly” (Worth) PF Creekwood Missy-“Missy” (J. Snow) Missy established point at 8 but handler was unable to product the bird. Fly pointed at the brush pile where the covey had been moved a couple braces prior. Birds were not produced. Missy established point in the open field past the creek crossing but was not able to produce a bird. Missy’s bid was ended by the handler. At 25 Fly had a covey find in the open field past the second creek crossing. Fly scored another at 58. Fly shortened up a little but was making some pretty nice casts.
PF Silverwhip-“Whip” (Minard) PF Silver Diamond Cricket-“Cricket” (J. Snow) Whip scored a find at 5 in the open field before the first creek crossing with Cricket coming in to back. Cricket went with the bird and was picked up. Whip scored a find at 51 with a covey find and all was good. Whip had a good forward race and a nice finish.
PF Sand Mountain Spirit-“Mariah” (Whitt) PM Jim Fork Jackson-“Jack” (K. Snow) Jack score find at 10 with a covey past the first creek in the open field along the north fence. The birds seem to be there at times during the day when they’re out feeding. I should know I’ve found this one in the 2010 Free for All. Mariha scored at 10 along the creek edge. Jack established point again at 15 with Mariha coming in for a back. Jack moved on and both handlers elected to move on. Both dogs ran an independent forward race. Jack ran a hard race to the front. Kenny elected with five minutes left to call for the Garmin. Conversation after he turned it on was “you would have to pry this Garmin from the Judge’s hand”.
PF KC’s Amazin Mindi-“Mindi” (Sauer) SM Hard Rappen War Hawk-“Hank” (Worth) Hank had a find at 8 at the brush pile before the first creek crossing but handler was unable to produce the birds. Mindi had a find at 12 past the first creek but went with the birds and was leashed. Unfortunately for the rest of this brace the reporter (that would be me) spent the rest of this brace walking back to camp. I apologize to Allan Worth for this.
This concluded the first day’s running.
PM Sandifer’s Solider Boy-“Pete” (Sandifer) PF Attitude’s River Kate-“Kate” (Whitt) Pete was found standing at 7. This was an extended flush and never produced a bird. Kate too had a stand at 9 and Oscar could never produce the bird. Kate had three different finds at 15, 16, & 17. The find at 17 required two relocations all handled well. The birds were produced on all three finds. Pete had another find at 33 with Kate coming in for a back with a small relocation on the back but never interfered with Pete. Pete scored again at 35 and 42. At 42 Pete was flagging some and handler elected to pick him up. Kate was also picked up at 45.
SM Skydancer Swift Curret-“Bud” (Francis) PF Maddie Morgan-“Maddie” (Whitt) Bud is a snappy nice setter with nice range. Bud scored a find at 12 past the creek. Maddie scored a find at 14 with Bud coming in to back. Maddie had another find at 24 before the mountain buried up in the pine trees. Not much cover for the birds but all well and good. Maddie scored again at 30 in the oaks. At this time Oscar got behind and Maddie went up front with other handler. Bud established point at 35 just over the mountain along the creek. Maddie had a stop at 48 but moved on and had her final find at 57 when Oscar caught up.
PF Wheat’s Southern Belle-“Belle” (Wheat) PM Hawk’s Black Diamond-“Hawk” (Schiber) Hawk stood at 15 for Steve and all was well and good. Hawk scored again at 20 with Belle coming in for a back. At 38 over the mountain both dogs were found and was cared for a divided find. At 46 Hawk got a little too close to the bird and bird lifted. Belle went with the bird. Both dogs were picked up. We were a long way from the starting point and the dog pick up wagon was close.
PF Barado’s River Queen-“Roxie” (Wheat) Hifive’s Passin Time-“Time” (Minard) Roxie scored first at 8. Time failed to back and was leashed. Roxie had another stand at 12. Roxie moved off while handler was flushing and was ordered up.
PF Sandifer’s Nickie-“Nickie” (Sandifer) SM Ketchican-“Tex” (Taylor) Nickie & Tex went through the country with speed and range. Nickie scoring first at 23 on a covey with Tex coming in for a back. Nickie had another stand at 26 with Tex backing again. At 52 she found a bird by a lone pine tree. Her final stand came at 56 but al handler could produce was feathers. Sandifer claimed a red tailed hawk kill.
Hifive’s Rock Solid-“Country” (Minard) PM Barado’s North Hawk-“Hawk” (Wheat) Contry made it through the first creek crossing and had a find at 15 with Hawk coming in for a back. Hawk located a covey at 32 in the woods. Birds were on open ground and Hawk handled this well. At 44 Bruce asked for Garmin. After moving on and scout dispatched Country was found standing up front in the creek buried up pointing. Hawk finished strong to the front.
PF Erin’s Sweet Alabama-“Polly” (Sandifer) PF Hill Country Sage-“Sage” (Schiber) Just as a quick note Polly had won the ABHA Nat’l Open Ch. in Waco, TX the weekend before. Both of these dogs had their running shoes on. Seen only as flashes to the front both of them were hitting the ground hard and fast. Polly scored at 20 before the second creek crossing. Making a cast on the creeks edge Polly scored again at 23. Polly had a stand at 28 past the bridge. At 44 Steve asked for the Garmin. At 49 past the north gate road Polly was found pointing. Four birds were produced some 20 yards away. Polly had her final find at 54 at the lone pine tree.
Second Championship Series
The Judges selected the top six contenders and asked that they be paired in specific braces together. It was decided that their running order be drawn at random. This was done by numbers in a hat. With Oscar Whitt having three dogs in this series we elected Oscar to draw from the hat. The second series is an hour and a half brace requiring the dogs to not only have a clean run but also have the bottom to show they still would have something left in the tank at pick up. The Owner of Sand Mountian Spirit Mike Otinger from Alabama and Owner of Skydancer Swift Current Glenn Sloan of Kentucky came in that evening to see their dogs performance.
The first brace was Sandifer’s Sweet Alabama (Polly) and Sand Mountain Spirit (Mariah) Both dogs were off with the cool early morning temperature making a large break away casts. Before the first creek crossing at the dead fall in the open field Polly established point with Mariah coming in for a back. No birds were produced. After crossing the second creek crossing Mariah established point with Polly coming in for a back. Mariah scored again just over the mountain in heavy cover. After an extended flushing attempt Oscar elected to relocate still not able to produce a bird. Feathers were shown to the Judge. Oscar elected to move on and 30 yards down the path a bird flushed when Mariah went buy. She was scored with a stop to flush. The bird had made it way some 30 yards away in an attempt to escape. At this time the reporter and handler were separated from Polly and handler. Mariah was off to the races and after about 15 minutes scout was dispatched up at the westerly gate. She was last seen in a hedgerow near the gate. She was found down by the creek bottom standing at 59. Polly had a stand at 63 with a three bird covey. These two dogs were well separated at this time. Past the hour creek marking at 73 Polly had a nice wild covey find. It was mentioned to Mike Sandifer that we should leave the dog down and pick up the handler. I’m not sure what transpired but Polly had extreme manors but handler had trouble with flushing the whole covey. Polly’s final find came at 83 on a single. It was pretty apparent that these two were going to pretty hard to beat.
In the second brace Going for Broke (Buddy) and Skydancer Swift Current (Bud) Bud scored first at 10 with a covey located past the first creek branch to the right in a wooded stand of cover near the east fence. Bud established point again to the front across the first creek crossing. Bud was relocated but unable to produce a bird and moved on. In the open field heading to the front he stopped again and birds were produced. At 16 Buddy had a stop to flush along the creeks edge but seemed to be too much excitement. Buddy moved on but not in pursuit of game. This ended Buddy’s bid for the elusive title. Bud got a little hung up in the woods just before the second creek crossing. Making his way back to the front to his handler. Bud had a snappy gait to him but his performance was ended with just too many casts and edges not to the front. His effort was ended at 50 with the Judge’s informing the handler that he was not moving the dogs in the first brace.
In the third brace Maddie Morgan (Maddie) and Silverwhip (Whip) For Team Minard and Oscar Whitt this was the last chance to upend the first braces performance. Conditions had changed somewhat after the lunch break. It was warmer not doubt. Whip scored the first find of this brace at 41 just over the mountain back in a stand of brush to the right. Whip had another stand at 46 but Minard was unable to produce a bird. Maddie had a stand at 53 but Oscar was unable to produce the bird. Maddie somewhat lost her punch and was collared. Whip had another stand at 54 but score yet another unproductive. Minard was informed that Whip’s performance wasn’t moving any previous contenders. At 59 the Judge’s also informed Oscar that Maddie was not really in contention.
So to conclude this event our two National Championship winners were named. Erin’s Sweet Alabama “Polly” was named National Open Champion and Sand Mountain Spirit “Mariah” sported the honor of Runner-Up National Champion. Both of these dogs have had successful year(s) in the NBHA. Polly had just won the ABHA Open National Championship the week before in Waco, TX. Make sure if you run across Mike Sandifer from Lexington, TX (Owner and handler), Oscar Whitt from Attalla, AL (Mike Otinger Owner from Alabama) that you congratulate these fine individuals for their effort and their dog’s accomplishments. They are both a class act conducting themselves as perfect gentlemen and sportsmen.
Open Derby
Our derby event drew eighteen young prospects. All the youngsters that are to become shooting dogs next season showed great potential. Not all were able to have bird contact but all possessed the range and speed that will be required to advance to the next level in their careers. In the first brace Cracker Jack “A” owned by Mr. Charles Aston handled by Ken Tolbert took 1st place honors. 2nd place was awarded to White Liar owned by Marty Robinson from Georgia handled by Oscar Whitt running in the third brace. 3rd place was awarded to KC’s Shamrock owned and handled by Ken Sauer.
Open Puppy
The youngsters drew fourteen dogs. We really saw some spirited dogs. All possessed fast ground speed with plenty of range. All of these youngsters I’m sure we’ll see all of them as derbies in the upcoming fall season. 1st place was awarded to a nice young dog from “Team Minard” Hifive’s Syka (pronounced Suka) owned by Hifive Kennels handled by Bruce Minard. 2nd place was bestowed to Taylor’s Anewone that showed a snappy ground race. 3rd place went to Foggy Bottom Peaches owned by Joe Zimmer had Larry Carpenter run this fine setter.
