March 2006
President’s Message - by Ron Ferrris
Welcome to a new era for the GSPCI. As your new president, let me introduce myself. I am Ron Ferris, a practicing veterinarian from Greenfield, Indiana. My wife, Mandy and I specialize in black GSPs at our Ferronhaus Kennels, utilizing imported German blood stock. Last year we added Miniature Dachshunds to our kennels.
My goal is to widen the Club’s appeal to include all interests of the breed. We have added several new committees with the intent of making the Club as interesting, accessible, and fun for as many GSP owners as possible.
Some of these new committees are Dock Dog, Field Trial and Youth, with divisions for hunting, shooting, showing, agility, rally and obedience mentoring.
With the Director’s approval, we will add a health committee to keep the membership abreast of newly emerging diseases and genetic problems arising from within the breed as well as general health care of our dogs.
A Field Trial committee was formed with Doug Featherston as the chairman to explore the possibility of running a field trial in the future and to determine the amount of interest. Anyone with comments or ideas, please contact Doug.
A Fun Hunt committee was formed to stage at least one fun hunt per year. This will provide an opportunity for members to come together and enjoy hunting their dogs. It will also encourage members to share training strategies and the enjoyment of some friendly competition.
Stephanie Stout, heads our Search and Rescue committee. She and her husband are currently the only members involved in this activity, but they are anxious to introduce this rewarding aspect of our versatile breed to interested members.
The Dock Dog committee will be chaired by Judy Schroeder. This event should prove interesting and fun for all participants.
We plan to have several training sessions throughout the year to assist first time handlers as well as some of our more seasoned trainers. We will hold these sessions at various locations throughout the state to make it easier for people to attend. Andy Giegold will be offering sessions at his place in Garrett, Indiana. Ron Schwartz, has volunteered to hold some at his home in Bloomfield and some can be held at my place in Morristown. Our first training session will be held March 12th, at Andy’s place. Directions and details will be posted on the website.
The family picnic is scheduled for June 11th 2006 at the GVCC in Waverly. We will be offering water training, field training, and some skeet shooting (with an emphasis on youth and gun safety). We can also include showing, agility, obedience, and tracking if anyone is interested.
The Hunting test is set for April 1st and 2nd at GVCC. Chris Snyder tells me that everything is in place and ready.
Most of our director’s meetings will be held at Gander Mountain in Greenwood, Indiana. All members are invited and encouraged to attend. A director’s meeting will be held first, followed by a general membership meeting.
Future newsletters will hopefully be timely and include minutes from the previous meetings, pertinent training and events schedules.
We have a very enthusiastic and motivated group of new officers, directors, and committee members. So please step up and help us to move the club forward in a positive manner. Remember each and every member has a voice that needs to be heard. We are all about working for the good of everyone and welcome new ideas and comments from the membership.
When the club gets it’s 501C corporate status reinstated, the by-laws will be reviewed by the directors and any changes or updates will be voted on by the membership. A copy of the by-laws will be made available to all members. A complete and current membership list will be provided to each member.
We would like to thank all of our previous administration for bringing the club to this point. We appreciate all the time and effort involved in making the Indiana GSP Club one of the most respected clubs in America today.
I am looking forward to serving the membership and bringing as many new and exciting events as possible for you and your families to enjoy with your faithful, loving, and versatile buddy.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RECENT SPECIAL CALLED BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
On Saturday, February 18, 2006, after the Boat, Sport, and Travel Show dog demonstrations, the Board of Directors held a special called meeting. In attendance were President Ron Ferris, VP Andy Giegold, Board Members Jason Barile, Charlie Edwards, Larry Sowinski, Tim Conley, Chris Snyder, Larry Harris, John Kennedy, and Sec/Treas Donna Conley. Discussed at the meeting were future club plans for hunt test training sessions, the April Hunt Test, the June Fun Day Picnic, the 2007 Specialty Show, the 2007 National Specialty Show, walking field trials, dock dogs, agility, obedience, and activities for our young junior members. Also, the board examined new embroidered shirts and hats with our club name on them that will soon be available for purchase. The directors decided that a review of the club's by-laws and an audit of the club's finances were needed in the near future. Consideration/investigation from the board was also made about the incorporation of the club and our non-profit status. Further details will be forthcoming. The board recognized the need for an upcoming newsletter and are pleased to have Lisa Stovall working on this. Ron Ferris expressed the desire for additional board members, and he recommended to re-appoint Kari Sowinski to the Board of Directors. Work on the newly formed junior committee will continue to move forward and any help would be appreciated. Club membership is growing with leaps and bounds, and the board addressed the need for an updated membership list. On a daily basis, this is being worked on, and will be continually revised as necessary. As our membership does increase, the board is thrilled about new ideas, new plans, and new people working together with everyone to better our club. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact any board members or officers. The directors of the GSPC of Indiana look forward to an exciting year!
2006 Membership Outlook
The number of 2006 paid members has increased from our previous year. We have several new members, & continue to receive applications from interest generated @ the recent events that the club has been involved with. The club is only as strong as our members, & everybody’s help & time is much appreciated. The club is interested in attempting to hold some general meetings, open to the entire membership, to stay in tune with the wishes & needs of the membership. This is YOUR club & don’t be shy about volunteering to help out, or participating in & supporting any of the regular or new activities that we may venture into!
If you have not paid your 2006 dues yet , or are not sure as to where to send them …The dues are only $25 and can be sent to this address:
GSPC of Indiana
P.O. Box 1
Charlottesville IN 46117
To better serve your needs, we would love to find out more about you …New members or long time veterans…. take time to send me an email timcon@indy.net . Tell us your interest with the breed … hunting, conformation, obedience, agility, field trails, youth activities, tracking, breeding… or anything other than the basics? …This info will be listed as a footnote on the membership list & will be convenient when planning activities with members having like interest. How many Shorthairs do you own? How long have you had them … How old are your kids, & what are their interests? Do you have any funny or unusual stories about your dog? (You might make the next newsletter…ha ha) What are your dogs names? ……???
Looking forward to the membership working together to provide ourselves an exciting year with our common interest ….Our German Shorthaired Pointers!
GSPCIN Welcomes our newest members:
Please join me in welcoming these new GSPC of IN Members: Lisa Cleveland from Larwill IN, John & Alison Dodd from Sheridan IN, Martin Erschen from Indianapolis IN, Ron Goodwin from Greenfield IN, Steve & Mary Lou Hammond from Dunkirk IN, Travis & Aimie Heltman from Columbus IN, Kevin & Cheryl Jarrett from Cicero IN, Arthur Johnson from Auburn IN, James Kershaw from Avon IN, Bryan Mendenhall from Claypool IN, Gary Miles from Martinsville IN, Debra Moline from Mooresville IN, Mike Osborne from Spencerville IN, John Prikosovich from South Bend IN, Tom Rotundo from North Liberty IN, Matt & Vicki Sanders from Mooresville IN, George Simmerman from Oolitic IN, Randy Stahl from Plainfield IN, Chad & Stephanie Stout from Avon IN, Dan & Denise Titus from Knightstown IN, Dave Troup from Goshen IN, and Darrel & Roxanne Wilson from Indianapolis IN.
Specialty Show Report - Grand Old Man Nabs BISS In Indiana
By Char Rutar
The GSPC of Indiana held its annual Specialty Show Friday February 10 at the State fairgrounds. Becky Feigh and her Committee provided wonderful hospitality for all our guests and a loaded trophy table. Many thanks to all contributors, and especially to Donna Conley for filling in as hostess. Club members supported the event with their entries and/or were just there to cheer everybody on. We were joined by a strong entry drawing from Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky. GSP numbers went up on the weekend as the strength of our support brought more visitors who could not get away on the weekday. Specialty shows are always a great opportunity to renew acquaintances with breed enthusiasts from around the region; to meet some of the new folks in the game, and to see up and coming youngsters from new breedings.
The non-regular classes put the spotlight on dogs that have distinguished themselves in the field, and the GSPCI was proud to accept entries of one Field Trial dog and two Hunt Test bitches. We showcased Junior handlers as well, and were wowed by the skills in the ring of three young people. It is also a time to honor and celebrate our veteran show dogs; let them dust off their show leads and strut their stuff again and bask in the applause. Many of us watch the veterans through tears of pride in our strong vital breed. This year most of watched in awe as eleven year old CH Huntabird’s Riverside Reason, JH owned by Charlie Edwards and Patti Keller flew around the ring with the same effortless ground-covering gait we have admired for all these many years. Watching him capture Best in Specialty Show was a true Celebration. Further validation that this is one great dog comes on examination of the pedigrees of the Best in Puppy Sweepstakes, Best of Winners, and Best of Opposite Sex; all his grand-get. Congratulations Cutter & Charlie and to all the winners listed below:
Puppy Sweepstakes judged by Mrs. Peggy Park
6 to 9 month Puppy Dog: Stark ‘N MSL’s Coracao Valentine, B- Stark, Louriere, O- Carol Silverman & Shirley Baker
12 to 18 month Dog: Echoes Under the Radar, JH, B/O Curt Williams
6 to 9 Month Puppy Bitch: Pointsetter Steal the Thunder, B/O Amy and Charlie Edwards
12 to 18 month Bitches: Ch White River Pixie Stardust, B – Williams, O – Rutar
Best in Puppy Sweepstakes: Stark ‘N MSL’s Coracao Valentine
Best of Opposite Sex: Ch White River Pixie Stardust
Veteran Sweepstakes judged by Mrs. Park
7 to 9 yr Dogs: Ch White River Something Fine, JH, B – Scott Anderson, O – Wes & Mike McMillen
9 yr and over Dogs: Ch Huntabird’s Riverside Reason, JH, B – Ann Keegan, O – Edwards & Keller
Best in Veteran Sweepstakes: Ch Huntabird’s Riverside Reason, JH
Junior Showmanship judged by Dr. Dana Ann Smith Massey
Novice: Clynnton Conley handling River Bottoms Ornery Otter
Open Intermediate: Casie Conley handling CH Argosy Von Montgomerycreek, JH
Open Senior: Wes McMillen handling Ch White River Something Fine, JH
Best Junior Handler: Casie Conley
GSPCI Specialty Show judged by Dr. Dana Ann Smith Massey
1st 6 – 9 mo Puppy Dog: Stark ‘N MSL’s Coracao Valentine (given)
2nd: Kan Point’s Li’l Firecracker, B – Coonrod & Manning, O – Shane & Christine Baxter
1st 12 – 18 mo Dog: Echoes Under the Radar (given)
2nd Sure Point KC Dancin’, JH, B-Fitzpatrick, O – Robert Halvax & Sharon Fitzpatrick
3rd White River Victory Is Mine, B – Rutar & Edwards, O – Mike & Wes McMillen
4th Pointsetter WR Warrior’s Blade, B – Rutar & Edwards, O – Tim Tyree
1st Bred by Exhibitor Dog: Quantum’s Little Sonny Stuart, B – Weeks, O – Billie Jo Weeks & Lisa Pehur
2nd Artemis Hoosier Cornfed Farm Boy, B – Featherston, O – Christin Featherston
3rd Pointsetter White River Reason, B – Rutar & Edwards, O – Charlie & Amy Edwards
4th Shooter’s Gentleman Jack, B – Pehur, O – Jerome Sardelli & Lisa Pehur
1st Open Dog: Shooters Roller Coaster, B – Reames, O – Tim & Tom Reams
2nd DiPaul’s Echoes From the Glen, B – Spohn, O – Lorine Bohazi
3rd Mary Catherine’s Maximus, B – Harrison & Crump, O – Tom Scales
4th Paradice N Vonwey’s Erick, B – Arthur, O – Giles Hoyt
Winners Dog/ Best of Winners: Echoes Under the Radar
Reserve Winners Dog: Shooters Roller Coaster
1st 6 – 9 mo Puppy Bitch: NMK’s Unbridled Spirit, B – Chadwick & Remondi, O – Greg & Martha Veatch
2nd Windfalls Perfect Shot, B – Knox, O – Pam & James Hupp
1st 9 – 12 mo Puppy Bitch: Unwillyn Southern Belle, B – Owens, O – Greg & Martha Veatch
2nd Wolfe’s Creek Summer’s Rain, B/O – Linda Wolfe
1st 12 – 18 mo Bitch: Marquis Beri-Fine Design, B/O – Ron & Erin Schwartz
2nd Sure Point Smok’n Sensation, B/O Ron & Sharon Fitzpatrick
3rd Tabors Wannapoint Classic Touch, B – Tabor & Guerrieri, O – Lisa Stovall
1st Bred by Exhibitor Bitch: Pointsetter Steal the Thunder (given)
2nd Wynsom’s Just a Cowgirl, B – Trickey & Hines, O – Doug & Kari Trickey
3rd Country Star’s CTRL ALT DEL, B – Lumpkins, O – Damon Lumpkins & Norma Poffenbough.
4th Dreamquest Warrior’s Princess, B/O – Laura Portee
1st American Bred Bitch: Gari Vom Ferronhaus, B/O – O.R. Ferris
1st Open Bitch: Smokyrow’s Born To Fly, B – Crump, O – Travis & Cori Crum
2nd Kelanes Raise You One, B – O’Farrell, O – Susan & Kelsey O’Farrell
3rd Cydney Vom Lakota Cove, B – Willis, O – O.R.Ferris
4th Country Star’s Red’s Legend, B – Lumpkins, O – Jeri Phillips & Damon Lumpkins
Winners Bitch: NMK’s Unbridled Spirit
Reserve Winners Bitch: Smokyrow’s Born To Fly
1st Veteran Dog: CH Huntabird’s Riverside Reason, JH (given)
1st Veteran Bitch: CH White River Reason to Dance, JH B – Rutar, Feigh, Barker, O – Sarah Barker & Char Rutar
1st Field Trial Dog: CH SharpMtn Air Force One, B – Spears, O – Greg & Martha Veatch
1st Hunt Test Bitch: Cydney Vom Lakota Cove (given)
Best of Breed: CH Huntabird’s Riverside Reason, JH
Best of Opposite Sex: CH White River Pixie Stardust
CH Huntabird’s Riverside Reason, JH - Best in Specialty Show
Training Day March 12, 2006
Start Time: 9:00am
Location: Mike and Rita Osborne’s kennel. Coming from the south on I-69 turn east on I-469. 469 loops east then north around the east side of Ft. Wayne. Proceed to State Road 37 then turn east toward Harlan, IN. Go through Harlan and approximately 1 mile east of town turn north on Bull Rapids Road. Go north about 4 miles to Campbell Road and turn east. The Osborne’s driveway is the second on the Right.
Birds available: Quail $4.00, Pigeons $2.50
Lunch: My wife and Lisa Cleveland are making soup. I will bring pop, water and coffee. Feel free to bring a dish or munchie to contribute to the lunch.
Training routine: I will cover most any topic anyone requests. I plan to demonstrate breaking to wing and shot, stop to flush and stop to the shot. Lisa and I will demonstrate teaching honors. We hope to have a Brittney that day to practice with. Anyone introducing their dog to birds for the first time need see me so we can set up a successful situation for the dog. I will do a quick whoa, heel here followed by how to develop a dog’s field handling skills.
Fields: We will try to run 3 fields simultaneously so everyone gets the opportunity to get their dog on birds. We Will only be able to kill birds in the main field.
Licenses: Participants should have a current hunting license as well as wear hunter orange.
Orange Hats: I will have at least a dozen orange club hats available. If you want your name on the back please email and they will be ready for you. I will have club shirt samples available and will take orders.
Questions? Email or Call - Andy Giegold - pgiegold@locl.net
Spring Hunt Test
The GSPCIN’s Spring Hunting tests will be held on April 1st and 2nd. The premium lists for the hunting tests are included in this newsletter and they can also be downloaded from the website. If anybody wants to help out with this event, please give Chris a call at 317-339-4801 or email him at BLKGSP@YAHOO.COM…I’m sure he’d be happy to put you to workJ
Boat Sport and Travel Show Review
By Ron Ferris
The 2006 Boat Sport and Travel, and Deer & Turkey Classic proved to be very successful for the club.
The first weekend of the Deer & Turkey Classic, many members participated in some very well received demonstrations. For those of you who couldn’t be there, I’ll try to summarize them for you. All participants and dogs were first introduced to the crowd along with a brief history of the breed. Stephanie Stout and her friend Nina Gaither led off the demo with Stephanie’s search and rescue dogs Maggie and Lycos tracking down a member of the crowd and finding and identifying cadaver material. Stephanie explained how they train the dogs, and their availability for special situations such as Katrina or for homicide investigations.
Next Casie Conley put her dog Miss Molly through obedience drills, showing her form that won her first place at the 2005 Nationals. Christy Featherston called the directions for Casie and Molly, then followed with Argo in showmanship style with Christy explaining to the crowd what the judges look for in a show champion. Christy then explained what the judges look for in a Showmanship class from the handler. Argo followed with some retrieving skills, including retrieving a 35pound dumbbell.
Andy Giegold took over then with training tips for whoa, here, heel, and general handling for the beginning puppy. Seventeen-week old pups from the Audi and Molly mating were used for this part of the demo. Andy was most impressive in this area. The puppies were whoaing, heeling, and watching Andy intently within about three minutes. Great trainers working with great pups were very impressive to the spectators. Next a bird was planted in some cover and the puppy was allowed to point. While the puppy stood on point, Rascal, Argo, Arco, and Otter were sent in for the backing. All the dogs stacked up behind the puppy.
Steve Hammonds, Ron Goodman and Al Montgomery owned the puppies. We expect some great things from those little guys in the future. All in all the demos were very well received with lots of interest generated as evidenced by the number of people who came to the booth following the demos to talk, ask questions, and get information about the dogs.
The rest of the week, the booth was moved over to Tackle town and attended each day by members with their dogs. We greatly appreciate those who participated and thank each and everyone. We hope you enjoyed meeting with the people and talking “dogs” with them. Large numbers of people stopped by the booth. Several new members were signed up and lots of literature passed out to the public. This is a wonderful opportunity to educate the public about the marvelous qualities of the GSP. If you haven’t had the experience of working the booth in the past, you need to give it a try next year. Also if anyone has a dog or dogs that would like to participate in the demos, we welcome your help. Any special talents your dog has that helps us demonstrate the versatility of the breed is welcome and appreciated.
Boat, Sport, and Travel Show – part 2J
by Phil Rutar
From February 17th through the 26th, the GSPC of Indiana had a booth at the Indianapolis Boat, Sport, and Travel Show. This is our only significant public relations opportunity, and as in prior years our membership did an outstanding job meeting and greeting the hundreds of people who stopped by the booth to talk and learn about German Shorthaired Pointers. It is always amazing to me how many people either own, have owned, or are interested in our breed.
Renfro Productions does not charge us for our booth, but since (as my economics professor used to tell us) there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch, we have to do a little something to earn our keep. This comes in the form of doing two pointing dog demonstrations during the first weekend of the show. I had a chance to talk to Kevin Renfro about the demonstrations and he told me the show attendees really enjoyed seeing dogs in action, especially the pointing dogs. He added that he was really impressed that we could do such a good job with pointing dogs given the artificial environment we were dealing with – this was a real credit to the quality of our dogs and the skill of their trainers/handlers. As in the past, the heavy lifting in the pointing dog demonstrations was handled by Andy Giegold with assistance from Ron Ferris and several other club members. A measure of the popularity of these demonstrations is the number of people who attend. The fact that people were standing shoulder to shoulder to watch says volumes.
From a personal standpoint, on behalf of Larry Sowinski and myself, we sincerely thank those members who volunteered their time to represent our breed. We are the only breed club at the BSTS, and we feel it is a unique opportunity to educate the public about the attributes of the German Shorthaired Pointer.
Happenings and Brags
The Sure Point Gang scored points at the Xmas cluster - Sure Point Smok'n Sensation JH took home the following awards: Starved Rock KC - Wednesday, December 14th - Winners Bitch & Best of Winners, (Her brother K.C. was Winners Dog); Starved Rock KC - Thursday, December 15th - Reserve Winners Bitch; Fox River Valley KC - Friday, December 16th - Winners Bitch; Skokie Valley KC - Saturday, December 17th - Winners Bitch…Skye is bred and owned by Ron and Sharon Fitzpatrick. Meanwhile Sure Point K.C. Danc'n JH was busy collecting the following ribbons: Starved Rock KC - Wednesday, December 14th - Winners Dog; Skokie Valley KC - Saturday, December 17th - Reserve Winners Dog…K.C. is bred by Ron and Sharon Fitzpatrick and owned by Robert Halvax and Sharon.
Artemis Kennels would like to proudly announce their newest champion, Artemis Hoosier Corn Fed Farm Boy. Cracker is owned and was bred by Christin Featherston.
Casie Conley won the "Open Intermediates" juniors class on Saturday, February 11th at the Central Indiana KC show in Indy.
CH. Willow Run’s Violet Moon, JH – a.k.a ‘Violet’- bred and owned by Larry Sowinski and Kari Sowinski was Best of Breed at the Central Indiana KC on Saturday, February 11th under Judge Houston Clark.
Gari Vom Ferronhaus JH bred and owned by Ron Ferris won Reserve Winner's Bitch on Sunday at the Hoosier Kennel Club show at the fairgrounds.
Marwood's Copper Top MW a mini wirehaired dachshund owned by Mandy and Ron Ferris won Best of Breed at the Greater Indianapolis Kennel Club show on Saturday. This was the first show for Mandy's 7 month old wirehaired mini dachshund, which gave him a 3 point major.
Am. & Can. CH. White River’s Ziggy Stardust, JH –bred by Charlene Rutar and owned by Rick & Becky Feigh & Charlene was Best in Veteran Sweeps and received a 1st Award of Merit at the Long Island GSP Club Specialty Feb. 10. On the show circuit... a Ziggy son 'Tiro' (Ziggy X Ch. Star K's Naughty Nutmeg) went Reserve Best Puppy in Show in Brazil and the same weekend his littermate - 'Rio'- took the Breed both days in Phoenix, AZ from the 6-9 puppy class. The next weekend another littermate- 'Bravo' went Best in Sweeps at the GSPCI Specialty on Feb. 10. At the Maryland Sporting Dog Association a Ziggy daughter 'Ruby' (Ziggy x Ch. Ruann's Glitter N Glitz) went RWB to a 4 point major, Best Puppy and a Puppy Group 4 at her first show weekend.
5XNSTRA Ch Brockway’s Ruck Runner MH, UD, NA, NAJ – owned by Tom & Beth Rotundo earned his 5th NSTRA Champion with a first place finish on Sunday, March 26th AND for won the NISTRA 2005 Regional High Point Champion, accumulating a total of 23 points for the year. In what became a neck and neck race right down to the last day of the high point year, old Sebastian grabbed a 1st place, to clinch the title. With his 11th birthday right around the corner, these were great additions to an already outstanding career.
GSPC of IN Whelping Box
Ron & Sharon Fitzpatrick are pleased to announce the arrival of 7 Males and 5 Females whelped 1/4/06. CH Voglein's Sure Point Smok'n SH OFA - Good (CH Serakraut's White River Splash x Voglein's Gypsy Uodibar) x NMK's Sure Point Sensation JH OFA – Good (CH Robin Crest Silver Spirit JH x DC AFC Int'l CH NMK-RD's Final Curtain Call MH) Complete pedigrees include several hall of fame dogs including; A/C CH NMK's Placer Country Snowbird, A/C Ch Gretchenhof of Columbia River, DC/NFC Erlicher Abe, FC Sundance Gypsy Lee, AFC/NFC/FC/AFC Beier's Evolution and FC/AFC Dixieland's Rusty as well as numerous Dual Champions, Show Champions and Field and Amateur Field Champion dogs. This is a repeat breeding and the first litter hasn't let us down. While not all of the owners have elected to compete, the four who ran in hunt tests this fall all achieved their Junior Hunter titles, with three going four for four. They are now planning to move on to the Senior level this spring. The two puppies that have been in the conformation ring have multiple points, with majority of them achieved owner handled. They are all happy dogs that are easy to live with and nice to look at.
After the success of the first litter we are sure this litter will produce these same qualities. We are looking for homes that will take advantage of their natural abilities and good looks to compete but mostly for ones that will count them as a member of the family. Currently we have 4 boys and 1 girl left with some of them being the ones with higher show potential. Please contact Ron and Sharon Fitzpatrick at 815-365-2819 or surepoint@aol.com.
Ron Knox has 3 litters of puppies all sired by KNOX'S CHUKAR POINTING CHUCK AKC # SR22339316. The first litter of 5 born on Feb.08,2006 to KNOX'S PRETZEL GIRL OF INDIANA AKC# SR11881701. Second litter of 7 born on Feb. 12th to KNOX'S SPECKLED SPECKLES AKC# SR11881702. Third Litter of 7 born on Feb. 25 2006 to KNOX'S FANTASTIC FRECKLES JH AKC # SR16948201. I have 12 females and 7 males. Dewclaws removed, tails docked 60/40. Health Guarenteed. Please contact Ron Knox at 812-294-3082 or 502 648-5926.
Field Trial Committee
Field Trial Committee Report - by Doug Featherston
You are not seeing things, this really is Doug (back after about ten years on the sideline) and this really is a field trial report. I guess I’m getting my just reward for stirring up things with our new president. I challenged Ron to get something going with field trials in the Indiana Club again and what does he do. He appoints me to chair a feasibility study to find a way to hold a Field Trial in Indiana. How does that work? Don’t get your horses saddled up just yet because we have a long way to go before we can even think about hosting a trail in Indiana.
First, I offer a little history for those of you who have joined the club in the last 15 years. That’s right; it has been over 15 years since the GSPCI has hosted a field trial. Thanks to Char’s memory, I verified that our last club trial was a walking trail in September of 1990 and was held at Winamac Fish & Wildlife Area. I can remember attending the event because I help with birds and horses. The foundation of our German Shorthair Pointer Club of Indiana was based on Field Trialing. The GSPCI was formed in the late 50’s and operated solely as a field trial club into the late 60’s when it almost went defunct. Margaret Cass and other Field Trailers got it going again in the early 70’s. The early 70’s also brought members interested in organizing and hosting confirmation shows. When Christy and I joined the club in the mid 80’s, the club was well recognized nationally for producing both National Field Champions and Best in Show confirmation champions. If one was to take a look at some of today’s Field Champion pedigrees you are likely to find Indiana Bred Field Champions the likes of Steve Harold’s Sin City Slicker and Dierk Davis’s Rawhides Clown. As the club membership changed over the years and with the introduction of the hunting tests in the late 80’s, the club evolved and the interest in field trialing declined.
The sport of field trialing in Indiana was essentially shut down for the last five years because of a US Fish & Wildlife policy that prohibited the use of horses on state owned properties that receive Pittsman Roberts funding. The previous Division of Fish & Wildlife directors choose to boot the gun dog clubs out of the state properties instead of finding a solution that would work for all. That gutless act essentially eliminated the availability of properties large enough for the breed clubs to hold trials. A few clubs have been able to hold walking trials on the privately owned 300 acre Pike County Birddog Club in southwestern Indiana. (I guess Dick Mercier was right when he suggested the GSPCI make as much money as we could so we could buy our own club grounds) Do not give up hope and do not be despaired. The new IDNR Director is willing to work with us to find a solution. He has suggested that we look at state owned reservoir properties as a solution because the reservoir properties are not funded by PR funds. With an administrative rule change, these properties could potentially be used for dog field events. Within the next few weeks I will be making a visit along with members of the Greater Indianapolis Brittany Club and the Indiana Field Trial Association to the Huntington, Salimone, Missinawa, and Roush reservoir properties to determine if any of those sites would be suitable. If this solution works, it would still take several months to make the ARC. It would most likely be next spring before these properties would be available. With that in mind, I will also be making contact with the Pike County Club to see if we can schedule a date with them for the spring of 2007. Additionally, we may have an opportunity to set up a 250 acre hunting preserve on private property in southeastern Indiana. I will pursue both State owned and private properties.
In conclusion, even though the property issue is the biggest obstacle we have to cross, we are moving forward. We must secure a date with the parent club, we need to hire judges, we need to contract for birds and horses, we need to apply to AKC, get approval, and the list goes on. We can expect that it will be at least a year of planning and administrative tasks before we can even think about holding an event. That is if all of the pieces fall into place.
This is the part of the article when I desperately beg the membership for volunteers. I have a couple of club members already on board, but I need more. I need to get feedback from all members both positive and negative to evaluate interest and club participation level. I am open to suggestions on all aspects and most of all, I need experienced help. I ask that all members that have FT experience step forward and work with us on this project. I would prefer email responses to my home address birddog111@aol.com. I will keep you updated on the progress in future correspondence. It is good to be back, Doug
Juniors Committee:
Hello everyone, my name is Alan Montgomery. I am a new club member and I have been given the opportunity to serve your great club. I am one of the mentors on the newly formed Junior committee and I will be helping the Juniors with the hunting / shooting aspect of our sport. I have worked for the Indiana DNR for 18 years and I am a Hunter Education Instructor. I have three children and two grand children and they all have benefited from youth based activities. My son, Logan, recently graduated from the Junior ranks in NRA competitive shooting and while he did quite well in competition, he could not have competed without the Junior support he received from our state shooting clubs. I have seen firsthand how Junior support is crucial for organizations like our GSP club and I will do my best to help our club and all of our Juniors.
Before we can make plans for our Juniors, we must find out the names and ages of our Juniors within our membership and their interests (shooting-hunting-training-etc.) I would also recommend that we reach out to our non-member Juniors so we can introduce them to our club activities as well. If you would, please contact any of the GSP club officers or any Junior committee member with any current Junior information and I will get a list made of all of our Juniors. So lets all get our Junior boys and Junior girls involved, our GSPs need them!!
I also would like everyone to be thinking of any activities / events that would benefit our Juniors. Just try and remember when you were a young boy or girl (this might be hard for some of us)!! Some guidance and encouragement by us now will benefit everyone in the future. Any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Your GSP club has already been selected to participate in the Indiana Conservation Officer’s Youth Camp being held in June. We will be putting on a GSP demonstration for 130 boys and girls. What a great opportunity this will be to introduce our GSPs and our Club to Juniors from every area of Indiana.
Other ideas for the membership to consider: GSP Club sponsored Hunter Education Classes, Junior Field dog education, Junior Membership offered to Non-club members, Hunting/ Shooting education, and a GSP Club sponsored hunting day!
My personal goal on this committee is to insure our Juniors are safe and ethical hunters, inspire our children to be responsible GSP owners, and put a smile on all of their faces.
Alan Montgomery
Changing of the Guard
By Char Rutar
This January there was a large segment of Club membership who supported dramatic changes in Club leadership. Human nature is to resist change, though it is often necessary and for the good. The process was handled roughly, with several dedicated officers, Board members, and other key players surprised to find themselves unceremoniously dumped to the side of the road. (Hopefully now we have THAT out of our system!) I have passionately loved German Shorthairs and therefore given much of my spare time to the GSPC of Indiana for the past 22 years. Because of my efforts, those of my husband, and the many other dedicated members over the years who have given time out of their busy professional and family lives, the GSPC of Indiana has earned a strong national reputation within its parent organizations; the American Kennel Club and the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America.
I want to take a minute to profusely thank past President Charlie Edwards, for all those drives north up I-65 and all those weekends away from his kennel and farm. He should be proud of the beautiful website developed under his administration, the fun field and water training days enjoyed by members, and the trust of the GSPCA welcoming our partnership for upcoming national events. Thanks to past Secretary/Treasurer Becky Feigh for the gifts of her enthusiasm and creativity over the years to produce annual shows we can all take pride in, superb graphic arts products to enhance our Newsletter, premium lists and proudly honor Hoosier Hall of Fame dogs and people, and most of all her care and accuracy in all things administrative which are so vital to Club survival. Thank You Dale Suhre, for lending us your name, time, and expertise chairing our Shows and linking us so positively with our benefactors, the Hoosier Kennel Club. Thank You Kari Sowinski, for having the guts to take on one of the biggest jobs the Club has to offer when a worn out old Event Secretary gave up the ghost. Thanks to Phil Rutar for your Presidency years and for making the GSPCI an institution at the Boat Sport & Travel Shows. All of these people did some great work, and also did some things differently than others might think they should have been done. The members coming in and taking over will soon find out the truth of the old adage “You can please some of the people some of the time . . . but not all the people all of the time.”
I wish Ron Ferris, Donna Conley, Erin Schwartz, Chris Snyder and all the other new Committee Chairs good luck, patience, and the support of all members. They will make some mistakes, and do things differently, but hopefully the best way they know how. I beg them to take care with Club administration, and charge any concerned member with contributing ideas and advice constructively, so the GSPCI remains as strong, and as much fun! as it has been in the past. We have a rich heritage built on the late nights, unreimbursed expenses, donated lunch hours and weekends, friendship and love of many dedicated people. We will continue in that vein if we all remember it’s all about the dogs. Sharing your obsessions with friends of like mind is the seasoning of life.
A Few Notes of Thanks…
To the membership and the friends of the club:
A special thank you goes out to all those who donated to the GSPCIN Specialty Show Trophy fund. Those that I have a list for are the Layfayette Terminal Corporation (John Kennedy), Gary Miles Printing Services (Gary Miles), Steve Hammond, The Conleys and Becky & Rick Feigh. We appreciate your donation and all you do for the club.
Dear GSPC of Indiana members:
This is a note to say thank you all so very much for your support of me this past year. Words can't express how grateful I am for the generosity many of you have shown to me!! You all are wonderful people, and I hope you know that I appreciate your kindness. You helped in making my dreams come true this past year. I set goals of putting an AKC Champion title on my very own hunting dog, and going to the GSP National convention, and qualifying and attending the Florida National Eukanuba championship, and qualifying and attending the prestigious Westminster Dog Show in New York. It was very exciting for me to be able to do all of these things, and you all helped make it happen. Your donations of time, money, energy, and the kind support you showed me will never be forgotten. THANK YOU AND LOVE AND HAPPY HUNTING WITH YOUR GSP'S.
Sincerely, Casie Conley
A Special Thank you:
After growing up with shorthairs, watching the breeders with different lines, and learning the breed standard; I finally earned the approval from my mother to breed my first litter making Cracker my first bred-by champion at the age of 13 months. It meant a lot to me to hear all the compliments from all the breeders that I have grown up respecting, and to have all the applause when I finished him at the Hoosier on Sunday. I would like to give a very special thank you to my role model Patti Keller for her steadfast support and guidance throughout my childhood years.
Christin Featherston
To: GSP Club of Indiana
Thank you very much for inviting me to judge your specialty. I was entranced by the wonderful veteran dog. The address book is lovely and it will be put to good use. Thank you for such a nice gift! Again, thank you for having me!
Sincerely, Dana Massey
Editor’s closing note:
I just wanted to thank the membership for contributing to the newsletter and helping to keep our members informed as to what the membership is doing and upcoming events that are being planned. I welcome your contributions for consideration for the newsletter. After all…the newsletter will only be as good as the stuff the members contribute to it…so by all means send me your happenings & brags, litter announcements, informative articles, trivia tidbits, pictures (to be included when room allows), or anything else that you would like to see included in the newsletter. Email is the best way to get the information to me that you wish to contribute to the newsletter. My email address is mflkstovall@omuonline.net or you can give me a call 270-691-6283…if I am not home leave a message and I will call you back.
Thanks, Lisa Stovall
An 18 week old pup doing what he was born to do.