German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Michigan first Field Trials


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German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Michigan Field Trial Banquet


OUR FIRST FIELD TRIAL


Throughout the year, shows training periods, fun trials and water work lead to a desire for a field trial. A field trial committee was appointed early in the 1946 to make arrangements for our first licensed field trial. It was at the September meeting, the field trial committee gave final instructions on location, starting time, judges and outline of the procedures to be follows for our trial.


The dogs are run in pairs for a given period of time, usually thirty minutes in our trials, during which time the work of each dog is observed and a report is made on an individual score card or piece of paper recording the opinions of the judges while the dogs are in competition. Such qualities as range , style, application of effort and natural hunting urge are being observed, all of which are hereditary qualities.


As the dogs continue about the course, they are being studied and some fifteen to thirty minutes later they are brought into the bird field where game birds have been planted, It is at this time that the scenting quality and the pointing urge of the dogs are observed. These are basic qualities that are of paramount importance to the pointing dog. Steadiness to point, flush, shot and hill are qualities essential in a mature, well trained bird dog. The present program requires a retrieve.


The judges observe the complete actions of the dogs in their natural work In the fields and the fineness of their training, With these recorded observations for comparison they are best able to draw a conclusions and make the placements in the stake without fear or prejudice.


Our first field trial was held September 22, 1946, at the Island Lake Recreation Area. Mr. John Hadaway of Flint, Michigan and Dr. DeVries of Lansing, Michigan. Were the judges. They are experienced and qualified in their field. It is worthy of note to mention that these two men are still interested in trial activities and have achieved a permanent position in the archives of bird dog history. There were twenty-nine entries and the trial was completed in one day.


The Following Placements were well received:



Puppy:

  1. Duke V. Hohenbrunk
  2. Fieldborn Schwan’s Gretchen

Derby:

  1. Fieldborn Falkenhorst
  2. Chot V. Falkenhorst
  3. Fritz V. Hutz

Non:

  1. Tasso V. Rheinberg
  2. Peppy V. Weidenhain
  3. Lou V. Waldwinkel

Open All Age:

  1. The Doctors Baron
  2. Ona V. Dakona
  3. Timm V. Altenau


GSPC of Michigan. Our first Field Trial

Early in the spring of 1947, plans were made to hold a second field trial. In fact, the interest in trials had developed to such a high level that many of the members wanted to have a spring and fall trial. The field trial committee crystallized the many details for another trial to be held October 4th and 5th 1947. This event proved to be of such magnitude as to require two days to complete the running of sixty-seven entries, the greatest number to date for the breed, Mr. Alton King of Farmington, Michigan and Henry P. Davis of Connecticut were the judges.


The Following Placements were well received:



Puppy:

  1. Blitz V. Keift   O.H – Geo Havranek
  2. Baron V Rudloff     O.H. – S.F. Radloff
  3. Buster     O.H. – Dr. W.F. Hartnell

Derby:

  1. Daisy   O.H – J.J. Cibulka
  2. Alsedda    O.H – Clark Lemely
  3. Rita V Altenau   O.H – Carl Schnell
  4. Gunmaster’s Kit Carson    O.– Geo. Knupp     H. – Dr. Hartnel

Gun Dog Stakes:

  1. Gunmaster’s Casanova       O. – H.J. Kirkam    H - Bill Olsen
  2. Ginger V. Denk   O. – W.A. Olson    H - Splettstazer
  3. Man O’war    O. –R.A. Tasse    H – Lee Vollrath
  4. Bell of St Croix     O. – Mr. Sheldon     H – Hjalmar Olsen

Non – Winners:

  1. Ranger V. Der Griff    O.H. – J.V. Anderson
  2. Count V Feldstrom     O .H. – Dr. Clark Lemely
  3. Ginger V. Denk    O. – W.A. Olsen    H.– Splettstazer
  4. Izan     O.H. – James Holland

Open All Age:

  1. Mars V Schwarenberg    O. – Mrs, H.J. Zahalka     H.– H.H. Peterson
  2. Schatz V. Schwarenberg     O. – Dr Harry Zahalka    H.– H.H. Peterson
  3. The Doctors Baron     O. H – Chas. Friend
  4. Tasso V. Rheinberg     O. H – Wm. Ehrler

Mr. King’s great love is grouse trials. He is a breeder , promoter and recognized judge of bird dogs. Mr. Davis is an internationally know authority on hunting dog,- editor of the dog section of the magazine, “Sports Afield” he is an experienced breeder, campaigner, and judge of bird dogs, “Dog Encyclopedia”and “Training Your Own Bird Dog” are several books authored by Mr. Davis.


The Banquet on Saturday evening held near our trial grounds on Island Lake Recreation area was attended by some forty people, including some from out of state. At the conclusion of the dinner we were privileged to hear many helpful suggestions from both judges. There men stood up under a barrage of questioning that lasted well over an hour. We covered every facet of conducting a field trial from planting birds to what should be looked for in a trial dog, and even how a contestant should maintain good deportment.



GSPC of Michigan Field Trial Held at Bald Mountain Michigan late 1940

Here were teachers at work. I marvel at the willingness of men of such high caliber to come to a club and help out with the spade work, - but they are dedicated people, I mention the names of our judges for the first two field trials to illustrate the need for procuring the very best qualified men, Over the years, we have held to high qualifications and we have been fortunate in securing such men.


Field trials are a very essential part of the development of bird dogs to their highest level, as they afford an opportunity to the observer for visual comparison, Repeated visits to the running of dogs in trials is educational. Views change and opinions broaden as experience is accumulated. There is no doubt that trials are having a stimulating effect for improvement of the breed. The quality of the dogs in competition today is higher than a few years ago. As competition is expanded to more trial holding clubs, you will see the shorthair occupy a coveted position with the hunting fraternity.


Trial giving clubs should be on the alert to recognize opportunities to improve competition and develop methods for encouraging the beginner to enter his dog in trials, It is from the beginner of today that the field trialers of tomorrow must come.


GSPC of Michigan 25th Anniversary Field Trial



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