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| The first running Dog is Dog #28 for each flight! |
The meeting was called to order by John Blackbird who is the Co-Chair and Head Marshal presiding during the mandatory Handler's Meeting this afternoon.
The first order of business was the draw for the dog to run first, the lucky number is #28. Congratulations go to:
Flight A: Gloria Nusbickel and Dogleg's Snake Eyes Pair-A-Dice MH MNH,
Flight B: Charles Pugh and Lil Miss Crazy Kate MH QAA,
Flight C: Ellison Armfield and CH Duckback Armbrook's Indigo MH CD.
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| Charles, Ellison and Gloria – The Three Musketeers |
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| Ellison Armfield displays the gun she will use to run with her dog, CH Duckback Armbrook's Indigo MH CD |
These handlers were presented a beautiful handmade "handlers gun." These handler guns were made by Master Amateur member Roy Fray from Corte Mardera, CA.
The rotation was announced: 28, 36, 44, 2, 10 and 18
John said a special thank you to Ed Sullivan and Frank Prendergast for all of their help over the past several months in preparation for this event.
Test locations were announced: Flight A will be at Tired Bottom Farm, land owners are John and Mary Stracka; Flight B will be at Whoa Nellie Farm, land owners are Ken and Brenda Neil; Flight C will be at Dog Pond Kennels, land owners are Glen and Laurie Williams.
Safety note ** Traveling to Dog Pond Kennels can be tricky, proceed with great caution when driving to this property.
Rip Shively was chosen to speak on behalf of all of the judges. It was announced that the judges would still take questions at each test site. He cautioned the handlers of the following item points:
• The handlers gun must be shouldered and no barrels shall pass in front of the dog at any time.• During the honor, handlers may stand or kneel, but may not hoover over the dog.
• Handlers need to wear dark or appropriate clothing and may use their hat when handling.
• During walk-ups, you must continue to make progress towards the bird.
• If you start to handle on a mark, handle all the way to the bird.
• Judges will not take the handler gun from the handler – gun stands are provided and handlers shall place the gun in the stand.
• If you get a "no bird," go back 3 dogs; if you get a second "no bird," go back 6 dogs; if you get a third "no bird" go to the end.
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| Judge Rip Shively gives the handler instructions |
John announced that each series will begin with the run of two Test Dogs – these same two dogs will also serve as bye dogs.
All dogs will run in order – NO EXCEPTIONS.
All callbacks will take place at the location of the series that has just finished prior to any callbacks being posted on any type of social media.
All Handlers are required to work multiple shifts, there was no one hired to work this event. This event is an all-volunteer event!! Shifts will be from 7:30 am to 11:30 am, second shift will run from 11:30 to the end of the day including tear down and set up for the next series.
Bitch check will take place each morning at 7:30 am. All females must be checked each morning.
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| Chairman John Blackbird |
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| Stake Chairs Laura Judd (A), Dave Christianson (B), Frankie Prendergast (C) and John Blackbird |
All questions from the handler to the judges during the course of the entire event must go through the line Marshal. Each handler does have the right to ask questions of the judges, but the questions must go through the line judge.
This concluded the information passed to the handlers.
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| The handlers sign up to work at their stake. |
