NSTRA is proud to present the 2006 Hall of Fame inductees:

Crow's Little Joe a 25x NSTRA Champion owned by Anthony Crow. Crow's Little Joe had a total of 451 lifetime points with 277 of them being first place points.

Fraulein Greta Dee a 13x NSTRA Champion owned by Butch Butler. Fraulein Greta Dee had a total of 241 points with 150 first place points.

NATIONAL SHOOT TO RETRIEVE HALL OF FAME

New Guidelines Established: In an effort to recognize and honor those deceased dogs which have contributed significantly to the ideals and goals as established under the original constitution and by-laws of NSTRA. We have devised the following plan. We feel this plan will take the politics out of our Hall of Fame endeavor and the most worthy dogs will be inducted each year.

Each dog will be rated according to his win history. Categories will include national championship wins, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd runner-up national championship placements, number of NSTRA championships, top performance award, and regional wins.

The period for submitting a nomination will open on November 1 of each calendar year and close on April 1 of the following year. The nominations will then be given to the Hall of Fame committee and the win history on each nomination will be thoroughly checked. The 2 inductees will be announced at the Dog of the Year trial in October.

The Hall of Fame committee will score the nominated dogs in the following manner; one point will be given for each win under each of the above categories in paragraph 2. For example, if a dog has won the Dog of the Year trial twice, he will be given 2 points under national championship wins. If he was also a regional winner one time he will be given one point under regional wins. Understand, the preceding two categories, plus top performance award must be first place wins. Under 1st, 2nd, and 3rd runner-up national championship placements one point will given for 1st 2nd or 3rd placements. If a dog is a 12 time NSTRA champion, he will be given 12 points under number of NSTRA championships. When all the dogs have been scored in this manner on the worksheet, we will come back to each category giving the highest scoring dog under each category one point, the 2nd highest scoring dog 2 points and so on. In this manner, the dog with the lowest amount of points will be the first inducted dog with the 2nd lowest scoring dog being the 2nd inducted dog.

Every two years, an additional dog may be inducted into the Hall of Fame by being the “Board of Directors” pick. This may be a dog who has not won under any of the above categories, but may have made significant contributions to NSTRA by other means, i.e. having sired an unusual amount of NSTRA champions, winning numerous regional championships only to mention a few areas that the Board of Directors might deem Hall of Fame material.

In case of a 2-way tie for first, both dogs will automatically be inducted. If there should happen to be a tie for second, the dog with the most 4th place wins will be the inductee.

Purpose: NSTRA would like to recognize and honor those dogs that have become deceased which contributed significantly to the ideals and goals as established under the original constitution and by-laws of the organization.

Without the great canine competitors of the past it is doubtful that NSTRA would be what it is today. Therefore it is only fitting that the "Great Dogs" of the past be honored for their contributions to the organization.

Dogs which are to be considered for this honor must have excelled in the competitive arena of NSTRA as well as having made a significant contribution to the pointing dog breeds through the excellence demonstrated by their offspring.

Procedure: The period for submitting a nomination will open on November 1 of each calendar year and close on April 1 of the following year. The nomination must be postmarked by April 1 to be considered. If April 1 falls on a Sunday of any year then a postmark of April 2 will be accepted.

Any NSTRA member in good standing may submit a nomination. Nominations should be in writing and shall include a short justification statement outlining why the candidate should be selected.

Each year at the Dog of the Year the 2 inductees will be announced to those members attending the NSTRA sponsored dinner. The inductees will also be published in the December/January issue of the NSTRA magazine.

INDUCTEES

Last October the Hall of Fame committee elected two dogs into NSTRA's Hall of Fame. One of those two dogs worthy of induction was Ace's King. King was out of Louie's Mohawk Deuce and Jack's Candy Apple.

Ace's King belonged to past NSTRA president Bob Cunningham of Medora, Illinois. He was purchased from Matt West of Bunker Hill, Illinois. Bob got the bargain of his life, only paying $50 for King. No one seemed to want the darkest puppy in the litter, but Mr. Cunningham saw something in that little dark-faced setter. Bob started his NSTRA trialing career in September of 1980. And on a May day in 1981 at Gunsmoke Kennels, King showed Bob what a bargain he did get and what caliber of dog he had on his hands. He placed second at that trial.

From that point on, there was no stopping Ace's King. He earned his first NSTRA championship by October of 1983. In April of 1984 he earned number two. Later that year Ace's King won the Illinois region elimination. He won the Champion of Champions Trial in April of 1985 with a posted score of 1052 points thus also becoming an American Field Champion. In 1986 he became a 7 and 8 time champion, along with a second place finish in the Illinois region elimination. King earned his 9th championship in January of 1987 with number 10 just 8 short months later in September of 1987. King was NSTRA'S first 10 time Champion. His last placement came in January of 1988 which gave him his 11x NSTRA championship. Bob retired King after his 11x Championship at the age of nine years old.

Bob and King were trialing at a time when many trials were only held on Saturday only and endurance trials were unheard of; a time when points and championships were more difficult to earn than today. King was the kind of dog one only dreams of; a dog that can wild-birdhunt one day and field trial the next. More than one judge made the statement that King was probably the most “broke” dog in NSTRA at that time. It was a time when NSTRA dogs were taught to hold that point no matter what. There was not such a thing as “moving from its resting place”. The dog had to hold point even if the bird walked under its nose.

King traveled many miles in a dog trailer to trials. He traveled even more miles by himself. You see, King was a free spirit who would take off on little adventures now and then. He ran off in Minnesota, crossed two busy interstates to end up attending a bbq with some folks 15 miles from the field trial grounds. One winter he decided to hunt on his own while wild-birdhunting in Childress, Texas only to be picked up by two ladies and hauled to Dallas (approximately 4 hours away) and was retrieved by Bobby Clark. His escapade in Washington State the next fall landed him on a cattle ranch. Gailen Carothers rescued King that time and flew home with him to make sure he “landed safely”. Luckily for King, he was usually found by someone who would call Bob and say “I think I have your dog here”. He left the field one morning while Bob and Marilyn were in Florida in 1990 only to never return. We hope he ended up with some nice people and didn't end up an alligator's lunch, which seems to be the theory.

King sired 17 dogs who placed in NSTRA field trials. They are: Ace's Oscar's Cissy, Bridgette Greenwood, King's Dizzy Tis, Master Mohawk Mike, AK's Ike, Woodland's King Reggie, Perkins Dixie Bell, Ace's Hope, Ace's Whisky Lady, King's Blitzen, King's Gabby Girl, Trentham's Dixie Amy, Smokin Mohawk, Ace's Rebel Sally, Ace's Ranger, and T's Dixie King. In 1991 Master Mohawk Mike won the Top Performance Award, Ace's Whisky Lady won the NSTRA Dog of the Year trial in 1992 and Smokin Mohawk was 3rd runner-up in the 1995 Ralston Purina Endurance Trial.

Tomoka's Smokin Mike was owned by Greg Wood and Logan Arnsparger of Kentucky. Mike was a 15x NSTRA champion out of Tricky Dick Jim by Cash Master Kelly.

Greg has been field trialing since he was a young boy. He joined NSTRA in 1981. It wasn't until 1990 when Mike came along. Greg knew he had something special in this little setter pup. Mike captured his first placement at the tender age of 22 months at the Ohio County Quail Hunters trial in October of 1991. It didn't take Mike long to figure this field trialing out as he had earned his first championship one year later in 1992.

Tomoka's Smokin Mike averaged about two championships per year after that first one. He earned numbers 2 and 3 in 1993, numbers 4 and 5 in 1994, numbers 6 and 7 in 1995, numbers 8 and 9 in 1996. Then he doubled his efforts – earning his 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th NSTRA championships in ONE YEAR!! One championship is quite an accomplishment, but four in one year is absolutely phenomenal!

And phenomenal he was. Along with that, his accomplishments include: fourth in 1993 Kentucky region elimination; second in the 1993 Dog of the Year trial; first in the 1994 Kentucky region elimination; fourth in the 1994 Trial of Champions; third in the 1995 Dog of the Year; second in the 1997 Quail Invitational; third in the 1997 and 1998 Kentucky region elimination; second in the 1999 Quail Invitational; and fourth in the 1999 Grand National.

Mike was a once in a lifetime dog – but his daughter Sadie is proving to be another once in a lifetime dog for Greg and Logan.

Mike has sired 40 dogs who have placed in NSTRA field trials. They are: Tricky Dix Gem, Tekoa's Tricky Bull, Barb's Tekoa Trouble, Tekoa's Gusto, Tomoka's Smokin Sadie, Tomoka's Star Sunrise, Lightfoot Max, Tomoka's Smokin Chip, Maggie's Smokin Jed, Tomoka's Smokin Maggie, Smokin Red Pepper, I'm Smokin Rocky, Maggie's Smokin Cody, Spud Lake Bessie, I'm Your Huckleberry, Smokin Moses, Tomoka's Slick Trick, Jafkens Movin Maria, Phipp's Susanna Sue, Blue Grass J.D., Smokin Tomoka's Babe, Maggie's Smokin Jessie, Basketts Speck, Smith's Performer Jake, Tomoka's Smokin Buster, Mike's Maximum, Rough River Jake, Lyssa's Miss Nellie, Freckled Kate Marie, Tomoka's Smokin Ruby, Tekoa's Smokin Scout, Tomoka's Smokin Max, Carnley's Tekoa Max, Nalls Smokin Wheel, Mike's Smokin Pepper, Mike's Smokin Sadie, Tomoka's Smokin Blu, Smokin Duchess, Reason for Divorce and Wild Willy.

Mike was not only a great bird dog as proven, but he was an awesome pet, best friend, and companion to have around. He will be missed by his family and a few trialers for years to come. He showed that English setters have what it takes! He had the endurance, intelligence, confidence, and most of all, he had heart. He was in it for himself, of course, but most of all, he did it to please his co-partner, Greg. They were a team that knew what to do with only a look of the eye. There will never be a pair like them. We'll miss you Mike!! See you in bird dog heaven. (Morgan & Meghan says)

Bailey's Elhew Kate owned by Herb Ralston of Bunker Hill, IL

I'm Dick Too owned by Gene Mahoney of Medical Lake, WA

5x CH Snips Chick Von Wildburg UD SH, "Cricket" was the first dog I bred for field competition, and she certainly fulfilled everything I had dreamed of in a dog. She placed in every Regional she ran in, winning the Ga Regional in 1991. She took 2nd Runner-up at the Nat'l Dog-of-the-Year Trial in 1990. As she was accomplishing all this she took time out for the whelping box, producing 10X Ch Snips Ticked Off SH, CH Holstroms Snip Chick SH CD N/A, 2X Ch Snips Timberdoodle Shooter SH CD, 2X Ch Red Briar Cutter SH, NSTRA CH- Show CH Snips Ragin Cajun V Wildburg CDX SH, Snips Jimminy Cricket CD SH, Snips Gidget SH. Cricket contributed in a big way to the current bloodlines that improve our breed and level of competition. She was also a beloved member of the family for almost 16 years, and we are extremely proud of her past accomplishments and what she is still accomplishing. Brenda Roe, Walnut Hill Kennel, Snips Shorthairs.

Rebel's Heart of Texas - Johnny Frank. This dog has been referred to as a pint-sized dynamo so often that I wanted to start with it to get it out of the way. He certainly was that, but, oh, so much more. When his owner& handler, Stan Maynard of Lubbock, Texas began to compete with him in the WTX Region of NSTRA he got counseled on the assumption that although the dog was unique, he would never be able to consistently compete with the larger, supposedly faster breeds. Somebody forgot to tell Johnny Frank. When the dust finally settled, he retired as NSTRA's winningest Brittany. I don't think I overstep my grounds when I say that at the height of his career he practically owned the WTX Region. He was the epitome of the saying, "it ain't over 'til he's run." There have always been and certainly are today, some truly fabulous Brits running NSTRA, but it was Johnny Frank who "broke the ice" as far as what this breed could do in all-breed competition. As all truly superb animals of this nature do, he passed along offspring that are competitive, loyal and gentle natured. His record will speak for itself It's always hard to say good bye, but we do so with fond memories. As a whole, the WTX Region thanks the Hall of Fame Committee members for this honor and say "congratulations" to Stan Maynard for a great job with 23 pounds of heart & hair, Rebel's Heart of Texas - Johnny Frank.

She's A Scooter

Miss Freckles Rex

Mosley's Dixie Queen

Fancy White Trash

Tall Oaks Freebee

Crow's Little Joe English Pointer Male Owner: Anthony Crow, Danville, AL

Fraulein Greta Dee German Shorthaired Pointer Female Owner: Butch Butler, Lake Wales, FL

Mill Pond Tom was whelped on June 5, 1989 with his sire being Mouse House Rex and dam Skedaddle Sam’s Dixie. He was owned by Rick Lamb, lifetime member of NSTRA residing in West Sacramento, California. Tom earned his first placement on April 6, 1991 – just under 2 years of age. He continued on his quest to his first championship which he earned on September 29, 1991. Tom placed 2nd during a qualification round of the 1992 Trial of Champions and placed 1st during a qualification round of the 1994 Dog of the Year trial. He earned a 2nd place trophy at the Northern-California-Nevada Regional in 1995. In May 1996, Tom and Rick were once again in the winners circle – this time as the No-Cal-Nevada Regional Champion. During the 1997 regional elimination, Tom once again emerged as winner of the NCN Regional Elimination. In 1998, there were numerous placements along with earning 1st runner-up during the Regional Elimination. When all thought perhaps Tom’s career had ended, he once again "showed off" and became the 2000 Regional Champion of the NCN Region. Tom’s career spanned over 9 years with 217 lifetime points – including 140 first place points. He was a 12 time NSTRA champion and winner of the Regional Championship three times with 2 runner-up slots. Our heartfelt congratulations go to Rick Lamb and Mill Pond Tom – a true champion.

Tomoka's Smokin Sadie
Owner: Greg Wood and Logan Arnsparger

Sadie was whelped May 15, 1996. She was destined for greatness through heritage and opportunity being a Daughter of Hall of Fame “Tomoka’s Smokin Mike” and born at the home of one of the top handlers in NSTRA then and today, Greg Wood. She was treated and groomed to be a top-notch competitor in NSTRA and she did not let Greg and Logan down with her performance and record.

Sadie’s NSTRA career was impeccable both on a local, Regional and National level. She was a dreaded draw at the local weekend trials placing often. Sadie earned 288 NSTRA pointes of which 52 were firsts, 38 second place finishes, and 32 thirds. Sadie earned her first NSTRA placement on February 15, 1997 at the age of 9 months winning a first on the C field in Lake Wales, Florida. She placed again on the A field 2 days later winning another first. At this hot pace and at the age of 101/2 months she earned her first of 16 NSTRA Championships. This set a precedent that was to be a standard she maintained during her entire career.

On the Regional level Sadie was the Kentucky high point for 6 consecutive years. And many of you know how tough the Kentucky region is.

Nationally Sadie was and still is a household name. Her name was spoken often as her appearance in National events was frequent and her placing in those events almost became expected. She did not disappoint us in this expectation. Making her first Final Four appearance at 21 months of age she began a stellar run in National trials that a very few have equaled and less have surpassed. February of 1998 Sadie placed an impressive 3rd runner up in the Quail Invitational held in Lake Wales. The very next May at the Grand National in Hutchinson, Minnesota she earned a 2nd runner up placement. The year of 2000 was the year of Sadie. She WON the 2000 Quail Invitational in February, WON the 2000 Trial of Champions in April at Amo, and placed 1st runner up at the Kasco Endurance Classic at Oxford, Wisconsin in September. The one most memorable National Trials was the 2001 DOY. Sadie was nursing a litter of pups that were 5 weeks old during the trial. Greg would run her and let the pups nurse between runs. She eventually went on to win Champion of the 2001 DOY. In all, this great dog made her way to 8 Final Four appearances and Won Champion of three.

Although her death on November 29, 2006 was the tragic result of a senseless act of vandalism her life was much more. It was "The Life of a Champion".

Grandfathered Inductees

On April 24th at the regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting in Amo, Indiana the Board of Directors approved the following dogs for grandfather induction into the NSTRA Hall of Fame. There were 10 dogs prior to 1990 and 10 dogs after 1990. These fine dogs have made a tremendous impact in NSTRA and we are very proud to recognize their efforts.

Pre-1990 Grandfathered Inductees

1. Boomer’s Boy – Steve Littrell
2. Layton’s Final Request – Layton Peddicord
3. He’s Just Right – Dale Loveall
4. Rustoleum’s Flush – John Smith
5. Tricky Dick Jim – Bill Moore
6. Southern Doctor – Ray Johnson
7. Tuminski’s Cribb – John Tuminski
8. Reno Von Maggie May – Dale Anderson
9. Brandy’s Black Matt – Rocky Weber
10. Barb’s Dixie Bell – Randy Perkins

1990 to Present Grandfathered Inductees

1. Fiddlin Sweet Music – Ron Parsons
2. Wilsher Southern Son – Bill Napier
3. Tricky Dick – Bill Moore
4. Ozark Rebel Rex – Dan Scully
5. Master Mohawk Mike – Bob Cunningham
6. Tomoka’s Hot Spot – Jim Mahoney
7. Elhew Mary – Bob Swearingin
8. Pearl Who – Bobby Clark
9. Whiskey Run Dot – Will Heddon
10. Smokin Mohawk – Terry Tison