32. FC-AFC RAZOR’S BUCKSHOT, “Shooter,” BLM, Ty Rorem

FC-AFC Razor's Buckshot

(Click the dog's name above to view history and stats! - Sponsored by Retriever Results)

Shooter and Ty came to the line at 12:08 pm

F – Hunted a tight pattern around a brush pile and thick bushes - expanded his hunt wide left and got it.

MR – Straight to the fall area - circled the tree and got his bird.

RR –Across the field behind the flyer guns - went under the arc and got deep left - worked back right to his bird.

LR – Out and around the blind - turned away from the bird for a loop hunting deep right - came back to his bird and got it!

28. FC-AFC WIGHT’S BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL, “Molly,” BLF, Tracy Wight

FC-AFC Wight's Behind The Eight Ball QA2

(Click the dog's name above to view history and stats! - Sponsored by Retriever Results)

Molly and Tracy came to the line at 12:01 pm

F – Good recovery of a long flyer

MR – Down to the area and she cut left to pass by the holding blind - she circled behind but then moved out to the bird and got it.

RR – Got to the area and established a hunt deep and left and then deep and right - moved down the hill back to the fall area and got her bird.

LR – Drove the hill fading a little right - but she corrected by curving into the area of the fall and got her bird!

24. FC-AFC BOO’S STRAIGHT LINE IS GOOD IDEA, “Torq,” BLM, Isaac Langerud

FC-AFC Boo's Straight Line Is Good Idea

(Click the dog's name above to view history and stats! - Sponsored by Retriever Results)

Torq and Isaac came to the line at 11:50 am

F – Out to the area and just missed it - but he came back around the bush and scooped it up!

MR – Very nice mark - he slipped into the area - and grabbed his bird without any issue

RR – Up the the fall area - came in just left of the bird and drove on - made a couple loops deep and then he came back for his bird.

LR – Left the line catching a bit of the mound in front - went right up to the fall area with a beautiful line and got it. Very good.

9th Series Test Dogs

AFC Bayou-Star Boogie Woogie, “Boogie,” BLF
Owner: Suzan Caire
Handler: Suzan Caire

First test dog to the line was Boogle with handler Suzan Caire .... Boogie came to the line at 11:24 am

Flyer – Out to the fall area and she got it!

Middle Retired – Straight to it!

Right Retired – Drove under the arc of the MR out to the RR - made 2 loops around and got it!

Left Retired – Came across the field behind the blind and established a hunt deep, but she worked it out and got her bird.



Pinch Hitter With The Secret Sauce, “Jake,” BLM
Owner: Michelle Visel
Handler: Michelle Visel

2nd Test Dog up was Jake and handler Michelle Visel ... Jake came to the line at 11:32 am

Flyer – Out to the fall area  - a few tight turns and he got it!

Middle Retired – Up the middle - got deep and then wide left - worked it out and got his bird.

Left Retired – Under the arc of the MR - had a hunt between the LR and RR - worked down to the fall area of the LR and got it

Right Retired – Drove out to the area - turned left through the cover and went directly to his bird.

This test was taking the test dogs 6.5 - 8.5 minutes to complete.

9th Series – Land Quad

The 9th Series brings us to Eckett’s Blackwater South. 
It has warmed up to a sunny 73 degrees with a 6 mph ESE wind.

Series 9
Land Quad

The mat faces Northwest, and there is a 6 mph right to left wind. The field is bowl shaped, with several trees, shrubs, and patchy cover.

This land Quad is thrown Left Retired, Right Retired, Middle Retired, then Flyer.

Bird #1 is a dead Rooster pheasant, thrown right to left, landing 256 yards from the mat. The throwers retire as soon as the dog is sent. We will refer to this bird as LR for Left Retired.

Bird #2 is a dead Hen Pheasant, thrown left to right, landing 275 yards from the mat. The throwers retire as soon as the dog is sent. We will refer to this bird as RR for Right Retired.

Bird #3 is a dead hen pheasant, thrown left to right, landing 206 yards from the mat. The bird lands in a ditch at the base of a shrub. The throwers retire as soon as the dog is sent. We will refer to this bird as MR for Middle Retired.

Bird #4 is a hen pheasant flyer, shot left to right, landing 173 yards from the mat. We will refer to this bird as F for Flyer.

This test is taking approximately 7 minutes to complete.

** UPCLOSE PHOTO **

 

(link: Upload Request | Mark L Atwater Photography )

8th Series Recap

Friday, November 15, 2024

8th Series – Double Land Blind
22 Dogs Started this Series

Test Dogs started out this series at 7:09 am, beginning with "Jake" and then "Boogie." This gave the handlers a look at this Double Land Blind in action.

Our first running dog #85. FC-AFC RIMFIRES ONCE INNA BLUE MOON, “Blue,” BLM, with handler Al Arthur came to the line at 7:45 am.

The weather this morning started off crisp and cool at 42 degrees and clear skies. It warmed up to 58 degrees with sunshine by the time the test was complete a couple hours later.

Since this was a Blind there aren't any stats to report on ...

Our last running dog for this Series was dog #82. NFC-CNFC TRULINE’S JUST FLOYD, “Floyd,” YLM, with handler Amie Henninger. They completed the test at 9:04 am.

22 dogs were sent from the line in this fast moving Series today, taking a total of 1 hours and 19 minutes, which averages out to be just over 3.5 minutes per dog!

We are moving on to the 9th Series now! There is a bit of travel time and then set-up time when we get there, so Stay Tuned! All 22 dogs were called back to the 9th – Great Job everyone!

Callbacks to the 9th Series

22 dogs were called back: 2, 11, 13, 24, 28, 32, 35, 38,  61, 64, 65, 66, 68, 70, 72, 75, 77, 81, 82, 85, 88, 91.

0 dogs dropped

82. NFC-2xCNFC TRULINE’S JUST FLOYD, “Floyd,” YLM, Amie Henninger

Floyd and Amie came to the line at 9:00 am

1 whistle to bring him down the dam a bit

1 more to the bird

Nice line skimming past the left side of the bush

1st whistle to come lower off the dam

1 whistle for a nice angle through the keyhole

3 whistles up the hill and to the bird

8th Series Test Complete

Test 8 was concluded and in the books at 9:04 am

81. FC-AFC BAYOU TECHE PAINT THE BLACK, “Madduxx,” BLM, Jamie Woodson

Madduxx and Jamie came to the line at 8:56 am

1 whistle by the bush up the dam

1 more down the hill

3 whistles to the bird as he travels beyond the dam

carried this line to the bird

1 whistle by the bush over corrected right

1 whistle to move left

1 more to move back right

1 whistle through the slot

1 up the hill and to the bird

77. FC DOCHENO’S WINNING COLOURS, “Lukas,” BLF, Marcy Wright

Lukas and Marcy came to the line at 8:52 am

2 whistles to catch the dam

1 more to the bird

2 to get the bird

1 whistle mid-field

2 to get to the keyhole slot

1 up and over the road

and she carried this to the bird and she got it

75. NAFC-FC BAYOU-STAR FLEURTY GIRL, “Fleurt,” BLF, Hunter Street

Fleurt and Hunter came to the line at 8:49 am

2 whistles to catch the dam

carried the line 

2 final whistles to the bird plus a check down at the bird

Skirted right in the field

1 whistle to adjust her line

carried this across the road

1 whistle at the bird

72. FC REDGATE’S COALFIRED YETI, “Yeti,” BLF, Chris Ledford

Yeti and Chris came to the line at 8:45 am

1 whistle at the base of the dam

1 to get down a bit

1 to get over to the blind

1 whistle at the bush

1 more at the edge of the keyhole

1 whistle up the hill 

A check down at the end

70. FC-AFC HEARTBEAT’S SWEET GEORGIA PEACH QA2, “Peaches,” BLF, Andrew Curtis

Peaches and Andrew came to the line at 8:40 am

1 whistle to get a piece of the dam

1 more to bring her back in

1 at the end

1 whistle at the keyhole to bring her left and angle through the keyhole

carried this to the bird  - got it

68. FC TEKA’S HONKER HUNK-A-LOU QA2, “Louie,” YLM, Ty Rorem

Louie and Ty came to the line at 8:39 am

1 whistle to catch the end of the dam and got past the bird

1 whistle to stop and 1 more to get the bird

2 whistles in the field to set up for the keyhole approach

1 through the keyhole

1 over the road

2 more to get back left to the bird

66. FC BAYOU-STAR SNOW MOON, “Luna,” BLF, Danny Farmer

Luna and Danny came to the line at 8:35 am

3 whistles from the mat to catch the end of the dam

carried the line to the end 1 whistle at the bird

2 whistles to adjust her line

1 more through the keyhole and she carried the line

to the bird with a check down and she got it

65. FC-AFC BAYOU TECHE EXPRESS, “Ryan,” BLF, Lauren Hays

Ryan and Lauren came to the line at 8:33 am

Running the base the of the dam and she had a quick whistle 

and she headed to the bird and got it

Nice initial line just left of the bush

1 whistle to get through the keyhole

1 check down at the end

64. FC-AFC SEASIDE’S GOT THAT ITCH AGAIN, “Ivy,” BLF, Craig Crook

Ivy and Craig came to the line at 8:30 am

Up the dam

1 whistle to go right

carried this line down the hill

1 whistle to adjust the line to the bird

1 check down at the bird

1 whistle by the bush

1 whistle by the keyhole a couple more to get to the bird

1 check down at the end

61. FC-AFC EXECUTION SOUTHERN STYLE - LETHAL, “Lethal,” BLM, Jason Baker

Lethal and Jason came to the line at 8:27 am

1 whistle to get on the dam

1 to get off the dam

2 to the blind and 2 more to get the bird

1 short whistle for line and he carried this past the keyhole and up the hill

1 check down for the bird

38. LAIRD’S CYNFUL SEASIDE DREAM, “Lottie,” BLF, Al Arthur

Lottie and Al came to the line at 8:23 am

1 whistle to get on the dam

1 to get off and carried the line

1 more at the bird

1 whistle to adjust towards the keyhole

carried the line

2 more to get over the road and heading right

2 more to move left to the blind

Line Viewing

 Short viewing for the handlers to see any difference in shadows on the test

35. FC-AFC FREERIDIN RHD QA2, “Bosch,” YLM, Mark Smith

Bosch and Mark came to the line at 8:18 am

1 whistle at the base of the dam to adjust left

carried this line to the end

1 whistle check down at the end

1 whistle to move his angle back

1 whistle to drive back at the bush

carried this line to the bird

32. FC-AFC RAZOR’S BUCKSHOT, “Shooter,” BLM, Ty Rorem

Shooter and Ty came to the line at 8:13 am

1 whistle to move right at the dam

1 more to angle along the dam

cutting a little left 2 whistles to the end

Lined it for the 2nd blind! Nice job!

28. FC-AFC WIGHT’S BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL, “Molly,” BLF, Tracy Wight

Molly and Tracy came to the line at 8:11 am

Out over the end of the dam

1 whistle toward the bird 

1 at the end

So fast!

1 whistle across tot he keyhole

1 to get past it and she carried this line all the way to the bird

24. FC-AFC BOO’S STRAIGHT LINE IS GOOD IDEA, “Torq,” BLM, Isaac Langerud

Torq and Isaac came to the line at 8:08 am

Out over the end of the dam

and straight to the bird!

1 check down at the end

2 whistles to adjust his line to the keyhole

1 to get to through the keyhole

2 more to the bird

13. FC-AFC MIDWAY’S AVENTADOR, “Jenny,” BLF, Tim Milligan

Slam and Jim came to the line at 8:03 am

1 whistle just beyond the bush

2 whistles to get from the base of the dam to the bird

1 whistle by the bush

3 more below the dam to adjust his line to the keyhole

2 through the keyhole and 

2 more to the bird

11. FC RAIN’S BASES LOADED, GRAND SLAM, “Slam,” BLM, Jim Beck

Slam and Jim came to the line at 7:59 am

1 whistle at the base of the dam

carried this line to the end

a check down at the bird

Pulled right and had his first whistle at the base of the dam

2 more whistles midway

2 more to adjust his line to the bird

2. FC SHOTGUN RIDER OF FAITH, “Tim,” BLM, JD Babb

Slam and Jim came to the line at 7:56 am

1 whistle past the dam

2 more to get to the bird

1 whistle to adjust his line through the keyhole

1 to slide through and he carried the line to the bird

91. FC THE TIN MAN, “TOR,” BLM, Marcy Wright

Slam and Jim came to the line at 7:52 am

2 whistles from the mat to the field

2 more from the dam to the bird

3 whistles to keep left through the keyhole

carried this line up the hill

2 more whistles to the bird

88. FC-AFC OLLIE OOP, “Ollie,” BLF, Dave Smith

Ollie and Dave came to the line at 7:49 am

1 whistle by the bush to adjust her line

1 more midway

good job!

1 whistle into the keyhole

3 whistles through it to the bird

85. FC-AFC RIMFIRES ONCE INNA BLUE MOON, “Blue,” BLM, Al Arthur

Blue and Al came to the line at 7:45 am

2 whistles to the base of the dam

2 more whistles to the blind

Good start

1 whistle to the keyhole

Line adjusted with 1 more whistle 

and this took him up to the bird

8th Series Test Dogs

Pinch Hitter With The Secret Sauce, “Jake,” BLM
Owner: Michelle Visel
Handler: Michelle Visel

1st Test Dog up was Jake and handler Michelle Visel ... Jake came to the line at 7:09 am

2 whistles from the mat to the dam

Got lost behind several whistles

But he got it

4 whistles to adjust his line

Several more between the bush and the tree

2 more to the bird

AFC Bayou-Star Boogie Woogie, “Boogie,” BLF
Owner: Suzan Caire
Handler: Suzan Caire

First test dog to the line was Boogle with handler Suzan Caire .... Boogie came to the line at 7:29 am

2 whistles from the mat to the dam

2 whistles after the dam to the keyhole

2 more carried her to the bird

2 whistles through the field

2 more to the dam to the keyhole

2 more to the bird

This test was taking the test dogs 3-5 minutes to complete

8th Series – Double Land Blind

This morning, we are at Brian Watson’s property for a double land blind.
It is currently a chilly 42 degrees with a 3 mph North wind.


Series 8
Double Land Blind

The mat faces Northwest. The field slopes left to right, on the side of a dam. The field is dotted with several bushes and pine trees.

Blind #1 - a drake mallard is placed 136 yards from the running mat. The line to this bird takes the dog out into the field, over the corner of the dam and up a hill to the road. The blind is marked with a leafy branch.

Blind #2 - a rooster pheasant is placed 230 yards from the running mat. The line to this bird takes the dog out into the field, tight to a bush, rolls up and over the road before they must navigate a keyhole consisting of a bush on the left and a tree on the right. Once through the keyhole, the dog will hold the sidehill up to the bird. The blind is marked with a small pine tree..

This test is taking approximately 4 minutes to complete.

Good Morning – Day 7

Good Morning Everyone! Welcome to day 7 of the National Open. This morning we are heading into the 8th Series of this event. The dog and handler teams that have made it this far have had a remarkable week.  Each Series has had it's own set of challenges and has really tested these dogs! So for those teams that are still running ... congratulations on a job well done! This has been an exciting National so far, we can't wait to find out who the 2024 National Retriever Champion will be. One thing is for sure though .... our winner will be one of these 22 teams called back to run the 8th Series today! Best of luck to all!!

The weather currently is mostly clear and a crisp 42 degrees. High temps are expected to get around 75 degrees with sunny skies and very little to no wind. As usual, we will update you with any changing conditions as the day goes on. 

Into the 8th Series we go!

Remember: You can view all the dog profiles entered in this event, brought to you by Retriever Results! Retriever Results Sponsored Dog Profiles: https://retrieverresults.com/free/nationalentered

** ANNOUNCEMENTS **

Saturday's Winner Party will be at:

Rose Witte's The Homestead following the announcement of the Winner!

Directions to the Homestead: 1146 Private Road 5018, Giddings, TX 78942

** ALSO **

Please Note: There will be no food truck on the grounds the rest of the trial.

Callbacks to the 8th Series

22 dogs were called back: 2, 11, 13, 24, 28, 32, 35, 38,  61, 64, 65, 66, 68, 70, 72, 75, 77, 81, 82, 85, 88, 91.

7 dogs dropped: 7, 22, 39, 83, 87, 92 and 94

Starting dog #85 will begin the 8th Series

Instructions for Tomorrow:

Test dog 6:30 am

1st running dog at 7:00 am

Test location: Brian Watson’s Property
(Page 11 in the Training Guide)
1240 PR 1063
Paige, TX

7th Series Recap

Thursday, November 14, 2024

7th Series – Water Blind
29 Dogs Started this Series

Test Dogs started out this series at 11:46 am, beginning with "Boogie" and then "Jake." This gave the competitors a good look of what to expect in this Water Blind. 

Our first running dog #70. FC-AFC HEARTBEAT’S SWEET GEORGIA PEACH QA2, “Peaches,” BLF, with handler Andrew Curtis came to the line at 12:07 pm.

The weather this afternoon warmed up to 75 with mostly sunny skies.

Since this was a Blind there aren't any stats to report on ...

Our last running dog for the day, and for Series 7 was dog #64. FC-AFC SEASIDE’S GOT THAT ITCH AGAIN, “Ivy,” BLF, with handler Craig Crook. They completed the test at 2:30 pm.

29 dogs were sent from the line in this series today, taking a total of 2 hours and 23 minutes, which averages out to be just under 5 minutes per dog. 

We will move on to the 8th Series Friday Morning! Callbacks are coming soon and will be posted here later on the blog! 

Have a great night everyone!

7th Series Test Complete

Test 7 was concluded and in the books at 2:30 pm

*End of Day*

64. FC-AFC SEASIDE’S GOT THAT ITCH AGAIN, “Ivy,” BLF, Craig Crook

Ivy and Craig came to the line at 2:24 pm

1 whistle into the water

2 more in the water

2 to get to the island and off again

carried this across the 2nd point

2 whistles to the end 

1 check down at the end

68. FC TEKA’S HONKER HUNK-A-LOU QA2, “Louie,” YLM, Ty Rorem

Louie and Ty came to the line at 2:20 pm

Nice angle down the field and into the corner of the water

1 whistle on the point

1 more off

2 whistles across the channel to the island

1  on and 1 more off

carried this across to the far point

1 more to adjust and 1 check down at the end

66. FC BAYOU-STAR SNOW MOON, “Luna,” BLF, Danny Farmer

Luna and Danny came to the line at 2:15 pm

Crossed the land into the water on her initial line

1 cast to get to the land

carried this over the land and into the far water

1 cast to get on the 1st point

1 more to get off the point

1 cast to point her to the next point and across the point

1 more whistle and a check down at the bird

65. FC-AFC BAYOU TECHE EXPRESS, “Ryan,” BLF, Lauren Hays

Ryan and Lauren came to the line at 2:09 pm

2 whistles for water entry at a correct angle

3 to get to the land

1 to get on the point

1 to get off the point

1 more to cross and another to get on the next point

1 to get off this point end and carried this line

1 more to get across the point

1 on the line to the bird

61. FC-AFC EXECUTION SOUTHERN STYLE - LETHAL, “Lethal,” BLM, Jason Baker

Lethal and Jason came to the line at 2:06 pm

Nice momentum

1st whistle in the water that carried him over the 1st point almost to the island

1 whistle on the island

2 more to get off the island

2 across the water and onto the far point

1 more to get off the point and to the bird

39. FC PVS FRANK THE TANK, “Frank,” BLM, Craig Crook

Frank and Craig came to the line at 2:00 pm

Initial line took him across the field and into the corner pocket of water - down the shore and onto the land

1st whistle to get off the land

2 more to get to the next point

1 to get off the point - but no response in the lunging water - might not have heard it - but he crossed the point

1 more whistle to the bird

38. LAIRD’S CYNFUL SEASIDE DREAM, “Lottie,” BLF, Al Arthur

Lottie and Al came to the line at 1:55 pm

Initial line brought her across the field and into the water

1st whistle in the corner pocket of the water

2 to get an angle off the land and she carried this line to the next point

2 whistles to get off the point and onto the next point

2 more to cast off and get the bird

35. FC-AFC FREERIDIN RHD QA2, “Bosch,” YLM, Mark Smith

Bosch and Mark came to the line at 1:50 pm

1 whistle nearly to the water that carried him on to the 1st point

2 whistles to cast off that point

2 to get on the island

2 to get off missed the point

1 check down on the bird

32. FC-AFC RAZOR’S BUCKSHOT, “Shooter,” BLM, Ty Rorem

Shooter and Ty came to the line at 1:46 pm

A quick whistle to adjust his line and this carried him into the water

1 whistle to get on the point and through the next water

1 whistle to get on the island

2 to get off the island

Multiple whistles to the far point but missed the point

1 check down at the bird

28. FC-AFC WIGHT’S BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL, “Molly,” BLF, Tracy Wight

Molly and Tracy came to the line at 1:42 pm

Carried her initial line across the land into the corner of the water and up on to the land

2 whistles to get off the land

1 to get on the island

1 to get off the island

1 more to the 2nd point

1 to cast of the point

and she carried this line to the bird

24. FC-AFC BOO’S STRAIGHT LINE IS GOOD IDEA, “Torq,” BLM, Isaac Langerud

Torq and Isaac came to the line at 1:37 pm

Initial line brought him to the corner pocket of the water, through the water and over the land, across the water and to the island

1st whistle on the island

Several whistles to catch the 2nd point

1 cast off the point and he carried this all the way to his bird

22. NAFC-FC HOLLAND CLIFFS BLADE A FINE LINE, “Dozer,” BLM, Alvin Hatcher

Dozer and Alvin came to the line at 1:29 pm

1 cast mid-field to put more angle in his line

This carried him to the point

2 whistles to get off the point

3 to get on the island

5 to get off the island and headed towards the next point

4 more to get him to the bird

13. FC-AFC MIDWAY’S AVENTADOR, “Jenny,” BLF, Tim Milligan

Jenny and Tim came to the line at 1:24 pm

1st whistle into the water and that carried her onto the 1st point

1 whistle to cast off

1 to adjust her landing spot on the island

1 to get off that point and this carried her to the next point

1 whistle off that point

1 more on the far shore to the bird

Thank You to the Donors of this Event!

The National Retriever Club wishes to thank the 

following for their generous donations and support:

A.R.C Training Products 

Ainley Kennels 

Avery 

Missy Bell 

Black Diamond Optics 

Chuck Blaney 

Joel Bodeman 

Brian Watson Whistles 

Zach Campbell 

Canvas Works 

Cavender Polaris 

Cedar Springs Retrievers 

Chris Caire 

John Caire 

Nan Channer 

City of Giddings Texas 

Jack Cunningham 

Cody Hunt Gear 

Collar Clinic 

Duck Muck Lanyards 

Elements 

Fox Hollow Kennels 

Garmin 

Gun Dog Supply 

Gunners Up 

Hay and Spray 

Horsetooth Retrievers 

Laurie Junewick 

Kenetrek Boots 

Charlene Koeth 

Penny Krebs 

Northrup Larson 

Lucky Labs Pins 

Vicky MacLean 

Madison River Fishing Company 

Sylvia McClure 

David Morrison 

National Amateur Retriever Club 

Cindy Nesselroad 

Northwest Camo 

Heather Pfluger & Paul Gilmore 

Purina 

Retriever Hall of Fame 

Robert & Stacy Ritchie 

Rorem Retrievers 

Steinman Retriever Products 

Doyle and Alane Simons 

Steve Ferguson Mem. Training Grounds 

Thunder Equipment 

Tulsa Retriever Club 

Typhoon Whistles 

Tom Vaughn 

Watermarks Veterinary Hospital 

David Wolfe 

Zinger Winger

11. FC RAIN’S BASES LOADED, GRAND SLAM, “Slam,” BLM, Jim Beck

Slam and Jim came to the line at 1:18 pm

1 whistle just before he got into the water to adjust his line

1 to angle down the land

1 to get off the land into the water

2 to get to the island

1 to get off the island

carried this line all the way over the 2nd point

3 more whistles to get the bird

7. FC-AFC KIRKWOOD’S ACE OF A HIGHER GRADE, “Deacon,” BLM, Mark Medford

Deacon and Mark came to the line at 1:14 pm

1 cast to the water

1 more to get on land

2 for direction off

3 to guide him to the island

2 to get a good line off the point

carried this line

got out on the point and went to his bird

2. FC SHOTGUN RIDER OF FAITH, “Tim,” BLM, JD Babb

Tim and JD came to the line at 1:09 pm

Good angle into the water

1 whistle to adjust and exit the water

Over the point and across to the island

1 whistle on the island and 

1 more off the island to cross the water

1 to get on the far point

1 cast off the point

1 check down at the bird

94. FC VINWOOD’S CHARLIE, “Charlie,” BLM, Danny Farmer

Charlie and Danny came to the line at 1:05 pm

Good initial line with nice momentum

1st whistle to come up on the 1st point

2 to cast off the point

carried this line across the water to the island

multiple whistles to change position off the island

His line was wide left in the water

But he swims down for his bird and got it

92. 3R’s SMOKE THERE’S FIRE, “Fire,” BLM, Ty Rorem

Fire and Ty came to the line at 12:59 pm

1st whistle half way across the field to get into the water

carried this line back on to land

1 to get off the land on a correct line

1 more to adjust line

2 to get off the 1st point

2 to get to and up on the 2nd point

1 to cast off the 2nd point

1 check down at the bird

91. FC THE TIN MAN, “TOR,” BLM, Marcy Wright

Tor and Marcy came to the line at 12:54 pm

1st whistle half way across the field and he carried this into the water

1 for correct angle onto the land

carried this cast across the water

3 whistles to get to the island point

1 to cast off correctly

1 to the 2nd point and carried this across the water and to the bird

1 whistle at the bird

88. FC-AFC OLLIE OOP, “Ollie,” BLF, Dave Smith

Ollie and Dave came to the line at 12:49 pm

A little high on the field

She got her 1st whistle that angled her across water and onto the 1st point

1 whistle to get off the point and that carried her to the tip of the island

1 quick whistle to cast off the island

2 more to cross the far point 

1 off that point and this carried her line to the bird

87. FC-AFC DRY CREEKS TRU BLU, “Trudy,” BLF, Hunter Street

Trudy and Hunter came to the line at 12:46 pm

Initial line carried her over the point

She started leaning right and she got her 1st whistle as soon as he could get a visual on her

Several whistles to get to the far point

2 more to the end

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85. FC-AFC RIMFIRES ONCE INNA BLUE MOON, “Blue,” BLM, Al Arthur

Blue and Al came to the line at 12:41 pm

2 whistles to adjust his line and get in the water at the corner pocket

1 to get out and go over the land

2 to correct his line

2 more to get to the island

2 to clear the island point

lunging past the second point didn't hear a whistle

1 more whistle to get him to his bird

83. FC JS’S GET YOUR RUSH ON, “Rush,” BLM, Craig Crook

Rush and Craig came to the line at 12:35 pm

Initial line brought him almost to the water

1st whistle to the water

carried this line to the island

1 whistle to get off the island

2 more to adjust his line to the island point

2 to get off the island on line

3 going across the water to the 2nd point

2 more to get to the blind

82. NFC-2xCNFC TRULINE’S JUST FLOYD, “Floyd,” YLM, Amie Henninger

Floyd and Amie came to the line at 12:31 pm

Good angle and momentum across the field

3 whistles on the point to get a correct exit

3 in the water to the island

1 off the island to the far point

2 quick whistles to stop from going around the backside of the point

1 across the water and to the bird

81. FC-AFC BAYOU TECHE PAINT THE BLACK, “Madduxx,” BLM, Jamie Woodson

Madduxx and Jamie came to the line at 12:26 pm

Nice angled entry into the water - carried his initial line to the 1st point

1 whistle off the point and that carried him to the middle of the channel

1 whistle on the island

2 more to get off the island and re-align

2 more to the far point

5 more to the bird

77. FC DOCHENO’S WINNING COLOURS, “Lukas,” BLF, Marcy Wright

Lukas and Marcy came to the line at 12:21 pm

Initial line brought her out across the field

3 whistles to get to the corner pocket of water

1 over the land

1 whistle across to the island

2 across to the 2nd point

1 to get off the 2nd point

3 more to finish the blind

75. NAFC-FC BAYOU-STAR FLEURTY GIRL, “Fleurt,” BLF, Hunter Street

Fleurt and Hunter came to the line at 12:16 pm

1 whistle across the field

1 at the corner pocket

3 to get across the water to the island

1 to the island point

1 across the water to the 2nd point

1 to cast off the 2nd point

1 more to the bird

70. FC-AFC HEARTBEAT’S SWEET GEORGIA PEACH QA2, “Peaches,” BLF, Andrew Curtis

Peaches and Andrew came to the line at 12:07 pm

1 whistle to the field to the pond

2 more to adjust line

2 more over the land

3 across the water

1 to the island

2 across the island to the point

she carried this line to the bird.

7th Series Test Dogs

AFC Bayou-Star Boogie Woogie, “Boogie,” BLF
Owner: Suzan Caire
Handler: Suzan Caire

First test dog to the line was Boogle with handler Suzan Caire .... Boogie came to the line at 11:46 am

2 whistles across the field

1 at the corner pocket

1 over the land

1 across to the island

1 to the island point

1 across the the 2nd point

1 more on the 2nd point

1 to the bird


Pinch Hitter With The Secret Sauce, “Jake,” BLM
Owner: Michelle Visel
Handler: Michelle Visel

2nd Test Dog up was Jake and handler Michelle Visel ... Jake came to the line at 11:52 am

1 whistle across the field

2 over the land

1 across to the island

1 to the island point

1 on the 2nd point

1 to the bird

This test was taking the test dogs 4.5-5 minutes to complete

7th Series - Water Blind

We’ve moved across Fuller’s “The 70” to begin the 7th Series. Conditions are 71°F and sunny, with a 10 mph wind blowing from the north.

Series 7
Water Blind

The mat is positioned on a slight rise facing west, about 90 yards from the pond, with a crosswind blowing right to left.

A mallard is placed 215 yards from the running mat. The line to this bird takes the dog out into the field and into the first corner of water. The dog will then angle over a large peninsula and back into the water. The dog will then go up and over the right tip of the island, back into the water and graze the second point before crossing the final corner of water. The blind is marked with a leafy branch approximately 10 yards from the waters edge.

This test is taking approximately 6 minutes to complete.

72. FC REDGATE’S COALFIRED YETI, “Yeti,” BLF, Chris Ledford

Yeti and Chris came to the line at 12:11 pm

2 whistles from the field to the pond

1 whistle to the corner of the pond

A few whistles across the water to the island

1 to cast off the island

3 more from the island to the far point

Carrie this line to the bird.

Callbacks to the 7th Series

29 dogs were called back: 2, 7, 11, 13, 22, 24, 28, 32, 35, 38, 39, 61, 64, 65, 66, 68, 70, 72, 75, 77, 81, 82, 83, 85, 87, 88, 91, 92 and 94.

20 dogs dropped: 8, 9, 10, 29, 37, 41, 43, 44, 46, 47, 51, 57, 67, 71, 73, 74, 79, 84, 93 and 95.

Dog #70 will start the 7th Series 

Judges Setting up for the 7th Series

6th Series Recap

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 – Thursday, November 14, 2024

6th Series – Water Quad with an Honor

49 Dogs Started this Series

Test Dogs started out the series on Wednesday morning at 7:10 am, beginning with "Boogie" and handler Suzan Caire, then "Jake" with handler Michelle Visel. Thursday morning we had a single test dog run before the competing dogs commenced, which was "Jake" with handler Michelle Visel. The competitors had their look at what to expect for this series, and we were ready to go ...

Our first running dog on Sunday morning was #41. FC-AFC PLEASANT RIVER KING EIDER, “King,” BLM, and handler Hunter Street came to the line at 7:55 am to kick off the 6th Series!

The weather on Wednesday morning started off clear and about 54 degrees with a high of around 85 degrees in the afternoon with not much wind to mention. Thursday morning was very similar to the previous day, it started out mostly clear and about 52 degrees, warming up a bit more by the time we finished up the series.

Here is how things turned out for the 6th Series…

No-Bird / Re-Run (7): 22 – 46 – 61 – 66 – 72 – 91(x2)

Handles (10): 29 – 44 – 46 – 47 – 51 – 67 – 74 – 79 – 92 – 93 
Double Handles (5): 8 – 41 – 71 – 73 – 84
Pick-Ups (3): 9 – 37 – 57

Scratches (0): 

Our last running dog for this Series was dog #39. FC PVS FRANK THE TANK, “Frank,” BLM, with handler Craig Crook. They completed the test at 10:36 am Thursday morning.

49 dogs were sent from the line in this series, taking a grand total of 11 hours and 36 minutes, which averages out to be just over 14 minutes per dog. 

We will be moving on to the 7th Series next! Callbacks to come ...

6th Series - Test Complete

Test 6 was concluded and in the books at 10:36 am

39. FC PVS FRANK THE TANK, “Frank,” BLM, Craig Crook

Frank and Craig came to the line at 10:24 am

F – Up to the top of the hill and he got his bird!

LR – Through the water - hunted short on the shoreline going for the RR bird - tripped up on drag back - got turned left and got the left retired bird instead.

RR – Plowed into the water - drove in to the cover and straight to the bird!

Long – With a huge splash - he entered the water on his way - lined up the hill to just left of the blind under the arc - turned right away from the bird across the hill - hunted the hill and came back left to located his bird.

By Dog: "Boogie" with Suzan Caire

38. LAIRD’S CYNFUL SEASIDE DREAM, “Lottie,” BLF, Al Arthur

Lottie and Al came to the line at 10:13 am

F – Up to the area - a big loop left - back to the right and she worked out her bird.

RR – Up the hill and she arrived just left of the holding blind - she turned left and pulled her bird out of the cover.

LR – Out of the pond right of the holding blind - she zig zagged a bit, then bent left to go over by the holding blind and grabbed her bird.

Long – Very nice line up the hill - a little zig zag in front of the holding blind and she decided to move left  - which was a good move! - she was right on her mark!

Pick-up 37. FC-AFC SEASIDES TROUBLESOME FOWL PURSUITS QA2, “Percy,” BLM, John Broucek

Percy and John came to the line at 10:08 am

F – Nice splash through the pond and a drive up the hill to quickly recover his flyer.

RR – Percy's initial line was similar to his line out to the flyer and he was stopped - attempted to handle -dog was picked up

35. FC-AFC FREERIDIN RHD QA2, “Bosch,” YLM, Mark Smith

Bosch and Mark came to the line at 9:53 am

F – Straight to the fall area - 2 tight turns and he got his bird!

RR – Out to the area - dove into the cover and went straight to the bird!

LR – Into the pond on the right - over the point and moved left and got his bird.

Long – Over the dam - through the shallows veering right - ran straight up the hill right of the blind - wide right and established a hunt - covered the area on top of the hill, but he worked it out and returned with his bird.

Re-Run 22. NAFC-FC HOLLAND CLIFFS BLADE A FINE LINE, “Dozer,” BLM, Alvin Hatcher

Dozer and Alvin came back to the line at 9:39 am

F – Out right of the fall - took 4 or 5 turns and he got it!

RR – Over the dam - through the water and into the cover on the right - turned left to the bird and got it!

LR – Stayed on a far right line past the gunners station - started to head up the hill but turned left to the bird and grabbed it.

Long – Over the dam into the right side of the pond - up the middle of the hill - under the arc - turned away from the bird - established a hunt on the far right side - worked his way back to the blind and his bird.

32. FC-AFC RAZOR’S BUCKSHOT, “Shooter,” BLM, Ty Rorem

Shooter and Ty came to the line at 9:25 am

F – Very nice!

RR – Right of the little tree and a big splash into the water - he landed on the far side - drove the hill and went into the cover - identified the gunners, turned left and cut through the cover to grab his bird.

LR – Over the far point, back into the water and to the area - came in under the arc - turned left and was on the bird.

Long – Nice angle across the pond - held the angle up the hill - came in just left of the bird and missed it - curved around and crossed the road - quickly back to the bird - nice job.

Re-Run 91. FC THE TIN MAN, “TOR,” BLM, Marcy Wright

Tor and Marcy came back to the line at 9:13 am for their Re-Run

F – Nice recovery of his Flyer.

RR – Left of the little tree but pulled right into the water - exited the water and went on his way right to the cover for a great mark!

LR – Past the point and on a direct path to get his bird.

Long – Left of the little tree on the close shore and angled across the water - climbed the hill and went right - hunted right and deep for a bit - worked over to the blind and across the road to get his bird.

Handle 29. FC-AFC DAYS END BOY NAME SUE QA2, “Sue,” BLM, Andrew Curtis

Sue and Andrew came to the line at 8:58 am

F – Out to the fall area - hunted left and right - got it!

RR – Into the water - right of the trees and back into the right side of the cover to the end - back behind the flyer guns going deep - curved back to the cover but then toward the Flyer area again - dog was handled to this bird.

LR – Into the pond on the right side - over the point and under the arc - down the left side to his bird.

Long – Up the hill in the middle - angled wide right - established a hunt deep right - back left and deep to the holding blind - crossed the road and got it!

28. FC-AFC WIGHT’S BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL, “Molly,” BLF, Tracy Wight

Molly and Tracy came to the line at 8:46 am

F – Nice!

RR – Into the water - drove up through the cover - nailed it! - came in from the right - out straight left to her bird!

LR – Over the dam and into the pond - out on the far side - got the bird (glare was bad so it was hard to see - but she got it quickly!)

Long – Over the dam - into the water - up the hillside towards the blind - continued past the blind and then right for a turn - extended her hunt deep and right - worked it out.

24. FC-AFC BOO’S STRAIGHT LINE IS GOOD IDEA, “Torq,” BLM, Isaac Langerud

Tor and Isaac came to the line at 8:32 am

F – Smack - Straight to it!

LR – Over the point and back into the pond - to the far shore and then his bird.

RR – Through the water and into the cover with the bird - passes left and right in the cover and he got it!

Long – Over the dam and into the water - drove the hill - up the middle to the blind area - turned right for a few loops - back to the blind - crossed the road and he got his bird.

No-Bird 22. NAFC-FC HOLLAND CLIFFS BLADE A FINE LINE, “Dozer,” BLM, Alvin Hatcher

Dozer and Alvin came to the line at 8:30 am and received a No-Bird, they will be back after 5 running dogs

13. FC-AFC MIDWAY’S AVENTADOR, “Jenny,” BLF, Tim Milligan

Jenny and Tim came to the line at 8:13 am

F – Through the pond - she drove the hill - arrived under the arc, turned right and locates her bird.

RR – Out right of the small tree - through the pond and directly into the cover for her bird.

LR – Over the point on the far shore - arriving under the arc - she turned left and moved through the bull rushes to grab up her bird!

Long – She drove the hill - came up right of the gunners - identified the area of the gunners - made a couple passes right of the gunners and then back around the blind to move into her bird. Got it!

11. FC RAIN’S BASES LOADED, GRAND SLAM, “Slam,” BLM, Jim Beck

Slam and Jim came to the line at 7:59 am

F – Through the pond - he drove the hill to stop on his bird.

LR – Out across the pond - he landed just a few paces right of the bird - Slam moved along the shore and he located his bird.

RR – He arrived right of the holding blind - made a couple loops close - moved into the cover to retrieve his pheasant.

Long – Across the pond and up past the RR cover - he arrived right of the area - covered a couple passes to the right - finds the gunners and worked his way into the bird.

10. FC RUNS LIKE A DEERE QA2, “Diesel,” BLM, Jason Baker

Diesel and Jason came to the line at 7:43 am

F – Worked the area and he got his bird.

RR – Over the dam - through the water - into cover - back out of cover and back in again - got it!

LR –Over the dame and into the big pond - out and up the hill in the middle - right of the blind to the crest of the hill - a pass left and right at the top - down wide left and then to his bird.

Long – Out over the dam to the area - hunted the fall area with a tight hunt and he got it!

6th Series Test Dog - Day 2

Pinch Hitter With The Secret Sauce, “Jake,” BLM
Owner: Michelle Visel
Handler: Michelle Visel

Our single Test Dog up this morning was Jake and handler Michelle Visel ... Jake came to the line at 7:18 am

Flyer – Very Nice!

Right Retired – Into the water - into the cover and out with his bird!

Left Retired – Over the dam and into the pond - over the point - swam to the fall area - out of the water and he got it!

Long – Up the hill to the left of the blind - made a few passes deep and he had his bird.

This test took Jake 13 minutes to complete.

2024 National Open Photos - UpClose Photo

 Here are some fantastic candid photos from our Official Photographer Mark Atwater! Be sure to visit: https://upclosephoto.com/ for more photos from this event and to order pictures!

Test Dog Jake - 6th Series

5th Series - #11 Slam

#35 Bosch

#52 Ti

#61 Lethal

#64 Ivy

Flyer Guns - 3rd Series

#55 Mickey and Robby Bickley

1st Series - Retired Guns

Good Morning – Day 6

Good Morning Everyone! Welcome to day 6 of the National Open. This morning we are back to the 6th Series to finish up running a few more dogs, before we move on to the 7th Series. We have a single test dog running right now to show any new conditions this morning, then we will begin.

The weather currently is clear and 52 degrees. High temps are expected to get around 76 degrees with sunny skies and very little wind, at about 3 mph. So a little bit cooler here at least! Of course, we will update you with any changing conditions as the day goes on. 

Best of Luck to all the Dog/Handler teams today as we move further into the 2nd half of this event – and the competition is heating up!

Remember: You can view all the dog profiles entered in this event, brought to you by Retriever Results! Retriever Results Sponsored Dog Profiles: https://retrieverresults.com/free/nationalentered