2025 National Championship

[Wilmurt]

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.