My November 13th issue of the Field finally arrived battered and bagged. The report for our Labor Day trial was in that issue.
New England Bird Dog Club
The New England Bird Dog Club has long been a fixture on the southern New England field trial scene, but moved its fall event to the scenic Glover Family Farm north of the White Mountains in Dummer, New Hampshire for Labor Day weekend. The trial participants gathered at the top of the old farm fields and had panoramic views of the surrounding hills and mountains. The single course started in the fields so everyone could see the breakaway and then followed trails down through open woods so that judges, handlers and gallery could get a good look at the dogs as they searched for planted birds. Those swift-footed handlers ended up back out in the open at the bottom of the hill. All that commented felt it was an excellent venue to show our walking trial dogs. Although quail were liberally planted throughout the course, grouse and woodcock were also encountered by some of the dogs. Temperatures rose into the mid-80s both days and a large water tub at the midpoint was much appreciated by the majority of the dogs.
Entries came from all over New England as well as New Brunswick as many handlers wanted one last tune-up run before the fall cover dog championships got underway. Bruce Shaffer from West Virginia was also in attendance as he was in the area training his string on wild birds. All entries were greatly appreciated. Everyone pitched where they could judging, planting birds, driving up and down the hill to fetch judges, dogs, and participants, and running their dogs. There were many excellent performances and numerous young dogs earned qualifying placements over the two-day event. If all goes well we will be back up on the hill next year at the same time.
You can see the placements by clicking below.