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The
Bill West Derby Classic All-Age perpetual trophy include
(from left) the Mearns, Gamble's and Scaled quails.
These birds are native to Arizona and offer exciting
hunting experience. The trophy was donated by Bill and
Tamara Gibbons.
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All-Age
bird dogs are exceptional animals and can cover large
grounds in minutes. The handler must maintain contact
with its dog otherwise the dog may get lost and not
finish the course. Telemetry collars are often used
on these young dogs as they run to the limit of the
ground. Scouts are needed to help locate these hard
running dogs. Once a handler decides to use the telemetry
to track his dog, then the dog is out of contention.
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The
Classic judges were Bill Gibbons (left) and Bruce Hale.
They compare note as dogs are being readied to run.
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The
handlers are out front while the judges maintain a comfortable
pace. Handlers 'sing' and/or use whistles to help get
their dogs around. After many repetition this singing
or whistle tones and pitch becomes distinct and the dogs
respond accordingly.
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Another
view of the grounds with the gallery and judges. Bird
dogs need to cover huge grounds in order to find birds.
The Classic is only 30 mins long which doesn't give dogs
much time to find birds in this open country.
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Ed
Dixon planted bobwhites as he rode behind the gallery
for the next brace. The birds were contained in the bird
bag and simply thrown in the a bush as Ed rode by. Some
birds stayed while other flushed to nearby cover. Good
birds are essential and must act like wild bird to have
a decent trial.
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Feb. 14, 2002
Copyright © 1999-2002 UplandBirdDog.com
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