A quorum was present.
Sitting at the head table were: Laura Parrott, Randy Whittaker, Tom Vaughn, Arnie Erwin and Fred Kampo.
Laura Parrott had the minutes from the last meeting approved and then there was a moment of silence for the handlers and dogs that we have lost this past year.
AKC reps present were Jerry Mann, Lisa Carol and Doug Ljundgren.
Laura thanks the landowners.
The following sponsors were thanked and awarded a plaque for participation in this event.
1. Nestle Puina
2. Eukanuba
3. Tri-Tronics
4. Chris Chantland
5. Avery Outdoors
6. Dogtra
7. Kent Cartridge
At 3:28 pm Arnie Erwin was introduced as the next NARC president.
The 2014 even will be held in Roseburg, Oregon.
The judges for next year's event will be
1. Stevie O'Connell form the Eastern Time Zone
2. Dennis Bath from the Central Time Zone
3. John Pampy from the Mountain Time Zone
Al Wilson will be Chairman of the Event and move to 4th Vice President.
Chad Baker was presented a Painting of the 2012 National Amateur Winner "Traveler" The portrait was painted by Chris Chantland and provided to Chad by Eukanuba.
This year's judges: Al Wilson, Ted Shih, Lyn Yelton, were presented with their gifts.
Scott Dewey, owner of Retrieving Freedom brought 2 veterans with their 2 dogs to the meeting.
After a thunderous standing ovation for his work matching service dogs to returning veterans and autistic children, Scott thanked the retriever community for their involvement and help. One of the dogs on-hand was a previous Field Trial dog. This dog had just been re-united with his handler from the Iraq/Afghanistan war. He was sent to retrieve a bumper with the starting number for this year's event.
Dog #32 will start the 2013 National Amateur. (Handler:Andy Kahn, Dottie Ray's Blue 4 You "Blue" LM)
Dog #32 will start a combined 1st and 2nd series.
Dog #63 will start a combined 3rd and 4th series.
The rotation in series 5 will be decided at that time, based on a mathematical equation.
Pete Hayes co-Chair Marshal came to talk about the rules and procedures that will apply to the handler and dogs.
1. Handler on the mat for all marks.
2. Dog on the mat for all blinds.
3. Series 1 and 2 will be using rooster pheasants.
4. Each handler will be given a reasonable amount of time to review the test. If they have not called for
the bird the judges will say "time" and then call for the birds themselves.
5. The National Anthem will be played at 6:20 am, with test dogs in the holding blind.
6. The rules and the amount of time given to handlers to view the test from the line were given.
7. No birds – First no bird - go back six, run seven
Second no bird – go back six, run seven
Third no bird – move to the end
8. The caravan to the trial ground leaves at 5 am from the East side of the Plaza Hotel (by Walgreens)
The second caravan leaves at 8 am.
The parking will be the same for tests 1-4
9. Gun changes every 20 dogs, for the 1st and 2nd series.
10. Scratches for this event are #41, #66 and #110
(#41 AFC's Cropper's Good & Plenty "Sweets", LF, Handler: Bruce Hall, #66 Salty Paws Spice Girl "Curry", LF, Handler: Roy Morejon, #110 FC-AFC Bayou-Star Beyond Independent "Tia", Handler: Suzan Caire)
A special acknowledgement was given to this year's test dogs and their handlers.....
The Labrador Male is FC Maple Creek's Spirit Warrior, "Levi" Handler: Susan Exo
The Labrador Female is FC Lock Five Mothers Keeper, "Keeper" Handler: Jamie Woodson
Before the meeting was adjourned a GPS coordinate was given to all in attendance to help locate the first series. It was strongly advised that everyone follow a caravan as there is poor reception in the area and you could end up 60 miles in the wrong direction.
The best address to use is:
S864 County Road H, Gilmanton, WI 54743
Good Luck was wished to all....