Tuesday, June 22, 1999 |
Tuesday morning in McCall was overcast, damp and cool, with heavy dew and patchy fog. As we approached Cascade, which is about 25 miles South and 1,000 feet lower, the skies cleared. The last six dogs were run in partly cloudy but clearing weather, temperatures in the 50's and little, if any, breeze. The lone test dog was run at 7:30, and the test ended about 8:15 AM. The last six dogs did not fare well, four of them having to handle. Overall, 35 of the 95 dogs handled (37%) and two broke. 83 dogs were called back. Dogs dropped were 7, 16, 30, 40, 46, 47, 49, 53, 83 (scratched due to injury), 89, 96, 103.
The judges moved the line to the blind about 15 yards to the right of the line to the marks. The blind was run through the marks on the previous test, with the line to the blind running behind the brush blind (used by gunners to retire on center bird in the previous series), between the center and right hand marks, across the second channel and deep into the grassy field. A dead duck was planted by a fence post 293 yards out. Dog No. 55 started at 9:05 AM.
The steep hill, suction from the previous marks, and the water angle threw some dogs from a good initial line. Some early handles were needed. Dogs were reluctant to enter the far channel, and some refused casts to do so. The judges had the area between the first and second bodies of water scented every 15 dogs. The quality of the work would vary depending on the wind. While several hunted the drag back in the far field, a trail quickly formed to the bird. The test took about six minutes per dog to complete.
The test concluded at 5:30 pm with dog #54. Callbacks came later at HQ and 73 dogs were back for the 5th. Ten were lost, they were: 3,11,20,22,28,34,44,50,61, and 91. The next series will be land marks, test dog at 7:30 am.
GALLERY COMMENTS :
"A double double entry blind."
"The first test where running early was not a severe handicap."
"When the sun came out, the 'Prairie Peak' umbrella stands were hot sellers."
"Spectacular snow caps west of Cascade framed the bowl."
"The food wagon this year raised the bar."
"Most dogs did the blind well. Remember when amateurs struggled on blinds? THANK YOU, TRI-TRONICS!"
"25 of the 83 starters have a handle--30%"
"Waterproof judges' sheets weren't needed today."
"When can we view the line?" (Several explanations were given, approaching instructions for tax forms in complexity.)
The judges moved the line to the blind about 15 yards to the right of the line to the marks. The blind was run through the marks on the previous test, with the line to the blind running behind the brush blind (used by gunners to retire on center bird in the previous series), between the center and right hand marks, across the second channel and deep into the grassy field. A dead duck was planted by a fence post 293 yards out. Dog No. 55 started at 9:05 AM.
The steep hill, suction from the previous marks, and the water angle threw some dogs from a good initial line. Some early handles were needed. Dogs were reluctant to enter the far channel, and some refused casts to do so. The judges had the area between the first and second bodies of water scented every 15 dogs. The quality of the work would vary depending on the wind. While several hunted the drag back in the far field, a trail quickly formed to the bird. The test took about six minutes per dog to complete.
The test concluded at 5:30 pm with dog #54. Callbacks came later at HQ and 73 dogs were back for the 5th. Ten were lost, they were: 3,11,20,22,28,34,44,50,61, and 91. The next series will be land marks, test dog at 7:30 am.
GALLERY COMMENTS :
"A double double entry blind."
"The first test where running early was not a severe handicap."
"When the sun came out, the 'Prairie Peak' umbrella stands were hot sellers."
"Spectacular snow caps west of Cascade framed the bowl."
"The food wagon this year raised the bar."
"Most dogs did the blind well. Remember when amateurs struggled on blinds? THANK YOU, TRI-TRONICS!"
"25 of the 83 starters have a handle--30%"
"Waterproof judges' sheets weren't needed today."
"When can we view the line?" (Several explanations were given, approaching instructions for tax forms in complexity.)