2009 BSS Upland Field Trial
January 17-18, 2009
Cooper Black Field Trial Park, Cheraw, SC
(ML King Holiday weekend)

Fall is almost here, summer is still holding on, but I can feel the promise of falling leaves in the morning breeze. The dogs are getting excited because that cooler weather brings upland bird hunting. Even though the Boykin is generally used as a retriever, their desire to quarter a field and flush is a joy they can't seem to contain. The BSS recognized this trait and began a Spaniel testing and training program that is second to none. Every December the society hosts a training seminar that brings some of the biggest names in the spaniel training world to show us how to get the most out of our dogs. What makes these seminars so interesting is the instructors spend most of their time training you to train your dog. That way you go home with the knowledge needed to train your current dog and all that may follow. In January the Society holds its BSS Upland Field Trial. This event is the only one of its kind that allows Boykins to compete in an organized flushing field trial. This year the Society is sponsoring three stakes for Novice, Intermediate and Open dogs. The Novice stake will continue with its program of running all dogs over two days. This allows all competitors to show their dogs over the longest period of time. All the current rules and entry forms are on the web site and can be downloaded at your convenience.

If you are not interested in competition, you are welcome to come out and see all the dogs and join in the side fun. This year we will be offering a side event called The Crazy Quail Shootout. It is a land version of our spring Duck Dog Shootout. You and your dog will be challenged to bring down three quail and retrieve them with the fewest shells in as short a time as possible. Sign up will be at the event, so bring your guns and shells. As usual there will be lunch catered every day and a banquet Saturday night with auctions and raffles. If you are interested in the banquet only just download the entry form, check banquet only, and mail it in. You will be welcomed to a once a year sight of brown dogs, blaze orange and friendship.