The members of the Gulf Coast Texas Region met on March 28 and 29 for the Regional Elimination trial. The weather was temperate and accommodating for Texas in late March. And while the ground conditions were slightly dry, the dogs were able to scent and find a good number of birds.
Round 1 on Saturday saw 24 total dogs compete across twelve braces. The leading scorer out of Round 1 was Maggie’s High Cotton (Cotton) handled by Maggie Parsley with a score of 774.5 and the most finds of the round (4). Six dogs would go on to put up three finds during Round 1. This first round also saw some inspiring endurance and heart from a number of older dogs including Windchester Mae (Wind), age 12, handled by Leo Bonser and Barr’s Hot Chilli (Chilli), age 11, handled by Ken Copeland who faced off in the seventh brace.
Round 2 included sixteen dogs across eight braces as the competition tightened up on Sunday morning. Tater topped off the round with four finds and a score of 684, while four dogs each recorded three finds. As the second round came to a close, the final six competitors were established for Round 3:
The final brace, one hour long, proved challenging, with dogs and handlers working their hardest in the Texas sun. Finds were sparse and hard to come by. In the end, Robin edged out the competition with two finds and a back, making the difference over Tater’s single find and securing the championship.
The GCT membership would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to the people who made this year’s event possible: Scott Thomas, owner of the beautiful Three Oaks Ranch, generously provided the grounds and accommodations that made for a truly memorable event. Chad Norpel of the Mid-North Region and Richie Hight of the Northern California/Nevada region provided their time and expertise as judges to ensure NSTRA rules and standards were enforced. Dylan Bernhagen handled bird-planting duties throughout the weekend. The trial was planned and executed thanks to the time and leadership of trial coordinator Martin Ueltschey, field marshal Maggie Parsley and scorekeeper Holly Copeland
Round 1 on Saturday saw 24 total dogs compete across twelve braces. The leading scorer out of Round 1 was Maggie’s High Cotton (Cotton) handled by Maggie Parsley with a score of 774.5 and the most finds of the round (4). Six dogs would go on to put up three finds during Round 1. This first round also saw some inspiring endurance and heart from a number of older dogs including Windchester Mae (Wind), age 12, handled by Leo Bonser and Barr’s Hot Chilli (Chilli), age 11, handled by Ken Copeland who faced off in the seventh brace.
Round 2 included sixteen dogs across eight braces as the competition tightened up on Sunday morning. Tater topped off the round with four finds and a score of 684, while four dogs each recorded three finds. As the second round came to a close, the final six competitors were established for Round 3:
- TGR’s Stielhandgranate Potato Masher (Tater), handled by Michele McDonald
- Maggie’s High Cotton (Cotton), handled by Maggie Parsley
- Crosswind’s Mad Tinkerer (Tink), handled by Martin Ueltschey
- Martin’s Always Tipsy (Tip), handled by Martin Ueltschey
- Barr’s Hot Chilli (Chilli), handled by Ken Copeland
- E’s Robin Hood (Robin), handled by Elza Smith
The final brace, one hour long, proved challenging, with dogs and handlers working their hardest in the Texas sun. Finds were sparse and hard to come by. In the end, Robin edged out the competition with two finds and a back, making the difference over Tater’s single find and securing the championship.
The GCT membership would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to the people who made this year’s event possible: Scott Thomas, owner of the beautiful Three Oaks Ranch, generously provided the grounds and accommodations that made for a truly memorable event. Chad Norpel of the Mid-North Region and Richie Hight of the Northern California/Nevada region provided their time and expertise as judges to ensure NSTRA rules and standards were enforced. Dylan Bernhagen handled bird-planting duties throughout the weekend. The trial was planned and executed thanks to the time and leadership of trial coordinator Martin Ueltschey, field marshal Maggie Parsley and scorekeeper Holly Copeland
