2013 Midwest Vizsla Futurity

2013 Midwest Vizsla Futurity Placements from left to right: Winner-Gunner, 1st RU-Rogue, 2nd RU-Zoey, 3rd RU-Rex

The 2013 Midwest Vizsla Futurity

By Mark Spurgeon

The 2013 Midwest Vizsla Futurity again made history. Some of the brightest young stars in the Vizsla world attended to compete for the coveted Double Lane Trophy. A value of approximately $2000.00 in Trophies including a cash purse was awarded to the winners. Although the field was smaller than some previous years there was no shortage of talent. To help sort out the dogs 2 talented judges sat the saddle, Mr. Kevin Kuiper and Mr. Paul Katzle. Both judges have been watching and training dogs for many years, and are well respected. As usual a large crowd gathered for the drawing on Thursday evening. Friday began with the usual ride around so the judges and competitors know the course and have a chance to ask questions. The course was changed to run backwards because of concerns that dogs may cross the road. A brush line along the road was removed and left nothing to stop a dog if it made a big move to the front. The competitors liked the course well enough to change it for the weekend trial to follow.

We would like to thank the breeders, competitors, helpers and our sponsor Purina. Purina has supported us with Food for our winners as well as Jackets that we have embroidered for our judges. We would also like to thank the Vizsla Club of Illinois for their continued support.

The weather for the Futurity was not ideal. Dogs were cast of into 6” of snow. Surprisingly the snow wasn’t an issue. The snow covered all but the best objectives and actually made the dogs stay forward and push for tree lines and pockets.

Our Winner and Runner up both came from brace 5.

The winner Red Label’s Machine Gunner (Gunner) was owner handled by Nate Schmidt. Gunner broke away to the first tree line of the orchard and he quickly returned with a bird. He was found standing with Rogue on the center tree line both dog stood staunch and stylish. Gunner made large forward casts as he moved for the back tree line and backfield. Gunner and Rogue were again found standing. Gunner stood through the flush and until the blank was fired. He moved through the cut continuing to make large forward casts. Gunner was rewarded again in the backfield. After moving through the cut into the orchard, Rogue was found standing at 22 (minutes). Gunner moved in for a back. Both dogs were staunch and provided an opportunity for pictures. Gunner found the tree line and again pushed for the front. As we entered the open field Gunner crossed to the far tree line and worked the line well. Nate collected him up and moved through a cut. He was again found standing at 27. After the bird work he was cast off pushing forward holding the tree line until time was called.

Our 1st Runner Up, Rueben’s Rouge (Rogue) was owner handled by Tony Ordonez. Rogue broke away with power and pushed through the orchard to the center tree line. He was found standing.  After the shot the bird was nicely retrieved. At 10 both dogs were found standing again Rogue retrieved after the flush. Rogue moved to the East edge of the orchard and immediately found a bird. Rogue maintained a forward race through the back field and was reward at one of the islands. After entering the orchard Rogue was found standing with Gunner coming in for a back. Both dogs were staunch and stylish. Tony moved on through the center of the field where he was rewarded with yet another find. Rogue was handled to the open field where he hunted at a fast pace forward of the handler. Rogue finished strong as time was called.

Our 2nd RU and 3rd RU came from brace 2.

The 2nd Runner Up was On-Point Vizsla’s Zoey (Zoey) owned by Dan Olson and handled by Bill Stapleton. The 3rd Runner up was Cedar Creek Diamond Rex (REX) owner/handler Craig Donze. Both dog broke away nicely toward the orchard and were rewarded with early bird work. Rex hunted his way through the orchard on his way to the center tree line while Zoey was rewarded with another bird at one of the islands. Zoey headed down the tree line at the south side of the orchard then turned to reunite with her brace mate on the centerline. Both dogs entered the backfield at 8. Rex was found standing just beyond the break in plain view. After the shot there was a short chase as Craig gathered Rex and moved forward. Zoey pointed at 14 with no bird produced. Bill moved on with Zoey hunting the wood line edge on the backside of the course. Just before entering the orchard at 20 Rex pointed and then retrieved after the shot. By 24 both dogs were together again moving well through the orchard. Both dogs pointed in the orchard at 25. The bird was flushed, shots fired and the dogs moved on toward the front. Both dogs stayed forward and hunted well. Rex was rewarded with another find at 28. The bird was unable to fly and no shot was fired. Both dogs had entered the open field as time was called.

The Breeder Plaque was given to the Breeder of the winning dog. This year’s plaque went to Mark and Pam Spurgeon. Check the futurity website for more information on nominating your litter or self nominating your puppy. Remember “let’s keep them pups nominated 

By 2013 MVF Scribe Chad Chadwell

Brace 1

1A Berry’s Heidi Ho. Call Name - Heidi (F). Handler – Jerry Jordan

The dogs broke away at 10:00 am moving toward the break leading to the north end of the orchard.

Heidi was cast off and moved willingly across the snow covered field toward the first break. At 3 minutes, after crossing through the break into the next field, both Heidi and Storm went on point at a small island at the north end of the orchard. As Jerry dismounted, a bird flushed and Jerry fired his blank pistol. Jerry collected Heidi and moved toward the far side of the field.

Heidi made a nice move ahead of the handler down a thin tree line in the middle of the large field. At 6 minutes, Heidi went on a stylish point at a tree objective in full view of the judges and gallery. Heidi held point until Jerry approached, then moved in and flushed the bird. The handler dismounted and fired his blank pistol for the second time. After Heidi gave a brief chase, the handler collected his dog and moved forward.

Heidi moved ahead of her handler checking each objective and obviously hunting for her next bird. She moved through the second break toward the back of the course and continued along the back of the course along the wooded edge.

At 25 minutes, Heidi moved through the break and entered the middle of the back side of the orchard. Heidi continued hunting ahead and within view of handler, judges, & gallery.

At 28 minutes, Heidi pointed her 3th bird at the top of the orchard. Heidi held point for some time, then moved in and flushed the bird. Jerry dismounted and fired his blank pistol. After collecting Heidi, Jerry released her and moved through the break leading into the large field and back toward the starting point. At this point, the judges called time.

1B Ramblin Rivers American Storm. Call Name – Storm (F). Handler – Missie Stapleton

Storm was cast off and moved out with Heidi toward the first break leading to the top of the orchard. At 3 minutes into the run, Storm went on point with her brace mate at a small island at the top edge of the orchard. The bird flushed, Missie dismounted and fired her gun. After collecting Storm, both handler and dog moved toward a wooded area on the far side of the field. Storm moved smartly ahead and made a nice move down a thin tree line in the middle of the large field.

Storm went on point at 8 minutes at a tree & brush area at the end of the tree line, approximately 75 yards ahead of Heidi. Storm moved in and flushed her bird and her handler dismounted, fired her blank pistol for the second time, then collected her dog and continued forward toward the end of the large field. Storm moved ahead of her handler through the second break leading to the back side of the course. Heidi joined Storm at this point.

Storm continued to hunt eagerly for her next bird. At 14 minutes, Storm rewarded her handler with a nice point on her third bird. Storm moved in and flushed her bird and gave chase. Missie fired her pistol after dismounting. Storm caught her bird. Her handler retrieved the bird from her dog, then released Storm and continued down the back side of the course.

At 17 minutes, Storm made a nice move along the wooded edge and continued ahead of her handler in full view of her handler, judges and the gallery.

At 25 minutes, Storm moved through the break leading into the middle section of the orchard and continued to hunt eagerly for her next bird. Storm made nice casts ahead of her handler in full view of the judges and gallery.

At 28 minutes, Storm pointed her 4th and final bird at the top of the orchard. The bird flushed and the handler dismounted and fired her pistol. Missie then collected Storm and moved through the final break into the large field and back toward the starting line. At this point, the judges called time.

Brace 2

Brace 2A Cedar Creek Diamond Rex Call Name – Rex (M) Handler – Craig Donze

At approximately 10:42 am, both dogs broke away nicely and at a good pace toward the general direction of the orchard. The dogs both stopped suddenly and went on point about 75 yards off the starting line in the open field. A bird was located and flushed and both handlers dismounted, fired their pistols, mounted, and started their pups again in the general direction leading to the orchard.

Rex moved at a rapid pace through the first break and made a quick swing by the top of the orchard, then moved toward the center tree line. He then made a nice cast down the center tree line moving forward with good ground speed. At approximately 8 minutes into the run, Rex moved through the 2nd break toward the back of the course with his brace mate.

Rex went on a nice point a short distance beyond the break and in full view of the judges and galley. The bird flushed, Craig dismounted and fired a shot. He gave a short chase before the handler gathered his dog and moved forward.

Rex ran with good energy along the back side of the course hunting generally along the wooded edge line and he continued around the curve leading back toward the back side of the orchard.

At the 20 minute mark, Rex made a nice point just before the first break leading into the orchard. The handler dismounted and after a brief search, flushed the bird and fired his pistol. The dog gave chase and caught the bird. Craig called to his dog, retrieved the bird, then mounted and moved Rex forward.

At 22 minutes, Rex moved through the first break leading into the orchard, then doubled back and proceeded to the second break and entered the middle orchard section where he joined with his brace mate at the 24 minute mark. Rex moved willingly up through the middle of the orchard.

At approximate 25 minutes, Rex went on point for the third time. He relocated briefly, then locked up and remained staunchly on point. Craig dismounted, located and flushed the bird and fired a shot from his blank pistol. Rex gave a brief chase, then was gathered by his handler and moved forward toward the top of the orchard.

At approximately the 28 minute mark, Rex again made a nice point in the general area where Zoey had pointed and a bird was produced. Craig dismounted, located and picked up a bird on the ground that was unable to fly. No shot was fired. Once again, the handler gathered his dog and move through a small break back toward the starting line where the judges called time.

Brace 2B On-Point Vizsla’s Zoey Call Name – Zoey (F) Handler – Bill Stapleton

Zoey broke away nicely and immediately moved toward the orchard.

At the 3 minute mark, Zoey went on point at a small island at the top of the orchard. Bill dismounted, flushed the bird, and fired a shot. The bird flew directly at Missie Stapleton, Bill's wife & scout, where Missie made an impressive one-handed catch while mounted on her horse. The judges and galley thoroughly enjoyed this athletic catch and laughter could be heard all around.

Zoey then moved down the far side of the orchard, made a swing to the left and proceed to the center tree line. At six minutes, Zoey moved down the middle tree line east of the orchard with her brace mate. She moved down the line with a good deal of energy in spite of the deep snow. Zoey caught up with her brace mate and both dogs moved to the next break exhibiting good ground speed in spite of the deep snow. At 8 minutes, Zoey moved through the break to the back side of the course.

At 14 minutes, Zoey went on point; however, the handler was unable to produce a bird and after a thorough search, Bill gathered and released his dog and proceeded down the back side of the course.

Zoey continued along the woodline at the back of the course hunting for her next bird. Dog and handler moved around the curve leading back toward the orchard. At approximately the 24 minute mark, the dog moved ahead of her handler through the 2nd break leading into the back side of the orchard.

Zoey hunted through the middle section of the orchard and went on point at the 25 minute mark forward of her brace mate. A bird was produced and a shot fired by Zoey's handler. Zoey was then collected and both dog and handler moved forward toward the top of the orchard.

Near the 30 minute mark, Bill moved Zoey through a small break into the open field where the judges called time.

Brace 3

Brace 3A Rebel Rouser Ulysses’ Bowie Call Name – Bowie Handler – Stan(?) Coleman

Bowie move ahead of his handler at a good pace through the first break. The pup continued past the top of the orchard and quickly moved to the center tree line. After briefly hunting the center tree line, Bowie then moved to the far wooded edge and made a nice cast along the woods toward the second break. Bowie continued through the break and was joined by his brace mate at approximately the 14 minute mark.

Bowie worked his way through the back side of the course and entered the back side of the orchard at approximately the 23 minute mark. He continued to hunt through the center of the orchard forward of his handler and in view full of the judges and gallery.

Bowie went on point at the 29 minute mark. A bird was produced and the handler fired his pistol. Stan collected Bowie and moved forward just as time was called by the judges.

Brace 3B Ruggedly Handsome Call Name – Rugged (M) Handler – Michelle Princer

Rugged moved out at a good pace toward the orchard. He went on point at approximately the 3 minute mark at the top of the orchard. The bird flushed and Michelle dismounted and fired her pistol. The handler gathered her dog and moved along the edge of the orchard.

Rugged went on point the second time after moving only about 30 yards from his first point. A shot was fired, the dog gathered and both dog and handler moved toward the center tree line.

Rugged made a cast down the center tree line and went on point at approximately the 6-minute mark. Rugged remained staunchly on point until Michelle flushed the bird. A shot was fired and Rugged moved forward and continued down the center tree line.

Rugged cast left to the wooded edge and went on his fourth point at approximately the 10-minute mark. The handler dismounted, flushed the bird and fired her pistol. Michelle gathered her dog and moved toward the 2nd break. At approximately 14 minutes, Rugged joined with his brace mate at the back side of the course.

Rugged continued along the wood line and worked his way through the back side of the course. At 19 minutes, Rugged made a nice point at an objective just before the first break leading into the orchard. Michelle dismounted, flushed the bird and fired her gun.

Rugged moved forward ahead of his handler into the center orchard on the back side. Rugged made a cast to his right and went on point at the 23 minute mark. Rugged stood staunchly until Michelle flushed a pair of birds. The handler fired a shot, collected her dog, and continued through toward the top of the orchard.

Rugged moved out into the open field and went on point for the 6th time. Michelle dismounted, the bird was flushed, and a shot was fired. Once again, the handler collected her dog and moved toward the top of the orchard.

Rugged moved a short distance into the center of the orchard and once again went on point. Michelle dismounted and flushed the bird. However, lacking ammunition, no shot was fired and the judge directed the handler to proceed forward. Rugged moved forward a short distance and time was called by the judges.

After taking a break for lunch, the Futurity competition continued at 1:00 pm.

Brace 4

Brace 4A Saint Rogue Red Call Name - Rogue (M) Handler - Shelly Kliefoth

Rogue moved immediately forward to the first tree line and cast right along the edge of the orchard. He reappeared after a brief absence and moved through the break, past the top of the orchard and proceeded ahead of his handler toward the center tree line.

Rogue made a nice point at the 7 minute mark at a tree obstacle in the center tree line. The bird flushed and Shelly dismounted and fired her gun. The handler quickly collected her dog and moved him forward where he was joined by his brace mate. Rogue continued down the tree line toward the second break.

After passing through the break, Rogue continued to cast ahead of his handler along the wood line and through the back side of the course. Rogue spent several minutes in the woods adjacent to the orchard, then entered the orchard with his handler at the 25 minute mark. Rouge joined with his brace mate and both dogs moved ahead of their handlers through the middle of the orchard.

At the 29 minute mark, Rouge and his brace mate ran across the judges field of view under a bird. No shots were fired. Shelly collected her dog and moved forward. At 30 minutes, time was called by the judges.

Brace 4B Northern Sherman Tank Call Name - Tank (M) Handler - Jerry Jordan

Tank moved forward immediately with his brace mate to the first tree line and cast forward at a fast pace down the tree line adjacent to the orchard. Tank was absent for approximately 4 minutes, then returned to his handler with a bird in his mouth. Jerry dismounted, retrieved the bird from his dog and moved him forward through the first break.

Tank moved forward at a good distance ahead of his handler and went on point at the five minute mark at the center tree line. The bird flushed, Jerry dismounted and fired his pistol. Jerry collected his dog and continued down the tree line where Tank joined with his brace mate.

Tank entered the edge of the orchard near the 2nd break and disappeared briefly. At the 9 minute mark, Tank returned with a bird in his mouth. Jerry dismounted and retrieved the bird, then moved forward with his dog through the 2nd break into back side of the course.

Tank continued to hunt for his next bird moving forward and ahead of his handler. At 14 minutes, Tank made a nice cast to the left side of the course and went on a stylish point. The handler moved forward and dismounted. The bird flushed and Jerry fired his pistol. The handler then collected Tank and moved forward along the back side of the course.

At 25 minutes, Tank entered the back side of the orchard. The dog continued to hunt up the center of the orchard with good energy hunting for his next bird. At 29 minutes, Tank and his brace mate were seen moving across the path of the judges under a bird. No shots were fired and Tank continued forward briefly until time was called near the top of the orchard.

Brace 5

Dogs broke away at approximately 2:40 pm.

Brace 5A Ruebens Rogue Call Name – Rogue (M) Handler - Tony Ordonez

Rogue broke away and immediately moved to the front toward the first break. Rouge continued well forward of his handler to the center tree line. Rogue went on a stylish point and held staunchly until Tony dismounted, flushed the bird, and fired his pistol. Rogue then moved in and caught the bird after a brief chase. Tony retrieved the bird and moved his dog forward down the center tree line. Rogue moved smartly in a stylish manner ahead of his handler.

At the 10 minute mark, Rogue went on his second point and held point through the flush. Tony fired his shot and Rogue gave chase and returned with a bird in his mouth. Tony retrieved the bird and moved his dog forward. Rogue continued to move ahead at a quick pace and made nice casts searching for his next bird.

At 11 minutes, Rogue went on point near the wood line near the extreme east side of the orchard. Tony moved in, dismounted, flushed the bird, and fired his pistol. The scout collected and released Rogue and Tony moved him forward through the next break into the back course.

At approximately 17 minutes, Rogue slams on point at a small island objective near the back side of the orchard and held staunchly until his handler flushed the bird. Rogue briefly gave chase after the shot was fired, but Tony quickly collected his dog and moved forward toward the orchard. Rogue moved into the orchard and quickly joined with his brace mate.

At approximately 22 minutes, Rogue moved into the orchard, cast right and went on point once more with Gunner approaching and honoring his brace mate. Rogue held point until Tony flushed the bird. Tony fired a shot, collected his dog and moved toward the top of the orchard.

Rogue continued smartly through the middle section of the orchard and went on point again at a small tree island. Tony re-located Rogue, then located and flushed the bird. A shot was fired and the handler collected his dog and released him toward the top and west side of the orchard.

Rogue entered the large field on the west side of the orchard and continued well ahead of his handler. Rogue crossed the large field and entered a break toward another small field before the judges called time. Rouge finished at a strong pace.

Brace 5B Red Label’s Machine Gunner Call Name – Gunner (M) Handler - Nate Schmidt

Gunner broke away immediately at a rapid pace and moved quickly toward the first break into the orchard. After disappearing briefly in the wooded area, Gunner returned with a bird in his mouth. Nate dismounted and retrieved the bird, then moved Gunner forward toward the center tree line. Gunner very quickly moved out and joined with his brace mate. He and his brace mate went on point at a tree objective at the center tree line. Gunner staunchly held a very stylish point until the bird was flushed. The handler fired his pistol then collected his dog and continued down the center tree line toward the second break. Gunner made nice large casts well forward of his handler and in full view of the judges and gallery.

At the 10 minute mark, Gunner went on another stylish point as did his brace mate. Nate dismounted, waited until the bird was flushed by Tony, and fired his pistol. Nate quickly collected his dog and released him.

At approximately 12 minutes, Gunner moved with his brace mate smartly through the break and into the back side of the course. Gunner moved well ahead hunting as he ran and making large nice casts.

Gunner went on another point at the back side of the course. The handler moved forward, flushed the bird and fired his gun. Nate quickly collected his dog and released him. Gunner immediately moved out quickly and continued well to the front in search of his next bird.

Gunner continued hunting around the back side of the course and entered the back side of the orchard. At approximately 22 minutes, Gunner approached his brace mate on point and went on another stylish point in honoring Rogue and held the honor through the flush. The gallery was treated to a very nice picture of two young dogs working their birds quite nicely. The handler did not fire a shot when the bird was flushed. After Nate collected and released his dog, Gunner moved ahead briefly and another bird flushed. Nate dismounted, fired a shot, and moved quickly forward again.

Gunner made large rapid casts near the west edge of the orchard moving quickly ahead of his handler. Gunner went still on another point at approximately 27 minutes. The handler worked the bird, fired a shot and moved his dog forward.

The handler moved his Gunner past the orchard on to the west side and into the large open field. Gunner continued with good energy well out in front and continued forward at a quick pace across the field and through a break into the next field before the judges called time.

Nominated Litters

Renominated Individual Dogs