Moose River Grouse Dog Club trial results

Open Puppy Winners Northwoods Carly Simon with Paul Diggan and Gracie with Mr. Lawton. Back row: Dan Stadin and judges Brad Holt and Bert Benshoof.

Wet, drizzly and overcast—perfect bird-finding weather—was the forecast for the Moose River Grouse Dog Club field trial held the weekend of April 21 – 22.

First-year shooting dog Northwoods Lager, owned by Jim Bires, was our only entry in the Open Shooting Dog stake. He ran strong and powerful, hit all the right places and yet showed when needed.  At about 40 minutes he had an unproductive but stood strong when his bracemate interfered.  Lager ended his bid at 50 when he unsuccessfully tried to relocate on a touchy, running grouse.

In the Open Derby, Northwoods Classy Kate, owned by Barry Frieler, ran her namesake race—driving, forward and classy. That day, though, she went without bird contact. Houston’s Miss Liddy, owned by Paul Hauge, also ran very well but missed some opportunities on birds. Northwoods Roquefort, owned and handled by Dan Stadin, ran well and had an unproductive in likely cover.

The highlight of the trial was when 13-year-old Paul Diggan handled 9-month-old Northwoods Carly Simon to third place in the Open Puppy stake. He had to work hard to pull her out of likely cover on the outside edge of the puppy course loop.

Open Shooting Dog

1st Marley, Sig Degitz

2nd Ralph, Luebke

3rd Mickey, Peters

Open Derby

1st Hank, Visger

2nd Rain, Brent Sittlow

3rd Maddie, Harvat

Open Puppy

1st Gracie, Lawton

2nd Ole, Gerrits

3rd Carly, Paul Diggan