2008 National Retriever Championship

Winning Ways

2008-11-19T08:22:00.018-06:00

BRADY OMAN
This Texan seems to have the Midas touch and it extends to his involvement in dogs and horses. He also prefers to be hands-on as much as possible; the only reason he wasn't in attendance to watch his dog, Willie, perform for the final two days of this year's National Open was because he was in California and then Mexico on business with Tiger Woods...but more on that in a moment.

Originally from Wichita Falls, Brady grew up in the sporting life. At seven he was given his first horse, at ten his first bird dog; his granddaddy on his mother's side was heavily immersed in fly fishing and bird hunting way back in the 30s and exposed young Brady to these outdoor wonders. Eventually, he migrated to bigger and better bird dogs and cutting horses, engaging trainers Hoppy Hopson with a myriad of dogs and Paul Crumple with the same in horses. A number of wins and championships followed, including Texas State Dog of the Year five years running and an Invitational winner; his cutting horse wins include the prestigious Augusta Futurity of which I'm quite familiar.

A move to Austin altered his lifestyle as a shortage of quail gave way to duck hunting. As sons Connor, now 20 and a National Championship Sporting Clays winner, and Jack, now 17, clamored for action, Brady traveled to England and invested in British Labradors, importing sixteen or so dogs...But then he became acquainted with field trial dogs and began to pursue that interest in earnest.

At his first field trial in Wichita Falls, pro trainer Dave Rorem caught his eye and Oman hung around while Rorem fed and watered his dogs...and Oman told him he wanted to win the National Championship. A plan was forged and a friendship formed from that acquaintance...the rest is history. When Dave located Willie as a two-year old sale prospect, he called Brady; Oman immediately flew up to watch him train for a few days and the deal was sealed. (Brady did own another dog prior to Willie, a dog named Ace that "might" teach him some aspects of the field trial game--this dog, FC Topflight Eba's Ace of Spades, has won three Opens this year. Brady currently has four young Willie-sired prospects in training also, all with big-time potential. Make note!)

Brady Oman strives to surround himself with people and dogs that have the same desire, heart and passion for life as his own...and considers himself to be fortunate as he's now working with Tiger Woods on a massive golf course complex/project in Mexico. He shares, "Tiger has an uncompromising passion for his sport and will devote everything to achieve his goals...I'm honored to be able to extend my work with this same type of athlete."

What about that golden touch? Arguably, Oman seems to possess that intangible feel, but when you talk to him, other admirable qualities emerge. "A win like this means contributions from many people. This wouldn't have happened without the support of family, the incomparable veterinary help we received for Willie, the expertise of Dave, Paulette and Ty Rorem, and many friends along the way..."

***************************************************

DAVE ROREM
Once upon a time, lil' ole me remembers Rex Carr animatedly conjuring up images of a mighty and legendary dog named Cork of Oakwood Lane. But, other than these colored stories and his name recorded in the record book as 1955 National Retriever Champion, I'd never heard any real life reference to Cork.

Until it came time to interview Dave Rorem for this 2008 National Open win. Our discussion revealed that as a young lad of six or seven, Dave's father drove him from western Minnesota toward Minneapolis to pick up a precocious Labrador puppy promised by Dr. Harold A. Mork. Turns out this doctor owned NFC Cork of Oakwood Lane. While young Dave gazed in awe at the puppies before him, trainer Tony Berger showed Cork to the lad and bent down to look him in the eye...and he said: "Cork and I have won the National Championship--Maybe someday you can do this, too!"

"Pepper" was Dave's first taste of the epitome of a good Labrador. Since then, he's racked up quite a record. Originally also working as a game warden and now retired from that position and training full time, Dave ran his first field trial in 1976 and made his first FC in 1984. In the early 80s he ran his first Canadian National and in 1988 had two finalists. He won the Canadian National Championship in 1989, 1992, 1993 and 1995 and his clients have won the Canadian National Amateur Championship in 1990, 1996 and 2005. He has had a total of 64 National finalists and has made about 84 Field Champions in the US and Canada.

Influences on Dave and his career? Well, notably, Cork made a pronounced impression on him as a youngster, along with trainer Tony Berger and his measured words of wisdom. Dave also credits Cy Sifers, Roger Reopelle, Phil Berger, and more currently, the "two Bills"...those being Bill Sargenti and Bill Eckett, and of course, Rex Carr, who brought him to Sargenti.

Dave shares, "Vickie, as you know, Rex has been the driving force to my training. Of course, I had success before I first went out to Escalon, but I quickly learned I didn't know much when it came to training dogs. He taught me to never stop learning and never stop changing and tuning and adjusting my training techniques...and Rex singled out my daughter, Ty, when she was just a little tyke, and told me to bring out her own gift with the dogs." (Not unlike the Tony Berger influence, perhaps?)

If you read Willie's story, you'll likely be amazed at his steps leading to this National, but I pushed Dave for some tidbits on the course of competition throughout the event. His response: "Due to his limited training, mostly in the water, Willie was rusty on land as the week began. I didn't think he was sharp...he hunted on land...but he improved as we went along. It was kind of like...when Game Day arrived and he got a couple of series under his belt...he dialed in and became focused. Once he started to moan and groan on line, I knew we were okay. And it was really interesting...by the eighth series, I felt the momentum start to shift to Willie. And he hit the ninth test hard, and of course the tenth was something else...he did it his way."

"Yes, tell us about your new handling technique, selecting a long retired bird off a tight flyer fall?" I teased.

Dave cleared his throat and chuckled, "Well, with that wide flyer on the left [it was shot to the right toward the line to the long bird] I pulled him right and then he zeroed in on that long retired and it was all over. He drilled it and then came back and spanked that flyer. That was all Willie."

About winning? "It's a team effort," says Dave. "I would be the first to say it takes the involvement of many people to reach this pinnacle of the game. Everybody plays a part in the success of a winning dog, from puppyhood, through basics and into advanced training, and then there is the important owner relationship, and with Willie, his rehab specialists...it's amazing how many people have had their hands in Willie's success."

Willie's Story

2008-11-16T04:59:00.019-06:00

About the time "Willie" (FC Duk Dawg of Nikajack x Troublesome High Seas Zoe, bred by John Broucek & Bob Jones) was turning two years old, Dave Rorem got a phone call from trainer Andy Attar. This promising youngster, owned by Lindy Dewert, was for sale. (Early puppy work was done by Lindy, Jody Ware did advanced basics, and Andy had him in training about ten months by this time.) Dave listened and then phoned Brady to impart what he'd learned...they decided to take a look.

Pre-National (Amateur) training was just commencing that summer and Willie became test dog for the group; he excelled in the week's setups. Brady flew in and immediately liked what he saw--including some very special aspects of the big bruiser's personality--and bought him. Dave went to work on him, and soon placed him two or three times as a two-year old. At three he won an Open and finished his FC title. He qualified for and ran last year's National Open, going out after the eighth series.

Then, this year, luck and misfortune struck nearly in tandem. Willie qualified early for the National, but suffered a shoulder injury in March/April. It was a nagging problem; Willie was laid up, then brought back out, laid up again, and so it went. The aggravations would seem to improve and then get worse. In August, Willie went into rehabilitation therapy with Wayne Whitney at Gulf Coast Veterinary Clinic in Houston. Techniques included hobbles and underwater treadmill activity. Steroids worked for a bit but as they wore off some inflammation came back. Willie spent all of September and the first of October up in Minnesota in rehab and then went back to the Gulf Coast staff for the last two weeks of October and the first week in November. Additional exercises included physical therapy in stepping over objects to build up his shoulder muscles.

Dave picked up Willie the Monday before the National. Hesitant to work the big Labrador on land for fear he would aggravate the injury, Dave concentrated on water. Above all, he avoided stopping him or handling him at all on land marks during training and did no land blinds.

It was Willie's prowess in the water that solidified his standing in the National week's progression, according to Rorem. "He hunted some on land. And the land blinds we saw in this National weren't as challenging as some we've seen in the past...that was just luck as far as he was concerned. His strength continued to build, and he was pretty sharp in the water. He just got better and better, and momentum shifted his way right through the tenth series. When he hit it hard like he did, I knew then we had a chance to win it."

Says owner Brady Oman, "From the beginning, there has been something magical between Willie and Dave, and I think it shines through with this effort. They are quite a team and that is what makes winning special. And, I think Willie's shown us all he has heart and fortitude...as big as the state of Texas."

It's A Family Affair...Candid Winner Photos

2008-11-16T02:59:00.004-06:00

Pictured include an embrace between Dave and "better half" Paulette Rorem, Dave and daughter Ty, and Dave and Willie.

And, Officially, The Winner Is...

2008-11-15T16:42:00.005-06:00

...Willie! Dog #66, FC Two Rivers Lucky Willie with handler Dave Rorem and owned by Brady Oman...a popular winner as the waiting crowd erupted with cheers and applause. Dave had four finalists in this National, a feat only matched by Danny Farmer in previous years, twice, I believe. I will do some digging on that. Way to go, Dave! Congratulations to you and your family and team for a job well done. And big congratulations to owner, Brady Oman. Tune in over the next few days for interviews with Brady and Dave on this dog...it will take that long to get up with them and put it all together. :) Again, contratulations!

Also, check out all the coverage on www.working-retriever.com/08nrc/ for Nicole Busch's daily reports and all the videos by Jerry Younglove as well as interviews by Dennis Bath and Barb Younglove.

Buck is Handling...

2008-11-15T14:59:00.003-06:00

...on his left-hand flyer after a wide-ranging hunt...

He is now on his last bird...He is handling on the last bird.

...That's all folks...See you here later! We'll have more info and also final scoops.

Five Birds To Go...

2008-11-15T14:47:00.004-06:00

...Quick has just been sent for his last bird, and then we'll have four more to put this National in the history book...

Quick is handling from the area of the left island toward his left long bird...he has it...Good for Mark and Quick.

Weezer is handling...

2008-11-15T14:34:00.004-06:00

...He swam left of the island (right middle) bird, then deep and hooked right...and at that time, Bob handled him in to the bird. Now, Weezer has all the birds.

Willie and Dave

2008-11-15T14:25:00.003-06:00

...Have just done things their own way...Right flyer, then long middle left, then hen pheasant flyer and finally, right middle retired...and a good job!

Fen Went Just Left...

2008-11-15T14:14:00.002-06:00

...of the holding blind for the long gun as he crossed the point...huge wind blowing left to right so he didn't get any help there, and he just had to handle to recover the last bird...

Maggie Has All Her Birds...

2008-11-15T14:04:00.003-06:00

...She hunted the left flyer and came in to the long bird from out to the right...

Flippin' Back A Page...

2008-11-15T13:45:00.002-06:00

...We are now running #49...and he has done the test well.

Dog #53 Is Hunting Long Middle...

2008-11-15T13:33:00.003-06:00

...He pulled up on the point just short of last swim (meaning the last piece of water) to the bird, and then swam along the back side of it, and then out to sea to the right...he has just been handled to the long bird.

Banner is now handling to the right middle bird--he has it.

First Nobird Of Last Test...

2008-11-15T13:24:00.002-06:00

...Left flyer for dog #53...

Stormin' Norman...

2008-11-15T13:17:00.002-06:00

...Is in the clubhouse. While he was swimming for the long bird, a whistle could be heard in the distance...fortunately it didn't bother the Norman.

Homer Hit One Out Of The Park...

2008-11-15T13:03:00.002-06:00

Dog #36 has done the test.

Test Ten--Pam's Drawing & Two Photos

2008-11-15T12:52:00.008-06:00

The bottom photo is the flyer on the left. Order is the long left middle, thrown right to left, a hen mallard at 304 yards, then to the extreme left, (bottom picture) a hen pheasant flyer at 170 yards...followed by the right middle bird at 177 yards, drake mallard and finally the right-hand flyer, a drake mallard at 81 yards. More on this test will come.

Handle On The Right Middle and Left Middle...

2008-11-15T12:46:00.003-06:00

...Right now, for #22...

Four Dogs Into The Mix...

2008-11-15T12:38:00.003-06:00

Dog #10 did the test and #20 just handled on the long (left middle) bird.

Second Dog Running...

2008-11-15T12:12:00.005-06:00

Dog #90 had a flyer hunt and a very nice last bird to complete the test...Dog #97 has just handled on the island retired bird (right middle bird)...now, Ralph has completed the test, also with a nice last bird.

Final Final...

2008-11-15T11:58:00.002-06:00

This is it, folks, and #90 has stepped up to the line on top of a mound to run this last land/water quad at 10:53 a.m. Good luck to all remaining teams!

15 Dogs Back

2008-11-15T10:45:00.006-06:00

............................................................................................................................................................Dogs back: 10, 20, 22, 36, 39, 49, 53, 56, 58, 66, 70, 77, 82, 90, 97. Dog 90 will start the last series.

The final test was set up and ready to go by the time the caravan from series nine arrived, and at 11:25 a.m., Jim Cope and FC Watermark's Big Chief stepped up to the line to run test dog. They did a nice job, and then the judges changed the order of the birds before Ty Rorem ran test dog Jazz. Jazz did require a handle to complete the test, but she has run pretty flawlessly all week until this test.

Handlers quickly regrouped with their dogs and at 11:53 the first dog was called to the line. Here we go!

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

2008-11-15T10:43:00.002-06:00

It is official--this was the ninth test, and the next series will be the tenth and final series for this National.

Catching Up...

2008-11-15T10:28:00.002-06:00

...I'll be posting photos of these last few dogs as soon as possible. We also will be moving very shortly as the last dog is on line...his birds have just gone down.

As you can see, the photo issue has been fixed, but it may be as late as tonight or tomorrow before I finally get all photos and corresponding text (when needed) up on the blog...there are also a few other posts that must be hidden in drafts you might enjoy that I'll have to find when time permits...will keep you posted on these things...

Dog Work...

2008-11-15T10:24:00.003-06:00

...Has been varied...a few dogs have had wonderful marks, while others have been average and still others have hunted as well, some dogs are getting out early on the far shore and either running to the bird from there or hunting the bird from there.

We Are In The Short Rows...

2008-11-15T10:20:00.004-06:00

#46 is returning with the last bird...#49 and #53 are waiting in blinds...#46, unfortunately, was out of control with relation to the honor/last requirements of the test.

More SnapShots :)

2008-11-15T10:07:00.002-06:00

No-Bird On The Rooster...

2008-11-15T09:34:00.002-06:00

...For #20...Now, we are back to running...

At This Moment...

2008-11-15T09:17:00.001-06:00

...#15 is handling...on the long bird.

Current Conditions...

2008-11-15T09:14:00.002-06:00

...Wind is whipping from the north about 15 miles per hour with higher gusts...temperature is 50 degrees before you factor in the wind chill.

Cattle Roundup

2008-11-15T09:03:00.002-06:00

...A big bull has moved into the far field near the long gun and one of the gunners is moving him out of the field of vision...#15 will be on line.

Candid Camera

2008-11-15T08:54:00.002-06:00

More Photos

2008-11-15T08:34:00.004-06:00

From top, #90, #70, #82, #78

Dog # 82 Coming To Line..So Far...

2008-11-15T08:11:00.002-06:00

...All the dogs have done the test.

Here Is The Test....

2008-11-15T08:10:00.002-06:00

Cutting Into The Morning...

2008-11-15T07:33:00.002-06:00

...Dog 56 started at 7:14 and dog #66 is currently on line running third. The first two dogs have done the test.

Here We Go...

2008-11-15T07:21:00.004-06:00

...6:47 First test dog was Jim Cope and FC Watermark's Big Chief. The test has been changed from last evening and the far right-hand bird at 97 yards which was a flyer shot to the right is now a dead hen pheasant thrown right to left into the edge of a bay of trees. The left-hand bird at 92 yards on this side of the pond is now a rooster pheasant flyer shot right to left, and the long bird all the way down the pond at an angle swim is a drake mallard at 342 yards. It is thrown right to left. The order is middle, left, right and all guns retire. The line is on top of a mound...there is an honor to the left of the line on the flat below the mound and about 20 yards from the line.

Jim handled on the right-hand bird...Chief didn't ever see it. Chief picked the long drake up to the left of where it had landed with a splash as it had floated away, so the judges adjusted that bird a tad and it now lands on the embankment near the water's edge.

At 7:00 a.m., Test Dog #2 came to line, that being Wendell Williams with FC-AFC Bayou Bay's Dago; he did a nice job on the test.

As The Moon Hovers Above Us...

2008-11-15T06:30:00.002-06:00

...The eastern sky is lightening...and guns are being placed in the field. That big wind has blown every cloud out of Texas...or so it appears at ze momente....

This 2008 National Retriever Championship is Dedicated to Tony Snow...

2008-11-15T05:05:00.004-06:00

...His untimely passing was completely unexpected; he has definitely been missed during this National for his eloquence, his wit, his deep laugh and booming voice, and most of all, his passion for the sport.

On Wednesday night at the Worker's Party, National Field Trial Chairman Mike Kammerer presented an award of appreciation meant for Tony to his gracious wife, Jan. As much a part of Nationals as Tony, everyone, including myself, was deeply moved to see Jan in attendance, but as she summed up, "It's what Tony would have done if the situation was reversed...it's what he would want." Godspeed to Tony and our love and support remain with Jan.

...The Power Behind Wind....

2008-11-15T05:00:00.003-06:00

...When it's dark--really dark--and you can't see a thing, but you can hear the wind, it can blow right through your mind and soul. Have you ever heard it at night before a big duck hunt out on open water? Or just before a championship event, maybe?

Like the wind this night. With the National drawing to a close, how many contestants had dreams stirred by the wind? How many workers and spectators wondered about that which was yet to come? How many folks listened and rearranged their goals during the ferocity of those lonely late night hours? That answer may be held near and dear to many folks as the new day dawns. But, it's there.

Final Day About To Dawn...

2008-11-15T04:57:00.001-06:00

...Currently 51 degrees...we have a big wind forecast out of the northwest and it surely has been blowing through the night...More soon.

Quallity Of Life

2008-11-14T22:33:00.003-06:00

Our dogs mean everything to us. That is a pretty safe statement to make in this retriever sport of ours as applies to virtually every one of us. Our dogs become extensions of our very being and we don't know what we would do without them. We arrange our lives around them for their lives become part of ours...

In the back of the program printed for each and every National there is a page dedicated to the dogs that are qualified but not entered. Now, this could be for any number of reasons. Perhaps the owner lives too far from the time zone that the National is held for that year and feels the time and expense is too steep for the potential gain or loss in trial potential. The owner may feel the dog is too young to compete with the big dogs, or too old to hang in with the young dogs.

And then there is another category that might apply. Deceased. A fact of life, to be sure, but circumstances can vary greatly from there...was it timely and more or less expected, or was it too fast and did it take you nearly or totally unaware?

FC Fargo II may have been eleven years old, but he wasn't showing any signs of age. Until six weeks before his decline and subsequent passing. We just never know how much time we have with our dogs...and we must tune in to how important it is to read the hints our dogs give to us, however subtle they may be...Here is the last photo of Fargo.

Please read more titled "Quality of Life" on the back page of Retriever News in Tailfeathers, January 2009 issue.

Calling It A Night...

2008-11-14T16:28:00.005-06:00

...Well, test dogs ran beginning with Ed Aycock and Reggie at 4:07; they handled on the long bird of the water triple. Ty Rorem and Jazz followed them and did a great job. At 4:20, the judges announced...or rather, Chief Co-Marshal Jim Cope informed the contestants that the test would begin at 6:45 in the morning. As you can see from this photo of handlers and workers viewing the test and looking west into the sun, visibility is tough. Waiting until morning is a good idea...

CHANGE That To Dogs BACK From This Land Quad Are...

2008-11-14T15:27:00.004-06:00

...Numbers: 10, 15, 19, 20, 22, 36, 39, 46, 49, 53, 56, 58, 66, 67, 70, 77, 78, 82, 90, 97...We will start the next test with dog #56.

As We Wind Down...

2008-11-14T14:55:00.003-06:00

...Dog #11 picked up and #15 just had a no-bird...

...Ethel has had a second no-bird but now there are only two other dogs remaining, so she waits two dogs instead of three...

Double Handle...And Rebird Coming Up

2008-11-14T14:22:00.003-06:00

...Unfortunately, #3 has handled on both dead hen pheasants...#4 is coming to line and then there will be a quick rebird. We are almost through with this test, and another is waiting for us over the hill...a water triple. AFTER the rebird there will be five dogs left to run before this test is in the books.

Dog #4 is partway through the test and is handling on the left middle (flyer) bird right now...after a hunt the dog started hunting to the right of the mound, dangerously close to the right bird, hence the handle.

Although Starting Out Left...

2008-11-14T13:58:00.004-06:00

...for the long bird, #99 almost pulled it out, but then began hunting short and mostly sideways and had to handle. Right behind him, #105 is handling on the long bird as well...change that to a pickup for #105.

The Ralph Factor

2008-11-14T13:42:00.003-06:00

...Dog #97 zipped out into legal territory and scooped up the long retired bird third, and then worked out the right-hand bird admirably.

Dogs #89 and #90 have done well, and #99 just had a no-bird flyer. He's back in the holding blind, about to try again.

Judges Requested Pick-Up

2008-11-14T13:34:00.002-06:00

Of Dog #93...who had been sent for the second flyer, and eventually ended up over at the right hand bird.

Done Too Soon...On Deck, #89

2008-11-14T13:11:00.003-06:00

...Dog #87 just broke on the last flyer as it was being shot--it was going to be a no-bird. The honor dog, #86, was then excused, having honored the break, and a bye dog is coming for the next dog, which is #89.

The Sun Is Peeking Out...

2008-11-14T12:34:00.005-06:00

...Dog #78 has completed the test with a right bird hunt and #79 has handled on the long bird.

At one time, temperatures were forecast in the 80s for today...last weather check said just under that, so we'll see. The test is arduous so I'm sure I'm not alone in hoping cloud cover sticks around, in any partial form or fashion.

Catching up on other dogs: 56, 57, 58, 66, 67 have done okay, some with various hunts or combinations thereof, #70 had a no-bird and then a flyer hunt, #77 and #81 did it...the others have been reported already.

Technical Difficulties And A Handle...

2008-11-14T12:03:00.003-06:00

The technical difficulties are on my end...still working out issues with the photos but am now hopeful they are nearly resolved, in which case you'll see photos show up again on many back posts...

Dog #74 handled on the long retired.

A Pick-Up

2008-11-14T11:56:00.001-06:00

Unfortunately, #71 has picked up on this test.

Humidity And Big Tests...

2008-11-14T11:08:00.003-06:00

...Can make things extra tough. Dog #65 had an extended hunt on the right-hand bird, and then handled on the long retired...he was too hot when he returned to the line and his handler took him immediately to the closeby swimming pool... A bye dog was used for the honor as #66 came to line...and #66 just did the test.

Since #45...Up Through #55

2008-11-14T10:17:00.004-06:00

...the dogs following #45 up to #55 (on line now) have all done the test in some fashion. There have been flyer hunts...certain dogs hunt between the flyer mound and the brush pile at the right-hand dead bird and then go over and get it...others make it more cleanly to that area of fall...

For the long bird, some dogs go up through the slot between middle left flyer and right-hand birds to get the long retired, many go way left and work it out, some go around right, some get deep.

Unfortunately, #55 has just handled on the long retired.

...Sad...

2008-11-14T09:27:00.002-06:00

...Dog #45 went out on a good and positive line for the long retired and just missed the bird and kept going and then started hunting...remember, that bird is nearly 400 yards out there and once there, terrain rolls this way and that...finally, she returned without a bird.

Auggie Has Done It, Angel Is Handling...

2008-11-14T09:17:00.002-06:00

Auggie has all the birds...but Angel is handling on the left middle bird (flyer) right now...

Stormin' Norman...

2008-11-14T09:01:00.001-06:00

...has just done the test...

Kicked Off With First Running Dog...

2008-11-14T08:49:00.002-06:00

...Dog #36 came to line at 8:43 a.m. (The test dog was run by Jim Cope at 7:25 a.m. and he double-handled...the two dead retired birds.) Dog #36 has handled on the long retired.

Hurry Up And Wait...

2008-11-14T06:57:00.005-06:00

...As feared, there is a blanket of misty fog covering Red Bird Meadows Ranch...guns are positioned out in the field, and that's the best we can do for now...

As we wait, I found Oscar, Mayer and Weiner quite comfortably resting with owner Lisa Farmer …this trio of well-loved dachshunds rules the Danny and Lisa Farmer household and as you can see, they enjoy quite the life. Of course, they give back in ways you might not even imagine…for instance, they can sing Christmas carols. Really! I’ve heard them myself.

Foggy Perspective?

2008-11-14T05:23:00.006-06:00

The last few mornings we've had hints of fog...this morning at this hour it's much more pronounced than previously...and settling in more. Maybe it will lift by 6:45...

It Is Friday...

2008-11-14T04:47:00.001-06:00

...and the week has flown by. Morning temperature is 59 degrees...southwest winds are forecast for today which will make this current test just about straight downwind if that wind holds...More to come.

Okay, I Can't Get Enough...

2008-11-13T17:28:00.003-06:00

I'm still here. Just thought I would part with one more pearl of wisdom. AT THIS MOMENT, this has not been OFFICIALLY classified as the seventh series. It may be the seventh, and then again, it may be the eighth. Stay tuned on that and whenever it is official, you'll be the next to know. Thanks!

Am Back With Another Quote...

2008-11-13T17:25:00.002-06:00

...I'm still sitting out in the field, just about by myself, wrapping things up, and the judges have just headed in...Judge Loren Morehouse has given me another official quote: "Vickie, I think the ball is back in our court."

See y'all in the mornin'...if not before.

No Mo' For This Test Tonight...

2008-11-13T17:18:00.003-06:00

...That's all folks, until morning. Assume the same time, same place, unless I notify you of anything different. See you then! CONFIRMED: 6:45 a.m. test dog, 7:00 a.m. start time. Remember, since the test has begun, in the morning carryover only one test dog will be run.

Double Handle...

2008-11-13T17:16:00.003-06:00

...Dog 32 is on line and has just handled on the far right bird. Now he has handled on the deep bird up the slot. It's getting pretty dark...

A Handle On Left Middle Bird

2008-11-13T17:03:00.003-06:00

...Dog #31 is currently on line and has just handled on the left middle bird, a flyer... unfortunately, he just had a no-bird on this very same bird, and remember, had to come right back. It's getting darker...the dog went to where his original flyer had landed and during his hunt got disoriented.

Technical Difficulties...

2008-11-13T16:59:00.005-06:00

...I had two better photos than this one, but problems have arisen suddenly with the CF card--I think--which may take a new one to rectify the situation. I had this one already saved...it shows the test, but the left middle flyer guns have a person out in the field to the left of their station; he is picking up one of the practice flyers they've shot. Still if you look closely, you can see all four stations. The long middle right up the slot is particularly hard to see in this picture, but I hope if gives you the idea of the configuration, overall.

Actually, I just checked this photo after posting it, and the best I can tell you is to find the flyer guns on top of the mound (gun out in field to their left) and then find the guns to the far right. Draw an imaginary line in your mind up between those flyer guns and the right-hand guns and go deep and that's where the long bird is positioned.

The First Handle Of This Test...

2008-11-13T16:40:00.002-06:00

...Is the second running dog, #28; Eckett is handling on the long dead hen up the middle of the test.

The Land Quad...

2008-11-13T16:38:00.004-06:00

...There are four birds situated in a picturesque field of pasture grass dotted with oaks and mounds. We are facing NNE.

To the far left is a set of flyer guns that shoot a rooster cock pheasant from right to left at a distane of 140 yards out. Moving right, we come to another set of flyer guns atop a mound, also shooting a rooster from right to left down on the flat at 190 yards. Deep from these guns is another mound and partway down the right side stands a thrower/gunner station that shoots and tosses a dead hen pheasant from left to right out from the base of the mound at 390 yards. Finally, in from that station is the fourth station at 240 yards; they shoot and throw another hen pheasant also from left to right in scattered pasture cover. The order is long right middle bird, then flyer left middle bird, and then far right-hand bird, finishing with the far left flyer. Both dead hen stations retire when the dog is sent for his first bird.

The running line is on top of a mound and in the middle; the honor is at the base of the mound to its right.

Record Move And We Have Started!

2008-11-13T16:30:00.006-06:00

...Now, THAT was fast. By 4:00 straight up the first test dog team of Ty and Jazz came to line and 8:40 min/sec later, Jazz completed the test nicely. Ed and Reggie followed immediately and weren't so fortunate as they double-handled, first on the left middle bird (rooster flyer) and then on the right middle bird, the 390-yard deep hen pheasant.

There is also an honor on this test. I will be back shortly to write more on the test, but for now, we brought the first running dog to line at 4:25 p.m. and that was #22, who did nicely, and the second dog is up right now.

Two Dogs Dropped After Second Land Blind...

2008-11-13T15:44:00.001-06:00

...They are #35 and #102. We are in the middle of the move to this next land setup.

Down To A Precious Few...

2008-11-13T15:24:00.003-06:00

...The last two dogs are in the holding blinds. In this photo, Ray Voigt and #97 leave the line.

Here Is A View From The Rear...

2008-11-13T15:01:00.003-06:00

...Looking out at the test. If you look closely you can see #81 returning down the lane with his bird and the blind planter is out to place another bird down for the next dog. In this photo you can also see the flyer crates/guns.

Changing conditions...

2008-11-13T15:00:00.001-06:00

...Wind is picking up a bit, clouds have rolled back in and the temperature is dropping. We have 13 dogs left to run on this test.

Big News!

2008-11-13T14:55:00.003-06:00

We will be moving to the next series upon completion of this test. Everyone can look forward to a land set of marks, which is forecast now for a quad (four birds) with two live roosters and two dead hen pheasants. That could be amended but is the news for the moment.

Even if only test dogs will run tonight...at least that much will be completed. :)

Already...

2008-11-13T14:38:00.002-06:00

...About to bring #66 to the line...so we are still cruise-flashing through the dogs.

All You Ever Wanted To Know...

2008-11-13T14:16:00.004-06:00

..about this land blind: Overall distance is 252 yards and it faces south/southeast (we're talking not much more than a hair trigger southeast off south) and the line is behind the leading left edge of a mound--so the initial line goes over this left side of the mound and then angles into the left edge of the same pond we just ran the water blind in but from a different vantage point/location/direction. From there the line is right of a green bush and left of another mound and then angling up toward the lane (which has turned from pavement to dirt) and then across it at an angle to the bird, a drake mallard. Also, the flyer crates are still in the field at the same placement for the last series with two gunners sitting on cue. The crates/gunners are not visible in the photo of the test but they are to the right of everything you see. We currently have an east wind. NWS says it is 1 mph but it's generally a puff or two over that...it does come and go.

Rapid Fire

2008-11-13T14:07:00.002-06:00

We are flyiing through dogs at generally under three minutes each. We began with #4 on this rotation. #39 is on line and has just turned in a crowd pleaser.

Test Dogs and Change-Ups

2008-11-13T13:59:00.002-06:00

First and second test dogs for the land blind ran at 1:17 an 1:20 p.m. respectively. On the mat first was Trumarc's Reverend Reggie, owned and handled by Ed Aycock, DVM...this team is replacing Danny Martin and Nike for the remainder of the National due to an injured leg for Nike. We hope he recovers quickly.
Ty and Jazz ran second and both test dogs turned in good work.

Dogs Dropped From Last Test...

2008-11-13T13:40:00.004-06:00

Here are the dropped dogs ONLY from the water blind setup: 6, 9, 21, 25, 59, 63, 73, 80, 88, 95, 98, 100.

This leaves 47 dogs to try the single land blind...all callbacks officially delivered by announcer Gay Houser, pictured.

Land Blind Started...

2008-11-13T13:33:00.001-06:00

...At 1:32 p.m., I will provide a better update shortly...as well as callbacks...

Of Note...

2008-11-13T12:42:00.005-06:00

...Today and toward the end but not exclusively during said time, some dogs have elected to get out on the left bank while in the last piece of water and then cast back in, some much better than others in that regard.

Getting Down To The Wire...

2008-11-13T12:19:00.002-06:00

...Dog #58 is about to come to the line. We've had a few more dogs ping-pong through the last piece of water, and some wanting to hang onto land a little too freely...58 is through and #63 is on line now.

The next test is a land blind and requires just a short shift in gallery and line with virtually no vehicle move. I'll write more on it shortly.

Water Level...

2008-11-13T10:06:00.004-06:00

...has gone down considerably since yesterday's increase in the same from the rain. A decoy in the first cove of water is now on land.

The exposure of the shore seems to be more tempting to the dogs overall as the morning goes on, although some are dealing with it better than others.

We Have Another Pickup

2008-11-13T09:28:00.001-06:00

...Unfortunately, #21 also got in the ping-pong mode out there and was asked to pick up by the judges.

Two Pickups...

2008-11-13T08:51:00.004-06:00

...For different reasons, same result: #6 was having a yo-yo blind at best and when in the last piece of water about 30 yards from the bird the handler was asked to pick him up by the judges; #9 only got her toes wet in the first cove, did get in the second cove, but over the point she gave very little and chose to hang onto the cattails and land on the left shore and also picked up.

Varied Yet Similar...

2008-11-13T08:04:00.010-06:00

Much of the same again this morning. One dog had a recast on the mark that I would call confusion, but I'm not judging...another dog barely stayed out of jail on the very first cove of water on the blind. One dog went right of the boat. A few dogs have been extra "watery" wanting to stay too far to the right of the line to the blind.

Ray Voigt had a no-bird on the flyer, and this would be a case where having the policy of coming right back after the first no-bird could certainly adversely affect a dog's work, as Ray's dog had to sit through two shot flyers in a row and then do a blind, while the other dogs have to deal with one flyer.

Most work is pretty workmanlike as was the case yesterday.

Crankin' Up...

2008-11-13T07:03:00.003-06:00

...Steve O'Connell and "Bull" are on line, having stepped up to the cause at 7:00 a.m. sharp. They've had a good blind...

6:45 a.m. Sharp...

2008-11-13T07:00:00.002-06:00

...This morning, the test dog team of Ty and Jazz stepped to the line and did a nice job, notwithstanding some bellowing from the neighboring cattle, including the bruiser pictured in this photo.

Another Mild Morning...

2008-11-13T04:49:00.002-06:00

...Currently, temperature is 57.6 degrees and overcast...guess we were lucky to see that moon last night! Wind is calm...we'll see what the day brings.

By The Light Of The Silvery Moon...

2008-11-12T21:12:00.006-06:00

...Workers enjoyed an absolutely wonderful party, held at a lovely Texas ranch under a brilliant and nearly full moon (tomorrow is the night for that if I'm not mistaken) that bathed the evening countryside in its glow. Pictures include an authentic Wurlitzer jukebox, the resident Sheriff, a swinging dance between Ed Aycock and Joanne Mackey, the presentation of an award of appreciation from Brazosport Retriever Club to Mike Kammerer by John Green, a candid snapshot of gunners Brad Clow and Swede Anderson, and the popular band on stage. Check out WRC for Nicole's reports as well.

One Last Post On Test Five For Today...

2008-11-12T21:11:00.003-06:00

... It's my sincere hope you enjoyed the earlier information on the test description and photos... Here is a brief summary statement until I resume tomorrow... Overall, work was very similar on the setup late this afternoon with mostly workman-like blinds and adequate marks. However, one dog had considerable trouble recovering his mark and that was #80, who seemed to lose his perspective once he began hunting the flyer in earnest. His hunt covered a lot of ground and also included quests in the water. That's a tough row to hoe and it can happen to the very best of dogs at any time...which serves to remind us all that no bird should ever be taken for granted. I've enjoyed watching this dog for many years and he's one of the most consistent in the country.

By the way, if you're not aware, there are some terrific videos of dog work and numerous interviews that can be accessed on WRC by clicking on available links on the daily reports...check them out.

See you in the morning.

Cease Fire...

2008-11-12T17:17:00.003-06:00

...Dog #93 is running and is the last dog for the evening...we resume in the morning with #95. Once again, test dog is slated for 6:45 a.m. with first running dog at 7 a.m.

Tonight the Worker's Party will be held at Bill Berkley's Ranch. Everything is shutting down as we speak. See you later!

Snapshot Of Fifth Series

2008-11-12T17:01:00.004-06:00

...Note that the blind planter is standing at the bird, but you have to look hard at the end of the second piece of water to see him.

Test Five Is Off And Running

2008-11-12T15:13:00.005-06:00

And began with #66 at 2:43 p.m. Here's how this test works: Water blind with shot flyer up the hill on the left, run the water blind first. The line to the water blind is more or less paralleling the left shore with kinks to it, but we'll get to that in a minute. There are two mats, one on the paved lane coming through Kammerer's property with the ponds on the right and a barbed wire fence on the left separating another field. One mat is situated on the lane and the other is down about seven steps from it near the fence. Dog and handler come to the line on the higher mat and call for the guns. The flyer is shot "out in left field" figuratively and literally and is shot right to left at 119 yards. The handler is given a number and then he/she retreats to the lower mat to run the blind from there. It is sort of a hidden entry, then up over the lane and into a cove of water and cattails, up out onto a gradual point that has an overturned boat on it about even with the flyer guns; the line at that portion of the blind is left of the boat and right of the guns. Then the dog re-enters the water and swims to and then crosses a second and more defined point. Once he/she re-enters again, this is a parallel the shore only from that moment until the dog reaches the bird out 228 yards on the pond dam at the end of the pond.
When the dog returns with this bird, he/she is then sent for the flyer from the upper mat.

Test Dogs And Anxious Handlers...

2008-11-12T15:10:00.007-06:00

...The first team of Danny and Nike came to line at 2:12 and demonstrated some of the pitfalls of the test to watching contestants, workers and spectators. Ty and Jazz took over soon after at 2:21 p.m. Work could range anywhere from four to six minutes a dog on average.

Dogs Dropped From FOURTH Series Only

2008-11-12T14:08:00.002-06:00

Here are the numbers: 7, 8, 13, 16, 23, 24, 27, 34, 37, 38, 41, 43, 50, 54, 61, 64, 72, 75, 85, 91, 92, 94, 104

The Move Is On...

2008-11-12T13:51:00.004-06:00

...Everyone is relocating to the new parking area, which only involves a distance of a hundred yards or less. The tractor has been utilized at least a few times to pull big dog trucks out of the muddy morning parking area..

Add Still Another...

2008-11-12T13:26:00.002-06:00

...Dog to the handle list for this test, #38.

Two Dogs To Go, Another Handle

2008-11-12T13:20:00.001-06:00

...Unfortunately, #37 handled.

Here are some gallery examples...