International Amateur Woodcock Championship ~ History

The new AFTCA website features histories of Amateur Wild Bird Championships…so far for the following:

• National Amateur Quail Championship by Steve Standley
• National Amateur Chukar All-Age & Shooting Dog Championships by Torben Hansen
• International Amateur Woodcock Championship
• National Amateur Grouse Championship

With help from the field trial community, eventually all amateur wild bird championship histories will be included. Thanks to all those who have contributed to the histories so far. The add prestige to the championships and thank those who worked hard to initiate them.

Check out the history of the International Amateur Woodcock Championship held this weekend in New Brunswick, Canada.

The International Woodcock Championship has been held for most of its running in the beautiful St. John River Valley near the town of Debec, New Brunswick.

The woodcock is a migratory bird that prefers dense, moist young forestland, preferably along field edges.

The International Amateur Woodcock Championship is renown for its comradery.

For many years, home-made lunches were prepared by the lovely ladies at the Women’s Institute in the little town of Debec. If you were lucky, they sometimes had extra jars of pickled beets for sale.

Dogs must negotiate the heavy cover and are expected to run with speed and style in their quest for birds. Excellent hearing is a must for handlers as competitive dogs are not much seen. Only their bells tell the handlers and scouts where they are and whether they are moving or pointing.