1982 United States Open Brittany Championship
Tall Oaks Bandolero Wins Title for Second Time; Dee’s Cee Jay Stalkmoor is Runner-Up
By Dr. John A. Webb
Tall Oaks Bandolero, 8-year-old orange and white Brittany male, convincingly won the U.S. Brittany Championship for the second consecutive year. This fine dog is owned by John McConnell of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He has been trained and handled by Marc Appleton since a pup.
The runner-up was Dee’s Cee Jay Stalkmoor, owned by Bill Tiedeman of Omaha, Neb., trained and handled by J. K. Fields.
For all its 20 years, this Championship has been run on the beautiful Lake Murray grounds near Ardmore, Okla. This is the second year of the lease of these grounds to the Oklahoma Field Trial Clubs Association. The cover and bird population have dramatically improved. Much of the undesirable cover and cattails by the lake have been removed and native bird food is abundant. During this Championship and the Derby Classic 67 bird contacts were made.
Monte Marshall and son Mike of Muskogee, Okla., rode on Tuesday. Mark and Jodie Kurtz of Houston came and Mark ran his Derby. Dan Man* of Wichita, Kan., and friend Mark Girrens came to see H Marr’s Super Star run in the Derby and were not disappointed. Others interested in the Derby Classic included Mr. and Mrs. Don Stillwell of Farmer’s Branch, Tex., Tommy Negrete of Magnolia, Tex., George and Joie Newman of Oklahome City; Joe Epperley of Spencer, Okla. The Zamrzlas of Oklahoma City and David and Pam Rathman of San Antonio, Tex., stayed most of the trial.
The judicial duties were more than ably handled by Darrell Gaynor of Oklahoma City and Dr. Tim Poling of St. Francis, Kan. These experienced men have been active in training, campaigning and judging national events. They searched unstintingly for a dog worthy of this prestigious championship title.
The running of the Championship requires each dog to perform for an hour in a qualifiying series. Then, at the discretion of the judges, top contenders are called back to run another hour in championship finals. The standards of the stake are rigorous and are designed to glorify the true all-age dog, one that hunts with courage and despite fatigue can muster energy to finish strongly. The course must be run with intelligence, utilizing the objectives well. Birdwork is not a requirement during the first series. However, during the second series the dogs must handle birds with intense style and perfect manners.
An all-time high 46 dogs ran in the qualifying series, from which 14 were selected to run in the finals. The Victoire Nationale Derby had 22 contenders. Of the Board of Directors, who represent the nation from coast to coast, 20 of 26 attended the trial with most entering dogs.
Rick and Debbi Smith furnished and ran the dog wagon masterfully along with wrangling horses. Dr. Bob Rankin and Bob Storez donated fine walking horses for the judges. Lloyd and Billie Manck. Barbara Wade and Judy Webb handled lunches, snacks, along with many other chores. John and M. E. Mercer of Miami, Fla., came and assisted where needed. D. W. and Ethyl Dawson rode most braces, we are happy to report. Dr. C. T. Young helped where needed.
The Champion And Others
Tall Oaks Bandolero joins Way Kan Jill and Jacolet’s Wandering Star as a multiple winner of this event. He is the son of 1973 U.S. Open Winner, the great Ban Dee. Other Ban Dee progeny included the top qualifier, El Bandito, and Tuesday’s top dog, Hopper’s Robber. Runner-Up Dee’s Cee Jay Stalkmoor impressed the judges with well run course and bird handling. The third day top dog was Bayou’s Lonesome Sue, the 1980 U.S. Open Champion.
Championship Running
Squire Wheels—Tall Oaks Bandolero.—The running began at 7:00 a.m. March 23. The temperature was about 40°, with the sun just coming up. There was little or no wind. It was a gorgeous day. At 3 Bandolero was to the right, over the hill and into the next valley. Wheels was far ahead, straight ahead on course. At 7 Bandolero had a point in a plum thicket. A bird was produced and the dog was steady. At 10 Bandolero again was on point, this time in another heavy thicket. Appleton relocated the dog and birds were produced, all in good order. The gallery rode up two more wild birds at 9 at top of the hill near the big oil well. At 23 Wheels came on point, indicating birds at a lake point at the far east end of the course. Birds were produced, all in good order. At 28 Wheels had a stop to flush near the old dry pond. Both dogs ranged well. At 36 Wheels indicated birds in heavy timber. The dog was relocated but no birds were produced. At 51 both were scouted heavily. Near 58 both dogs had noticeably shortened, but were still running.
Ozark Drifter—Minnehaha Bruiser.— Bruiser ran more toward the lake and Drifter to the open fields. At 4 Gorrow called point for Drifter in heavy brush near lake edge. Bruiser honored the point and was released by the judge. Drifter was relocated, but no birds were produced. At 12 Bruiser came down hard on point near the heavy cedars. The dog moved as the birds were produced. At 15 Bruiser had another find. Birds were produced, apparently all in good order. Both dogs had moderate races and were busy toward the middle of the course. Drifter had an unproductive at 37. At 46 point was called for Bruiser and birds were produced. From 40 minutes on, both dogs shortened significantly.
Ritter’s Raider— Reed’s Bo Nine Max.—The temperature was still nice and cool, the wind mild. At 16 both dogs had been busy but not spectacular. The gallery rode up a covey of wild birds at 16. By 21 Max was charging strong to the front with good objectives. Point was called for Max at 29 with birds being produced. Budd’s Raider had an unproductive at 20. Max was making fairly big casts. Raider was running moderately but both dogs were active. Point called for Raider at 59; birds were produced all in good order.
TJ Bandit—Tiger Tom.—At 2 Tom took birds out. At 10 Bandit looked good making a long, strong cast. By 18 Bandit was still burning. At 19 the gallery rode up a single bird. At 23 Bandit bumped a bird.
Hopper’s Robber—Way Kan Feelin’ Free.—After the dogs were off, the gallery rode up another wild covey. By 15 both dogs were making extremely long, productive casts. At 23 Appleton called point in heavy brush for Robb; no birds were produced. At 32 Robb came on point on one of the lake points. Good style was shown as birds were produced all in good order. At 36 Robb stopped again. Birds were produced. Free pointed at 37 in a meadow in a plum thicket, then suffered a momentary loss of manners. At 39 Free pointed with Robb honoring. Robb was dismissed by judge. Free did not produce game. Robb finished the hour strong.
Radar’s Bucshot de Ran Bo—Benjamin Robb.— Both dogs were moderately active and at 10 were running rather well. At 17 the scout found Ben on point; a rabbit was produced. Bucshot was making a good cast at the far end of one of the lake points. By 35 both dogs were running moderately long. Bucshot handled a bit rough. At 40 Ben came on point. Birds were produced, all in good order.
Jack Flash O’Dolly—WayKan Duke II.—We began on the heavy part of the No. 3 course getting ready to go into the timber. It was starting to get quite warm, and this had its affect on the dogs. At 4 Duke indicated point. Birds were produced, all orderly. The birds were near the edge of the lake in heavy brush. At 5 Jack pointed in a similar area near the lake. Game was produced with good manners. At 13 Jack was in a full gallop; suddenly he whirled around to a solid, stylish point. Birds were produced, the dog completely steady. At 18 birds were seen to fly in front of Duke, and he was picked up. At 31 Jack was running very well. Jack came sharply on point at 36 near a feeder. A covey was produced. At 39 his run continued strong. A bird was ridden up at 40. At 41 Jack came on point again. No birds were produced. At 49 Appleton called point; Jack was relocated, but no birds were seen. A rabbit was identified. At 53 Jack again came solidly on point. Birds flew, a wild covey, and all was in good order. At 55 Jack came on point, birds were produced. He was steady. At 57 he stopped again. A bird flew and Appleton fired.
Bullet’s Buckshot—Jim DeBob Shenango.— By now the skies were quite overcast. The wind had picked up. The temperature was a little bit cooler than it was previously, an estimated 50°. Scenting conditions, however, must have been excellent considering the number of finds in this brace. Both dogs made good long casts before we hit the hill top pond. Mike came on point at 10; a covey was produced with the dog steady. At 20 the dogs got after a deer and it went into the lake. At 21 Mike came on point on one of the levies. Budd had the dog relocate with birds being produced. At 37 going into the bear trap, Bob pointed; he moved up and birds went out in front, and he went to the truck. Mike shortened and at 53 he was picked up.
Oakenshield’s Flashback—Timberline Tracy de Marquis.—This brace began as we came out of the bear trap going north. Temperature was getting cooler. Winds were about 15 mph, fairly overcast. At 10 both dogs were still running well, although both were handling somewhat rough. Point was called for Flashback at 21, but no game was produced. At 30 Tracy developed abdominal cramps, and both dogs were picked up. At the barn the judges named Hopper’s Robber top dog of the day.
R Lucky Brandy Bazooka—Redfoot’s Raggedy Andy.—This pair was running well at the beginning with
fine long casts. At 11 Appleton called point for Andy. The dog was moving and some birds flew. Both dogs came on point. Johnson relocated Brandy. The birds had been ridden up by the scout and had nothing to do with the dog in reality, then both dogs received an unproductive. At 12 both handlers signaled point. Andy had the stand and Brandy had the back. Brandy was allowed to go on by the judge. Appleton relocated Andy with no game being produced. Brandy went on to have birds at 40 and again at 46. After 40 both dogs shortened, although they were still hunting. At 50 Andy found himself on the check cord.
Jones Bo Nine Zacharia—Sir Teak of Excalibur.— This pair began second day on March 24. We are off at 7:00 a.m. sharp, temperature about 50°. It was very humid with a heavy fog that had cleared enough for visibility. Both dogs were away with a good cast. By four minutes, both were to the top of the big hill in the first course. By 15 Chip was being scouted in the woods, not to be found this hour. Zacharia was running hard when he spun around to a sharp, stylish point. Birds were quickly produced, all in good order. He continued to run very well. Suddenly he came on point on the edge of a big dam. Birds were produced, apparently in good order. Zac stopped at 33 near one of the points into the lake. A nice covey of wild quail was produced. Manners were good. By 50 the dog still doing a good job although he had visibly shortened.
Dee’s Cee Jay Stalkmoor—Gun Runner’s Heavy Duty.—At 5 Cee Jay was found on point by the scout, but Field failed to produce game. By 15 minutes, Heavy Duty cut his pad and retired. Cee Jay was gone for approximately 25 minutes and when he was found on a far lake point, he was standing. The dog’s style and intensity were impressive. Birds were produced, everything in good order. The gallery was talking abouth this find.
Sequani’s CinBan De Mared—Moore’s Country Sunshine.—At 1 Bear came on point near a fencerow with an unproductive. At 7 both dogs were running very well to the front. At 8 Gorrow called point in heavy timber but Sunshine had a wreck and was picked up. Bear had been predominantly hunting the margins around the lake and the points. His race shortened and he found himself in the dog wagon at 35.
Charlie’s Angel IV—La Pitt Buck.—At 13 both dogs were hitting it well, moving nicely. At 30 we came through the heavy timber back into the big open fields. In spite of the heavy cover and the good running, they had required minimal scouting. Buck was lost and did not return in time.
TuTu II—Timber’s Little Wish.—The sky was still overcast. There is a 15 mile an hour wind from the south, still about 50-55° and rather humid. The dogs and horses, however, were torlerating the weather well. At 8 both dogs were running hard. TuTu was far to the front. Wish canvassed a point on the peninsula. At 27 the dogs were lined out and going down the big field after a wide turn. Wish then pointed into a tree and Tressler flushed a covey. TuTu ran very well. At 45 scout found her on point and following a relocation, birds were successfully handled, the dog steady.
El Bandito—Gun Runner’s Far Out.—This brace was run after noon on Wednesday. It is about 60°, partly cloudy, but clearing with a little bit of southeast wind at about 10 mph. The weather was warming. Both were off with tremendous casts. They must have been a mile straight out, in the big field going toward the bear trap. At 6 Far Out pointed with an unproductive. At 30 they were still running very well. At 32 Bandito came on point by an old fencerow between two large fields. No birds were produced. At 35 both dogs were on point, but in separate parts of the field. Bandito had a single wild bird with good manners. Far Out relocated but no birds were produced. By 50 the weather was getting significantly warmer. Both dogs had shortened. Bandito was found standing near one of the leg points in heavy cover at 51. Birds were produced with good manners. Near time Far had shortened.
Texas Cool Hand Luke—Marker's Nik O'Prince.—At 7 we cleared the heavy cover and into the big fields of No. 3 course. Both dogs hunted well with Nik outdistancing Luke. At 25 Nik found a covey near a large tree; birds rose in front of the dog. At 45 the gallery rode up a pair of wild birds near the point by the fault. Luke finished essentially the same.
Mr. O’Dee Bell— Paco Sam.—At Bell came on birds; when they rose he followed. At 3 Sam came on point. A wild bird was produced all in good order. At 18 Sam continued running rather well. He chased a rabbit and was picked up.
Jacks or Better—First Place Jake.—The temperature was about 65°, partly cloudy. There was a slight wind from the south. It was rather warm, but in the more exposed areas it is cool. At 3 Jacks came on birds. Jake’s honor was stylish. A fine wild covey was flushed, both dogs exhibiting impeccable manners. At 5 Jacks indicated birds near the lake in heavy cover with good intense style. A single bird was ridden up by the gallery near Jacks. Budd fired and we moved on. The dog had good manners. In a heavy plum thicket at 11, Jacks again came on point. Jake honored and was released by the judge. Jacks was asked to relocate. Budd accepted an unproductive. At 18 Jacks came on point going into the bear trap in heavy cover near the lake. A single was produced in good order. At 20 a single was flushed by the gallery. At 31 Jake indicated point with his head high, tail high, and nose into the wind. No birds were produced. It probably was a rabbit. Jack came on point near the lake edge at 36. A fine covey of wild birds was produced. Manners were good. At 42 on one of the peninsulas on the west side, both dogs indicated point at considerable separate locations. Jacks found no birds but Jake, on a relocation, produced a covey. At 48 Jacks indicated birds in a ravine near plum thicket. A rabbit was produced. At 54 Jacks again indicated birds in extremely heavy cover, with brambles and plum thickets. No game was produced.
Pepper’s Prince—Bullet’s Buckshot.—Buckshot pointed in heavy cover of a large oak tree at 6 and a covey was produced. Buckshot found on point at 10, but not birds were produced. At 17 Buckshot came on point, and on the relocation he bumped the bird and was picked up. At 36 on one of the peninsulas, Pepper indicated point near a plum thicket. A covey was produced. Prince ran a steady moderate race.
At the conclusion of the day’s running El Bandito was named top dog of the day.
On Thursday the wind was high and gusty, temperature falling and humidity high.
Quatro—Green Pasture’s Rocket.—At 16 Epperley called point for Rocket at the top of the big hill with a rabbit found. At 27, after we turned back from the eastern most point, Rocket pointed again. A nice wild covey was produced. Quatro had honored the point and when the birds were flushed, chased. At 32 Epperley called point near the dry pond in a plum thicket where birds were produced all in good order. At about 40 the dog had shortened significantly.
Mini Bob—Charley O’Cal Rocket.—The wind was still blowing hard. Temperature stood at 40-50°. The gallery rode up a wild covey at 13. At 20 neither of dog had been running exceptionally well. However, both
stretched out now in the big country near the bear trap and are made excellent casts. At 20 the gallery rode up a covey. At 43 Rocket came on point near the lake in sage brush. A single was produced, the dog’s manners good. The gallery then rode up birds, the remainder of Rocket’s covey.
Bayou’s Lonesome Sue— Prince’s Whitetail.—By 20 minutes, both dogs had hunted well. Whitetail required a considerable amount of scouting. At 38 Sue pointed with birds produced. At 46 Johnson called point. Whitetail was near the lake in fairly heavy cover. Her head was high. A single, then a covey, were produced. At 58 in a little bottom area, Whitetail came on point. A single bird was produced, all in good order. Both dogs ran good courses throughout the time.
At the conclusion of the qualifiying series Bayou’s Lonesome Sue was declared top dog of the day and El Bandito was named top qualifier.
Championship Finals
Tall Oaks Bandolero— Benjamin Robb.—At 10:46 the sky was almost completely clear. The wind had calmed a little. Temperature was about 45°. For 10 minutes, we were back on the first course in the big field. Both dogs are running well. At 15 Ben came on point at the far end of the field, approximately 1/4 of a mile away. Before Roscoe could get there, birds were seen to rise, and the dog started to move. He found himself quickly on a check rope. At 26, Bandolero came on point. He was standing across the ditch pointing into heavy brambles into the wind. Wild birds were produced all in good order. Bandolero had shown a strong desire to hunt, intelligence, style and stamina during the entire hour. It was obvious the pace had been set.
Hopper’s Robber—Jones Bo Nine Zacharia.—We are away at 1:00 p.m. It is clear, sunny, still windy and about 45°. At 4 Robb came on point near a live oak tree with a lot of brush. Quail were produced, manners good. Zach came on point in the dead center of a large field. A covey was put up and the dog was steady. At 18 Robb came on point near an old feeder. A rabbit was produced and he chased, being ordered up. At 30 Zach continued a steady application. At 44 Zach came on point near a plum thicket. A rabbit ran out from under the dog’s legs. At 48 Zach indicated birds near the lake edge. He was steady as a bird rose some distance from him. No additional game could be produced. The dog was picked up.
Dee’s Cee Jay Stalkmoor— R Lucky Brandy Bazooka.—At 5 minutes Cee Jay came on point and birds
produced. At the same time, in anothpr area of the field, Brandy came on point. A second wild covey was produced. Brandy showed a momentary loss of style and was picked up. At 34 Cee Jay was running to good objectives, although not extremely long, but very adequate. At 37 the dog was found on point. Subsequently a covey was produced. He showed good manners. At 44 Fields called point again. The dog stood steady; no game was produced. Cee Jay hunted areas not hunted by others on this course. His handling and hunting of objectives were outstanding.
El Bandito—TuTu II.—The brace began with both dogs making long casts. At 6 Bandito was found on point. A rabbit was produced. At 30 Bandito had a find near the point on the east side of the course. A wild covey was flushed, all in good order. At 55, Budd called point with Bandito in extremely heavy cover. No game was produced. Bandito was later lost. TuTu ran a fine long well patterned course with no game.
First Place Jake—Pepper’s Prince.—On Friday, March 26, there was almost no wind and it was in the low 30s after a hard freeze. It was a gorgeous day. Jake came on point at 4 but no game was found. At 15 Jake indicated a point along the left side of the long field beyond the old oil well. Game was produced, and the dog was steady. Wild quail was ridden up at 17. Jake came on point at 19. Fields relocated his dog and a fine covey was handled with good style. Coming across the dry pond, a bird was noted to go up in front of Prince. At 38 another bird was ridden up by the gallery. At 44 Jake again came on point. This time in the heavy brambles and thicket. The dog was steady, and three rabbits were produced, the dog was sent on.
Green Pastures Rocket—Jacks or Better.—The morning was absolutely gorgeous. The wind is minimal, temperature about 38°. It is crystal clear. At 1 Jacks came on point; a covey was produced, Rocket failed to honor and was picked up. At 5 Jacks came on point and was relocated. Budd flushed 50 yards in front and a single bird was produced. Good manners were displayed. At 14 Jacks came on point right next to the lake in fairly heavy cover. No game was found. His race was moderate.
Bayou’s Lonesome Sue—Prince’s Whitetail.—At 9 the gallery rode up a single. At 14 Whitetail injured her left rear leg. Whitetail was unable to run and was retired at 25. Sue was retired at 14.
Ardmore, Okla., March 23
Judges: Darrell Gaynor and Dr. Tim Poling
UNITED STATES OPEN BRITTANY CHAMPIONSHIP
[One-Hour Qualifying Heats; One-Hour Finals]—46 Brittanys
Winner— TALL OAKS BANDOLERO, 23101, male, by Ban Dee— Princess De Sandra. John McConnell, owner; Marc Appleton, handler.
Runner-Up— DEE’S CEE JAY STALKMOOR, unreg., male, by Charley DeBrett— Benfield’s Pretty Sue. Bill Tiedeman, owner; J. K. Fields, handler.
VICTOIRE NATIONALE DERBY CLASSIC
The Victoire Nationale Derby had an entry of 22 dogs, the largest ever. This Classic was ably judged by Rick Smith of Edmond, Okla., and Bill Norvell of Richardson, Tex.
From the first hour came the top dog. Timbereast Marc’s Marx set a blistering pace for the entire field to beat. The whole hour was filled with a strong, well-run, intelligent course sprinkled with successful finds at 18 and 55.
In the second hour, Peaches’n Cream, ably handled by Lyle Johnson, almost equaled the run by Marx. Peaches ran a blistering pace the entire hour. Because of the quality of the stake, the judges awarded an honorable mention to H Marr’s Super Star for a strong well-run course culminating with birds at 60.
The remaining dogs and their handlers included: Milberger’s Ringo McYork, Staton; Choc’s Sure Shot Sheriff, Rathman; Duchess, Appleton; Mar Ed’s Cool Breeze, Norris; Rexford de Paco, Rennick; Gringo’s Touch of Class, Johnson; Sierra Sam, Appleton; Cheyenne Warrior, Staton; Green Pastures Ace, Epperly; Manck’s Pawnee Sam, Staton; Better by Far, Staton; Little Bit of Choc, Norris; Timbereast Express, Tressler; Jaron’s Brittany, Fields, Ike’s Mike, Zamrzla; JM Butch, Staton; Orange Krush, Appleton; Freckles de la Mont, Negrete; Bonnie Jo Bazooka, Norris.
VICTOIRE NATIONALE DERBY CLASSIC
judges: Bill Norvell and Rick Smith
[One-Hour Heats]—22 Brittanys
Winner—TIMBEREAST MARC’S MARX, unreg., male, by Timber’s Marquis De Colorado—Commemorativo. Lloyd Manck, owner; Dan Tressler, handler.
Runner-Up—PEACHES’N CREAM, unreg., female, by Mr. O’Dee Bell—Waykan Rustic Rosie. Mr. & Mrs. Don Stillwell, owners; Lyle Johnson, handler.