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2021 INVITATIONALFLIGHT BJUDGES:
Mike Akeroyd Alan Bruhin |
2021 Invitational Test Descriptions & Coverage – Flight B
AWARDS CEREMONY
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51 Dogs Completed All Six Series and Qualified at the
2021 Master Amateur Invitational- FLIGHT B: CONGRATULATIONS - 51 Dogs call back to the 7th : 3, 5, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 29, 32, 33, 36, 37, 40, 41, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 66, 70, 71, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 86, 87, 90, 91, 92, 94. The 7th Series was held at the Pavilion, handlers excepted their beautiful MAI Crystal Plate, MASTER Amateur Invitational Ribbon, a pin designating the number of MA passes their dog(s) has received and their 2021 MAI Handlers Hat. All the handlers had very big smiles on their face as they approached the judges to thank them for their time and dedication for judging this event. (left top) Qualifying Handlers signing the banner (photo by Kelley Hall) (left bottom) Celebration Cake! (photo by Kelley Hall) (bottom) First time Qualifiers get the sticker, 2nd Qual Silver, 3rd Qual, 4th Qual, 5th Qual. (photo by Kelley Hall) 
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SERIES 6 –
Friday, May 21, 2021:
Flight B will start the Sixth Series Friday morning with Test dog running at 7:15 am. Dog # 12 will be the first dog to run at 7:30 am.
Series 6 Test Description:
MAI Flight B Series 6
SFMRG Area 2 – Tech Pond
Water Triple with a Flyer, Diversion Shot, a Land and a Water Blind
Test Name by the Judges: “Every Dog has Its Day”
This final Sixth Series, of Flight B, of the 2021 MAI, being held at the Steve Ferguson Memorial Retriever Grounds is located on the west side of Area 2 – Tech Pond. This test includes two dead bird marks, an out-of-order flyer, a diversion shot and two blinds: one water and one land. This morning the wind is out of the northeast at 7 mph. This is more wind than there has been all week and is definitely not in the direction the judges would have preferred for the test. The right hand mark is being thrown left from a gun station 75 yards across the water. This “bridge bird” (a bird thrown from one piece of land across a body of water to another piece of land) is being thrown flat and lands in the back left pocket of a small point. The flyer shot, second, to the handler’s left, lands at approximately 52 yards. The gun station for the flyer is located to the right of the line to the land blind. It is also deep and to the right of the fall of the short middle bird. The line to the flyer cuts the corner of the channel, to the left of the land blind and short middle bird. The gun station for the go-bird is located on the same peninsula that the handler and dog are running from. This bird is thrown left landing across the channel at 39 yards.
After all three marks are picked up, the judges have instructed the handlers to run the water blind first and then conclude this final series by picking up the land blind. The land blind is located 82 yards from the line and the water blind is on the edge of the dam at 67 yards. When the dog is swimming back from the water blind, a diversion shot comes from the gun station throwing the go-bird.
Flight B will start the Sixth Series Friday morning with Test dog running at 7:15 am. Dog # 12 will be the first dog to run at 7:30 am.
Series 6 Test Description:
MAI Flight B Series 6
SFMRG Area 2 – Tech Pond
Water Triple with a Flyer, Diversion Shot, a Land and a Water Blind
Test Name by the Judges: “Every Dog has Its Day”
This final Sixth Series, of Flight B, of the 2021 MAI, being held at the Steve Ferguson Memorial Retriever Grounds is located on the west side of Area 2 – Tech Pond. This test includes two dead bird marks, an out-of-order flyer, a diversion shot and two blinds: one water and one land. This morning the wind is out of the northeast at 7 mph. This is more wind than there has been all week and is definitely not in the direction the judges would have preferred for the test. The right hand mark is being thrown left from a gun station 75 yards across the water. This “bridge bird” (a bird thrown from one piece of land across a body of water to another piece of land) is being thrown flat and lands in the back left pocket of a small point. The flyer shot, second, to the handler’s left, lands at approximately 52 yards. The gun station for the flyer is located to the right of the line to the land blind. It is also deep and to the right of the fall of the short middle bird. The line to the flyer cuts the corner of the channel, to the left of the land blind and short middle bird. The gun station for the go-bird is located on the same peninsula that the handler and dog are running from. This bird is thrown left landing across the channel at 39 yards.
After all three marks are picked up, the judges have instructed the handlers to run the water blind first and then conclude this final series by picking up the land blind. The land blind is located 82 yards from the line and the water blind is on the edge of the dam at 67 yards. When the dog is swimming back from the water blind, a diversion shot comes from the gun station throwing the go-bird.
Series 6 Dog Work:
“Ernie,” dog #40, a 4-year-old male black Labrador made his way to the line with handler Gloria Nusbickel. Ernie watched his ducks land and Gloria sent him to pick up the short middle bird. She then sent Ernie to the right hand bird. Gloria sent Ernie off her left for the flyer. He skirted the water, but knew exactly where his flyer was located. Gloria then lined up for the water blind. When Ernie was sent he jumped left requiring an immediate whistle. Gloria gave three more casts to get Ernie to the end of the blind. When sent for his land blind, Ernie again jumped left requiring another very quick whistle up front. Gloria cast Ernie five more times to get him to his duck.
When Sally Sullivan with dog #41, “Pick,” completed this Sixth Series, judge Rich Ellis turned to me and stated “Sally and Pick ran a near perfect event.” Pick, who turned seven on the first day of this event is a female black Labrador. Pick, picked up her marks, lined the water blind and one whistled the land blind. The work was impressive!
“Ernie,” dog #40, a 4-year-old male black Labrador made his way to the line with handler Gloria Nusbickel. Ernie watched his ducks land and Gloria sent him to pick up the short middle bird. She then sent Ernie to the right hand bird. Gloria sent Ernie off her left for the flyer. He skirted the water, but knew exactly where his flyer was located. Gloria then lined up for the water blind. When Ernie was sent he jumped left requiring an immediate whistle. Gloria gave three more casts to get Ernie to the end of the blind. When sent for his land blind, Ernie again jumped left requiring another very quick whistle up front. Gloria cast Ernie five more times to get him to his duck.
When Sally Sullivan with dog #41, “Pick,” completed this Sixth Series, judge Rich Ellis turned to me and stated “Sally and Pick ran a near perfect event.” Pick, who turned seven on the first day of this event is a female black Labrador. Pick, picked up her marks, lined the water blind and one whistled the land blind. The work was impressive!
SERIES 5 – "Gun Dog"
Thursday, May 20, 2021:
54 dogs called backs to the Sixth Series: 3, 5, 9, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 29, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41, 44, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 66, 70, 71, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 86, 87, 90, 91, 92, 94.
16 dogs were not called back: 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 30, 31, 39, 45, 69, 84, 89, 96.
Series 6 will begin Friday morning, starting with dog #12 at 7:30am.
Wednesday, May 19, 2021:
Flight B Series 5 (continues Thursday) Test dog at 7:15, starting with dog #12.
Series 5 Test Description:
MAI Flight B Series 5
SFMRG Area 2 – Tech Pond
Water Triple with Land Blind and Water Blind
Test Name by the Judges: “Gun Dog”
During set-up week, each team of judges “named” each test. The judges at the MAI held in California in April named each test and these judges have followed suit. The judges named Series 5 of Flight B “Gun Dog.” After the handlers saw the test dogs run, they (being the handlers) re-named this test “Breaking Gun Dog.”
Flight B has moved to Area 2 – Tech Pond for this Water Triple with a Land Blind and Water Blind. The handlers stand on a crescent-shaped peninsula looking west. The first mark, which is to the handler’s right, is thrown left and lands in medium-tall cattails in the corner of the pond across the dam at 67 yards. The long bird is thrown second. The gun station for the long bird is on a peninsula directly behind and deep of the “breaking go-bird.” The long bird is thrown to the left over the arc, but deep of the short bird landing 58 yards from the line. The third gun station is on a peninsula just across from the line. This bird is being thrown to the left, splashing about 14 yards from the line (this is a true definition of a breaking bird). This go-bird is certainly a very exciting bird for the dogs that are still playing.
After the dogs pick up all three marks, the handlers have been instructed to run the land blind first and conclude with the water blind. When both test dogs finished, the judges gave the handlers a reminder that the water blind is a “water blind.” They also encouraged handlers to quickly handle their dog out of the area of the old fall (go-bird) if the dog gets hung up. The land blind is being placed in front of and at the base of a mound that conceals the right hand mark gun station. The line to the water blind is over a peninsula, back in the water along the left shore of the peninsula and half way up the dam.
54 dogs called backs to the Sixth Series: 3, 5, 9, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 29, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41, 44, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 66, 70, 71, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 86, 87, 90, 91, 92, 94.
16 dogs were not called back: 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 30, 31, 39, 45, 69, 84, 89, 96.
Series 6 will begin Friday morning, starting with dog #12 at 7:30am.
Wednesday, May 19, 2021:
Flight B Series 5 (continues Thursday) Test dog at 7:15, starting with dog #12.
Series 5 Test Description:
MAI Flight B Series 5
SFMRG Area 2 – Tech Pond
Water Triple with Land Blind and Water Blind
Test Name by the Judges: “Gun Dog”
During set-up week, each team of judges “named” each test. The judges at the MAI held in California in April named each test and these judges have followed suit. The judges named Series 5 of Flight B “Gun Dog.” After the handlers saw the test dogs run, they (being the handlers) re-named this test “Breaking Gun Dog.”
Flight B has moved to Area 2 – Tech Pond for this Water Triple with a Land Blind and Water Blind. The handlers stand on a crescent-shaped peninsula looking west. The first mark, which is to the handler’s right, is thrown left and lands in medium-tall cattails in the corner of the pond across the dam at 67 yards. The long bird is thrown second. The gun station for the long bird is on a peninsula directly behind and deep of the “breaking go-bird.” The long bird is thrown to the left over the arc, but deep of the short bird landing 58 yards from the line. The third gun station is on a peninsula just across from the line. This bird is being thrown to the left, splashing about 14 yards from the line (this is a true definition of a breaking bird). This go-bird is certainly a very exciting bird for the dogs that are still playing.
After the dogs pick up all three marks, the handlers have been instructed to run the land blind first and conclude with the water blind. When both test dogs finished, the judges gave the handlers a reminder that the water blind is a “water blind.” They also encouraged handlers to quickly handle their dog out of the area of the old fall (go-bird) if the dog gets hung up. The land blind is being placed in front of and at the base of a mound that conceals the right hand mark gun station. The line to the water blind is over a peninsula, back in the water along the left shore of the peninsula and half way up the dam.
Series 5 Dog Work:
The air temperature is a pleasant 68 degrees this morning with a slight breeze from the north-northwest at 2 mph. The dew point continues to stay low keeping the air dry. The event committee ordered up nice weather for the week in Emporia, Virginia and Mother Nature delivered.
Most handlers in this test are selecting to pick up the land mark second after the go bird for two reasons; they don’t want to send the dog immediately back in the same direction as the go-bird and picking up the right-hand mark second also keeps the line to the land blind clean. This test is averaging 11 minutes per dog.
Dog #21, “Murphy,” a male Golden Retriever, who will celebrate his ninth birthday next month, was unimpressed with the go-bird making a big splash. He stood up to see the bird hit the water but did not take a single step forward. Upon returning with his duck, handler Michael Bunting lined Murphy up for the right hand bird. Murphy’s bird landed significantly short in very short grass; Murphy was able to see the bird laying on the ground from the line. Murphy kept a steady speed over the first peninsula, into the water to retrieve the long bird with no problems. Michael gave Murphy two left angle-backs, then a right over to get him to the land blind. On the water blind, Michael worked hard to keep Murphy tight against the shoreline giving several right backs; the final cast was a left back to put Murphy on the bird.
Chris Johnson with dog #22, “Bea,” a 10-year-old female black Labrador, tackled the test next. While the second bird thrown was in the air, Bea stood to watch to watch the fall. When the third bird was in the air Bea took two big steps forward to get a better look at exactly where her bird was going to splash in the water. Chris was asked to re-heel and Bea complied. Chris got a bit of a lucky break as the go-bird landed much further out past the point. As Bea returned with the bird, she looked back to the long left-hand bird but decided to get the right-hand bird next, going straight to it. Next, Bea retrieved the long bird with ease. En route to the land blind, the first cast came while Bea was still in the water. The second, just after she got up on land; with Chris adding two additional casts, a right-back and then a left-back to put Bea on the bird. Bea made Chris work a little harder on the water blind. There were several whistles up front, but Chris got her going in the right direction having a much better back half of the blind.
The air temperature is a pleasant 68 degrees this morning with a slight breeze from the north-northwest at 2 mph. The dew point continues to stay low keeping the air dry. The event committee ordered up nice weather for the week in Emporia, Virginia and Mother Nature delivered.
Most handlers in this test are selecting to pick up the land mark second after the go bird for two reasons; they don’t want to send the dog immediately back in the same direction as the go-bird and picking up the right-hand mark second also keeps the line to the land blind clean. This test is averaging 11 minutes per dog.
Dog #21, “Murphy,” a male Golden Retriever, who will celebrate his ninth birthday next month, was unimpressed with the go-bird making a big splash. He stood up to see the bird hit the water but did not take a single step forward. Upon returning with his duck, handler Michael Bunting lined Murphy up for the right hand bird. Murphy’s bird landed significantly short in very short grass; Murphy was able to see the bird laying on the ground from the line. Murphy kept a steady speed over the first peninsula, into the water to retrieve the long bird with no problems. Michael gave Murphy two left angle-backs, then a right over to get him to the land blind. On the water blind, Michael worked hard to keep Murphy tight against the shoreline giving several right backs; the final cast was a left back to put Murphy on the bird.
Chris Johnson with dog #22, “Bea,” a 10-year-old female black Labrador, tackled the test next. While the second bird thrown was in the air, Bea stood to watch to watch the fall. When the third bird was in the air Bea took two big steps forward to get a better look at exactly where her bird was going to splash in the water. Chris was asked to re-heel and Bea complied. Chris got a bit of a lucky break as the go-bird landed much further out past the point. As Bea returned with the bird, she looked back to the long left-hand bird but decided to get the right-hand bird next, going straight to it. Next, Bea retrieved the long bird with ease. En route to the land blind, the first cast came while Bea was still in the water. The second, just after she got up on land; with Chris adding two additional casts, a right-back and then a left-back to put Bea on the bird. Bea made Chris work a little harder on the water blind. There were several whistles up front, but Chris got her going in the right direction having a much better back half of the blind.
SERIES 4 – "It's All About the Dogs"
Wednesday, May 19, 2021:
There are 70 dogs called back to the Fifth Series: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 44, 45, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 66, 69, 70, 71, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 84, 86, 87, 89, 90, 91, 92, 94 and 96.
There were six dogs dropped: 19, 26, 42, 54, 85 and 88.
The Fifth Series will start with dog #92 this afternoon.
This series finished at 3:00 pm, several people are working diligently in Area 2 – Tech Pond to get everything set to start the Fifth Series today.
There is beautiful blue sky over the Steve Ferguson Memorial Retriever Grounds today with a slight breeze. Flight B was ready to get Series 4 underway early. The bitch check started at 6:45 am and the workers were in the field by 7:00 am. The test dog was ready to go at 7:15 am with the first working dog, #78, “Gaffey” and handler Henry Harper started the test at 7:40 am. The judges anticipate this test will take a little over four minutes per dog/handler team to complete and are hoping to start the Fifth Series today.
Flight B is on their fourth day of testing in Area 4 – Rock Bridge. This area of the SFMRG is approximately 30 acres and even though there is still plenty of land and water to use, the participants will be ready for new scenery after this series concludes.
Series 4 Test Description:
MAI Flight B Series 4
SFMRG Area 4 – Rock Bridge
Walk-up Land/Water Triple with Flyer and Diversion Bird
Test Name by the Judges: “It’s All About the Dogs”
Tuesday, May 18-Wednesday May 19, 2021
As the handler and dog begin walking Northwest, a bird is thrown from the handler’s right to the left landing at 26 yards. The handler swings the gun left and a bird is thrown left from a gun station well concealed behind a mound that is covered in tall grass which lands near the end of a point at 69 yards. The flyer station is up the middle and just to the left of an ATV path. The flyer is being shot to the right and is landing approximately 99 yards from the line. The line to the flyer crosses the ATV path and is framed nicely with three pine trees. Upon the return from the flyer (no matter what order the dog retrieves it) the judges blow a duck call and from the left gun station a duck call is returned and a diversion bird is thrown to the left landing in the corner of the pond with a splash.
There are 70 dogs called back to the Fifth Series: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 44, 45, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 66, 69, 70, 71, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 84, 86, 87, 89, 90, 91, 92, 94 and 96.
There were six dogs dropped: 19, 26, 42, 54, 85 and 88.
The Fifth Series will start with dog #92 this afternoon.
This series finished at 3:00 pm, several people are working diligently in Area 2 – Tech Pond to get everything set to start the Fifth Series today.
There is beautiful blue sky over the Steve Ferguson Memorial Retriever Grounds today with a slight breeze. Flight B was ready to get Series 4 underway early. The bitch check started at 6:45 am and the workers were in the field by 7:00 am. The test dog was ready to go at 7:15 am with the first working dog, #78, “Gaffey” and handler Henry Harper started the test at 7:40 am. The judges anticipate this test will take a little over four minutes per dog/handler team to complete and are hoping to start the Fifth Series today.
Flight B is on their fourth day of testing in Area 4 – Rock Bridge. This area of the SFMRG is approximately 30 acres and even though there is still plenty of land and water to use, the participants will be ready for new scenery after this series concludes.
Series 4 Test Description:
MAI Flight B Series 4
SFMRG Area 4 – Rock Bridge
Walk-up Land/Water Triple with Flyer and Diversion Bird
Test Name by the Judges: “It’s All About the Dogs”
Tuesday, May 18-Wednesday May 19, 2021
As the handler and dog begin walking Northwest, a bird is thrown from the handler’s right to the left landing at 26 yards. The handler swings the gun left and a bird is thrown left from a gun station well concealed behind a mound that is covered in tall grass which lands near the end of a point at 69 yards. The flyer station is up the middle and just to the left of an ATV path. The flyer is being shot to the right and is landing approximately 99 yards from the line. The line to the flyer crosses the ATV path and is framed nicely with three pine trees. Upon the return from the flyer (no matter what order the dog retrieves it) the judges blow a duck call and from the left gun station a duck call is returned and a diversion bird is thrown to the left landing in the corner of the pond with a splash.
Series 4 Dog Work:
Dog #86, “Java,” a 5-year-old black Labrador was coming back to the line with handler Rhonda Reed for a second time after receiving a no-bird earlier in the morning. Once all her birds were thrown, the judges asked Rhonda to re-heel her dog. Rhonda had to work hard to get Java back in position and once she did, Java was sent for the flyer. Having to re-heel did not affect Java’s line to the duck; she knew exactly where to find it. When Java was a quarter of the way back, the judge blew the duck call, a duck call was returned and the diversion bird thrown. Java selected to ignore the diversion bird and quickly picked up the right hand bird. As soon as Rhonda had the bird in hand, Java was ready to go for the left hand bird and Rhonda quickly released her to get her third bird. Rhonda handled Java to the diversion bird to finish the test.
After Paul Smith worked hard this morning to get all the cars into the parking area for this flight, he brought “Willow,” dog #90, to the holding blind. Willow, a 4-year-old female yellow Labrador went straight to all three marks. And with Paul’s help, she had a one-whistle handle and found the diversion bird. Willow quickly finished this test taking just over three minutes from walk-up to being placed back on her leash.
Dog #86, “Java,” a 5-year-old black Labrador was coming back to the line with handler Rhonda Reed for a second time after receiving a no-bird earlier in the morning. Once all her birds were thrown, the judges asked Rhonda to re-heel her dog. Rhonda had to work hard to get Java back in position and once she did, Java was sent for the flyer. Having to re-heel did not affect Java’s line to the duck; she knew exactly where to find it. When Java was a quarter of the way back, the judge blew the duck call, a duck call was returned and the diversion bird thrown. Java selected to ignore the diversion bird and quickly picked up the right hand bird. As soon as Rhonda had the bird in hand, Java was ready to go for the left hand bird and Rhonda quickly released her to get her third bird. Rhonda handled Java to the diversion bird to finish the test.
After Paul Smith worked hard this morning to get all the cars into the parking area for this flight, he brought “Willow,” dog #90, to the holding blind. Willow, a 4-year-old female yellow Labrador went straight to all three marks. And with Paul’s help, she had a one-whistle handle and found the diversion bird. Willow quickly finished this test taking just over three minutes from walk-up to being placed back on her leash.
SERIES 3 – "Hair of the Dog"
Tuesday, May 18, 2021:
There were 76 dogs called back to the Fourth Series: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 66, 69, 70, 71, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 94 and 96.
There were four dogs dropped: 7, 24, 28 and 93.
Wednesday Morning - Flight B Series 4 Bitch Check at 6:45am, Workers in the field at 7:00am, Test Dog at 7:15am, Starting Dog #76 at 7:30am.
NOTE: Please use back red gate off Rock Bridge Road to enter the property.
At the beginning of each series and prior to the start of a day, Test Dogs are run. As the Third Series did not finish Monday, test dogs were run this morning (Tuesday) promptly at 7:45 am, handler Zak Jennette with test dog, “Tug,” followed by handler John Sarver with test dog, “Gracie,” ran the test.
Flight B Judges, Rich Ellis and Rob McNeil were in good spirits this morning as they prepared to continue judging the Third Series.
The Third Series began Monday afternoon.
Series 3 Test Description:
MAI Flight B Series 3
SFMRG Area 4 – Rock Bridge
Land/Water Triple with Water Blind and an Honor
Test Name by the Judges: “Hair of the Dog”
Monday, May 17th - Tuesday, May 18th, 2021
In front of the judge’s table, a one-person duck blind has been constructed. The handler and dog enter the blind from the back. The front of the blind opens north to an area of the pond filled with several dead tree stumps. With shotgun in hand, the handler sits on a bucket with his or her hunting companion at their side. When they are ready, the handler signals. The judges call for first mark which lands 49 yards straight across the pond just on the shore. This bird is thrown from a tree down the shore and to the right of where the bird lands.
Next is the long middle mark. Located across the end of the cove, this duck is thrown to the left and approximately a quarter of the way up a slight hill and across an ATV trail landing at 108 yards. The judges then call for the third mark which is located to the handler’s left. This mark is thrown to the left from a tree that is at the very end of the pond 63 yards from the line. After the third mark lands, the judges ask the handler to re-heel their dog if needed. If this is the case, the handler must re-heel the dog while remaining seated on the bucket. Once the handler is released to send the dog, the handler may either send from the seated position or stand.
Upon returning from the last retrieve, a blind planter from the same blind in which the first bird is thrown places the blind. This blind is located to the handler’s right, across the stump pond just to the right of a very small point that is covered with a bit of sedge grass. This small point is causing some suction for a majority of the dogs. After completing the blind, the handler receives the dog in the honor box located to the left and about seven yards behind the working dog.
There were 76 dogs called back to the Fourth Series: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 66, 69, 70, 71, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 94 and 96.
There were four dogs dropped: 7, 24, 28 and 93.
Wednesday Morning - Flight B Series 4 Bitch Check at 6:45am, Workers in the field at 7:00am, Test Dog at 7:15am, Starting Dog #76 at 7:30am.
NOTE: Please use back red gate off Rock Bridge Road to enter the property.
At the beginning of each series and prior to the start of a day, Test Dogs are run. As the Third Series did not finish Monday, test dogs were run this morning (Tuesday) promptly at 7:45 am, handler Zak Jennette with test dog, “Tug,” followed by handler John Sarver with test dog, “Gracie,” ran the test.
Flight B Judges, Rich Ellis and Rob McNeil were in good spirits this morning as they prepared to continue judging the Third Series.
The Third Series began Monday afternoon.
Series 3 Test Description:
MAI Flight B Series 3
SFMRG Area 4 – Rock Bridge
Land/Water Triple with Water Blind and an Honor
Test Name by the Judges: “Hair of the Dog”
Monday, May 17th - Tuesday, May 18th, 2021
In front of the judge’s table, a one-person duck blind has been constructed. The handler and dog enter the blind from the back. The front of the blind opens north to an area of the pond filled with several dead tree stumps. With shotgun in hand, the handler sits on a bucket with his or her hunting companion at their side. When they are ready, the handler signals. The judges call for first mark which lands 49 yards straight across the pond just on the shore. This bird is thrown from a tree down the shore and to the right of where the bird lands.
Next is the long middle mark. Located across the end of the cove, this duck is thrown to the left and approximately a quarter of the way up a slight hill and across an ATV trail landing at 108 yards. The judges then call for the third mark which is located to the handler’s left. This mark is thrown to the left from a tree that is at the very end of the pond 63 yards from the line. After the third mark lands, the judges ask the handler to re-heel their dog if needed. If this is the case, the handler must re-heel the dog while remaining seated on the bucket. Once the handler is released to send the dog, the handler may either send from the seated position or stand.
Upon returning from the last retrieve, a blind planter from the same blind in which the first bird is thrown places the blind. This blind is located to the handler’s right, across the stump pond just to the right of a very small point that is covered with a bit of sedge grass. This small point is causing some suction for a majority of the dogs. After completing the blind, the handler receives the dog in the honor box located to the left and about seven yards behind the working dog.
Series 3 Dog Work:
Ellison Armfield with dog #1, “Splash,” a 3-year-old male black Labrador settled into the duck blind. Splash stayed next to Ellison watching all his birds land. Ellison sent Splash for the left hand bird while remaining seated on the bucket. Upon returning, Splash looked across the pond to the area of the fall of the right hand bird. Splash didn’t hesitate going across the stump pond and quickly found his bird. Splash also knew where his long middle memory bird was as he skirted around the end of the pond to make the retrieve. Ellison took her time in lining Splash up for the water blind and sent him on his way. About a quarter of the way across the stump pond, Splash popped. Ellison gave a verbal back to get Splash going again in the right direction. As soon as Splash started to seek the sedge grass, Ellison blew the whistle and gave an angle back right cast followed by another whistle and another angle right back. Her last cast was a left back to put Splash on shore exactly at the bird. Ellison received the bird in the honor box.
Dog #4, “Java,” and handler Bonnie Cuddihy heeled in to the duck blind and Bonnie took her seat on the bucket. As the marks went off, Java, a 7-year-old female chocolate Labrador, crept out in front of Bonnie. Once the third bird landed, the judges asked Bonnie to re-heel. This caused Java to look across the pond towards the long middle bird. As Bonnie stood to send Java, Java looked back at the left bird, Bonnie sent her on her way to get the retrieve. Java came back very excited to cross the pond to get the right hand bird. Java overran the bird, looped and made her way back to the water’s edge to get her duck. Java had a very nice line to the memory bird. She angled into the pond, swam across and out, angled across the hill and the ATV path straight to get her bird.
Bonnie had nice control of Java all the way to the blind. Bonnie gave a right back cast half way across the pond then a left back three-quarters of the way across and two whistles towards the very end of the blind thus ensuring Java came out of the water right on her bird. Java was a happy dog delivering her duck to Bonnie in the honor box.
Ellison Armfield with dog #1, “Splash,” a 3-year-old male black Labrador settled into the duck blind. Splash stayed next to Ellison watching all his birds land. Ellison sent Splash for the left hand bird while remaining seated on the bucket. Upon returning, Splash looked across the pond to the area of the fall of the right hand bird. Splash didn’t hesitate going across the stump pond and quickly found his bird. Splash also knew where his long middle memory bird was as he skirted around the end of the pond to make the retrieve. Ellison took her time in lining Splash up for the water blind and sent him on his way. About a quarter of the way across the stump pond, Splash popped. Ellison gave a verbal back to get Splash going again in the right direction. As soon as Splash started to seek the sedge grass, Ellison blew the whistle and gave an angle back right cast followed by another whistle and another angle right back. Her last cast was a left back to put Splash on shore exactly at the bird. Ellison received the bird in the honor box.
Dog #4, “Java,” and handler Bonnie Cuddihy heeled in to the duck blind and Bonnie took her seat on the bucket. As the marks went off, Java, a 7-year-old female chocolate Labrador, crept out in front of Bonnie. Once the third bird landed, the judges asked Bonnie to re-heel. This caused Java to look across the pond towards the long middle bird. As Bonnie stood to send Java, Java looked back at the left bird, Bonnie sent her on her way to get the retrieve. Java came back very excited to cross the pond to get the right hand bird. Java overran the bird, looped and made her way back to the water’s edge to get her duck. Java had a very nice line to the memory bird. She angled into the pond, swam across and out, angled across the hill and the ATV path straight to get her bird.
Bonnie had nice control of Java all the way to the blind. Bonnie gave a right back cast half way across the pond then a left back three-quarters of the way across and two whistles towards the very end of the blind thus ensuring Java came out of the water right on her bird. Java was a happy dog delivering her duck to Bonnie in the honor box.
SERIES 2 – "Dog On-It"
Monday, May 17, 2021:
There where 80 dogs called back to the Third Series: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 66, 69, 70, 71, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94 and 96.
There were six dogs dropped: 23, 34, 35, 49, 83 and 72A.
The Third Series would start with Dog #60 this afternoon. (Monday)
Series 2 Test Description:
MAI Flight B Series 2
SFMRG Area 4 – Rock Bridge
Land Walk-Up Triple, Out-of-order Flyer and a Land Blind
Test Name by the Judges: “Dog On-It”
When Flight B judges presented the scenario, handlers were instructed to not re-heel their dogs prior to sending them for the first retrieve. The handler could either move up to send the dog or send remotely.
After retrieving all three marks, the handler will move to a designated spot to run the blind. This spot is just to the right of where the walk-up line was located.
As the handler approaches the line, the judge signaled for a bird to be thrown. This left-hand walk-up bird was presented at 45 yards, thrown angle back left. The handler then turned almost 90 degrees as the flyer was shot to the left landing at approximately 90 yards from the line. The middle bird, equidistant between the left and right-hand bird is thrown to the right at 87 yards. There are two heavy patches of cover and a slight incline that the dogs negotiate enroute to the middle bird. As the dog returns from the last retrieve, the judge calls for the blind to be planted. The line to the blind is also through two patches of cover, up a slight hill under the arc of the middle bird where the dog will find the bird at 110 yards from the line.
There where 80 dogs called back to the Third Series: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 66, 69, 70, 71, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94 and 96.
There were six dogs dropped: 23, 34, 35, 49, 83 and 72A.
The Third Series would start with Dog #60 this afternoon. (Monday)
Series 2 Test Description:
MAI Flight B Series 2
SFMRG Area 4 – Rock Bridge
Land Walk-Up Triple, Out-of-order Flyer and a Land Blind
Test Name by the Judges: “Dog On-It”
When Flight B judges presented the scenario, handlers were instructed to not re-heel their dogs prior to sending them for the first retrieve. The handler could either move up to send the dog or send remotely.
After retrieving all three marks, the handler will move to a designated spot to run the blind. This spot is just to the right of where the walk-up line was located.
As the handler approaches the line, the judge signaled for a bird to be thrown. This left-hand walk-up bird was presented at 45 yards, thrown angle back left. The handler then turned almost 90 degrees as the flyer was shot to the left landing at approximately 90 yards from the line. The middle bird, equidistant between the left and right-hand bird is thrown to the right at 87 yards. There are two heavy patches of cover and a slight incline that the dogs negotiate enroute to the middle bird. As the dog returns from the last retrieve, the judge calls for the blind to be planted. The line to the blind is also through two patches of cover, up a slight hill under the arc of the middle bird where the dog will find the bird at 110 yards from the line.
Series 2 Dog Work:
Flight B’s Second Series started on Sunday afternoon with 86 dogs; four had been dropped after the First Series: dogs 47, 65, 67 and 95.
The first worker shift change took place at 9:53 am. This morning the wind was out of the southeast causing the land blind to be a bit challenging as dogs had to pass through the scent cone of the fall area of the middle bird on the way to the blind.
The judge calling for the birds had a nice cadence, giving the dogs plenty of opportunity to see the bird land in the fall area.
Renee Schulte along with her dog # 89 heeled nicely together on the walk-up. “Topper,” a 5-year-old male Golden Retriever, watched all three birds to the ground. When Renee released Topper, he knew exactly where the long middle-bird was located. Upon his return he looked in nicely to the flyer fall area. He overran his flyer but quickly worked his way back and found it. In route to the left-hand bird, Topper made a full spin midway but continued on straight to the bird. Renee moved to her right to receive the last bird and get Topper lined up for the blind. The first whistle Renee blew, Topper was a quarter of the way to the blind. Giving a cast, Renee put him back on line. The second whistle was halfway to the bird; Renee added a verbal “back” to push Topper through the scent cone of the middle bird. Topper carried that cast to get his duck.
Dog #91, “Rody,” an 8-year-old yellow Labrador, came to the line with seasoned confidence. If handler Missy Lemoi was nervous it did not show. Missy and Rody’s walk up was textbook. Rody watched all his birds land and was right next to Missy when she released him to retrieve the middle go-bird. Rody quickly went straight to get his bird and returned. Missy made the decision for Rody to pick up the left-hand bird second. Rody complied and went straight to get his bird. Before sending for the flyer, Missy gave Rody time to settle in to remember where his flyer landed. His line to his flyer was a bit left but quickly worked it to get his duck. Missy moved to receive the flyer in the location needed to run the blind. She took her time lining Rody ensuring handler and dog where on the same page. Rody took a beautiful line to the bird – no whistles!
Flight B’s Second Series started on Sunday afternoon with 86 dogs; four had been dropped after the First Series: dogs 47, 65, 67 and 95.
The first worker shift change took place at 9:53 am. This morning the wind was out of the southeast causing the land blind to be a bit challenging as dogs had to pass through the scent cone of the fall area of the middle bird on the way to the blind.
The judge calling for the birds had a nice cadence, giving the dogs plenty of opportunity to see the bird land in the fall area.
Renee Schulte along with her dog # 89 heeled nicely together on the walk-up. “Topper,” a 5-year-old male Golden Retriever, watched all three birds to the ground. When Renee released Topper, he knew exactly where the long middle-bird was located. Upon his return he looked in nicely to the flyer fall area. He overran his flyer but quickly worked his way back and found it. In route to the left-hand bird, Topper made a full spin midway but continued on straight to the bird. Renee moved to her right to receive the last bird and get Topper lined up for the blind. The first whistle Renee blew, Topper was a quarter of the way to the blind. Giving a cast, Renee put him back on line. The second whistle was halfway to the bird; Renee added a verbal “back” to push Topper through the scent cone of the middle bird. Topper carried that cast to get his duck.
Dog #91, “Rody,” an 8-year-old yellow Labrador, came to the line with seasoned confidence. If handler Missy Lemoi was nervous it did not show. Missy and Rody’s walk up was textbook. Rody watched all his birds land and was right next to Missy when she released him to retrieve the middle go-bird. Rody quickly went straight to get his bird and returned. Missy made the decision for Rody to pick up the left-hand bird second. Rody complied and went straight to get his bird. Before sending for the flyer, Missy gave Rody time to settle in to remember where his flyer landed. His line to his flyer was a bit left but quickly worked it to get his duck. Missy moved to receive the flyer in the location needed to run the blind. She took her time lining Rody ensuring handler and dog where on the same page. Rody took a beautiful line to the bird – no whistles!
Missy Lemoi and Rody after completing the second series. (photo by Kelley Hall)
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Renee Schulte and Topper, Topper on his way to retrieve his Flyer. (photo by Kelley Hall)
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SERIES 1 – Who Let The Dogs Out?
Sunday, May 16, 2021:
There were 86 dogs called back to the Second Series: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 66, 69, 70, 71, 72A, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 96.
The four dogs dropped were #47 and #65 for a double handle, #67 broke and the handler picked up #95.
Just a reminder: Flight B scratches were: 2, 43, 62, 68, 72, 75, and 82.
Both Flight A and Flight B completed the First Series, and started the Second Series today. (Sunday)
Tomorrow (Monday) morning Flight A will start with Dog #86.
Flight B will start with Dog #60.
Both flights will start at 8:00 am, Test Dog at 7:45 am and Bitch check 7:00 am.
96 Dogs Entered in Flight B
90 started the First Series
Flight B scratches were: 2, 43, 62, 68, 72, 75, and 82.
Dog #72A was moved over from Flight A to Flight B
Series 1 Test Description:
MAI Flight B Series 1
SFMRG Area 4 – Rock Bridge
Land Triple, Flyer with an Honor
Test Name by the Judges: “Who Let the Dogs Out?”
Sunday, May 16th 2021
Flight B handlers arrived at their first test location in Area 4, Rock Bridge of the SFMRG. The temperature this morning was 50 degrees with an overcast sky. The handlers looked north from the line into the field. Members of the SFMRG grounds would say, “They are running from the back side of Rock Bridge.” The handlers are running from directly in front of the judges’ tent, with the honor to the left of the tent. The first bird presented is on the right side. A large pine tree and natural bush conceal the winger station. This bird is thrown to the left and behind a thicker patch of tall grass at 97 yards. The middle bird is thrown left angle back landing at 67 yards. This winger station is also concealed with a large pine tree and a constructed bush to look very similar to the right-hand bird station. The flyer station is the left-hand bird landing at approximately 111 yards from the line, just before heavier cover up a slight hill. There are 12 3-D silhouette goose decoys near the line.
There were 86 dogs called back to the Second Series: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 66, 69, 70, 71, 72A, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 96.
The four dogs dropped were #47 and #65 for a double handle, #67 broke and the handler picked up #95.
Just a reminder: Flight B scratches were: 2, 43, 62, 68, 72, 75, and 82.
Both Flight A and Flight B completed the First Series, and started the Second Series today. (Sunday)
Tomorrow (Monday) morning Flight A will start with Dog #86.
Flight B will start with Dog #60.
Both flights will start at 8:00 am, Test Dog at 7:45 am and Bitch check 7:00 am.
96 Dogs Entered in Flight B
90 started the First Series
Flight B scratches were: 2, 43, 62, 68, 72, 75, and 82.
Dog #72A was moved over from Flight A to Flight B
Series 1 Test Description:
MAI Flight B Series 1
SFMRG Area 4 – Rock Bridge
Land Triple, Flyer with an Honor
Test Name by the Judges: “Who Let the Dogs Out?”
Sunday, May 16th 2021
Flight B handlers arrived at their first test location in Area 4, Rock Bridge of the SFMRG. The temperature this morning was 50 degrees with an overcast sky. The handlers looked north from the line into the field. Members of the SFMRG grounds would say, “They are running from the back side of Rock Bridge.” The handlers are running from directly in front of the judges’ tent, with the honor to the left of the tent. The first bird presented is on the right side. A large pine tree and natural bush conceal the winger station. This bird is thrown to the left and behind a thicker patch of tall grass at 97 yards. The middle bird is thrown left angle back landing at 67 yards. This winger station is also concealed with a large pine tree and a constructed bush to look very similar to the right-hand bird station. The flyer station is the left-hand bird landing at approximately 111 yards from the line, just before heavier cover up a slight hill. There are 12 3-D silhouette goose decoys near the line.
Series 1 Dog Work:
After the first re-bird at 9:45 am, the next two of three handlers received no-birds. The winger malfunctioned at the middle bird station for dog #49 causing the handler to go back three dogs. Dog #51 received a no bird on the flyer requiring that handler to also go back 3 dogs. On dog #49’s return to the line, the dog received another no bird sending this handler back 6 dogs.
Dog #51, “Moses,” a six-year-old male black Labrador with handler Beth Coleman had better luck when he returned to the line for the second time. Moses sat nicely and watched all three of his birds land. Beth released Moses. A bit of suction from the flyer station caused Moses to drift right and deep of his bird, one loop and then a bigger loop caused Moses to get behind the flyer station. Beth blew the whistle and handled Moses quickly to the flyer. When Moses returned with his flyer, Beth lined him up well for the right-hand mark, took the bird, gave Moses a second to remember the mark and sent him. Moses went straight to the bird. After Moses lined the middle bird, Beth received the bird from Moses in the honor box.
Gary Stephens and his dog #56, “Meares,” a four-year-old female yellow Labrador also had a handle in the First Series. Meares was excited, but stayed close to Gary while all three birds landed. Gary released Meares for the flyer; she got deep of the bird, but quickly worked her way back. She had a very nice right-hand mark going through the cover to pick up her bird. Gary lined Meares nicely for the shorter middle mark, but she went deep and started hunting near the tree line which is approximately 35 yards deep of the bird. Meares hunted to the left, getting closer to the flyer station. Gary blew the whistle and quickly handled Meares back to her bird.
After two no birds and going back 9 dogs, both Kathy Guerra and dog #49, “Tuffy,” a 2-1/2 year old male Golden Retriever – and the youngest dog in Flight B – were ready to watch all three birds land. Kathy called for the birds. The right-hand bird got caught up in the winger a bit, but Tuffy was locked on and saw his bird land. Tuffy also had a nice look at the middle bird and flyer. Tuffy made a tight loop to pick up the flyer. He headed straight to the right-hand bird and pinned it. On the middle bird, he made another tight loop and quickly found the bird. Kathy was happy to receive the bird in the honor box.
After the first re-bird at 9:45 am, the next two of three handlers received no-birds. The winger malfunctioned at the middle bird station for dog #49 causing the handler to go back three dogs. Dog #51 received a no bird on the flyer requiring that handler to also go back 3 dogs. On dog #49’s return to the line, the dog received another no bird sending this handler back 6 dogs.
Dog #51, “Moses,” a six-year-old male black Labrador with handler Beth Coleman had better luck when he returned to the line for the second time. Moses sat nicely and watched all three of his birds land. Beth released Moses. A bit of suction from the flyer station caused Moses to drift right and deep of his bird, one loop and then a bigger loop caused Moses to get behind the flyer station. Beth blew the whistle and handled Moses quickly to the flyer. When Moses returned with his flyer, Beth lined him up well for the right-hand mark, took the bird, gave Moses a second to remember the mark and sent him. Moses went straight to the bird. After Moses lined the middle bird, Beth received the bird from Moses in the honor box.
Gary Stephens and his dog #56, “Meares,” a four-year-old female yellow Labrador also had a handle in the First Series. Meares was excited, but stayed close to Gary while all three birds landed. Gary released Meares for the flyer; she got deep of the bird, but quickly worked her way back. She had a very nice right-hand mark going through the cover to pick up her bird. Gary lined Meares nicely for the shorter middle mark, but she went deep and started hunting near the tree line which is approximately 35 yards deep of the bird. Meares hunted to the left, getting closer to the flyer station. Gary blew the whistle and quickly handled Meares back to her bird.
After two no birds and going back 9 dogs, both Kathy Guerra and dog #49, “Tuffy,” a 2-1/2 year old male Golden Retriever – and the youngest dog in Flight B – were ready to watch all three birds land. Kathy called for the birds. The right-hand bird got caught up in the winger a bit, but Tuffy was locked on and saw his bird land. Tuffy also had a nice look at the middle bird and flyer. Tuffy made a tight loop to pick up the flyer. He headed straight to the right-hand bird and pinned it. On the middle bird, he made another tight loop and quickly found the bird. Kathy was happy to receive the bird in the honor box.