2017 GSEM Gun Dog Chalenge

In the months leading up to the first Gun Dog Challenge of the year, there isn’t a whole lot of time to think about photography. When you are the one responsible for making the show happen, there are a lot of factors to think about other than pictures of the event. Still, I find that good images are the best marketing tool for any event, so I do make an effort to grab a few while the event is going on. It also allows me to walk the field and see how things are going.

On March 18, the Greater Southeast MI chapter of RGS held its annual Gun Dog Challenge. It was a slick snowy wet morning, but the show must go on. Despite having to make several changes to the schedule, we pushed through and made it happen. Given the juggling of the morning schedule, I was not able to grab too many images. I did try to get some video, and now I need to figure out what to do with it. I can shoot video, but I really am pretty dumb at editing it.

The weather cleared by afternoon, and I was able to be in the field a little more. By the end of the day, spirits were up, and it appeared that everyone had a great time.

Because this is “my” event, all digital images are just $5. And, all money made from this event will go back into the Gun Dog Challenge coffers to help make these events possible. Don’t be shy…

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The Game- NSTRA

They call it ‘the game’. Many of the hunting dog clubs out there are all about the individual achievement of each animal. While you may sometimes run with another dog and handler, you are competing for an overall win. NSTRA field trials are run a little different. The National Shoot to Retrieve Association is all about beating your opponent on the field. Each successful bird find and retrieve is worth points. You have one goal, and that is to find the birds before your brace mate does, in a half hour. Of course, getting to the bird first is just the start. From there you need to have near flawless dog handling if you want to earn the points. NSTRA is fast paced, and shows off the best a dog has to offer. The dog-handler relationship has to be finely tuned. To win, a dog has to be on its game, and it has to be consistent. The handler too, must manage their dog in a way that lets the judges know that they are in control, but are not controlling. You can read all of the rules HERE.

This past weekend at the NSTRA Michigan Regional Elimination, the heat was on. 34 dogs started the day on Saturday. By days end, there were only 6 left to compete. It is amazing how much emotions, good and bad, can flair when competition at this level unfolds. On Sunday morning, the 6 finalists ran 3 braces to determine the the top dogs of the region. Out of 6 came 4: 3 runner ups, and a champion. Out of those 4, 2 dogs compete in the “big dance” so-to-speak. The final run of the day is between the two top scoring dogs of the semi-final round. This brace run for one hour, and 10 birds are placed in the field. Only one dog-handler team can be crowned regional champion.

This year’s NSTRA Michigan Region Champion is Chip run by Scott Townsend. Chip is a stellar dog, and a staunch hunter. Chip is also the most affectionate dog I have ever seen. When he is not slamming on point, he is curled up in someone’s lap, or pawing at your leg for a scratch on the head. Congratulations Chip. You have a well deserved win.

Just because there is one winner, doesn’t mean that other dogs were lacking. I saw some fantastic dog work this weekend. This was a tough field, for sure. But like i said, this is a game, and there can will prevail.

I personally had a great time this weekend. Even though this was my third NSTRA event, I learned a lot about the game. I rode with a judge the whole time, end was able to gain insight into how things are supposed to go, and what he was looking for. I also would like to thank my hosts for the weekend, Chris Ritter, Mike Kibby, and Scott Townsend. I look forward to my next opportunity to shoot a NSTRA event.

Click on a link below to view the full album and purchase images. If I did not get very many, or any pictures of your dog(or quality ones), I apologize Because of the level of competition, I had to stay in the Ranger with the judge to shoot, and was not able to always capture both dogs in the field. If you would ever be interested in having professional hunting scenario portraits taken of your dog(s), please contact me.

Ultimate Air Dogs…Photography Lesson Learned

While attending Outdoorama this weekend, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to grab some shots at the Ultimate Air Dogs competition. Of course I wasn’t the only photog there, because, who doesn’t want to get shots of dogs jumping into water, right? Well, I had to learn my lesson the hard way, but I am not set up for shooting fast action in low light situations. Of the few shots that I did get to turn out, they were grainy, and not what I was hoping for. Using a flash wasn’t an option, but given my equipment, I’m not really sure what I could have done differently. Oh, well. I had a good time watching, and even ran into a couple competitors that I have met through different dog venues.

“The best of both worlds”…APLA Michigan

Up until a couple years ago, having a dog was never really that important to me. After all, I’ve been hunting for many years, and usually did just fine. I did know that if I were to ever get a dog, that I wanted a chocolate lab. I don’t really know why, but I just like them. Now that I have one, and one that likes to hunt, my outlook has changed. When I learned that there are labs that can point, that changed my outlook even more. To have a chocolate lab that will point…that’s the best of both worlds. I now have my sights set on a pointing lab, as soon as my dog has worked through his useful years. I’m in no rush to replace him.

One of the biggest reasons I wanted to check out an APLA event, was to watch these dogs in action. It is also a good place to make some connections with people and trainers. The other reason… taking pictures of dogs doing water work is never boring. The sheer determination and enthusiasm with which these dogs perform, is inspiring.

On Saturday, I was invited to shoot the APLA Michigan hunt test, by my friend Dave. It was beautiful day to be out watching these dogs. The event was held at Omega Farms in Williamston, MI. Even with both man and beast present, there were wild ducks and geese flying past all morning. It is great natural setting for a dog test. The tests were held on several different ponds and fields that simulated hunting scenerios quite well. Because of the high level of certification that was at stake, I was not allowed to shoot the entire event, but I was able to grab some nice images. Below is a slideshow of the event. You can visit the full photo gallery HERE, to view and purchase photos, or use the menu above to search through sportdogphoto.com.
Enjoy.
Dave

Category: Events

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