2025 National Championship

[Reggie Bishop]

The annual National Championship got under way this morning on the hallowed uplands of the Ames Plantation. You can follow each days results here--

https://www.amesplantation.org/2025-brace-by-brace-synopsis

[CraigThompson]

Are you riding in the gallery this year ?

[Reggie Bishop]

I am not, but will be following closely. Today's first brace had a good amount of finds. Great way to start!

[CraigThompson]

I am not, but will be following closely. Today's first brace had a good amount of finds. Great way to start!

How long have they had GSP’s running in the Nationals ? I thought it was English Setters and English Pointers pretty much only ?

[Reggie Bishop]

I think any dog that qualifies can run the National Championship. It's the qualifying that is the hard part. These events are endurance events. Big, strong dogs bred for enduring a 3 hour event of constant hard charging excel in these trials. There just haven't been, in the past, GSPs or Brittanys bred or trained for this type of event. I don't recall a GSP qualifying for Ames in the past but maybe so.

[Garry L Gordon]

Once, I really wanted to go to this event, but now I’m content to follow from afar. Still, the history is compelling. Thanks for reminding us, Reggie.

[Reggie Bishop]

Even with attempts to bring attention to the Championship, which has been held at the Ames Plantation since 1915 and has existed since 1896, I fear there is a day coming when it comes to an end due to lack of interest. These field trials aren't my style of dog or bird hunting but being a traditionalist (fancy word for old fashioned) I hang onto these events and the sporting lifestyle.

[Daniel Carter]

Had an English setter from that type of breeding. Easy to basic train but bred to cover a lot of ground fast. Great nose and absolutely tireless. In the grouse and woodcock covers of Maine not an advantage.
Learned my lesson to do my due diligence and see the parents work before buying and not rely on field trial wins and places.

[Larry Stauch]

How long have they had GSP’s running in the Nationals ? I thought it was English Setters and English Pointers pretty much only ?

That's my big question too. I don't follow this, but that's a surprise to me too.
I've had all three in the past, English Pointer, GSP and English Setters. They were all great dogs.

[Larry Stauch]

I have an old (94) hunting friend, who lives in Hopkinsville, KY now, and he has a green sport coat that his cousin won when one of his English Pointers won the NBC years ago. Doc finally graduated to a Llewellin Setter that would hunt in the same zip code with him.

[Reggie Bishop]

Dogs are selected for the National Championships based on their performance on the field trial "circuit" and their ability to meet standards long ago established by Hobart Ames. The dogs have to win two field trials to be eligible. They are judged on their ability to find and point birds and their stamina and handling characteristics. That is my understanding of the process.

Here is where it gets "murky" in my mind. There are also "Amesian Standards" (read Hobart Ames) that come into play. Judges use these standards to judge the field. I am not 100% certain that these "Amesian Standards" would be welcoming to a "short tailed" dog. I could be totally wrong about that as it is just conjecture on my part.

But one thing is certain the winner of the annual Championship can hunt hard and find birds while being obedient to handler commands.

There are others on this site who know more about field trialing and the National Championship than I do.

[Craig Larter]

Before I leave the planet I want to visit the Bird Dog Hall of Fame in TN. The Retriever Wing would be my focus. My best lab was a Candlewood dog, Vanderbilt's Hy Test MH, and that line of dogs has many HOF dogs. I'm sure my eyes would not be dry after a tour. My Tess was a granddaughter of Candlewoods Tank's a Lot the winner of the 1990, 1991 and 1993 NFC, call name Lottie. Gosh I miss her Tess. She would hunt with anyone, one hell of a duck dog.

[Garry L Gordon]

I went to the bird dog museum some years ago. I got the grand tour and was treated like royalty. The culture of bird dogs is strong.

[Stan Hillis]

This is still a big event near me, at Waynesboro, which still makes the claim as The Birddog Capital of the World. It's been going on at Di-Lane Plantation for a looong time.

https://americanfield.com/docs/ads/2025-georgia-championships-and-derby-classic-1224126.pdf

[Reggie Bishop]

Short video clips and photos can be viewed here. Note on day 2 a woodcock was pointed!

https://amesplantation.zenfolio.com/f990713088

[Garry L Gordon]

I forgot to mention that our tour of the Museum was privately conducted by Wilson Dunn, its founder. We just stopped in unannounced, but he was so welcoming. What a gentleman and very respectful of the fact that we ran “black dogs” (although it was very clear that top notch trial winners must be white and have tails…that stood at twelve o’clock on point. That really hasn’t changed, and I’m at peace with that.)

Anyone remember Dunn’s sporting goods? I still have things purchased from them.

[Reggie Bishop]

Remember Dunn's very well. They got some of my money too.:banghead:

[John Allen]

One of the highlights of my career was when I worked at Dunns. We hosted outdoor writers during the Nationals. i was assigned to play host and ride with Gene Hill and Mike McIntosh. Spending the week with those two was really a special time for me. It is amazing how much you can learn if you just stay quiet and listen.

[Garry L Gordon]

One of the highlights of my career was when I worked at Dunns. We hosted outdoor writers during the Nationals. i was assigned to play host and ride with Gene Hill and Mike McIntosh. Spending the week with those two was really a special time for me. It is amazing how much you can learn if you just stay quiet and listen.

What a treat! I would love to have met Gene Hill (and the pleasure of meeting and talking with McIntosh once).

Any lasting takeaways from your time with them, John?

[John Allen]

One of the many surprising things that came out was that Gene Hill was one of the Rangers who climbed the cliff overlooking Normandy beach during the invasion. He would only talk about it after a couple of scotches. Like most of that generation, he did not think of himself as a hero. Just an 18 year old kid doing his bit to help the country. He was also one hell of a shot.

[Dan Steingraber]

This is still a big event near me, at Waynesboro, which still makes the claim as The Birddog Capital of the World. It's been going on at Di-Lane Plantation for a looong time.

https://americanfield.com/docs/ads/2025-georgia-championships-and-derby-classic-1224126.pdf

Stan, I was in the area a few years back picking up a couple dogs from winter training, so I stopped by Di-Lane. What a cool place. The cemetary is like going back in time.

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[Stan Hillis]

Yeah, it's a cool place with tons of history. Still a few wild birds on Di-Lane, too.

Glad you got to visit. Thanks for the pics.

[CraigThompson]

I forgot to mention that our tour of the Museum was privately conducted by Wilson Dunn, its founder. We just stopped in unannounced, but he was so welcoming. What a gentleman and very respectful of the fact that we ran “black dogs” (although it was very clear that top notch trial winners must be white and have tails…that stood at twelve o’clock on point. That really hasn’t changed, and I’m at peace with that.)

Anyone remember Dunn’s sporting goods? I still have things purchased from them.

I’ve seen some that had tails that darn near curled like a question mark ! I prefer a Osthaus tail preferably on a setter !

[John Davis]

When judging a field trial the white dog has the advantage. The darker colored dogs are harder to see.

[Garry L Gordon]

When judging a field trial the white dog has the advantage. The darker colored dogs are harder to see.

Yup…until it snows. :rotf::rotf::rotf::rotf:

[John Davis]

I’ve sat in the saddle for eight straight hours and judged in the rain, the cold and gale force winds, but never the snow. Don’t get much of that down here.

[Garry L Gordon]

I’ve sat in the saddle for eight straight hours and judged in the rain, the cold and gale force winds, but never the snow. Don’t get much of that down here.

Count your blessings, John. I could send you some today. :)

[Tom Jay]

This is the first time for GSP's. One of the two entered, BMB's Free Ride, who is almost 11 years old, ran in the 2nd brace and washed out at :24 after a second non-productive. Ames Plantation posts all brace results on their website.

[Reggie Bishop]

This is the first time for GSP's. One of the two entered, BMB's Free Ride, who is almost 11 years old, ran in the 2nd brace and washed out at :24 after a second non-productive. Ames Plantation posts all brace results on their website.

The 1st time a GSP has met qualifying requirements correct? Not the 1st time the championship has allowed that breed.

[Tom Jay]

Correct. First time GSP's qualified for and selected to run in the National.

The National is a 3 hour endurance run for the dog. They must maintain their focus and have the stamina to run in an event like this. My dogs run in 1 hour wild bird trials and that's never easy for them or me.

[Larry Stauch]

This is the first time for GSP's. One of the two entered, BMB's Free Ride, who is almost 11 years old, ran in the 2nd brace and washed out at :24 after a second non-productive. Ames Plantation posts all brace results on their website.

Sounds like someone's heart got in front of their head. That would be like running an eleven year old horse in a triple crown event. Too bad.

[Aaron Beck]

xxx

[Scott Janowski]

Field trialing is more about the men than the dogs.
It is a look what I got sort of thing.
It takes a lot of training and patience to make a field trialing dog into a hunting dog, and most of the time it is not possible.
I consider a field trialing dog more livestock than hunting dog.

[Reggie Bishop]

Some would argue its all about the dogs. I bet she might.

[Tom Jay]

It is all about the dogs. I'm an amateur field trialer with two setters that I also hunt (primarily grouse and woodcock). I enjoy the bond between handler and dog. It's the sense of trust, loyalty and wanting to please each other that drives the dog to do what they were bred for and for me to bring out the best of them. It's not for everybody but if you've never done it don't mock it. Our preference is to run in wild bird stakes (usually 1 hour) in New England covers. Though we do occasionally participate in released quail trials where, unfortunately, the handler spends more time kicking around to flush the pen raised bird that may or may not fly. But there's no prouder moment seeing your dog lock up completely focused on a wild bird, hold that point until you make the flush and you fire the blank pistol without your dog ever moving a foot, and then, not moving on until released. It's adrenaline pumping for the dog and you. It really is the best bond between man and dog.

[Reggie Bishop]

Tom those are beautiful Setters!

[Craig Larter]

Tom your so spot on its the relationship between man and dog. I'm sure my hunting buddies don't understand me sending off my labs for two years of training and working towards AKC and HRC titles. When I was young I did all my own training and campaigning. But when a dog reaches thier full potential and becomes a true believer in the handler they will accomplish incredible performance in the field.

[CraigThompson]

I’ve sat in the saddle for eight straight hours and judged in the rain, the cold and gale force winds, but never the snow. Don’t get much of that down here.

John did you judge back when the Smith’s still had the setter kennel in GA and Harold Raye was their trainer . If I’m not mistaken now the Smith’s and Harold have passed .

[John Davis]

I didn’t know them. I suspect they were running American Field. I have always been involved in AKC. Mostly pointers and setters in AF. Much bigger running dogs. AKC is for gun dogs. Work a little closer but must still be steady to wing and shot. And must demonstrate they will retrieve to hand. The dreaded callback, which 99% of time is a cluster.

[John Davis]

Back in the day. Second picture is my youngest daughter, Parker, when she was 11.

[CraigThompson]

I didn’t know them. I suspect they were running American Field. I have always been involved in AKC. Mostly pointers and setters in AF. Much bigger running dogs. AKC is for gun dogs. Work a little closer but must still be steady to wing and shot. And must demonstrate they will retrieve to hand. The dreaded callback, which 99% of time is a cluster.

Smith Setters if my memory is correct were mostly AF Shooting Dog Stakes not Open All Age like at the Nationals .

[allen newell]

I grew up going to field trials at the Foss Farm in Carlisle, Mass. We stayed on the Foss Farm with the Foss family. Those were the years!

[John Dallas]

Field trial Springers make great hunting dogs

[William Woods]

I hunted all my NSTRA dogs that I trialed with. The NSTRA trials most closely resemble actual hunting. Dogs must point, back, retrieve, handle, and cover the ground well. Handlers must be afoot, with judges on a horse or four wheeler. I seldom saw a judge use a horse. I have heard of some people that said that their NSTRA trials were held on five acre fields. I have never heard, or seen anything like that. I started NSTRA trialing to give my dogs more bird work.

[Garry L Gordon]

William, out here in the hinterlands, shoot to retrieve — NSTRA — trials were, in my (I’m sure biased) opinion, the lower form of field trial. Guys would nearly run to points (running not allowed)and they knew that if they got one good retrieve, they could pull out their bag of tricks to play the system and keep their dogs from being penalized for poor retrieves. I only participated in one trial and refused to participate again. It’s good to know that my experiences were not universal.

Ever participate in the National Birdhunter trials?

[John Davis]

The idea of judging from anything other than a horse is blasphemous.

[CraigThompson]

Yep AF trials and steeplechase horse races were the hobbies of the genteel southern gentleman :cool::whistle:

[John Davis]

A judges job is to observe and evaluate. The dogs run is a critical part of this, as well as being steady to wing and shot, and backing when the opportunity arises. You CAN NOT adequately observe or evaluate a Field Trial dog's performance from the eye level of a golf cart or four wheeler. This can ONLY be done from the back of a horse. If you've ever competed in a walking trial, you know the judge on horse back often sees your dog when you can't and has a much better vantage point. The AKC kicked around the idea of allowing pointing dog trials to be judged from golf carts, etc. The concern being that it was becoming too difficult to find judges with horses. The concept was roundly rejected. They do allow judging from vehicles in Hunt Tests.

[Reggie Bishop]

Congratulations to the 2025 National Champion Erin's Perfect Storm. Ran in the 1st brace on day 1 and had 7 finds.

[William Woods]

William, out here in the hinterlands, shoot to retrieve — NSTRA — trials were, in my (I’m sure biased) opinion, the lower form of field trial. Guys would nearly run to points (running not allowed)and they knew that if they got one good retrieve, they could pull out their bag of tricks to play the system and keep their dogs from being penalized for poor retrieves. I only participated in one trial and refused to participate again. It’s good to know that my experiences were not universal.

Ever participate in the National Birdhunter trials?

Mr. Gordon, No, I never participated in the National Bird Hunters trials. I witnessed a couple around my area, but had the same feeling you did of the NSTRA trials.

[William Woods]

A judges job is to observe and evaluate. The dogs run is a critical part of this, as well as being steady to wing and shot, and backing when the opportunity arises. You CAN NOT adequately observe or evaluate a Field Trial dog's performance from the eye level of a golf cart or four wheeler. This can ONLY be done from the back of a horse. If you've ever competed in a walking trial, you know the judge on horse back often sees your dog when you can't and has a much better vantage point. The AKC kicked around the idea of allowing pointing dog trials to be judged from golf carts, etc. The concern being that it was becoming too difficult to find judges with horses. The concept was roundly rejected. They do allow judging from vehicles in Hunt Tests.

Mr. Davis, While I preferred a judge to be on horseback in the NSTRA trials, they were few and far between in our area. The NSTRA trials I participated in were in open fields and the dogs were almost always within eyesight of the handler. I had a bird dog friend that judged and ran horseback dogs. He once one the championship for the red dogs. He was a pointer man. His name was Don Jones. Did you know Don?

[Garry L Gordon]

Mr. Gordon, No, I never participated in the National Bird Hunters trials. I witnessed a couple around my area, but had the same feeling you did of the NSTRA trials.

William, I think we’re just subject to the individuals who run and foster the trials we participated in. I certainly did not mean to besmirch an entire organization over my experience. Glad to know your NSTRA experiences have been good.

[William Woods]

William, I think we’re just subject to the individuals who run and foster the trials we participated in. I certainly did not mean to besmirch an entire organization over my experience. Glad to know your NSTRA experiences have been good.

No offense intended or taken. As they use to say, "I have no dogs in this fight". I haven't participated in an NSTRA trial in about fifteen years now.