2006
American Brittany Club
National Amateur Championship
November 20 – 25, 2006
By Kent D. Patterson
All he really wanted was a hunting dog……. He knew field trials were the proving grounds for
all age sires and his 2 yr old female showed enough promise that he wanted to breed her at some
point in the future. In 1997, with prompting from friends, he flew to Ft. Smith and rode the dog
wagon at Booneville seeing bits and pieces of performances by the prominent field dogs he read
about in each issue of the ABC magazine. The next fall, he intensified his search deciding to
attend a local trial where the string of a brittany professional would provide a multitude of
potential sires. The entire weekend he went up and down the chain, pausing at each drop,
anguishing over the myriad of variables….. range, speed, size, color, etc. The pro didn’t want to
make the selection anymore than he did, just one more customer that might blame him for a litter
that didn’t live up to expectations. After much hand ringing and head scratching…..he said,
“Let’s use him”. Curious as to how he made the selection, the pro asked “Why that dog?”. In an
age where breeders spend a preponderance of time looking at paper, the pro was a bit surprised
when the owner said “He was the only one that put his head on my leg and looked me in the
eye.” His female came in heat in early February but the pro was away on his winter training
grounds. Contacting the owner, he was excited to learn frozen semen was available. In quick
order, all the arrangements were made and an artificial insemination was performed by his local
vet. Seven males and a single female were on the ground some 60 days later and the anguish of
which one to keep began anew. One by one they were taken away to homes of friends and
hunting associates with a male earmarked to stay with him. The pup lived in the house and got
all the pampering, daily walks and socialization needed in those formative months. Since he
lived in suburbia, most of his walks were along the ocean shore where the pup took great delight
in pointing and chasing sea gulls for hours.
He ran the youngster in a few puppy stakes the following fall and spring but never got a blue
ribbon. At 14 months of age, the gangly male was sent to a trusted friend and trainer known to
have a great hand with dogs, in fact, he’d started the pup’s mom and introduced the owner to
field trialing. The trainer didn’t see anything really special in the early stages but the pup made
steady improvements throughout the summer. When the owner came to pick him up for hunting
season, they discussed his progress and mutually agreed to let a local horseback trainer evaluate
him as a trial prospect.
The experienced horseback trainer saw qualities he liked…smart, tremendous nose, well gaited
and quite around the kennel. Best of all, he was a “builder”…. one that just got better every time
down. His derby season was rather unremarkable, as most of the high strung, fly through the
country types were taking the blue ribbons. Undaunted, they stayed the course, kept training and
worked toward the adult stakes The juvenile grew into a big powerful adult with an
“Electroglide” transmission providing speed on demand, yet the ability to downshift flawlessly
when cover needed probing. At the tender age of 3, he was qualified for Booneville but a last
minute scratch due to a torn hip muscle that kept him sidelined throughout the late winter and
spring. At 4, he returned to Booneville for the 2003 National Open Championship and captured
the runner-up title. Just Call Me Roy was no longer an unknown entity. Since that debut, he has
accomplished what no other dog in breed history has achieved….3 National Championship titles
in 3 years with 3 different handlers. For owner Tom Ettinger, Ken Cherry handled him to the
2004 National Amateur title, Professional trainer Ben Lorenson handled him to the 2005
National Open title, and in 2006, Kent Patterson handled him to his 2nd National Amateur title.
Roy is writing history with every visit to Booneville having run on the grounds a total of 8 times
to date between the National Open and National Amateur events. His placement record speaks
volumes and those individuals having the pleasure to handle, scout or just watch him perform
should consider themselves privileged to be part of breed history that is likely never to be
repeated. His record in Booneville to date is as follows:
2003--Nat’l Open Championship Runner-up
2004--Nat’l Amateur Champion & 4th Place Nat’l Open Championship
2005--Nat’l Open Champion
2006--Nat’l Amateur Champion & 3rd Place Nat’l Open Championship
From his early start with professional Mike Roderka of Dexter, Maine, to the string of Ben
Lorenson in Corinna, Maine, out of Mark’s Pride of Savannah and Martha Greenlee’s National
Amateur Champion, Piney Run Sam, Roy is indeed what Tom was hoping to get in his
breeding……he is a hunting dog! The fact that he does it at all age dimension, speed, and power
is icing on the cake.
2006 marks the 20th anniversary of the American Brittany Club Nationals at the Blue Mountain
grounds. The first National Amateur event in Booneville was held on December 1, 1987 with the
judiciary trio of Kent Lipsey, Larry McConnell and David Kincaid looking over the field of 57
entries. A quick review of that event revealed some interesting links to the 2006 event.
When comparing the list of handlers in the 1987 National Amateur Championship to those
handling dogs in the 2006 championship, there were five individuals, albeit 20 yrs older, still
going strong.
1. James Doherty – HiProof Rum Runner (1987) Cooper’s Ozark Traveler (2006)
2. Ed Tillson-Beaugarde’s Golden Tequila(1987) TJ’s Prairie Blizzard, TJ’s Thunder, TJ’s
Apache, Tequila’s Jack II, Jayhawker’s Tequila With A Twist, Make My Day Dude, Shambo’s
Dark Shadow (2006)
3. Sue D’Arcy – F&S Count Geoffrey, Ban-Dee Tumblewee Jill (1987) Countess Cognac(2006)
4. Ray Trimble-Crab Orchard Jet(1987) Brisco’s Mr. Stub(2006)
5. Dave Lincoln- Bad Leroy Brown, Linc’s Bo-Zip, Gingers Gentle Ben, Renegades
Kansas Kid, Trackview’s Ramblin Jipsey(1987) Tee Bone, Q-Ball, Double T Belle(2006)
Stan Truska, 2006 NAC judge, ran Tumblewee’s Lucky Penny in the 1987 event.
James Doherty was the reporter of the 1987 championship and scouted all the dogs run by the
2006 reporter, Kent Patterson.
The 1987 Champion was Scott’s Gingerbread Lady running in the last brace for owner/handler
Scott Hoven. She can be found in many pedigrees of prominent trial dogs over the last 2 decades,
especially when bred to Bill Dierberg’s 1982 National Amateur Champion, Gun Runner’s Far
Out. One notable offspring was campaigned by a member of the 2006 judicial panel, Rosco
Staton. Rosco captured the 1992 National Championship with newly elected Hall of Fame
member, Aux Arc’s Mark for owners Frank and Donna Pride of New Portland, ME. Frank and
Donna bred Mark to a nice brood bitch in their kennel named Pride and Joy’s Accuray. Tom
Ettinger took home the last available female from the litter and named her Mark’s Pride of
Savannah……now you know the rest of the story.
This stake is the first in a twin bill affair conducted by the American Brittany Club leading to the
naming of the National Amateur and Open Champions for 2006. Fittingly, the amateurs go first
which creates great anticipation and excitement around both events. The daylight hours are for
competition and the evenings full of scheduled social events honoring past champions, notable
breed patrons, and club business. As with most amateur events, it makes for an interesting and
fun filled week. The 2005 National Amateur Champion, Tequila’s Jack II, was honored with a
party held on Tuesday night hosted by affable owners Ed Tillson and Bob Rankin. A great meal
by Jake and the Bearcat Too staff along with a live band made for an enjoyable evening where
attendees from all over the country renewed friendships.
National events of this magnitude take months of planning, generous sponsors, quality grounds,
and excellent judges. The months of planning are directed by many of the club’s stalwarts…Ron
Zook, ABC President; Tom Milam, ABC 1st VP; Field Trial Secretary, Steve Ralph; Mary Jo
Trimble, ABC Secretary and Janet Chase, ABC Treasurer. The stake was executed flawlessly by
Stake Manager Tom White with help from the field trial committee of Ed Tillson, Ed Kerr, Tom
Milam, and Ron Zook. Head Course Marshall Bob Rankin and gallery marshal Joyce Miley were
always on the spot to assist handlers or gallery members over the course of the week as glorious
weather had the gallery and dog wagon full of spectators.
Purina, Tri-Tronics, Tracker and Christie Enterprises generously supported this championship
with dog food, electronic gear and a saddle. These fine sponsors manufacture quality products
known throughout the field trial community as products that assist in producing champions. I
doubt there was a handler or owner at this year’s championship that doesn’t utilize one or all of
these trusted manufacturers. Purina and Tri-Tronics sponsor the annual 1 hour awards for all age
and shooting dogs.
Quality grounds are essential for the credibility of a title of this caliber and there should be no
argument that the J. Perry Mikle grounds can separate the field in quick order. Larry McAnally
and Clyde “Red” Bailey had the facilities and grounds in great shape along with all the other
tasks needing attention when entertaining a group of this size. They performed flawlessly always
having dogs available and a welcomed site for the morning and afternoon coffee and donut
breaks.
The judicial panel consisted of Stan Truska, Rosco Staton, and Bob Reynolds These gentlemen
have experience at all levels of the sport whether as trainer, trialer, breeder, hunter, or judge.
Each has a lifetime commitment to bird dogs and recognizes quality when they see it. They were
attentive to all handlers with high standards for the dogs they used. With over 60% of the dogs
having bird contact, they rode to points in quick fashion and got on the ground, if need be, to
make sure credit was given for birds that didn’t want to be disturbed. They were quick in their
decisions and fair with all participants. It was a pleasure to ride with these fine gentlemen.
THE WINNERS
Champion -- Just Call Me Roy – Handler: Kent Patterson
Scout James Doherty released Roy on Course 1 just after lunch under clear skies and temps
climbing toward the high 60’s. He sailed off breakaway hill and was headed to course 3 when the
handler turned him back towards the east. He jumped to the far border and was seen rimming the
edge as the trial party of over 50 made the swing north near the big oak. At 11, Roy was standing
tall in sparse cover under the shade of oak tree on the left margin of the course. Birds were well
located and handled mannerly. Taken to the western edge, he streaked over the hill and was
absent to Lick Creek as the brace started to have that special feeling. He crossed Lick Creek in
front of the field trial party and shot down the right side where he was found standing on a far
fence-line near the service road, his bracemate backing. A large covey lifted as the handler
stepped off his buckskin horse. Watered briefly, he was released down a feed strip on the left
margin of the course as the gallery headed north. At 30, his scout called point, finding him
standing along a hedgerow of multiflora rose. The handler tried one side and then the other
before birds exploded to the south, Roy maintaining perfect composure throughout the extended
event. Upon release, he continued his cast along the eastern edge of the field with handler
meeting him up front at the gap where the course drops down along Hwy 109. He swallowed up
large chunks of real estate over the next 15 minutes always showing to the front. At 45, he was
seen on a westerly cast along the old corral tree line and shortly thereafter, his scout called point
as Roy was found standing on the margin of ground between the tree line and adjacent broom
sedge field. A flushing attempt and well handled relocation pinned running birds along the
northern border of cover. He was heeled to the front and released at the double gate where he
shot to the Hayden Camp river bottom edge then crossed and disappeared into the Hayden
woods. At 58, the judges saw him cross the bridge road far to the front with the dog wagon
gallery seeing him briefly headed up course 3. His handler gathered him up and made the long
ride back to show him to the judges.
Runner-up -- Shambo’s Dark Shadow – Handler: Ed Tillson
At over 10 years of age, Shadow was the elder statesman in the field of 61. With his retirement
announced post championship, few dogs, if any, can boast the breadth of championship wins
found in his list of accomplishments. He’s won the big three….National Championship, Deep
South Free-For-All and the US Open not to mention a dozen or so more. His hour started at
moderate range but grew in dimension as the hour progressed. He was in and out of pocket to
Lick Creek then shot to a northern tree line as the entourage turned toward Hwy 109. At 30, he
was seen headed west up a tree line that crosses the gallery wagon road. The wagon entourage
was treated to a first class find as the scout found Shadow standing 20 yards across the road on
the limb find of the stake. Ed spent some time in the cover before the covey decided to head east.
He was heeled to the front via a shortcut through the woods and cast toward the Hayden woods.
At 50, he was standing in the woods with excellent style. Ed flushed extensively then relocated
him but was unable to produce birds. He was released toward the horse bridge to finish his hour
and competitive career, going away in style.
Day 1
Brace 1
Marjo’s Red Rum- Joe Luisi; Celebration’s Two of Hearts-Paul Katzel
Johnny and Deuce were straining against their collars as the first brace instructions and
introductions were completed by Stake Manager Tom White. We left right on time at 8:00 a.m.
with both dogs sailing down the hill in 20 degree weather. Neither were seen much until Johnny
was recovered at 10 and Deuce at 14 prior to the Lick Creek crossing. Johnny’s check in was the
one and only time we saw him prior to Joe asking for the receiver at 37. Deuce wasn’t seen but a
couple of times prior to Hayden Camp and finished the hour birdless.
Brace 2
TJ’s Prairie Blizzard-Ed Tillson; Gun Runner’s Earth Shaker-Bill Hancock
Blizzard took the field on the right and got behind early as Butch headed toward Riblin Bottom.
Neither was seen much until 15 as we headed toward Old Hwy 109. Both swung wide along the
bottom of the Parrish field and seen infrequently until we entered the fishhook that connects the
bottom of the Parish field to the top. Butch appeared to be hypothermic and Bill elected to
pickup at 40. Blizzard was seen briefly along the woods edge in the Parrish field with the brace
ending just across 109 with no birdwork.
Brace 3
KB’s Shadow Dancer-Herbert Rea; Windy Hill Sky Rocket-Kent Merryman
Dancer is a beautifully marked liver roan and surprisingly easy to see as he moved through the
sea of broom sedge that covered the Blue Mountain grounds. Cruise started slowly but picked up
the pace as we rode toward Mario’s Hill. Both got behind briefly. At 20, Cruise was stopped in
cover to the right of the course. He was loose and Kent moved him up prior to flushing, then
took him on. He was stopped again at 40 near the Pavilion, Kent flushed and relocated with no
success. Cruise had a stop to flush at 52 as Dancer continued to move well up front. The brace
ended at 11:30 near the Beaver Dam.
Brace 4
Clyde’s Micro-Breeze- Lisa Podraza; Gun Runner’s Lady ‘s Man-Norm Ahl
The temps had reached near 50 and most of the heavy jackets were being tossed to the dog
wagon as Mike and Lutie began their hour. Lutie got behind early returning from course 3 as
Mike was rimming the eastern edge of the course 1. He was standing at 11 inside the wood’s
edge with Lutie backing. Lisa flushed with no success and relocated. Mike went down course
approximately 30 yards and stopped again. Birds were flushed on this occasion with all manners
in order. At 24, Mike was standing on a circle of cover to the west. During the flushing attempt
he suffered a breach of manners to end his day. Lutie had a find at 25 with nice style as we
crossed the service road. The brace ended early near the old corral.
Brace 5
Comanche III-Paul Katzel; TJ’s Thunder-Ed Tillson
We broke both dogs away from the road on course 3 headed back toward the old corral area on
course 1. Thunder wasn’t even up to speed before he swapped ends on the nearest tree-line. Birds
left, then some more, then Thunder to end his bid in less than 2 minutes. Jet blasted off to parts
unknown and was not recovered by the 20 minute mark as we arrived at the horse bridge.
Brace 6
Lane’s End We-Be Clean-Tom Robin; Megabuck’s Hell on Wheels-John Cross
We-Be was running the front end as the course swings toward 109 with Harley using cover to the
west that had him behind early. At the 109 crossing, birds were seen in the air and Harley in the
area moving to end his day. We-Be did not appear to be involved and continued to perform
nicely as we entered the Parish Field at 30. At that point he began to slow a bit with a possible
pad or leg problem. At 54, We-Be was standing in the ditch along 109 with birds flushed from
the hill above, all manners in order. At 58, he was pointing with moderate style in cover to the
left of the course, moving slightly after shot.
Day 2
Brace 7
Q-Ball-Dave Lincoln; Maxwell’s Blew By You-Terry Maxwell
A hard frost and 24 degrees greeted the swelling gallery as Cubes and Chuck flew away from the
starting line. Both disappeared quickly with Cubes being the first to return from the west as we
rounded the big oak. At 17, Cubes was standing on a line of cover to the east with Dave
disturbing a large hard flying covey, Cubes mannerly and stylish throughout the event. As the
youngest dog in the field of 61, Chuck had not been seen since breakaway. At 20, Judge
Reynolds indicated to Terry we needed to see him. Terry road forward to the next fence line and
found him standing. Birds were seen in the air prior to arriving with Chuck mannerly as more
flushed at shot. Both dogs were seen sparingly over the next 20 minutes and recovered near the
gate. Both navigated Hayden Camp in fine fashion and finished strongly back up the river edge
at time.
Brace 8
Orion’s Flojo-Gary Smith; Maxwell’s White Spirit-Kent Patterson
Butch and FloJo were released into course 2 with frost clinging to the low ground along the river.
Both hit the front, crossed the levee and shot toward Riblin Bottom. Flojo was recovering from a
recent leg accident but moved well over the early portions of the course as Butch wasn’t seen
until 15 far to the front on the northern border of the course. Both dogs were gathered up at old
109 with Butch taking the right side and Flojo on the left as we turned toward the Parish Field.
Point was called by a scout at 24 near the wagon crossing with confusion between handlers as to
which dog was standing. Butch was found in the center of the cover with birds’ well located
maintaining excellent style throughout. Through the fishhook, both dogs made a wide swing to
the gas well pad with Butch extending his cast deep into a pocket of cover to the north and
swinging back up the line of cover to meet his handler at the gap. In the chute leading back to the
Parish field, Kent had his hat in the air with Butch standing in cover on the left of the course.
Birds lifted as horses approached with all manners in order. Flojo’s injury began to take its toll
but she showed great determination and grit in finishing her hour. Butch took the right edge
coming back out into the Parish field and was seen on the long tree line along old 109. At time,
he streaked down a line toward Riblin bottoms and had to be gathered up and shown to the
judges near the horse bridge.
Brace 9
Count Sirocco-Sue D’Arcy; TJ’s Apache-Ed Tillson
Roc and Bandit were away from the horse bridge on course 3 and headed to cover 100 yards
down course. Unfortunate for both, the cover contained a large covey that was a bit skittish.
Birds crossed the road with Roc in a slow motion chase and eventual stop to end his hour. Bandit
had the unfortunate timing of coming around the corner and not honoring Roc’s roadside stop.
Brace 9 was about 60 seconds in duration.
Brace 10
Double T Belle-Dave Lincoln; Trace of Time-Kent Merryman
Belle wasted no time in leaving the hill and disappeared around the curve with Trace moving
along the woods edge to the west. We rode to Lick creek never having seen Belle since the
breakaway and Dave asking for the tracking receiver. Trace had been sluggish over the early
portion of the course and wasn’t pleasing Kent so he picked up at 20.
Brace 11
Jake Acres in Disguise-Warren Montgomery; J&M’s Clark’s Trademark-Jim Crawford
Scout’s James Doherty and Tom Milan turned both dogs loose just across the service road south
of Mario’s Hill and both disappeared in the sea of broom sedge. We had both dogs with us as we
dropped off the hill and parallel the paved Hwy 109. They made probing casts along the lines
that lead to the old corral with both handlers working hard to keep their charges up front as we
went through the gate and reached Hayden Camp. Scout Milam called point at 25 along the river
edge for Clark, then waved it off. Jake was in the area and seen going forward as the scout once
again indicated point. Clark was standing as Jim took a stop to flush, more birds lifting at shot.
Jake was standing with style at 25 on running birds that Warren eventually got in the air, all
manners in order. Both dogs were side by side at 33 near the horse bridge with Jake seen having
gone in front of the standing Clark. Jake was collared and Jim flushed with no luck. During the
relocation, a group of birds lifted 25 yds to the east. Clark was taken across the horse bridge and
moved well until 50 where he suffered a nonproductive as an F16 skimmed the tree tops. The
hour was up at old 109.
Brace 12
Brisco’s Mr. Stub-Ray Trimble; TC’s Match Box Racer
Brisco and Rob were away from 109 with Stub being slow to get started and Rob sailing out the
front. Stub had a well executed stop to flush at 14 with more birds lifting as Ray shot. Rob
continued to move well with a smooth, eye-pleasing gait through the fishhook and back out into
the Parrish field. Stub was digging in and hunting the cover intently as we crossed back over old
109. At 35, Rob was seen under a large covey and leashed. Stub wasn’t pleasing Ray as we
crossed the horse bridge and he elected to pickup.
Day 3
Brace 13
Terra’s Cabo Wabo-Tom White; Cooper’s Ozark Traveler-James Dougherty
Sammy and Coop were introduced and away at 8:00 am as the temp hovered in the high 40’s.
Coop is a beautifully marked roan out of Blaze Dakota Trucker. He probed all the logical places
on course 1 through the Lick Creek crossing then took the bottom edge as the course runs north
to the service road crossing. Sammy was fast off the hill and seen briefly as we neared the
barking dog house. He crossed Lick Creek and went east to a pocket of space requiring some
effort to get him pulled out. He streaked down a tree line and crossed to an island of cover at 30
where he was standing. Tom flushed in all directions without success but as the other handler
crossed behind the island of cover, several birds flushed wildly. Shot was fired with manners in
order. At 33, Coop was found by scout Warren Montgomery on an edge of cover to the east of
the service road with excellent style. James stepped into the cover and began his flushing effort
with Coop moving up about 5 steps to end his bid. Sammy carried his speed throughout the
remainder of the hour being recovered in the old corral area after a brief absence and at time, the
handler rode toward the horse bridge in order to gather him up and show him to the judges.
Brace 14
Dakota Alley Cat-Bo Ackerman; Tee Bone-Dave Lincoln
Tiger and Tee shot straightaway and crossed the levee in a hurry. Both were ahead over the first
10 minutes with Tee standing at 11 on cover to the left of the course. As Dave approached he
suffered a breach of manners and was collared. Tiger regained the front at 12 and showed well
across 109 and through the bottom of the Parish Field. He made an impressive showing through
the fishhook as he hit the woods on the right and showed well ahead on the gas well levee. He
was lateral as we exited the fishhook into the top of the Parish field and pointing near the dog
wagon as Bo moving a small covey to the west. Taken on he made a nice move on the right edge
then crossed out into the broom sedge as we crossed back over 109. He was seen headed up a
tree line toward the horse bridge at 50 and was returned from the front to end the hour.
Brace 15
Holliewood Magic Man-Robert Szymanek; Orion’s Texoma Supersport-Gary Smith
Magic and Sport made it past the immediate and now infamous course 3 “crash” covey Both
were a bit erratic over the first 5 minutes but began to settle down as we went through the
bottleneck woods. At 14, Gary had his hat in the air with Sport standing to the left of the course.
Birds were seen sailing south with Sport in full pursuit to end his effort. At 20, we neared the
viewing Pavilion and Bob had seen enough, electing to pickup.
Brace 16
Windy Hill Fly By-Kent Merryman; Kinwashkly Dakota Molester-Ken Seivert
The dog wagon was full and the horseback gallery larger with the temperature reaching 60. Buzz
and Lester worked the logical objectives and cover over the early portions of course 1. Neither
making any extreme moves but systematic in their coverage of the available space. At 28, Lester
was stopped along the service road with nice style as Ken moved a covey to cover across the
road. Both dogs continued at moderate range to 52 where Buzz was seen moving with birds in
the air. Lester finished the hour at the horse bridge.
Brace 17
Tequila Joker’s Jose Cuervo-Clem Little; Smarteyes-Joker-Steve Ralph
Both dogs went right at the breakaway but returned in time to cross the levee and hit the gap in
front of their handlers. At 10, Jordan was standing stylishly on the left margin of the course with
Steve flushing extensively to no avail. A well executed relocation pinned the birds 20 yards
further down the line of cover. Jose regained the front as Jordan was released toward old 109.
Both dogs took the right edge as we crossed the road but cut the cast short in order to regain the
front as the handlers rode toward the bottom of the Parish field. At 30, Jose was standing in a
feed strip 20 yds to the right of the course with Clem unable to move any game. Both were still
carrying their speed through the fish-hook and found standing at 48 as we cross back over old
109. Jose pointing and Jordan backing. Clem got a running covey in the air and both dogs
remained stylish and mannerly. At 55, Jose stopped on the edge of an island of cover with Jordan
backing. Clem moved birds off to the right with both dogs handling the situation well. Both dogs
were going away at time.
Brace 18
Bourbon XIII-Dale Pool; Linvel’s Ace of Diamonds-Paul Pollock
Al and Ace were the 2nd pair of dogs to be victimized by the course 3 “crash” covey. 1 minute
into the brace Dale called point for Al. Ace was seen going by without honoring, Al then moved
to end his opportunities.
Day 4
Brace 19
Shambo’s Dark Shadow-Ed Tillson; Holliewood Bruiser-Robert Szymanek
Shadow’s hour was recounted previously. Bruiser ran one of the more consistent, forward and
flowing races on course 1. As he crossed the service road near the horse bridge, the hour was up.
Bob rode around the corner to find him standing.
Brace 20
Travelers Reign of Terra-Tom White; White Mountain Smoke-Dale Pool
Terra and Bud were away from the course 2 mark in fine fashion and headed right along the river
edge. They crossed in front of the handlers on the levee and turned toward old 109 getting behind
as the handlers rode through the tree-line gap. Both moved well toward 109 taking the right line
of cover that tends to pull dogs down into a pocket of space that 9 times out of 10 causes them to
come from behind. To their credit, both broke the cast off and regained the front quickly. At 28,
Bud was standing in woods on the right with Dale flushing wide to no avail. Taken on, he had to
be gathered up and taking down into the fishhook as Terra made a big move to the west,
swinging to the front easily. At 45, Bud was pointing and Terra backing stylishly as birds were
put to flight towards the woods edge. Upon release Bud went 50 yards towards the woods edge
and had a stop to flush. Terra was standing at 53 out in the broom sedge, Tom flushed wide,
relocated, then elected to pickup. Bud finished nicely across old 109.
Brace 21
Bouncin Betty-Bill Burton; Tequila Jack II-Ed Tillson
Betty and Jack are powerhouse dogs and both had their sneakers laced pretty tight over the early
portions of the course. Both scouts were being put to good use as they attempted to get them
lined out and on course. Things had settled down a bit by 10 as we headed toward Mario’s Hill.
At 15, point was called for Jack along a tree line to the right of the course. Betty was in the area
and got the rope for not backing. Ed flushed and flushed with no results. Jack was relocated and
moving when a judge saw a bird get up far down the line. Ed stopped him and shot. At 35, Jack
was stopped on a strip of Egyptian wheat below the viewing pavilion. No game was moved and
Jack was taken on toward Gas well hill. He had an extended absence between 38 and 55 and
came from behind with Ed deciding to pickup.
Brace 22
TLM Rambling Sam-Tom Milam; Just Call Me Roy-Kent Patterson
Roy’s hour was described above. Sam is a handsome roan dog that hit the logical objectives over
the early portions of the course. He crossed Lick Creek and was backing at 28 with excellent
style and manners. He slowed a bit as we reached the old corral area and Tom elected to pick up
near the gate.
Brace 23
Mo-Dan’s Believer-John Cross; Tobacco Rose II-Ed Kerr
Buddy and Rose were side by side as they shot across the levee and disappeared into the expanse
of broom sedge. Buddy was down in the corner of the first field with the scout rimming the edge
to bring him up as we turned toward old 109. Rose regained the front coming from the south
with Buddy coming out of the woods on the northern edge of the course. Both had trouble
maintaining the front with the abundance of cover toward the Parish field. Rose came from
behind at 30 and Ed elected to pickup. Buddy was standing in the broom sedge to the left of the
course at 31 with John flushing wide. A relocation effort did not produce game and we headed
for the fishhook. By 55, Buddy had shortened and John elected to pickup.
Brace 24
Jayhawker Tequila With A Twist-Ed Tillson; Gambler’s Jazz-N It up-Ed Janulis
Taryn shot straight away down course 3 with Jazz liking the space back up course 1. Both
handlers and scouts were working overtime to get things gathered up and headed in the right
direction. Taryn was seen briefly on the backside of the old corral with Jazz regaining the front
as we neared Mario’s Hill. Taryn’s scout called point at 20 on a feed strip south of Mario’s Hill,
Taryn displaying excellent manners through flush and shot. As we passed the Pavilion, Jazz was
to the north along the woods edge with Taryn on the south. At 40, Jazz was stopped on an island
of cover near Lover’s Bend, a flush and subsequent relocation effort did not produce game. As
Jazz was brought forward, he stopped on a strip of lespedeza. Ed moved a large covey, Jazz
remaining staunch throughout wing and shot. At 50, Taryn had disappeared in a pocket of space
bordered by water and regained the front at 55. Both hit the next field edge with Jazz to the west
on a feed strip. He was credited with a stop to flush at 58. Taryn was stopped at time with Ed
unable to produce any game.
Day 5
Brace 25
Lane’s End Bowtie Annie-Tom Robin; Countess Cognac-Sue D’Arcy
Friday morning brought clear skies and temps in the high 40’s as Annie and CC were released to
cover carrying heavy dew. Both dogs were lateral and at moderate range to Lick Creek. They
shot down a line to the east and were found at the service road with Annie pointing and CC
backing. Annie moved up as Tom began to flush to end her bid. CC was taken on and hunted the
cover over the next 20 minutes. She was standing near the double gate with Sue flushing
extensively leading to a relocation effort did not produce game. She continued at moderate range
over the remainder of the hour that ended at the horse bridge.
Brace 26
Special Attraction-Dale Pool; Mega Smoke Limited Edition-Tom White
We broke away at 9:15 with Sly and Ted taking the right to the levee. Both spent time in cover
to the north and regained the front in Riblin Bottom taking the right edge to the gap. At 14, Ted
was stopped just off the course as Tom was unable to produce game in heavy cover. Both dogs
started down the north line as we crossed old 109 and had to be pulled out as the course swings
east. Sly suffered a nonproductive at 30 along the bottom of the Parish Field. Ted wasn’t
pleasing Tom and he picked up at 33. Sly maintained good speed and worked the left margins of
the fishhook switching to the right side as we entered the Parish Field. She wasn’t seen after she
made the cast to the east and at 53, Dale elected to ask for the receiver.
Brace 27
Hi Points Clean Sweep-Kent Merryman; Maxwell’s Charismatic-Terry Maxwell
Hoover and Jack were away on course 3 both working off the nervous energy by streaking up
course 1. Handlers waited at the Hayden Camp road intersection as scouts went to work. Jack
was the first to return with Hoover taking a bit longer. Both were forward through the series of
fields leading to Mario’s Hill. Jack was seen by Judge Truska running an edge to the front near
the pavilion with Hoover working cover on the left margin of the course. As we topped Gas Well
Hill, Hoover was seen under a nice covey to end his day. At 45 near Lover’s Bend, Jack was
found up front standing stylishly, birds flushing as Terry approached. Taken on, he maintained
the front until we reached the Beaver Dam where he was pulled from cover to the west.
He was out of pocket over the last 8 minutes of the brace and recovered within time.
Brace 28
Mr. Magilacutty-Dale Pool; TJ’s Single Shot of Scipio-Tom White
Mick was moving well and maintaining the front as we neared the barking dog house. Emme
was seen infrequently but found standing at 12 by her scout on a line of cover along 109. She
handled everything with style as Tom disturbed a small covey. Both dogs stayed busy as we
crossed Lick Creek and hunted the long lines that lead toward the drop off on course 1. They
were seen sparingly through the old corral with Mick being out of pocket to 50 where he
returned with a torn pad that was bleeding. Dale elected to pickup. Emme had a find at 52 in
Hayden Camp on a large group of running birds and then finished with a stylish find on the
course 3 “crash” covey that seemed to be growing bigger as the days went by. 25 to 30 birds
lifting as Tom fired. She finished nicely just short of the horse bridge.
Brace 29
Make My Day Dude-Ed Tillson; Maxwell’s Gunsmoke-Kent Patterson
Dude and Pete shot down the left edge and were throwing gravel as the crossed the levee.
Dude was the first to be seen at 7 in the 3rd field as Pete remained out sight until 13 and returned
from the left margins of the course. At 20, Pete was gathered up and at “heel” waiting for the
judges and gallery to cross old 109. He was released up the left margin and streaked out the front
as Dude worked cover on the north side of the course. Pete was wide across the bottom of the
Parish Field with Kent riding to the east to gather him up and shoot him down through the
fishhook. He made two wide swings on the western edge of the property and shot out the front.
Dude worked the eastern tree line and went to the right side of the course as we came back out
into the Parish Field. Dude was standing with style at 44 as Ed flushed a small group of well
located birds. Pete was on a deep probe to the north as the gallery rode all the way back to old
109 where Dude had made a long cast to the old 109 tree line and found standing. As Ed was
flushing, Pete came sailing down the line from the north and failed to honor. Dude’s stand was
barren and just across old 109, Ed elected to pick up.
Brace 30
Jaybirds I.M. Buckwheat-J.P. Cleland; J&M Pete’s Turnin’ Trix-Jim Crawford
Both dogs were away on course 3 and immediately found the “crash” covey. Trixie made it
through the event with all manners in order, Buckwheat wasn’t as fortunate. Taken on, Trixie
made ambitious moves that got her behind at times. As we approached Mario’s Hill she
shortened considerably with Jim electing to pick up.
Day 6
Brace 31
Harlan County Cowboy- David Medford
Saturday morning brought fog to the Blue Mountain grounds so the last dog wasn’t released off
breakaway hill until 9:35 a.m. He settled in quickly and was flashy along the lines that led to the
big oak then made a big move down the long tree line that leads toward Lick Creek that had him
out of pocket until the 17 minute mark. He returned at Lick Creek and went left to a pocket of
cover with the scout working to pull him out. At 22, he rounded an island of cover and birds
were seen sailing to the south. The party rounded the cover to find him standing with style. As
David stepped off his horse, Cowboy moved up, a bird lifted, and the championship ended.
2006
AMERICAN BRITTANY CLUB
NATIONAL AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
61 Starters
Judges: Bob Reynolds, Rosco Staton, Stan Truska
Champion:
Just Call Me Roy
by Piney Run Sam X Mark’s Pride of Savannah
Owner: Tom Ettinger; Handler: Kent D. Patterson
Runner-Up
Shambo’s Dark Shadow
by Cam Sham’s Shambozo X Starr’s Aapricot Lulu;
Owner: Bernie Crain; Handler: Ed Tillson