Founder
of
NLSA [National
Llewellin Setter Association]
&
NLGDC [National
Llewellin Setter Gun Dog Club]
--------
Original Message --------
Subject:LSA
web page
Date:Tue,
21 Dec 2004 04:52:42 -0000 (GMT)
From:Troy
D. Sparks <sparkst@usaonline.net>
Reply-To:sparkst@usaonline.net
To:tstone@conwaycorp.net
<tstone@conwaycorp.net>
CC:gwente@direcway.com
<gwente@direcway.com>
Mr.
Stone,
You've
copyright violoated my personal NLGDC page (http://www.sparksllewellinsetters.com/nlgdcframe.html
).You need to revome the information
from the following URL: http://www.nationallsa.com/nlgdc.html
It
should also be noted that the NLGDC President, Gary Wente, has already
made this request sometime ago.
Additionally,
it would be appreciated that all implications between the LSA and NLGDC
on your web pages be removed.As
it stands now, it is implied that NLGDC endorses the LSA and King Kennels
which it does Not.
It
is very unfair to copyright violate my page and then have the nerve to
put a link to King kennels at the bottom.Not
to meantion that you don't even cite my NLGDC URL.
I
look forward to your reply and cooperation in this matter and hope that
I will not have to contact your ISP.
Sincerely,
Troy Sparks
------------
Troy
D. Sparks
VP.
NLGDC
Troy,
I
had heard some time ago that this letter you refer to was sent to us BUT
IT WAS NEVER RECEIVED BY EITHER OF US!Actually
I was foolish enough to believe that it was just another malicious rumor.
I
absolutely cannot believe the gall of you and Gary.
YOU
KNOW that Alfred alone started the NLGDC.Ask
your mother.
So
be it.Time will tell.If
the good lord wills and time is on our side you will be made the fool not
us.
The
matter will be taken care of and your link is already removed.
By
the way Troy, when you started your page it was then taken word for word
from out web page.We never mentioned
your infringement because of the respect for your family.
Alfred
& Drenda King
King
Llewellin Kennel
501-849-3383
ALL BUT 3 OR 4 OF THE PARTICIPANTS, ALL THE MEMBERS AND ALL THE OFFICERS LISTED IN THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WERE PEOPLE WHOM WE HAD PLACED DOGS WITH OVER THE YEARS!
Extremely
few of these people E-V-E-R knew one another until introduced by us!
Bob
Baily and Joe Noe DID NOT get together and form a trial.I
and only I got them together with myself in order to initiate the FIRST
Llewellin Gun Dog Trial!Bob because
I knew he had the grounds and Joe because he was the only person I knew
who knew ANYTHING about Field Trials.Again
VERY few of you knew either of them at the time!
Alfred
O. King, Sr.
All
the following information is taken directly from file copies of the National
Llewellin Setter Association News Journals.
ISSUE
#1 = Vol. 1 #2, SUMMER 1994
Dear
Readers,
I
did not know Drenda, my wife, and I would enjoy as much as we have, the
preparation of this newsletter.
I
have tried to hold membership fees to a minimum, only $15.00 this charter
membership year.This is to cover
the postage and printing only.The
quality and style of the printing are higher than I could have gotten by
with but that is not what I wanted.
My
aim is for all who wish, who are Llewellin Setter owners and enthusiast,
to become acquainted and to insure the continuation of the "PURE BLOOD
BREED OF THE LLEWELLIN SETTER".
I
think most of you, thru conversation or correspondence with me, know that
I feel an obligation to the fine gentlemen who encouraged me in the beginning.I
am ever grateful and still in awe of the attitudes of these men who could
have treated me as a `sale' and gone on about their varied vocations and
businesses.
All
these gentlemen were professional men not dog jockeys.They
took me at my word that I was truly in love with first the sport and then
the breed that could literally teach me what the art of Quail hunting is
all about.Whatever each of their
own reasoningās I feel I have an unwritten contract to uphold their breed
for taking me under their `Quail wing' and giving me a young, green 17
year old farm boy, information, encouragement and even Llewellins that
I would never have been able to afford otherwise.My
first ad was placed in Sport's Afield and everyone, except these men and
my wife thought I was nuts.
The
period had already begun when the Field Trial Running Dogs were being promoted;
thus more or less brainwashing the younger generation.During
the 60's and the 70's the major Field Trial men flooded the national magazines
with advertising that if a dog didn't have a Field Trial Champion in the
1st or 2nd generation of its pedigree it would not make a birddog.My
brothers tell me now that they could never understand how or why I maintained
these dogs thru all we have been thru.Perhaps
the most appreciated respect I have received is from them.
Respectfully,
Alfred,
Sr.
Being
involved with so many individuals dedicated to this unique breed I have
had countless requests to initiate some sort of organization.
I
propose to initiate the organization and subsequent News-Letter (Quarterly)
of THE NATIONAL LLEWELLIN ASSOCIATION.Decided
benefits would be:
(1)The
preservation of this near extinct outstanding, foothunting Birddog breed.
(2)Organized
information on individual Llewellin Setter owners in your area, with a
list of new members included in each publication.
(3)Stud
Service Availability: This list of Llewellin owners will let you know of
any stud available for service in your area.With
the cost of shipping a grown dog increasing each year, it will not be necessary
to ship every dog to be bred.
(4)News
of Llewellin competition in Foot Hunting Birddog Field Trials.(Contact
me if you have a dog that places or has placed in a Trial.)
(5)The
"KENNEL TIPS & HEALTH INFO" section will include an exchange of information
from members with helpful hints.Ranging
from feed supplements, disease control, cleaners, housing, results of shot
schedules, raising a litter of pups, diagnosis and Vet treatments, etc.
(6)Training
Trivia:Secrets you and I have in
training shared with each other.
(7)Question
and Answer section.
(8)The
ultimate formation of Area Llewellin "Clubs" and "Competitions".This
will come about as our membership increases and we all become acquainted
with other owners in our own areas.
For
years I have had this type of information cross my desk.While
every tidbit may not be important to all at a given moment, in this manner
all such information may be passed along in a timely way.Again
let me stress this will be an exchange of information format.Input
from all members will be welcome as it once was in the old publications.I
am very excited about this project.One
of the most enjoyable aspects of being a breeder has been "meeting" thousands
thru correspondence and calls, I wish to share this pleasure with you all!
I
AM NOT PROPOSING A NEW DOG REGISTRATION IN THIS ORGANIZATION.THE
PURPOSE OF THIS ORGANIZATION, IS MERELY A WAY OF KEEPING UP WITH OTHER
LLEWELLIN SETTER OWNERS AND ENTHUSIASTS.
If
you are interested in becoming a Charter Member please contact me.Also
please send copies of pedigrees you have on your dog, with information
where you acquired it or them, etc.MEMBERSHIP
FEE WILL BE $15.00 A YEAR.THIS
WILL HELP TO COVER INCURRED COST OF POSTAGE AND PRINTING OF "NEWS LETTER"
SENT TO YOU QUARTERLY.The response
of your input and information will determine if we are able to publish
every other month.Make checks payable
to LLEWELLIN ASSOCIATION.
LLEWELLIN
ASSOCIATION
%
ALFRED O. KING SR.
27
GAPVIEW ROAD.
CONWAY,
ARKANSAS 72032
The
date has been set for December 3rd and 4th in West Liberty, Kentucky, courtesy
of Mr. Bob Bailey.
We
are requesting input as to the rules and regulations governing the Trial.We
want the insight of everyone.
We
want to know what you think even if you don't plan to participate.
I
personally would like for them to be judged much as they were to begin
with.
We
want this to be a consensus of opinion that will please all involved.
Some
of you have seen decades of trials and have heard lots of "wish they would
do this instead of this".
We
need this to be a priority project!I
WANT TO GET ALL THE SUGGESTIONS IN, TO PUBLISH IN THE FALL NEWSLETTER.
We
can present this info in the format of a ballot.We
will provide whatever extra space needed in that newsletter.
Even
if you've never been to a trial·.. read up! talk to others! listen to complaints!Cover
as many aspects as you wish.Do you
wish to be a judge?How much should
the entry fee be?How a dog covers
the ground?Consider all aspects
of the trial and decide what you would like to see.AOK,
Sr.
It
seems strange to me but one of the most often asked queries I receive concerning
the Association is, "Aren't you afraid someone else will become a breeder
and eliminate some of your sales?"
The
answer is certainly NO.Don't jump
to any conclusions here.
I
want you to understand what part of NO I mean.
I
am proud to see the interest of the next generation in the Llewellins and
of course that includes breeders and the starting of Llewellin kennels
on their own.
For
a number of years I mainly sold to older men who had owned or remembered
what a Llewellin foothunting dog was.They
didn't care if it had a champion granddaddy.They
understood what a loving, dedicated, easy going (the word hyper was unknown
to us then), COMPANION, and needless to say excellent birddog they were.
One
can only raise so many pups in a given time.Probably
the main reason is health.Disease
control is very expensive and time consuming but an absolute must.
Apart
from that factor is the proven to me factor of making a hobby into a full
time job.
(This
a little background on me.)I once
loved to fish.In 1980 I was in the
Automobile Business.In an attempt
to break the usury law in Arkansas financing of vehicles became almost
impossible, forcing the company I worked for to consolidate their two lots
for a time.I decided it would be
a good time to try something else for a while; with the security of knowing
I could go back to the car business anytime I wanted to.
Back
when I was a farmer, late 60's, I subsidized our income by fishing the
Casche River in eastern Arkansas, during the time the crops were laid by.In
1980 I already knew what to do and where the market for the product was.I
opened a fresh fish and seafood market in Conway.At
that time the supermarkets didn't carry fish in our area.It
proved to be a lucrative business, putting two boys thru college, BUT it
turned a hobby into a full time job!I've
gotten into the same thing with the antique business.I
REFUSE to do the same with my dogs!
New
and modern hunting toys and the media blitz of the "field trial" stock
took over for at least 2 decades.Cover
and the birds own habits have changed.I
have never owned a "Beeper collar".Why
would you want a dog if you needed a beeper to find it with?My
dogs stay close enough to keep me in sight and even in heavy cover I can
hear their movements.The birds are
now seldom in the wide-open spaces.The
pesticides keep them from the fields and into the thickets and cutovers.I
remember when fencerows were all you needed to work and get all the birds
you wanted.Now even if you could
find a fencerow it would be too close to the poisons used to control crops.Now
you need a close dog more than ever to work the areas where birds are found.
Therefore
I can say without a doubt that I am PROUD to see the younger guys picking
up the breeding program.YES, I want
to see the Llewellin again become the dominant breed of pointing dog in
the US.
The
following is a prime example of what nearly happened to our breed.
Don
Bond, of Harrisonville, Mo., and a member of our Association has written
his views (based on varied experiences) of what he wishes to see in a Llewellin
Field Trial.
Don
also states, "Presuming that you have `broken the ice' in getting the Llewellin
Association started I would be happy to help form local and/or regional
branches."This is exactly what I
most wanted to hear in connection with the association.Don,
you're in great bird hunting land.I
have been familiar with parts of your area for close to 30 years, I both
have family there and buy for our store on a regular route south and east
of you.We already have several members
in Southwest Missouri.I sincerely
hope you all get in contact with each other and see what happens!
LLEWELLIN
TRIALS ---- The following is word for word Don's summary. I have been an
avid quail hunter since the last fifties and the last few years have become
obsessed with pheasant hunting.I
haven't had the opportunity but I really want to hunt ruffled grouse and
partridge.
I
have been an enthusiastic field trialer for many years starting with the
American Brittany Club horseback trials.Then
I finally admitted that they weren't interested in improving the Brittany
as a foot hunting dog but instead just wanted `further and faster' so they
could compete with the `Big Boys', the pointer and setter people.They
didn't realize that they had what the average hunter wanted, a dog that
hunted in foot range, pointed, retrieved and backed naturally.They
have really weakened these traits through their practice of breeding to
get run.
I
left the ABC and tried ABHA and NBHA.Even
though they are foot handled it became apparent that they also wanted the
runners.Then in the early eighties
I started with NSTRA.Their trials
were set up for foot hunting dogs.A
good hunting dog actually had an excellent opportunity to win, even at
the national level.I helped set
up both the Kansas City Bird Dog Club and the Mo-Kan region of NSTRA.I
have handled, judged, planted birds, been club officer, trial chairman
and every other job related to club or trial operation.Now
the `further and faster' type of dog is pretty much controlling the NSTRA
also, but with a few rule changes the NSTRA type field trial can be maintained
as a foot hunting bird dog competition, one that would be an excellent
showcase for the Llewellin Setter and set the groundwork to see that they
remain a fine foot hunting companion.
I
realize that this is not a `traditional' trialing with a cross country
course or back course and bird field but I'll try to give a brief explanation
of why the "course" type trial is not the way to go to maintain the Llewellin
as a foot hunter.
For
many decades now the "course" type trial has just been the way it is done.Here
are some of the pluses and minuses as I see them.
PLUS
- Gives dogs the opportunity to run a long (1/4 mile or more) fencerow
in his search.He doesn't have to
bother quartering.If you want a
"Sunrise" type of dog this is great.
MINUS
- Maybe not at first but soon, in a close trial, faster and further will
win.Then this effect will snowball.You
will have to have a runner to be competitive.Three
field trail history course trails came to favor the faster - further dogs
and so we now have the "Sunrise" type setters, pointers and continental
breeds where "way out there" is the number one priority.
MINUS
- Course type trials virtually require horse-transported gallery.Otherwise
you can't see any of the action, even if you walk.This
requires a much greater financial investment for those involved or just
watching and considering becoming involved.This
cuts out most working people as competitors or future owners of dogs.
MINUS
- After the dogs and gallery have been over the course a few times most
wild or liberated birds have had enough and leave.Sure,
a few come back in here and there but not enough to have a fair and equal
competition for EACH entrant.
MINUS
- SAFETY!!After the horse gallery
has been over a course a few times draw and ravine sides become slick and
treacherous, especially if it is or has rained lately.This
drastically increases the chances of a serious accident and lawsuit.Also,
grounds get torn up, mudholes start, gullies get started, these result
in more terrain damage or extensive and expensive repair.
MINUS
- Constant worry and concern over the dog wagon.Will
it break down?Will the right dogs
get to the right place at the right time, etc, etc?
Basically
the course/backcourse trials encourage the big running type of dogs.Just
look at the field trail history and see this.Owners
of this type dog get publicity and have much control over the gene pool
as the hunters are convinced that they need the CH. on the dogs pedigree.Many
times the hunters, especially new ones, just give up on hunting all together.Most
dog owners who have a competitive spirit are kept out by lack of money.The
cost of horses, trailers, trucks, training, etc. is tremendous.I
could go on and on but you get the picture.
For
the Llewellin Association Trials I propose basic style of trial, designed
to showcase the Llewellin's foot hunting style and preserve the Llewellin
Setter as the foot hunting bird dog.
DON
BOND
19805
E 220 ST
Harrisonville,
Mo.64701
LLEWELLIN
FIELD TRIAL
Thomas
Neville and his brother Everett have marked their calendars and are both
excited about the upcoming trial.He
says for all to see how well Tar Heel Llewellins do after hunting Tar Heel
Bobwhites!!!
He
states, "I must say that I whole-heartedly agree with you in the conduct
of the field trial.I support trials
based upon the hunting ability of the dog - not how high he holds his tail
or how fast he can run.To be certain,
we must cover the basics (pointing, retrieving, backing, etc.) but I believe
if we are going to make the Llewellin Trial a CONTINUING success, we should
consider the hunting abilities of the above all else."
What
do you think about some kind of "dinner on the grounds" the night before
the trial so that we might meet one another?To
me that's the greatest part about a Field Trial - getting to know other
dedicated to the continuation of the Llewellin breed.
THOMAS
NEVILLE
150
Laura Road
Madison,
NC27025
FIELD
TRIAL INPUT
As
far as the trial in Dec. I would like to see the trials handled the old
way, definitely not requiring dogs to be broke to wing & shot.Just
out walk - style hunting judging on style, obedience, (retrieving?) and
just good old bird sense.
I
have seen too many good dogs ruined by handlers and owners demanding a
dog be broke to wing & shot and I am thankful to say many plantations
in my region are going away from it.It
is just human arrogance to see how far we can push the dog, what next?Maybe
they will train their dogs to stomp their pad on the ground to indicate
the number of birds in the covey!As
far as the entry fee $25 - $50 is just fine to me.I
hope the trial will be run using Bobwhites.
I
can't wait to meet the many fine owners of a truly unique style of dogs
- The Llewellin.
DAVID
POOLE
RT
3 BOX 1098
LLEWELLIN
ONLY GUN DOG TRIAL
BY:ALFRED
& DRENDA
All
the plotting and planning was over.December
1st arrived and we were off to the blue grass of Kentucky.It
sure is some pretty country.It was
the first time we ever saw black barns and fences.The
weather was great up until the last day of the meet.
Friday
night we met at Bob Bailey's clubhouse at the Straight Creek Gun Club.We
all owe Bob and Steve a great big thank you for all the work involved in
making this a first class event.He
provided an excellent quality of birds, the layout was great, not to mention
the food.We cannot begin to list
all the conveniences that the team provided. The purpose of this meeting
was to set the basic ground rules for the hunt.I,
as well as most others present, didn't know what was the standard, but
we did know what we did and did not want to see.
Joy
Dog Food sponsored our Trial.We
appreciate the comments of Roger Blankenship, Joy's representative, as
we went along.I don't think he knew
what to make of such an uninformed group, but it didn't take him long to
figure out we do know and love our dogs and what we expect from them.
A
number of points were discussed.No
formal set of rules has been drawn to this date.First
and foremost ours was a Gun-Dog Trial and based on working activity as
it relates to a Natural Hunting Situation.
Three
stakes were run.ALL AGE - DERBY;
dogs 2 years old, whelped after January but prior to July.PUP
- whelped after January but prior to July the year preceding (1993).
Scoring
was to be accessed on points accumulated by POINTS - BACKS - RETRIEVE -
OBEDIENCE.We discussed intensity,
class and form, loss for dog running without apparent quest for birds,
points given or taken on speed and range, tail flag, handling and control
at backing, a must - once dog points and second dog backs, backing handler
holds his dog as first shoots and the retrieve is judged.False
points were considered OK as birds would possibly have already been found
in given areas, backing was approved to be on either sight or Whoa command,
if birds were flushed by man - no penalty, birds blinked by dog to be penalized,
Judge could disqualify handler for being too loud or on interference with
other dog, the dogs performance without excessive talk and/or whistle from
handler was discouraged as well as over-handling.
The
majority wanted the braces run on a basis such as would occur during regular
hunting experiences.Tho we understand
the reasoning behind the action of holding the second dog back to score
the first dog, probably no dog present had been held by the owner after
his back had been acknowledged, the covey rise shot and retrieve accomplished.Personally
we all shoot on a covey rise regardless of whose dog got first point.With
a good bit of give and take and general discussion and compromise; we seemed
to agree on a satisfactory basis for judging.
There
are rules to set down.There are
matters to iron out.I WANT TO TELL
YOU ONE THING.IF YOU WEREN'T THERE
YOU MISSED THE EVENT OF THE CENTURY!You
don't think I'm prejudiced do you?The
competition was the most exciting & interesting field competition I
have ever attended.
I
have never been to a trial where the competitors were as excited and happy
about what they were doing.In most
field trials I have attended your competition would "cut throats to win".You
could not see this in West Liberty.I
saw the best overall SPORTSMANSHIP I have ever witnessed.In
one of the heats a dog made a mistake that could have disqualified the
contestant.The Judge asked Tony
Sallee if he wanted the other dog ejected.Tony
was overheard to say, "No, let the man run his dog.We
came here to compete and have a good time."The
Judge allowed the hunt to continue.
Speaking
of "hunt"; you should have heard the comments from the gallery.Myself,
Bob Bailey, Drenda & others talked with and could overhear the gallery
commenting, "This ain't no Field Trial; those boys are hunting!"That
was a true statement.If you had
walked upon the competition one would have thought some good old boys were
out trying to fill their bags with game and not competing for a trophy.
The
stakes were run down connecting valleys; allowing the gallery to walk the
trails and lanes overlooking the valleys.It
really was a unique way to view the dog work.The
weather was perfect if a bit on the warm side, this of course is according
to which of the four corners you came from.
30
Llewellin enthusiast, owners and association members attended the gathering
Friday night.After the discussion
each signed up.The entry forms
were filled out and places drawn for the heats, which were to begin the
following two days.
Those
who were there are listed in the following by the order in which they signed
up.
Tony
Sallee - ElDorado Springs, MO
Bernie
Brown - Shell City, MO
Richard
& Lisa Dixon - Mt. Vernon, IN
David
& Penny Poole - Thomasville, GA
George
Gubitose, Sr - Strafford, NH
George
Gubitose, Jr - Oxford, CT
Lloyd
D. Jones - Louisville, KY
Marsh
Brown - Aledo, IL
Robert
DeCamp - North Vernon, IL
Roger
Blankenship, Rocky Mt., VA
Thomas
Neville, Mt Holly, NC
Everette
Neville, Durham, NC
Tony
LaGreca, Cornel, LA
Gary
Mac Quillen, Weber City, VA
David
DeCamp, N. Vernon, IN
Dwight
Brown, Chesterfield, IL
Phillip
D., Ledford, Columbus, OH
Clyde
& Ellen Farmer, Middleton, VA
Wilbur
Williams, Lincoln IL
Jeff
Jefferson, Morristown, TN
Roy
Sparks & Mrs, Milroy, IN
Olen
Chapman, Oblong, IL
Dave
Seimer, Maple Park, IL
Don
Bond, Harrisonville, MO
Joe
Noe, Tiskilwa, IL
Bob
& Steve Bailey, West Liberty, KY
Alfred
& Drenda King, Conway, AR
---------------------------------------------------------------------
WINNERS
ARE SHOWN IN THE ACCOMPANYING PHOTOS.
The
following is a list of participants and winners.Sunday
a buddy hunt was run, sorry but I do not have a listing on this.It
was raining by then and a good competition.
HEAT
PARTICIPANTS - ALL AGE GUN DOG
Brown's
Little Annie - Bernie Bowers
Straight
Creek Ike - Steve Bailey
Hans
Pride - Richard Dixon
Tippy
- Lloyd Jones
Dashing
Houdne Bondhu - Thomas Neville
Sheba
- Marsh Brown
Jeff's
Dashing Bandit - Jeff Jefferson
Straight
Creek Mike - Steve Bailey
Dashing
Krissett Bondhu - Alfred King
Blue
- Lloyd Jones
Ammer
Gale Bondhu - Marsh Brown
DeCamp's
Dash Maggie - Robert DeCamp
WINNERS
1ST
PLACE- Dashing Iron Mike - Steve
Bailey
2ND
PLACE - DeCamp's Dash Maggie - Robert DeCamp
HEAT
PARTICIPANTS - DERBY
Sallee's
White Owl - Tony Sallee
Dashing
Maggie - Robert DeCamp
Pool's
Royacelle Katy - David Poole
Dashing
Cavele Bondhu - Neville
L
A Bomber - Tony LaGreca
Dashing
Cracker Bell - Roy Sparks
WINNERS
1ST
PLACE- DeCamp's Dash Maggi - Robert
DeCamp
2ND
PLACE - Dashing Cavele Bondhu - Neville
3RD
PLACE- Pool's Royacelle Katy - David
Poole
HEAT
PARTICIPANTS - PUPPY STAKE
Dashing
Independence Bohdhu - ?????
Straight
Creek Blaze - Bob Bailey
Dashing
Peddie Bondhu - George Gubitose, Jr.
Blaze
- Lindsey
L
A Bomber - Tony LaGreca
Russian
King Alex - Alfred King
Dashing
Cracker Jack - Roy Sparks
Stick
- Lloyd Jones
WINNERS
1ST
PLACE- L A Bomber - Tony Lagreca
2ND
PLACE - Dashing Cracker Jack - Roy Sparks
I
sincerely apologize for any inaccuracy in the above listing, I am aware
that there definitely are some.Drenda
overdid herself by mid-afternoon Saturday and had to return to the motel
(Major surgery in Oct) and the record keeping was not what we would have
liked.Please contact us if you
have any corrections and we will run a full listing with corrections in
the next issue.
CALL
JOE NOE IMMEDIATELY WITH INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PEDIGREES OF YOUR DOGS
IF YOU WON OR PLACED IN THE TRIAL.HE
NEEDS THIS INFO FOR THE AMERICAN FIELD RECORDS.IT
IS NECESSARY FOR THIS TO BE CONSIDERED A RECOGNIZED SANCTIONED TRIAL.
LLEWELLIN
GUNDOG TRIAL
BY:JOE
NOE
The
inaugural running of the Llewellin Gundog Trial sponsored by the Straight
Creek Gun Club was held December 3rd and 4th near West Liberty, Kentucky.The
stake was open to Llewellin Setters only with Llewellin enthusiast coming
from nine different states.
It
is interesting to note that Llewellin Setters more than 80 years ago were
considered top field trial dogs.
This
dedicated group of owners, trainers and Llewellin breeders gathered to
discuss the possibility of running regional dug dog trials open to Llewellins
only looking to the future of naming an all age Llewellin Gun Dog National
Champion.
Judges
of the stakes were Don Bond of Harrisonville, Mo. and this scribe.Father
and son combo Bob and Steve Bailey did an excellent job of managing the
stake and hosted a Pork Bar-B-Que on Saturday.
Noted
Llewellin breeder Al King and his wife Drenda from Arkansas attended the
trial.Marsh Brown from Illinois,
George Gubitose from New Hampshire, and his son George, Jr. from Connecticut,
along with others from Virginia, Ohio, Missouri, Georgia, Indiana and Kentucky.
Those
that attended enjoyed the more than ample bird work and friendly conversation
about the future of Llewellins in the years to come.
-0-0-0-
NOTE:Joe
writes for American Field and is an experienced Field Trial Judge.He
is also published in other Illinois Newspublications.
COMMENTS
FROM OUR RESIDENT COMEDIAN/CPA
ROY
SPARKS, SHELBYVILLE, IN
I
enjoyed the Llewellin Setter Dog Trial that was held on December 2 &
3, 1994.There was some excellent
dog work.The people were very friendly.I
enjoyed meeting Llewellin Setter owners from all over the US.
I
would like to offer some suggestions to help improve the operation of the
next trial:
1.The
rules should be in writing before the start of the trial and sent to each
participant.
2.Each
dog and handler must be entered and paid for at least 2 weeks before the
start of the trial.
3.A
drawing to be held at least 2 weeks before the start to determine the brace
mate and the running times.
4.Each
person at the trial should have a name badge.
5.If
the trial is to be a 2 day event there should be an evening banquet.
6.Each
participant should get the name and address of all the participants.
7.It
is important to start on time.
8.The
gallery should be kept away from the hunting field.
I
might be interested in helping to hold a spring trial in Indiana around
the third week of April, 1995 if there is enough interest.You
might ask the Association members if they would like to have a spring trial.Please
let me know.
I
was well pleased with the way the puppy I got from you (Dashing Crackerjack)
did in the trial.I think he did
very excellent for a 9 month old puppy.I
believe he will be a super bird dog in a couple of years.
Sincerely,
Roy
K. Sparks, Jr.
37
E. Washington St.
Shelbyville,
IN 46156
317-629-2796
HOME
317-392-2515
FAX
KENTUCKY
WILL NEVER BE THE SAME
Kentucky
will never be the same after the LLEWELLIN owners from around the country
arrived for the first annual December trial.
The
Morgan Inn was the place to stay.After
Saturday's action many of the trialers ate at the Inn's restaurant.I
think the food would have been better if the kitchen door wasn't open while
Mr. Parker told all his great Kentucky jokes.The
Inn also gave Marsh Brown a complementary "NO PETS"sign
after he kept his dogs in his room Friday night.All
in all it was a good place to stay.(and
it was the only one.)
On
a more serious note Bob Bailey and his son Steve put on a great show.Everything
seemed to go pretty well and all parties who attended had a lot of fun.The
Baileys deserve a big thank you for making this trial possible and a success.
While
I was there I couldn't help but get the feeling that it's time to start
these on a local level. A
lot of the trialers came from over 400 miles.I
know I traveled over 1000 miles to make this event I promised Al I wouldn't
miss.
In
the future I think "THE LLEWELLIN ASSOCIATION" has to focus on the development
of a concrete set of rules to ensure that the LLEWELLIN remains the great
dog it is. I propose that
we as an organization should look into the rules of other restricted breed
trials and whether they have made a positive impact on the development
of their respective breeds.These
ideas along with input of other LLEWELLIN owners will help us devise rules
for which all future trials will be held.This
LLEWELLIN "constitution"will be
as important as the association itself.The
interest is there and if it is set up correctly I feel you will see the
support of the LLEWELLIN owners.
If
your a LLEWELLIN owner and you didn't or couldn't make the trial shame
on you.It was a great time that
was missed.It was tremendous to
see all the dogs including several rare imported ones, including Al's Russian
pup.Overall everyone seemed to have
fun and they're looking forward to next year.
I
hope to see all of you next year and I plan to have a northeastern trial
sometime in early fall before our hunting seasons begin around here.If
you are interested let Al or I know.
Speaking
of Al I want to publicly thank you for your part in all this.Without
your incredible devotion to this breed many a hunter would have missed
the chance to own such a great dog.So
for you Mr. King I feel a good set of rules will be the best gift LLEWELLIN
owners could give you.
GOD
BLESS,
George
Gubitose
P.
O. Box 196
Strafford,
NH 03884
SUCCESS
I
believe the Field Trial was a complete success.When
I think of the number of people that came to the trial and the miles that
we all traveled, it shows the dedication that we all share to the Llewellin
Setter.I felt that there was a special
bond between us all - much like whit my brother or with Marines I sometimes
meet.To me, the Field Trial seemed
like one of these civil war re-enactments - as if we were stepping back
in time,to a special time in which
hunters with like views assembled together and came up with rules or "conduct
of the Trial"over coffee, cigarettes
and cigars way into the night.You
can't find that as organizations grow larger and more binded or structured.Although
I traveled over 16 hours and only "hunted" for 20 minutes (shooting 1 bird),
I consider the event a highlight of my hunting adventures.
As
far as my views of where we should go, I believe it is important that we
hold these trials in some manner because of it is an important devise to
ensure the continued existence of the Llewellin Setter.We
need to reach agreement as to how we want to conduct these trials and in
my view of utmost imprrtance is that we make sure that it is a trial of
HUNTING DOGS>I think we were successful
in that end.I believe we could
have regional trials, but that we need to all have the same rules for the
most part.In short, we need to
have enough rules or structure to ensure that the trial is not allowed
to become something other than a trial held by true birdhunters with real
hunting Llewellin birddogs.
WHAT
I LIKED ABOUT THE TRIAL:
1The
number of birds pointed wighted very heavily.
2You
had to shoot the birds and this then allowed you to get a retrieve.
3The
judges stayed with the handler.
4The
fellowship of bird hunters.
5Seeing
so many fine Llewellins.
6The
cover was at the right level for a gundog trial.
WHAT
WE COULD IMPROVE:
1THE
COURSE WAS A LITTLE NARROW.
2The
trial shold be held at the end of the hunting season.
3The
derby brace was too short.
4Wasted
to much time between braces.
Again
I thought the trial was a tremendous success & an event for me to remember
& always reflect upon.I look
forward to the next year.I especially
enjoyed meeting you!
God
Bless,
Thomas
Neville
130
Summitt Ave.
Mt.
Holly, NC 28120
704-827-6877
NEW
BUSINESS
TALK
IT UP - WRITE
Let
us test our influence by writing American Field.We
are now over 200 strong.Write a
quick note to the Field, attention to the registration department.Litter
registrations are not being noted as LLEWELLIN.It
is bad enough that the individual registrations are no longer published
in the weekly issues.
I
do not like the Litter Registration in the first place because by the time
you wait close to three weeks to determine what color a pup (especially
in Beltons) is, then wait for them to get it back to you the pups are well
over 8 weeks old.
You
might write something to this effect:We/I
as Llewelin enthusiast are very concerned that you are not recognizing
or noting Llewellin litters as such.They
are simply refereed to as English Setters.It
concerns me because I am afraid it could lead to discontinuing registry
of the Llewellin as a distinct breed.I
believe this would be a drastic mistake because the Llewellin's personality
and hunting ability is so much different from the Field Trial Setters.They
are one of the few true foothunting breeds left, maybe the only one, because
they are dogs that want to "hunt with you".I
ask you to honor your founders memory of recognizing them as a separate
breed. We would greatly appreciate this.Thank
you in advance.
The
mailing address is:American Field
- 542 South Dearborn Street - Chicago, IL60605.
Let
us see if we can get a positive response.
Alfred
O. King. Sr.
THIS
LETTER WAS THE BEGINNING OF THE END FOR THE LLEWELLIN SETTER IN THE VIEW
OF FDSB.
THUS
ENDED THE FIRST YEAR OF THE NATIONAL LLEWELLIN SETTER ASSOCIATION BUT WAS
THE BEGINNING OF MANY MORE LLEWELLIN GUN DOG TRIALS.
THE
NATIONAL LLEWELLIN GUN DOG CLUB WAS FORMALLY INITIATED ON December 7, 1996!
12
Trial Reports
FALL
TRIALS
Llewellin
Setter Club Trials
By:Alfred
O. King, Sr.
This
has been a long fall season for my family.We
have had all manner of family medical problems.The
Lord truly blessed me this year because I was able to attend all the trials
this fall.Even though a couple were
slightly against my doctors wishes.After
returning from West Liberty, Doc fixed that and put me in the hospital
for 5 days with pneumonia.Those
Kentucky 'hollers' were in the middle of their first cool spell, followed
by rain; some of the braces were run in what looked like London fog.Since
I had waking pneumonia two weeks before this the fog did me in.
Anyway,
I certainly did enjoy all the trials and wouldn't have traded the experiences
for anything.
September
14, 1996 ~
Drenda and I flew to New Hampshire with Ashley and Deedra (it was a first
for the dogs).We had a wonderful
time and the hospitality of George, Maureen & little Emily, and both
their sets of parents was fantastic.On
arrival we were treated to our first true Lobster feast.Arkansas
"live" and New England "fresh" Lobster are two entirely different things!The
trial was handled beautifully, in every detail.It
was quite evident that George & the NH Club had benefited from the
experience of hosting last years trail.All
appeared to run like clockwork.The
weather "faired off" and the bird-work was great!The
cover was not unlike some of what we hunt here in the foothills of the
Ozarks.They have two layers of trees
and at a distance of 20 to 30 yards it's like looking at a wall of trees.It
was nice to start off with the pleasure of watching the Puppys work.All
braces displayed excellent dog work; I would not like to have the job of
the judge.The Judges did an absolutely
excellent job.You know that is
true when you heard no complaints, Ha!The
fellowship was superb and we all enjoyed meeting several men I feel I already
knew in person; Michel Martineau, Alain Tilly and Michel Gelinas who came
down from Canada.It was good to
hear that they plan to start a Club in Canada.Our
congratulations and thanks go to all of George & Maurene's family for
all the hard work they did.They
were all on hand to see to the slightest needs of everyone who attended.
October
5-6, 1996 ~
My son, Bill was able to go with me to Missouri.We
had a great time; he really enjoyed all the Bird-Dog fellowship and says
he is addicted now.He got his confidence
up as he ran the first dog.Bill
Janssen displayed the typical style of the Southern Gentleman by putting
on a fine Trial.His farm, just outside
of St. Louis, provided a wonderful trail grounds.Everything
ran smoothly, the Judges were very fair, and everything was well organized,
he even had programs printed up.In
the future all the trials will be able to provide programs, as all entries
must be sent in advance.The trial
grounds were laid out in a valley, with the gallery watched from a hilltop
on which picnic tables were placed atop trailers.Plenty
of birds were released and lots of shooting was going on.We
had lots of strong competition, making a tough job for the Judges.The
accommodations and food were excellent.The
trial ran smoothly and all were pleased to have made the effort to attend.
Bill's
choice of Awards was excellent.The
Trophy for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place was an extremely nice belt buckle.All
were either envious or proud of these lasting trophies.
October
19-20, 1996
~ Bill and I again went together for the third trial of the season at West
Liberty.As I said the weather did
not at first want to co-operate.All
involved had an excellent time.We
saw some excellent dog work.The
All-Age had 11 entries; 12 entries in the Derby; & 8 entries in the
Puppy braces.Joe and Lorri Noe again
traveled from Illinois with their horses to judge this event.Our
deepest appreciation go to them both for their patience in helping us develop
our trials.
November
8-9-10, 1996
~ Joey Hilton's South Carolina Trial was run on excellent ground.The
accommodations and food were top quality.Our
thanks to his Mom and family for all their efforts to see to our needs.We
had plenty of dogs and met lots of new folks.Several
came to watch the proceedings.We
were certainly glad to have Dave Henderson attend.We
received several new members in the Association.The
trailer for viewing worked very well, especially when the weather grew
colder & colder.
December
7-8, 1996 ~
At West Liberty we were able to finalize the organization of our National
Llewellin Trial Club.We had lots
of good bird work and enjoyed the fellowship of new and old friends.Stamper's
Inn provided us with space for our meetings and eating get-togethers.Again
Steve & Donna outdid themselves on our meals.
All
trials went very smoothly with a lot of beautiful dog work from All-Age
down to the Puppy Braces.I personally
enjoy running Puppy and Derby more than Open All-Age.I
guess because I like watching a pup develop.
What
I like about these Llewellin Trials is the variation in the winners.For
example this was our 4th running at West Liberty, although some of the
same dogs have competed they have not always returned to the winners circle.This
proves the quality of all the dogs competing.It
was interesting to see the development of some of the dogs over that of
last year.For instance, last year
Roy Sparks was not sure he was as pleased with his pup as he had been with
Jack (you may remember my little entry about the "first love" for your
first dog).By this year this beautiful
young Llewellin proved he could get down to business.
National
Association of Llewellin Setter
Gun
Dog Trial Clubs
On
December 7, 1996 all those present at the West Liberty Trial (app. 40)
met on Saturday night.The purpose
of this meeting was the official formation of a National Trial Club.We
had a lot of comments and participation in the discussions.This
action is necessary in order to:
(1)
Put forth our rules, regulations, dues, by-laws, and ideals.
(2)
A blanket insurance policy must be acquired in the name of our Trial Club.
(3)
The Association must be formed and a series of 3 annual Classic Trials
held in order to hold the first Llewellin Gun Dog National Championship.
(4)
Each club is to submit dues in the amount of $50.00 in order to establish
a working capitol.These dues need
to be sent in to Lorri Noe at this time.
THE
FOLLOWING OFFICERS WERE ELECTED:
PRESIDENT
Joe
Noe
RR
1 Box 88
Tiskilwa,
IL61368-0000
815-646-4837
FAX
815-646-4837
VICE
PRESIDENT
Keith
Smith
Lynn
Hill Farm
16192
Lynn Road
Saegertown,
PA 16433
814-336-5797
SECRETARY
Roy
Sparks
4787
W 224
Milroy,
IL
317-629-2796
TREASURER
Lorri
Noe
RR
1 Box 88
Tiskilwa,
IL61368-0000
815-646-4837
FAX
815-646-4837
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS:Consisting of one representative
from each of the seven Clubs formed to date as well as Alfred O. King,
Sr.
Alfred
declined any nomination of office in the NLGDC stating he felt the Gun
Dog Club would more clearly stand alone and as a separate entity from the
Llewellin Setter Association.Nonetheless,
Alfred O. King, Sr.; clearly having initiated all the participation in
the trials, was elected as a member of the Board of Directors representing
the Llewellin Setter Association.The
President will vote in case of a tie in vote.
ARKANSAS
Alfred
O. King, Sr.
27
Gapview Road
Conway,
AR. 72032-8812
501-336-8510
FAX
501-327-7061
GEORGIA
David
Poole
468
Beth Page Road
P.
O. Box 273
Thomasville,
GA 31792-0000
912-377-7842
KENTUCKY
Bob
Bailey
Rt.
1 Box 273
West
Liberty, KY 41472-0000
606-743-4765
MICHIGAN
Miles
Postema
1277
Caprice Court
Jenison,
MI 49428-0000
616-457-4037
FAX
616-942-4677
1-800-628-8090,
office
MISSOURI
Bill
Janssen
P.O.
BOX 159
House
Springs, MO 63051-0000
314-274-1539
FAX
314-671-0285
NEW
HAMPSHIRE
George
Gubitose
P.
O. BOX 196
Strafford,
NH 03884-0000
603-942-8804
NORTH
CAROLINA
Thomas
Neville
130
Sumit Avenue
Mt.
Holly, NC 28120-0000
704-827-6877
SOUTH
CAROLINA
Joey
Hilton
1401
Whisonant Road
Rock
Hill, SC29730
803-366-8437