From the 1979 Christmas Issue, reprinted from two years earlier, esteemed all-age handler John Rex Gates discusses judges and judging: 1977_AF_Judges and Judging_JR Gates The Texas Squire, 1972 National Champion. The Edwin Brown pointer is…
This interview with Fred Arant conducted by Everett Skehan appeared in the March 29, 1997 issue of the American Field. For accomplished field trialer Fred Arant, Jr. a lifetime with bird dogs has been rewarding…
This article by Dr. Alvin Nitchman appeared in the 1981 Christmas issue of the American Field Opinions about range in pointing dogs vary greatly; in fact, range is probably the most controversial subject. Even in…
In the halcyon days of trainer and owner relationships there were some memorable and unique dramas and some essences of very close friendships that have largely gone unnoticed. One that comes to mind immediately because…
“Our fingerprints don’t fade from the lives we touch.” As a headliner in the field trial world he captured more than a hundred Championship titles with all-age and shooting dogs, four National Championship titles in…
In choosing one’s associates or one’s friends there is a tendency to rule out those who make one feel uncomfortable — to actually assign demerits for unfamiliar behavior unlike one’s own habits, that is. Is…
Fundamentally, the real purpose of field trials is breed improvement, and the elevation of pointing dog performance in the hunting field… Among the vast number of outdoorsman interested in bird dog competitions, there are some…
In addition to the long-recognized qualities of speed, range, style, endurance, nose and bird brain (sense), there are others which are not mentioned a great deal that are equally necessary. These are excellent eyesight, keen…
Thanks to famed Hall of Fame handler John Rex Gates for taking the time to speak with me this past winter at the 2012 National Championship. I asked him if he had any handling tips…
Reporter, Albert Hochwalt and former editor of the American Field, Bill Brown Hochwalt felt that a field trial judge was in supreme command at all times and should exercise his prerogatives to keep things under…