GUN DOG NEWS
By Sheila Gussey, BASC National Gundog Coordinator

Can Northern Ireland's gundog team topple the talented Scots?

Northern Ireland's top team of gundog handlers has been chosen, and the line-up looks to be their strongest ever. They will now be looking to dash Scotland's hopes of taking home the International Gundog trophy for the third year in a row.

Nearly 50 handlers competed for just four places on the team that will represent Northern Ireland in the Feedwell International event. This will be held at the 2006 Irish Country Lifestyle and Medieval Festival planned for Shanes Castle on the 17 and 18 June.

Handlers Alan Hanna, Damien Newman, Winston Kelly, and Ashley Donnan will run with four dogs including three international champions. And two of the dogs have won the Irish Championships. But the Scots are not the only competition to watch out for this year. Other teams capable of winning the event are The Republic of Ireland, an Ulster Select team and, for the first time, a top squad of golden retrievers representing England. The Feedwell Gundog Event is one of the many fieldsports attractions at the festival, which is held with the support of a range of sponsors including the Northern Ireland Events Company and Antrim Council.

Admission to the festival is £10 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for family tickets. Tel (028) 9048 3873 or visit www.irishcountrylifestyle.com


BETA Celebrates The Rare Breeds

The Sussex spaniel was just one of the native rare breeds featured at the annual BETA Gundog Weekend. For the first time, the event at Cirencester Park, Gloucestershire, focused on dogs such as the Sussex spaniel, curly coat retrievers and Irish red and white setters, both in educational areas and events.

Visitors were able to learn more about each breed's suitability, personality, training requirements, and working abilities. They were also able to see the dogs in action in the ring.

Gundog expert Di Arrowsmith said "There are many interesting and unusual gundog breeds available in the UK, all with their own unique abilities. It's wonderful to be able to showcase and support some of the oldest, most vulnerable British breeds at the Gundog Weekend. I like to think we can help play a vital part in introducing suitable dogs to potential future owners and ensure these valuable breeds stay with us for many years to come."

Time Is Running Out For Retriever Regionals

Calling all retrievers! Bring your owners and show off your skills at the Masters and Game Conservancy Trust's regional working gundog tests and fun days this summer. All breeds of retrievers are invited to take part in the test and exercises, which are being held across the UK. But hurry as there are just a few left. Qualifiers will go through to the prestigious Masters and Game Conservancy Trust Gundog Finals, on 16 to 17 September at the Midland Game Fair in Shropshire.

Michael Fraser-Allen has been running the gundog working tests on behalf of the trust for the past seven years. He says, "We set special tests for the dogs to carry out, such as simulated exercises using dummies and competitions which show handling skills. The competitions do test the dogs' abilities but they are certainly not too difficult to achieve, and of course the dogs have a wonderful day out in the open countryside, as do the handlers."

Prizes will be awarded to the top three dogs in all four classes (open class, special puppy, novice and novice dog/novice handler) in the regional heats. And a special prize will be awarded to the highest placed Game Conservancy Trust member in each class. All competitors in the finals will be provided with a free ticket for the Midland Game Fair and a convenient car parking space. Contact gundog competition adviser Michael Fraser-Allen on (01788) 822393.

(Reprinted with the premission of Sporting Shooter)