The final field trial of my 2025 season took me to southwest Georgia for the Guy de la Valdene Memorial Bobwhite Quail Championship, hosted by the Southeastern Epagneul Breton Gun Dog Club. The championship was held over four days at Hannahatchee Farms and Namni Plantation, where handlers and dogs gathered to compete on both liberated and wild bobwhite.
One of the things I enjoy most about traveling to field trials is the opportunity to see different country and watch dogs work in conditions that are different from what I have at home. Every region asks something different of a bird dog, and every weekend seems to teach me something new. Georgia was no different.
This year, Tank was entered in all eight Open stakes throughout the championship, while I also served as the field trial secretary and had the opportunity to judge the Gun Dog stake. It made for a busy few days, but being able to contribute to the championship as a competitor, field trial secretary, and judge is something I always appreciate.
The First Two Days
Tank competed twice each day during the first two days of the championship. We didn’t come away with any placements, but I never felt discouraged.
Field trials have a way of reminding you that good performances don’t always end with a ribbon. Sometimes another dog has a better day. Sometimes the opportunities just don’t come your way. Those first four runs gave me confidence that Tank was adjusting well to the unfamiliar terrain. He handled the ground well, hunted with purpose, and stayed consistent from run to run. We just hadn’t put everything together yet.
That changed on the third day.
Day Three at Hannahatchee Farms
The third day of the championship was held at Hannahatchee Farms, where Tank first competed in Open Liberated Brace before returning later for Open Liberated Solo under judge Clint LaFary.
From the time I unsnapped the lead in the Solo, he looked comfortable. He hunted independently, covered ground efficiently, and moved through the course with confidence. About five minutes into the run, he drifted into cover and locked onto a single bobwhite.
He remained steady through the flush and shot before being released to retrieve, resulting in a clean delivery to hand. Afterward, we simply went back to hunting and finished the remainder of the run.
Later that afternoon, Tank was awarded a CAC, advancing to the barrage where he earned RCACT. It was rewarding to finally see everything come together after the first two days.
Day Four at Namni Plantation
The final day of the championship moved to Namni Plantation for the Open Wild stakes.
Wild bobwhite have a way of testing both dogs and handlers. Opportunities can be few, and when one finally comes along, a dog has to make the most of it.
Tank was paired with a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon in Open Wild Braces under judges Will Crowe and Bud Shipp.
Both dogs left the breakaway hunting hard. Tank worked the edge of a standing cornfield before moving into heavier cover, continuing to search as the run went on. With only a few minutes remaining, both dogs disappeared into a stand of pines.
When we caught up to them, both dogs were standing on point.
I walked in to flush, and a small covey of wild bobwhite lifted from the cover. Tank remained steady through the flush and shot. The brace mate broke, ending its bid for placement, while Tank was released to finish the remaining minutes of his run after a brief discussion between the judges.
That wild bird find was probably the moment I’ll remember most from the weekend. Tank had put together four solid runs to start the championship, but finally getting the opportunity on wild birds and watching him capitalize on it made the trip worthwhile.
Later that day, I learned Tank was the only dog in the Open Wild Braces to produce birds. His performance earned another CAC, and after the barrage he was awarded his second RCACT of the championship.
Tank also finished the weekend with a Pass in Open Wild Solo under judge Will Crowe, capping off a strong finish to the championship.
Heading Home
Every field trial gives me something to think about on the drive home, and Georgia was no different.
The placements were certainly encouraging, but what I’ll remember most is seeing Tank stay consistent throughout the weekend. After four runs without a placement, he continued to hunt the same way and finished the championship with two strong performances when the opportunities finally came.
Just as important, the championship gave me another opportunity to spend time with friends in the Epagneul Breton community, judge good dog work, and watch dogs from across the country compete. Those experiences are every bit as valuable as the ribbons.
The 2025 season came to a close in Georgia, and I’m thankful to everyone who helped put on another enjoyable championship.