2007 Activities

Victoria

WGAA (Vic) Christmas Breakup – November 2007

30 plus club members turned up for the final training day and Christmas breakup for 2007.

A free barbeque rounded off a day which was marked by beautiful weather and good cheer.

Springvale Range Open Day – November 2007

The WGAA (Vic) gundog demo team performed at the Springvale Range Open Day in November to mark the opening of the new clubrooms. Once again Graham Hayes (Training Officer) and the crew put on a faultless display in front of SSAA members and members of the public.

WGAA (Vic) Assessment Day – 14th October 2007

On Sunday 14th October WGAA (Vic) conducted its second Gundog Assessment Day.
Throughout the day the dogs were given the opportunity to complete 1 basic field run,1 basic land retrieve and 1 basic water retrieve. The event is not a competition, but each dog was given an assessment by judges at the different runs. Each handler was given a comment sheet at the start of the day that was given to the various judges at the start of each run.
The field run was over a course where dogs were given the opportunity to indicate ‘game’. On a signal from the judge, during the run, the handler gave the dog a recall and a stay. Dogs were assessed for general obedience, ground coverage and indication of game.
The retrieves were both be sighted retrieves, one on land and one in water.
As stated earlier, this event is not a competition. The aim is to give handlers and dogs experience in gundog field work in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.

RUNNING ORDER
1. Field work: Each dog will be run over a course of approximately 300 metres. Handlers will carry a gun loaded with a primer. During the run the judge will instruct the handler to give the dog both a recall and a stay. A pigeon will be planted on the course which will flush when located by the dog. The handler will fire the gun when the pigeon flushes.
2. Water retrieve: Each dog will be required to do a retrieve across water of approximately 60 metres. The dog will be required to commit to water and make the retrieve. The handler will carry a gun loaded with primers and heel the dog to the firing point. The handler will fire the gun at the apex of the flight of the game.
3. Land retrieve: Each dog will be required to do a retrieve across land of approximately 60 metres. The handler will carry a gun loaded with primers and heel the dog to the firing point. The handler will fire the gun as instructed by the judge.
SCORING: A = Excellent B = Good C = Satisfactory D = More training needed

First WGAA Retrieving. Trial Champion – 9th September 2007

WGAA conducted its second Open Retrieving Trial on Sunday 9th September, 2007.

The Retrieving Sub Committee was pleased with the overall running of this event which was held in the Melton Area. The site offered plenty of obstacles for the Judge, Barry Kavanagh, to runs that were very testing and caused many anxious moments for the handlers.

Entries: Alex Jervic & Ellie (Brit), Graham Hayes & Shiloh (Lab), Tim Cloke & Chopper (Lab), Graham Hayes & Bridgette (Lab), Joe Camilleri & Gemma (GSP), Graham Hayes & Bomber (Lab), Andrew Yeomans & Ram (Lab), Norm Cloke & Knuckles (Wei).

First Run – a quail retrieving run consisted of a double mark and a blind retrieve. the handler left the dog in the stay position, walked 10 metres towards a rocky/boulder area which had been removed from a large dam.

The handler fired at a blind about 130 metres out, then called the dog. A clay (a sighted object for the dog) was then thrown from behind the rocks, landing about 70 metres from the dog and handler, about 60° left from the blind.

The dog was sent for the blind. Once passed the pile of rocks the dog had to be stopped, and a second-sighted object was thrown from a trap, (the dog was looking over the area where the first sighted object had landed). This dummy landed about 125 metres from the handlers position, (about another 60° from where the first sighted object landed).

The dog then had to continue to retrieve the blind then retrieve the 1st sighted quail and followed by the 2nd sighted quail.

We lost Chopper, Bomber and Knuckles.

The Second Run – a rabbit run, consisting of a double blind and mark. Again the dog was left for steadiness behind a cyclone fence, the handler walked towards a large man made hill, some 200 metres away. There was a line of trees to the left of the handler and just an open paddock (which had been furrowed and let flatten) between the handler and the large mounded area.

At the base of the mound a rabbit blind was placed 150 metres from the dog and handler, 60º left of the dog and handler, a sighted rabbit was popped (from a remote launcher) about 130 metres from the handler, and another blind 60º left of the sighted rabbit amongst the rows of trees was placed at about 100 metres.

Only two dogs completed, Joe with Gemma and Graham with Bridgette. Off to the water.

The Water Run – was conducted on a large man made egg shaped dam, 180 metres long and 100 metres wide. The dam has a large drainage pipe placed in the retaining wall. The run consisted of a double mark and a blind duck retrieve.

The control and firing points were on the south/left hand side of the egg-shaped dam less than half way along. The dog and handler were looking across the body of water to the first sighted retrieve, which landed about 60 metres in the water – five seconds later the second sighted duck was cast, landing on land in a straight line 145 metres on the same side as the dog and handler, the dog was sent for the first sighted in the water. On the return a shot was fired at the blind which was placed in the culvert pipe, (the pipe is situated at the top of the egg shaped dam).

The second-sighted bird had landed 30 metres left and behind the bird in the pipe, the judge required a blind next, then the last sighted bird.

The two dogs completed the run. 1st Bridgette and 2nd Gemma.

This win was particularly meritorious for Graham as it resulted in Bridgette being awarded the title of Retrieving Trial Champion. This award is the first to be awarded in WGAA’s retrieving trial history. Congratulations Graham and Bridgette.

SSAA Working Gundogs Queensland is up and running – 21st & 22nd July 2007

Inaugural Retrieving Trial Results

The United Field & Retrieving Branch has officially commenced operations in Queensland. From the initial formation meeting on the 28th May this year until the Inaugural Retrieving Trial weekend 21st/22nd July it is hard to believe so much has been achieved in only two months. It has taken four general meetings with willing participation and hard work by all members. At present United Field & Retrieving is concentrating on the Retrieving Discipline but plans are already underway to take up the other disciplines for working gundogs. Our crowning glory is the Inaugural Retrieving Trial. The ability to hold retrieving trials in the public arena is an objective we have cherished for years, and at last it is a reality.

Retrieving trials are conducted under the national rules of the SSAA Working Gundog Association of Australia.

RESULTS RETRIEVING TRIAL on 21 JULY 2007 in the JIMNA area SE Qld:-

Beginner Test JUDGE: Mrs Fran Jones

1^st Nereida Gilbert Avokah Hazzman.

2^nd Allira Jefrey Lindenjude Callme Asher.

3^rd Merle Hovey Instinkz Dare To Dream.

Intermediate Stake JUDGE: Mr Terry Grice

1^st Judy Price Avokah Yaphett Bundi.

2^nd Jim Jeffrey Lindenjude Wheres Wally.

3^rd Di Lynch Lowther Highland Molly.

Advanced Stake JUDGE: Mr Jim Cattermole

1^st Jackie Price Adlijager Desert Storm NRD AWARD IRTD

2^nd Jim Jeffrey Voyager Anzac Piper (Imp NZ).

3^rd – -.

Open Stake JUDGE: Mr Sam Haigh

1^st Bryan Pritchard RtCh Kadnook Drop’O’Blakmagic AWARD ARTD

2^nd Trevor Lodder DualCh(R) Tenarda Firecracker.

3^rd Jackie Price RtCh Bromhund Major CDX ET.

Trial Date: 22 JULY 2007:-

Beginner Test JUDGE: Mrs Fran Jones

1st T Jeffrey Maplehurst Jess Scarlet of Lindenjude (Imp NZ).

2^nd Jim Cattermole Ch Springhi Fernwood Lass.

3^rd A Jeffrey Lindenjude Callme Asher.

Intermediate Stake JUDGE: Mr Rob Price

1^st Julien Bielewicz Tallowood Moorlandangle.

2^nd Greg Meeve Binglebah Benny.

3^rd Di Lynch Lowther Highland Molly.

Retrieving Trial Result – 24th June 2007

WGAA Advanced Retrieving Trial – 24 June 07
Judge: Barry Kavanagh
Winner: Graham Hayes’ CONINGSBURGH CARDINAL (Lab)

WGAA in the West – July 2007

History was made in July with the first ever WGAA Pointer & Setter Closed Season field trials, the Jack Pontin and the Bob Dean memorial trials, being conducted by the newly formed WA Branch of WGAA. Brett Davidson, Alan Willey and Sandy Peter’ka had worked hard to overcome several problems and difficulties in order to get their Branch, and the event, off the ground. However, with support from both the SSAA’s National President, Bob Green & the WA State SSAA President, Ron Bryant, support that included negotiations with Government departments and the highest levels of the canine world, things came together and on the weekend of the 7th & 8th July the inaugural event was held.

8 dogs from WA, NSW, Vic & SA entered in Saturday’s Jack Pontin Memorial for judge, Barry Oliver, and assistant judge, Waine Dick, from New Zealand. The event was scheduled as an All Pointing Breeds event and one pointer, two Brittanies, and 5 Irish setters made up the field. The venue was initially a vast stubble paddock and later in the day a paddock of native grass and timber.

Overall the standard of the work was very good, considering that for most of the dogs and handlers this was their first trial. Some nice ground coverage, finds, productions and excellent backing characterised the day.

On the day the pointer bitch, Ywurrie Rani, owned and handled by Allan Willey, was the stand out victor. With the necessary two finds notched up, several backs, consistently good running and a nice retrieve, this bitch was a clear winner.

On the Saturday evening a stylish dinner was held at which the following awards were made:
Winner: A Willey’s Ywurrie Rani (PB)

Best find: L. Brown’s Quailbanders Aisa (ISB)

Best back: A Willey’s Ywurrie Rani (PB)

Best quartering dog: A Easton’s Quailbanders Ali Mai (ISB)

Best pointer: A Willey’s Ywurrie Rani (PB)

Best setter: L. Brown’s Quailbanders Aisa (ISB)

Best hunt, point & retrieve dog: M Casadio’s Huntingvale Dashing Toby (BSD)

Best novice: Fyledalens Peregrin (Imp SWE) (ISD)

The following day saw 2 pointers, 2 Brittanies and 5 Irish setters line up for the Bob Dean Memorial, judged on this occasion by NZ Judge Waine Dick and Assistant Judge Kathy Oliver. Another 2 large stubble paddocks were provided for the dogs to show what they could do on what was a beautiful, crisp morning. However, things got off to a slightly tricky start when the game situation seemed to dry up a little. Fortunately the second paddock was more productive. Two dogs, Allan’s pointer and the Irish, owned by Sandy Peter’ka and handled on the weekend by Denis Everard, went through to the last round.

A return to one of the paddocks used on the first day was decided upon in order to secure a result, and the pointer and the young Irish gave a nice demonstration of good quality pointer & setter work. Both dogs then completed their retrieves in fine style and Alan’s pointer was again declared the winner with the Irish runner up.

Barry Dean who especially flew over from Victoria to watch the weekend’s trials presented the winner, Ywurrie Rani QC, (PB) with the trophy, sash for best Pointer and tankard for best backing dog. Fyledalens Peregrin (Imp Swe) (ISD) was presented with the sash for Runner Up & also sash for best Setter. Best Novice was Kilsheelan Paprika (IMP NZ) handled and owned Rob Clay.The event was supported by competitors from 4 States, and an international judge – not bad for a new kid on the block. Well done to all concerned with this initial venture – and no doubt there will be more to follow.

With pointer & setter trialling now established in the West, WGAA has competitions running in 4 States – Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland. This represents a pleasing development for gundog trialling and for the SSAA.

Shot Expo Royal Melbourne Showgrounds – 26th & 27th May 2007

What a weekend! After several months of training the WGAA demonstration team finally got to show what it could do at the 2007 Shot Expo. Twelve dogs – 3 GSPs, 1 Pointer, 5 Labs, 2 L’Epagneul Bretons (Brittanys) and a Weimaraner, ran, jumped and retrieved over the two days before hundreds of people.

It is worth reflecting on the point that while there have been endless dog shows held at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds, this was probably the first time that a working gundog demonstration had been held. With shotguns used to fire blanks the dogs and handlers put on a realistic demonstration that had the crowd both enthralled and appreciative.

A special mention must be made of the effort that Graham Hayes made to get the team together and to choreograph the event – an event that ran for almost 1 hour. It needs to be appreciated that such an effort required training the team, writing the script, coordinating the dozens of pieces of equipment and assistants, liaising with the Showgrounds management and the SSAA staff, getting permits, etc, etc, etc.

On behalf of the club many thanks to Graham Hayes, Gary Bristow, Bob Bant, Norm & Tim Cloke, Alex Jevric, Kevin Phelps, Angie Bloomer, Alf Briffa, Andrew Yoemans, Joe Camilleri, Dean Watts, Dennis Maher, Jack Benetti, Kathy & Barry Oliver for the effort involved in training their dogs, performing, and helping with the many tasks during the actual event… they will never forget it!

CONSEP – May 2007

Two club members, Henry Foster & Barry Oliver, undertook the CONSEP shotgun training short course conducted by the SSAA, Field & Game Australia & the Victorian Government. Tom Roster from the USA was funded to run the courses – a long course that ran for one week and a two day short course. And what courses they were! If you thought you knew all there was to know about shot gunning – this course made you think again.

Training for the SSAA Shot Expo – 29th April 2007

Members of the WGAA Demonstration Team gathered at Melton, Vic to work on their retrieving routines for the upcoming SSAA Shot Expo on 26-27 May.

Training Officer, Graham Hayes, put the team through their paces on a damp Sunday morning following good rains throughout the state. All dogs performed well on the quail, rabbit & bumper boy runs.

The breeds on display for the Shot Expo are: Labradors, GSPs, Brittanys & a pointer.
The fastest retrieving title so far goes to Alex Jevric’s Brittany – we will see what happens on the day of the Expo.

Bumper Boy had landed! – April 2007

Gary Bristow is pictured here with WGAA’s new Bumper Boy retrieving trainer. This training aid is capable of launching 12 individual dummies and is operated by remote control. It will be of great benefit in WGAA’s training and trail programs in the future. Money for Bumper Boy was raised from training day activities, many thanks to all those involved.

New Zealand Wild Game Trials – April 2007

The WGAA connection with New Zealand continues with three WGAA Committee members judging in NZ this year. Barry & Kathy Oliver judged at 5 trials during the Easter Wild Game trials, and Peter Yuille will judge at spaniel trials later this year.

Beginners & Intermediate Retrieving Trial Nagambie – 25th March 2007

WGAA’s first trail for 2007 was held for Intermediate and Beginner dogs. There were 8 entries for the Intermediate level, with 1 non-competing dog and 7 entries for the Beginner level. The trial was held at the excellent Nagambie property that the club has had access to regularly over the years, through the generosity of Ray Waldron’s contacts. The whole day ran very smoothly, a very big thank you to the retrieving trail committee, big thanks to Wayne Phelps for the great runs he set up, his professionalism and very fair judging, special thanks to all the gun and game stewards who did a sterling job on the day. A delicious lunch provided by Gary & Chris Bristow and Kevin Phelps, was enthusiastically enjoyed by all. With perfect weather this made for a FANTASTIC day!

Wayne set a run simulating a good scenario for hunting rabbits to start the day for the Intermediate dogs, with the terrain catching a few dogs out, but all dogs completed the run successfully. On the completion of this run the distance was shortened for the Beginner dogs, once again all dogs were successful.

The second run for the day was the quail run, some heavy cover for the dogs to negotiate into a clearer area where the quail had been placed, again all Intermediate and Beginner dogs were successful, with the Beginner’s run length being shortened.

After the lunch break the final run, the water run was held, all 7 Intermediate dogs were successful in this run, with some very nice retrieves being completed. Instead of shortening the length of this last run as done previously, the run was altered for the Beginner dogs. But it proved too big a challenge for 4 of the Beginner dogs, with them being unsuccessful on this last run for the day. The tall growth of vegetation at the water’s edge made a barrier that the young and inexperienced dogs couldn’t break through on their own.

Congratulations to the placegetters, and well done Alf and ‘Princess’, this is the second win in Novice in as many trials. The results of the day are as follows:-

INTERMEDIATE RETRIEVING TRIAL
1^st No. 5 Alf Briffa GSP Prepelica Thunder Point ‘Princess’

2^nd No. 6 Joe Camilleri GSP ‘Gemma’

3^rd No. 7 Ray Waldron L’Epagneul Breton Aubenouveau Mystique ‘Max’

BEGINNERS RETRIEVING TRIAL

1^st No. 5 Angie Bloomer GSP Kobidan Daiquiris At Dawn ‘Farli’

2^nd No. 6 Tim Cloke Labrador Kumile Crackshot ‘Chopper’

3^rd No. 1 Dean Watts Labrador ‘Bella’

WGAA Training Day – 18th February 2007

The first training day for 2007 was a hot one. With the temperature tipped to be in the high 30’s, we had about 20 stalwarts turn up at 9am with their already panting dogs. Water work was what a day like this is all about, and once a few quick land-based exercises were dispensed with, it was off to the lake. WGAA’s training days are a club institution and have been running now for 9 years – a unique event in the world of gundog training. Anyone with a gundog who would like to learn what gundog training is all about is welcome. We meet on the third Sunday of every month at 9am at Tullidge St Reserve, Melton, Melways reference: Map 115 D11.

Welcome to 2007

A good roll up at the recent AGM, the election of a new committee, the anticipation of a New Year of events and activities … the Working Gundog Association of Australia (WGAA) is all set to roll into the New Year with a full calendar of events, including a gundog display at the Shot Expo in May.

WGAA’s pointer & setter trial dates will be as per usual, Anzac Day, the last weekend in May & the last weekend in June, with the National trial being conducted on Saturday 23rd June and judged by well known local judge, Bill Cross. There is a possibility of an extra WGAA pointer & setter trial weekend being conducted this year.

Retrieving trial dates appear in the club newsletter and we intend to conduct two, possibly three, Gundog Assessment Programmes throughout the year.

The mainstay activity of WGAA’s gundog commitment, the monthly training day, will again be held on the third Sunday of each month at Tullidge Reserve, Melton (Melways ref 115 D11) commencing at 9am. For training day information contact the training officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.

Big news also is the setting up of WGAA’s BLOG. This BLOG will keep members updated between newsletters; contain more extensive reports of our events and full colour pics. Angie Bloomer will keep the BLOG happening.

WGAA Committee