GSPCI members were out in force to help with our 2021 spring hunting tests. As happens every four or five years, our 2021 spring tests fell on Easter Weekend. In order to leave Sunday, open we held a double test on Saturday, designated as the Red and Blue tests.
We sincerely thank everyone who so willingly gave their time and talents to make the day a success and apologize if anyone’s name is inadvertently left out.
The final planning for our tests began several weeks ahead of the weekend as Chuck Horvath, Dave Wolfe, Paul Kosowski and Perry Dlugie scouted and designed the two courses. Site Director, Jeff Wepprecht and his crew pitched in with some additional mowing to accommodate the judges and their UTVs.
Test Chairman, Dave Wolfe had the courses set up and ready for action by Saturday morning. The challenge of keeping an eye on two courses did not phase Dave as he was even able to run his two dogs in the tests. Our teams of judges for the Red Test were John Morrison and Paul Kosowski. Judges for the Blue Test were Ed Brock and Joe Delaney. Apprentice judging for the day, in a manner unique only to him, was club Vice President, Frank Susi.
Our Captain of Guns, Hank Freitag put together another strong crew of sharpshooters featuring, Nathan Selep, Andy Selep, George Noffs and Dave June. The birds were running, and the wind was gusting, but the guys were up to the challenge, knocking down quail for the master and senior dogs to retrieve.
The task of setting out birds for our canine contestants to seek and point in the master/senior field fell to committee member Ivan Bivolarov and his team of Avian Placement Specialists, board member, Christine Selep, Aaron Miller and Pryce McDaniel. The Junior field of Avian Placement Specialists of Jason Eslinger, Sam Phillippe, Russ Slagle and Jennifer Bradley were coached by veteran test volunteer and jack of all trades, Andy Caron.
The dogs are talented, but they can’t get themselves to field on their own. The task of keeping everyone apprised and at the line on time fell to our Line Marshals and Handler Wranglers. The day’s team featured committee member, Steve Selep, Addie Reis, Janet Burroughs, Rick Forner and board member, Tony Mattingly.
Hunting test handlers challenge themselves and their dogs with the goal of being awarded an AKC hunting test title. Recording scores accurately is an important job demanding attention to detail, neat handwriting, and tremendous patience. With the club trailer serving double duty as score desk and command center, who better to serve as the official scorekeepers than Rich Gilloffo, Randi D O’Neill and Kate Keenan?
GSPCI prides itself on hosting well organized and welcoming tests. We even have a special hospitality host charged with offering a smile and encouragement to everyone. Board member, and former Grillmaster, Al Haseman took time to between running his dog to make certain that everyone knew that their attendance was appreciated.
It should be noted that many, if not most of the above club mentioned club members were able to juggle two, and sometimes three positions with expertise. That said, while seen on the grounds, as is his tradition no one quite knew what, if anything Club President, Perry Dlugie actually did all day!
Thank you again to all our members, handlers, judges and friends for contributing to the tests’ success. We look forward to seeing everyone again at our 2021 fall tests on September 11 and 12.
