Working Gundog Association of Australia WGAA

Pointer& Setter Field Trial Dates - 2012

2012-02-07T13:48:00.000+11:00

Saturday 28 April & Sunday 29 April– (WGAA (Vic)
Saturday 26 May & Sunday 27 May – WGAA (NSW - to be held in Vic)
Friday 1 June – Monday 4 June WGAA (WA) -4 closed season trials including the National (CS)
Saturday 23 June – WGAA (Vic) – National Championship & Sunday 24 June – WGAA (Vic)
Saturday 30 June & Sunday 1 July – WGAA (SA))
Wednesday 4 July, Thursday 5 July & Friday 6 July – WGAA (SA) – Kangaroo Island
July & August –WGAA (NSW) Closed season trials - dates to be announced
Judges for all trials are yet to be announced.

Pointer & Setter Field Trial dates 2012 - Western Australia

2012-02-02T16:51:00.004+11:00

The Pointer & Setter (Closed Season) Field Trial dates for Western Australia are as follows:
Friday 1 June - Bob Dean Trophy - Judge: Maurizio Casadio (WA)
Saturday 2 June - National - Judge: Andreas Melisi (NSW)
Sunday 3 June - State Championship - Judge: Kathy Oliver (Vic)
Monday 4 June - Jack Pontin Trophy - Judge: Andreas Melisi (NSW)
Saturday 14 July - Judge: Ferrante Alvarez de Toledo (WA)
Sunday 15 July - Judge: Alan Willey (WA)
Entries close 2 weeks prior to events.
For entry forms contact Alan 0429 379 339

Duck Opening Practice Day

2012-01-23T16:38:00.002+11:00

The next WGAA event will be a Duck Opening Practice Day.
When: Sunday 4th March
Where: Near Bacchus Marsh
All gundog breeds eligible.
Several water runs available, each with an easier option and a more difficult option - handler to choose.
A great training opportunity for your gundog.
For details contact Kevin 0407 091 221

Next Training Day

2012-01-23T16:31:00.001+11:00

The next training day will be held on Sunday 19th February 2012 at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10.Enter the reserve off Collins St. Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm. Anyone with a gundog is welcome.

Next Training Day

2012-01-03T13:33:00.001+11:00

The next training day will be held on Sunday 15th January 2012 at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10.Enter the reserve off Collins St. Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm. Anyone with a gundog is welcome.
Posted by WGAA Working Gundog Association of Australia (SSAA) at 11:43 0 comments

November Training Day & Breakup

2011-11-23T16:50:00.002+11:00

Don't forget our Christmas breakup and last training day for 2011.
Sunday 27th November 2011 at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10.
Enter the reserve off Collins St.
Training commences at 9am and finishes with a free BBQ lunch at around 12pm to celebrate the end of a very busy year.
Anyone with a gundog is welcome. For more details please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.

Retrieving Trial win

2011-10-20T15:14:00.004+11:00

On Saturday 1st October NSW WGAA member, Peter Simmons' pointer bitch QUANNAH BELLA APACHE won the Novice AM retrieving trial held by the United Retriever Club of NSW. This ANKC trial was held west of Taree and the judge was Paul Hamson. Bella won from an entry of 13 dogs and scored a total of 181 points.

This was Bella's first retrieving trial and follows on from her impressive first season of field trialling.

Field Assessment Day - 9th October 2011.

2011-10-20T14:55:00.002+11:00

For the sixth consecutive year WGAA conducted its unique field assessment day at our excellent Daylesford site. Dogs were again tested over three runs – a land retrieve, a water retrieve and a field run. Wayne Phelps, Barry Kavanagh and Barry Oliver filled the judicial roles and by lunchtime 15 dogs had been run and judged.
This event is always a popular one, replicating as it does scenarios that all breeds of gundogs can participate in.
Following the presentation of certificates most of those in attendance enjoyed some great training opportunities. Many thanks to WGAA’s HPR discipline for organising the day.

For more pictures please click HERE and wait for the slideshow to load.

Pointer pups for sale

2011-10-13T19:32:00.001+11:00

Sire: F Ch & F Ch (CS) Koram Kris at Innistona (Imp Ire) NFTW & NFTW (CS)
Dam: Rip Rap Casher
This litter represents a chance to purchase a pup from top line trial and working dogs.
The imported sire has been the dominant trial winner over the past few years, winning no less than nine trials and placing in three others.
The dam is a prolific game finder and the winner of a trial this year – her first year of trialling.
Progeny from an earlier identical mating has produced a dog already making his mark in trials, including winning this year’s Closed Season National.
Contact: Barry Oliver 0403 380 092

Training Day - October 2011

2011-10-12T11:43:00.000+11:00

The next training day will be held on Sunday 16th October 2011 at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10.Enter the reserve off Collins St. Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm. Anyone with a gundog is welcome. For more details please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.

Field Assessment Day - 9 October 2011

2011-09-21T12:39:00.003+10:00

Date: Sunday 9th October Venue: Daylesford, Vic
Starting time: Be there and registered by 8.30am
Bring your own lunch.
A barbeque will be available if you bring meat to cook.
This is the sixth year this event has been held. Dogs are required to complete three basic tasks – a field run, a land retrieve and a water retrieve.
Certificates will be awarded.
The Field Assessment day is open to all breeds of gundogs of all abilities, young or old. The field and retrieving runs bear a direct relationship to real life hunting over your gundog. Every encouragement is given by experienced trainers to help you and your dog improve even more.
This day is part of the Hunt, Point & Retrieve (HPR) sub discipline program.
For further details, a map and to confirm attendance please contact WGAA Vice President, Kevin Phelps on 0407 091 221.

September training day.

2011-09-04T11:10:00.001+10:00

The next training day will be held on Sunday 18th September 2011 at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10.Enter the reserve off Collins St. Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm. Anyone with a gundog is welcome. For more details please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.

Hunt Point & Retrieve Novice Training Field Trial 2011

2011-09-04T11:00:00.002+10:00

Saturday 3rd September was something of a red letter day for WGAA with the running of our first closed season training trial for Hunt, Point and Retrieve dogs. The event was judged by Russell Thomas, well known and very successful GSP handler.
This was a training event and Russell gave freely of his expertise and experience, guiding all handlers with a running commentary about how their dogs were performing.
All dogs were tested on game throughout the day with many having multiple finds. The stand out field performer was Marco Pagliari’s L’Epagnuel Breton, Fay who carded 10 finds in her field runs and backed well when required. Dean Watts’ GSP, Angie Bloomer’s GSP and Bill Allen’s Breton also impressed with their field work.
A marked retrieve in water concluded what was an excellent day. Russell’s winning dog overall was Dean Watts’ GSP Purdey. Runner up was awarded to Angie Bloomer’s GSP Farli and third place went to Marco Pagliari’s Breton, Fay.
WGAA intends to conduct HPR Open Season events next season.

To see some more pictures, please click HERE and wait for the slideshow to load.

Retrieving Trial 28 August 2011

2011-09-04T10:52:00.002+10:00

The trial was held near Ballarat on an excellent property – many thanks to the landowner.
Judge: Barry Kavanagh.
Trial Manager: Dean Watts (WGAA Retrieving Sub Committee).
Catering: Diana & Kevin Phelps.
Judge’s critique:
Intermediate – Single mark retrieves
Overall we had 11 dogs finish out of 15 that started. The dog work was of a good standard as can be seen by their scores.
1. Peter Digiannantonia’s GSP, Cougar – 152 points
This dog put in a consistent overall performance. First run scored 52, second run scored 51 & third run scored 49.
2. Sam Heyes’ Labrador, Nellie – 143 points
This dog worked very well with great enthusiasm but dropped game in the water run. First run scored 52, second run scored 44, third run scored 47.
3. Luke Warner’s GSP, Cody – 142 points
Again a very fast and enthusiastic dog that retrieved well but was let down a little in the heeling department. First run scored 48, second run scored 46, third run scored 48.
Advanced
The first run was a Two Bird Retrieve.
The second run was a Mark and Blind with the mark to be retrieved first out of water and then the blind on land.
The third run was a Walk up Double Rise Retrieve in water and reeds.
The dogs were good to judge and overall the runs sorted them out mainly due to lack of control and handling errors.
1. Fred Briffa’s GSP, Lizzie – 129.5 points
First run scored 47.5, second run scored 43 & third run scored 39
2. Angie Bloomer’s GSP, Farli – 124.5 points
First run scored 35.5, second run scord 42 & third run scored 48
3. Luc Tomasino’s Brittany, Gus – 121.5 points
First run scored 32, second run scored 50 & third run scored 46.5

To see more pictures, please click HERE and wait for the slideshow to load.

National (CS) Pointer & Setter Field Trial 2011

2011-08-24T08:00:00.003+10:00

The final Pointer and Setter trials of the 2011 season were conducted in the NSW Riverina on the weekend of the 13th& 14th August. This weekend’s trials included the Closed Season National Championship – the first time that this event had been conducted outside of Western Australia.
The National was held on the Saturday and attracted an entry of 10 dogs from Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales, all of whom were well tuned up at the end of a long season (the Working Gundog Association conducted a total of 16 Pointer & Setter trials across 3 States this season).
The judge for this important occasion was long time trial stalwart, Vince Guastella. The first round saw some excellent P&S work with a nice breeze enabling dogs to quarter their ground well and find game stylishly. Game was well spaced and each heat produced several birds.
Six dogs were brought back for the second round with the stand out performer being Lyn and Henry Foster’s Rip Rap Marksman. This fast, athletic young dog carded 3 strong finds, backed perfectly and completed the compulsory retrieves well to finish as a deserving winner.
Runner-up was Ferrante Alvarez De Toledo’s English Setter Runanset Luxury Liner. The hard luck story had to be Peter Simmons’s Pointer Quannah Bella Apache which went through to the retrieve but was distracted by some live game and failed to complete.
The following day dawned warm and still, a testing scenario for the dogs, many of whom had difficulty around game that was running hard. The stand out dog was Andrew Melisi’s Pointer F Ch (CS) Similax Conte who was able to find and produce well and was awarded first place. No other awards were made.

Click HERE to see more photos and please wait for the slideshow to load.

Wanted - Irish Setter puppy

2011-08-23T10:52:00.000+10:00

If you have a litter of Irish Setter puppies or are planning on one in the foreseeable future could you please contact Liz and Tony on (03)57951021 or by email at epa01084@bigpond.net.au

National (Closed Season) Pointer & Setter Field Trial

2011-08-07T18:46:00.002+10:00

The final event on the WGAA pointer & setter calendar for 2011 is the National (Closed Season) field trial weekend on the 13th & 14th of August. This year the event will be held in New South Wales for the first time.
All enquiries should be directed to the Trial Manager, Andreas Melisi 0419 166 965.

SSAA WA State Championship (Closed Season) Pointer & Setter Field Trial

2011-08-04T11:14:00.004+10:00

The Working Gundog WA branch ran the State Championship on Saturday July 30th at Toodyay NE of Perth. The club would like to thank the judge Mr Denis Everard (Vic) for accepting the appointment at short notice, his assistant judge was Sandy Peter’ka. We had a field of seven dogs, two English Setters, two Brittany Spaniels, Irish Setter, Pointer and a German Shorthaired Pointer.
The trial was held in a new crop with old stubble in it, the day was very windy which made the game run and tested the dogs. There was some very good work in the first round and five dogs were put into the second round. Four dogs filled their cards to the judge’s satisfaction and were tested with the land retrieves. The winner was the Brittany Spaniel which had a very good steady day in the field.

1st. Maurizio Casidio’s TOBENLEE ZACHARY BALLOU (Zac) Brittany Spaniel.
2nd. Ferrante Alvarez de Toledo’s RUNANSET LUXURY LINER (Tina) English Setter.
3rd. Alan Willey’s WGAA F.Ch. (CS) YWURRIE RANI (Abbey) Pointer.

The Working Gundog branch would like to thank SSAA WA for donating a Swag to be raffled for the entrants and helpers which was fittingly won by Maurizio Casidio.

On the Sunday we held the Bob Dean Memorial Trophy at South Meckering east of Perth. Denis Everard was the judge again and Sandy Peter’ka his assistant. The trial was again held in a new crop with old stubble and a chance of a thunder storm. The first brace had very good conditions although windy and the IS of Paul Brown had some very good finds and did some excellent roading to produce the game and was steady to shot. But at the end of the second brace the wind and torrential rain came and caused some dogs to be eliminated. The judge asked to see three dogs for the second round, Paul’s IS, Ferrante’s ES and Alan’s Pointer. There were several more finds by the braced pair of the IS & ES and they went on to the retrieves.

1st. Paul Brown’s EVERHEART GRACE (Grace) Irish Setter.
2nd. Ferrante Alvarez de Toledo’s RUNANSET LUXURY LINER (Tina) English Setter.

Left to right in the pic above: Judge, Denis Everard, Alan & Abbey, Ferrante & Tina and Maurizio & Zac

August Training Day

2011-08-03T19:54:00.001+10:00

The next training day will be held on Sunday 21st August 2011 at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10.Enter the reserve off Collins St. Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm. Anyone with a gundog is welcome. For more details please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.

Hunt, Point & Retrieve Novice Training Field Trial

2011-08-03T19:34:00.005+10:00

Date: Saturday 3 September (Please note change of date)
Venue: Bridgewater area
Judge: Russell Thomas
Entry fee: $10 per dog - payable on the day
Meeting place: Bridgewater Hotel at 7.30am

BYO lunch

A WGAA Novice Trial is open to all HPR dogs, with the following exclusions:
· Any dog that has previously won 2 Restricted Trials or NoviceTrials.
· Any dog that has previously won an Open Field Trial.
· Any dog that has placed in any Championship Field Trial.

This is a non shooting event, run in accordance with the WGAA HPR rules.
Handlers must be members of the SSAA and WGAA and dogs must be registered on the WGAA database.
For more information, including rules and entry details, please contact Kevin Phelps 0407 091 221 or Alex Jevric 0428 998 808

WGAA Pointer & Setter Field Trial Update 2011

2011-08-03T19:14:00.013+10:00

Across four States, Western Australia, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria a total of 16 WGAA trials (4 closed season and 12 shooting) have been conducted in 2011. This record number is a reflection of the bumper season that followed heavy summer rains in the Eastern States, a season that had many game bird hunters saying that this was the best season in living memory. Both ducks and quail were abundant – almost excessively so from the point of view of the field trialler, but no one was complaining.
The premier event for WGAA, the Pointer & Setter National, was won convincingly by Ferrante Alvarez De Toledo’s English Setter bitch RUNANSET LUXURY LINER. This dog produced superb performances in both the National and the John Nash Memorial held on the next day.

Results for the Western Australian trials held on the 30 & 31 July and the forthcoming NSW National (CS) trial weekend (13 & 14 August) will be posted when available.

25 June 2011- Vic - Neville Whaley Memorial - All Pointing Breeds

Sponsored by Sportdog (Innotek)
Judge: Barry Oliver (Vic)
1. Nick Guida’s RIPRAP CASHER (PB)
2. Taner Ozsehitoglu’s RUSSETRAY ROYAL FLUSH (ISD)
3. Angie Bloomer’s KOBIDAN DAIQUIRIS ATDAWN (GSPB)

26 June 2011 – Vic - All Pointing Breeds
Judge: Henry Foster (Vic)
1. Taner Ozsehitoglu’s RUSSETRAY ROYAL FLUSH (ISD)

9 July 2011 - SA - POINTER & SETTER NATIONAL
Judge: Geoff Maudlen (SA)
1. Ferrante Alvarez De Toledo’s RUNANSET LUXURY LINER (ESB)
2. Joe Camilleri’s WALTEELA LITE FIELD (PB)

10 July 2011 – SA - JOHN NASH MEMORIAL
Judge: Geoff Maudlen (SA)
1. Ferrante Alvarez De Toledo’s RUNANSET LUXURY LINER (ESB)
2. Taner Ozsehitoglu’s GAMEMASTER EVANS (ISD)
Jim Oliver Best Finding Dog Award - J. Camilleri’s WALTEELA LITE FIELD (PB)
Brodruggan Best Setter Award - F. A.D.Toledo’s RUNANSET LUXURY LINER (ESB)

14 July 2011 – SA - Inaugural Kangaroo Island Trial
Judge: Lance Bailey-Hill (SA)
No result.

15 July 2011 – SA
Judge: Kathy Oliver (Vic)
No result

23 July 2011- NSW Closed Season – All Pointing Breeds
Judge: Joe Camilleri (Vic)
1. Henry Foster’s RIPRAP MARKSMAN (PD)
2. Cosmo Kostikidis’ PARIS (true to type) (PB)
3. Henry Foster’s FC&FC (CS) KORAM KRIS AT INNISTONA (IMP IRE) NFTW&NFTW(CS) (PD)

Best Novice Dog: Peter Simmons' QUANNAH BELLA APACHE (PB)

24 July 2011 – NSW Closed Season – All Pointing Breeds
Judge: Vince Guastella (NSW)
No result.

For photos please click HERE and wait for the slideshow to load.

Retrieving Trial

2011-06-20T11:31:00.005+10:00

Date: Sunday 28 th August
Judge: Barry Kavanagh
Stakes: Intermediate & Advanced
Trial Convenor: Dean Watts - Retrieving Sub Discipline.

This event is open to all gundog breeds.
Handlers must be members of the SSAA and WGAA and dogs must be registered on the WGAA database.

For more information, including entry details, please contact Dean ph 5332 3436 or email sd.watts@bigpond.com.au

SSAA Shot Expo 28 & 29 May 2011

2011-06-02T20:39:00.003+10:00

The WGAA Demonstration Team wowed the huge crowds at the SSAA Shot Expo at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds with superlative performances that brought round after round of applause from appreciative spectators.
Marks, blinds, doubles, triples, obedience, pointing and of course ‘Knuckles’ and his now famous beer can trick combined to provide the highlight of the Expo. The decision to go indoors was initially regarded with some trepidation but the dogs didn’t seem fazed at all as they went through their paces. Not only were the dogs and their handlers up to the mark but also the well oiled team of behind the scenes helpers ensured that the demos went without a hitch.
Weeks of training organised by Training Officer, Graham Hayes certainly paid dividends. Well done one and all.

For more photos please click HERE and wait for the slideshow to load.

Pointer & Setter Field Trials 21 & 22 May

2011-06-02T20:35:00.002+10:00

The NSW Branch of The Working Gundogs hosted the 3rd & 4th Pointer & Setter trials of the year, held in Victoria, on the weekend of 22nd & 23rd May. The event was characterised by dramatic weather changes and game that would not “hold”. Over the two days probably over 300+ birds were seen for only a handful of clean finds.
Saturday was too warm for good dog work, around23 -24 degrees C. Dogs had great difficulty pinning game which took off at the slightest provocation. The dogs were perplexed by what must have been atrocious scenting conditions as bird after bird took off with dogs having no clue that they were there. Two dogs managed it through to the third round, Andrew Melisi’s Similax Conte (PD) and Taner Osehitoglu’s Whitesmoke Diesel (PD), but after giving both dogs a chance to try and come up with the goods; Judge John Kersley from South Australia had little option but to call a halt at around 4pm after an extremely frustrating day. No result.
Sunday started with sheeting rain and a significant drop in temperature. After the rain eased hopes were high for some better work. However, if anything things started even worse with bird after bird being bumped or simply taking off well ahead of the dogs. A change of paddock brought about better opportunities and some good work was finally being produced. First place was awarded to Joe Camilleri’s Walteela Lite Field (PB). No other results were awarded. Newcomer Nick Guida’s Riprap Casher (PB) was looking good until she broke on her last bird, but she had done more than enough to get ‘Best Novice’ dog.
A point worth making is the difficulty the dogs seem to be having with scent. Quail numbers in some areas are truly a phenomenon causing great confusion for the dogs. Coming after a season when all trials were cancelled for lack of game it is truly a case of it never rains but it pours.

For pictures click HERE and wait for the slideshow to load.

May Training Day

2011-05-04T17:32:00.001+10:00

The next training day will be held on Sunday 15th May 2011 at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10.Enter the reserve off Collins St. Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm. Anyone with a gundog is welcome. Please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.

Pointer & Setter Field Trials - 24 & 25 April

2011-04-27T19:00:00.005+10:00

The Victorian Pointer & Setter field trial season kicked off with the traditional WGAA Anzac Day weekend. Two trials were held in the Wimmera and after last season’s complete cancellation due to drought; it was great to be involved in a trial with plenty of birds, good sportsmanship and good dogs. The Sunday trial was held in a paddock of self sown barley with plentiful game. Dogs were put to the test because of the warm conditions and birds that were inclined to be flighty. Every brace was given ample opportunity on game by judge, Joe Camilleri, in his first judging appointment. At the end of the day Denis Everard’s steady Irish Setter claimed trial honours over newcomer Cosmo Kostikidis’ pointer bitch, Paris – a great performance considering it was the first trial for both Cosmo and his dog. Taner Ozsehitoglu’s Irish Setter, Gamemaster Evans was a close third.
1st Denis Everard’s Russetray Rharnia (ISB)
2nd & Best Novice Dog, Cosmo Kostidis’ Paris (PB)
3rd Taner Ozsehitoglu’s Gamemaster Evans (ISD)

The Anzac Day event on the Monday was held in another paddock and a much higher standard of work was immediately evident. Dogs were able to pin game that was holding much better. Multiple finds were made by the dogs, despite the warm conditions (23 degrees celsius) and flukey breeze. Judge Taner Ozsehitoglu brought back 5 dogs after the mid morning break. There was now plenty of action with all of the dogs finding and retrieving/seeking dead. Some excellent was seen by Henry Foster’s young dog Rip Rap Marksman and Denis Everard’s Russetray Rharnia performed the seek dead of the day when she located a winged bird at some considerable distance. Congratulations to Joe Camilleri who pulled off first and second placings. Joe’s dogs showed great style and finding ability on the day, showing that they will be a force to be reckoned with for the rest of the 2011 season. No third place was awarded.
1st Joe Camilleri’s Walteela Awsome Assasin (PB)
2nd Joe Camilleri’s Walteela Lite Field (PB)

For more photos please click HERE and wait for the slideshow to load.

2011 Pointer & Setter Field Trial Dates

2011-04-04T19:39:00.004+10:00

Sunday 24 April – WGAA (Vic) Judge: Joe Camilleri

Monday 25 April – WGAA (Vic) Judge: Taner Ozsehitoglu

Saturday 21 May – WGAA (Vic)

Sunday 22 May – WGAA (Vic)

Friday 3 – Monday 6 June WGAA (WA) -4 closed season trials

Saturday 25 June – WGAA (Vic)

Sunday 26 June – WGAA (Vic)

Saturday 9 July - WGAA (SA) - National

Sunday 10 July - WGAA (SA)

Saturday 23 July – WGAA (NSW) Closed season trial

Sunday 24 July - WGAA (NSW) Closed Season trial

Saturday 13 August - WGAA (NSW) National Closed Season trial

Sunday 14 August - WGAA (NSW) Closed Season trial

Judges for several trials are yet to be announced.

April training day

2011-03-10T20:46:00.004+11:00

The next training day will be held on Sunday 17th April 2011 at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10.Enter the reserve off Collins St. Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm. Anyone with a gundog is welcome. Please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.

Duck Opening Water Test

2011-02-21T09:52:00.004+11:00

The ‘Duck Opening’ Water test was held on Sunday 13th February in preparation for the upcoming Duck Season. The event was organised by the Hunt, Point & Retrieve sub discipline of WGAA (Vic). The location was superb, the weather ideal and the recent rains provided good trial sites and much needed greenery after so many years of drought.
There were 45 entries on the day. This was an excellent entry and much appreciated by the club. The activity was frenetic for most of the day and the judges were kept busy. The club acknowledges the support of such capable and experienced judges. Although the runs conformed to trial runs the atmosphere was relaxed and new comers were helped and encouraged throughout the day.
The pre planning and hard work that went into organising this day meant that the trial ran smoothly and everybody had plenty of opportunity to give their dogs a good workout and access their training strategies. This event built on the retrieving training dispensed so expertly by Graham Hayes and the team at the monthly training days. The trial stopped for lunch and what a lunch it was, the stakes have definitely been raised.
The club thanks all those who helped put this event on, particularly the landowners, the erstwhile judges, the judges’ stewards, committee members, all those who manned the throwers etc., all those handlers who remained good humoured throughout the day and to everyone who helped pack up. What a day!
Placegetters:
Intermediate – Judge: Wayne Phelps
1st Luc Tomasino – L’Epagneul Breton
2nd Luc Tomasino – L’Epagneul Breton
3rd Bill Allen – L’Epagneul Breton

Advanced – Judge: Barry Kavanagh
1st Nick Guida - Pointer
2nd Michael Calleja – L’Epagneul Breton
3rd Fred Briffa - GSP

Open – Judge: Byron Kendall
1st Fred Briffa - GSP

Trial Manager : Hunt, Point & Retrieve Sub Discipline - Kevin Phelps & Alex Jevric

For more photos please click HERE and wait for the slideshow to load.

Next Training Day

2011-01-19T13:53:00.002+11:00

The next training day will be held on Sunday 20th February 2011 at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10.Enter the reserve off Collins St. Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm.Anyone with a gundog is welcome. Please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.
Posted by WGAA Working Gundog Association of Australia (SSAA) at 20:12 0 comments

2011 Duck and Quail Seasons

2011-01-19T13:24:00.004+11:00

Members will be pleased to know that a standard duck season has been declared for 2011. The season runs from 19 March 2011 to 13 June 2011. Hunters will be allowed 10 game ducks per day, including a maximum of two blue wing shovelers.

Quail season will run from 2 April 2011 to 30 June 2011 with a bag limit of 20 birds per day.

Contact the Minister and let him know what a good decision this is.
Details are as follows: The Hon. Ryan Smith, MP Minister for Environment & Climate Change ryan.smith@parliament.vic.gov.au

Duck Opening Water Test

2011-01-08T20:16:00.002+11:00

The first event for 2011 will be the Duck Opening Water Test to be held on Sunday 13th February near Bacchus Marsh. For more details contact Kevin on 0407 091 221. New members are welcome.

Next Training Day

2011-01-08T20:12:00.001+11:00

The next training day and the first for 2011 will be held on Sunday 16th January at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10.Enter the reserve off Collins St. .Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm.Anyone with a gundog is welcome.Please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.

Next Training Day & Christmas break up

2010-10-31T11:56:00.002+11:00

The next training day and Christmas break up will be held on Sunday 28th November at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10.
Please note that this is the 4th Sunday of the month not the 3rd as per usual.
Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm.
Anyone with a gundog is welcome.
Please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.

Field Assessment Day 2010

2010-10-27T18:20:00.003+11:00

WGAA's annual Field Assessment Day was held on Sunday 24th October. This is the fifth year we have conducted this event which requires dogs to complete three basic tasks - a field run, a land retrieve and a water retrieve. The retrieving assessment was under the guidance of Wayne Phelps and Barry Oliver took care of the field assessment.
Once again the event was held on an excellent property at Daylesford due to the efforts of Wayne Phelps. The club is indebted to landowners who kindly make their properties available for our use.
The Field Assessment Day is an interesting and enjoyable activity open to all breeds of gundogs of all abilities, young or old. A large and enthusiastic group of handlers and their dogs took part in the day’s activities. The field and retrieving runs bear a direct relationship to real life hunting over your gundog and are a worthwhile way of assessing your dog’s training to date. Every encouragement is given by experienced trainers to help you and your dog improve even more.
This event has become established as a highlight of the club’s calendar and a total of 20 gundogs undertook the field run and retrieves. The weather was perfect, the location ideal and it was a happy group of people that eventually gathered around the campsite for lunch. Soon after lunch all runs were completed and certificates were handed out. This day is part of the Hunt, Point & Retrieve (HPR) sub discipline program and is organized by the WGAA Vice President, Kevin Phelps.

For more photos click here and wait for the slideshow to load.

For Sale Irish Setter puppies

2010-10-25T15:46:00.002+11:00

A new litter of quality Irish Setter puppies from working lines.
International & Australian bloodlines.
All with pedigree papers and vaccination certificates.
For further information phone Bill on 03 5367 1296 or 0414 820 656

SSAA National Retrieving Trial 2010

2010-10-23T15:32:00.009+11:00

Second placegetter Laurelle & Tanner

First placegetter Rob & Gundi

The SSAA Queensland United Field & Retrieving Branch (UFR) conducted its inaugural National Retrieving Trial Championship on the 9th & 10th of October at Jimna, Queensland.

The judges for the event were Ron Jackson (Qld) & Paul Littlejohn (Tas) and the Trial Manager was Greg Mitchell.

The major sponsor was Winchester Australia who donated a Winchester Lanber 2087 Hunter 30 inch under/over shotgun for the first placegetter as well as 150 years Commemorative Knife sets, shotgun cleaning kits & product packs for the other placegetters. Other trophies included a National Perpetual trophy, Royal Doulton Crystal and sashes - a truly outstanding trophy table.
15 Speciality trophies were also awarded eg. 'Youngest dog to complete the trial'.

There were 24 entries which included the following breeds: Labrador Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Flat Coated Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Short Haired Pointer & a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

SSAA National through its National sub discipline, Working Gundogs and SSAA Queensland gave generous financial assistance and support to ensure a successful National event.

The profile of Working Gundogs has been lifted to another level in Queensland with the running of a National event and augurs well for the future.

The placegetters were as follows:
1. Rob Boodnikoff's RT Ch Lidriva Onyx (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever) 326 points
2. Laurelle Draper's WGAA RT CD RT Ch Lydstep Tanner (Lab. Retriever) 321 points
3. Bryan Pritchard's Copperbirch Capella WGAA ARD (Labrador Retriever) 310 points
4. Bryan Pritchard's WGAA RT CD RT Ch Kadnook Drop'O'Blak Magic (Lab) 295 points
5. Di Lynch's Lowther Highland Molly (Labrador Retriever) 273 points
6. Helen Cattermole's Springhi Princess Leia (Flat Coated Retriever) 214 points

For more pics click on the link to the United Field and Retrieving Club under WGAA links.

Next Training Day

2010-10-13T20:29:00.001+11:00

The next training day will be held on Sunday 17th October at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10. Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm. Anyone with a gundog is welcome. Please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.

WGAA Retrieving Challenge 2010

2010-10-07T12:06:00.003+11:00

On Sunday 3rd October, the club ran the 3rd WGAA Retrieving Challenge Event, although we are still ironing out some of the bugs, overall we are getting better. The event was held at Nagambie on a bright, sunny day, and the club would like to thank Ray Waldron for providing this great site.
A number of members, some with dogs and kids in tow, travelled up on Saturday and camped overnight making a great weekend of it. However, there was no getting away from the AFL Grand Final as the Collingwood win was celebrated long into the night in a nearby farm house.
On Sunday entry fees were paid, teams were selected and the event began. Some of the dog work and handling work was of a high standard, with plenty of encouragement and advice being offered by handlers to each other. At the end of the day it was agreed that a great time was had by all.
An extremely good job was done by Angie Bloomer and Farli, in the open section, Alex Jervic with Ellie and Tim Cloke with Chopper in the Advanced Section, Sam Heyes with Nellie and Bill Allen with Buck, in the Intermediate Section.
Bill Allen received a collar as this was the second time he had been successful – congratulations to Bill.
The team event was won by Angie Bloomer – Farli, Alex Jervic – Ellie, Kevin Phelps – Bullet & Dean Watts – Purdy. It was pleasing to see some young and exciting dogs competing, and this should augur well for the future.
The club was pleased to see newcomers, the ‘Heyes brigade’ as well as a number of spectators from the Lépagneul Breton club.
No club event would happen without diligent, hard working members and no club anywhere has a better loyal troup - Norm Cloke, Kevin Phelps, Denis Maher, Angie Bloomer, Dean Watts and Alex Jervic who prepared the trial site for the activities, set the runs, arranged the location for placing dummies, erected tents and toilets, organised the food and drinks for lunch and cooked a well earnt lunch.
The shot of the day would have to be on the duck run, where some ‘idiot’ threw the retrieving dummy into a dead, hollowed out, 30’ high gum tree, in the middle of the swamp! The club is looking for someone who has a trained swimming possum to retrieve it, as Knuckles could not do it.
Graham Hayes
WGAA (Vic) Training Officer

For more pictures please click here and wait for the slideshow to load.

New South Wales Pointer & Setter (CS) Field Trials – August 2010

2010-09-05T18:34:00.005+10:00

Andrew Melisi & Similax Conte

The final Pointer & Setter trials of the year were hosted by the NSW WGAA Branch on the weekend of the 28th & 29th August. With no game bird shooting allowed in NSW, this was a Closed Season (CS) event. 13 dogs (all pointers) lined up for Judge Vince Guastella in a wet paddock of new crop about 40cm high.
Not a lot went right for Vince in this trial, dogs were inexplicably difficult to handle and the game was scarce. Two weeks earlier over 80 birds were seen when the paddocks were checked. To make matters even more unpleasant everyone was soon saturated from the knees down.
Around midday the only remaining dogs were Andrew Melisi’s Similax Conte, who went on to win the event, and the runner up, Joe Camilleri’s Walteela More Gold.
Sunday’s event (12 dogs) was something of a turnaround with some good work being produced. Dogs were suddenly more responsive in the flukey wind conditions and some solid finding, hard running, backing and productions were seen.
After two rounds 3 dogs were called up for the retrieve, Andrew Melisi’s Similax Conte, Joe Camilleri’s Walteela Lite Field and Barry Oliver’s Rip Rap Veeda, with Conte being given the nod and Lite Field and Veeda filling the runner up and third place positions respectively. Andrew’s win was especially meritorious with Conte qualifying for the title of WGAA Field Champion (CS).
The award ceremony marked the end of a long season that saw 9 Pointer & Setter field trials conducted in two States – WA & NSW. All South Australian and Victorian events were cancelled because of lack of game. Hopefully recent good rains will see the game situation return to normal next year.

For more photos click HERE.

Upcoming WGAA (Vic) events

2010-09-01T10:40:00.002+10:00

Retrieving Challenge
Sunday 3rd October at Nagambie.
Vetting 8.30am for a 9.00am start. Entry fee $15.00 (enter on the day)
BBQ lunch will be available.
Contact Graham Hayes if you are able to attend on 9743 7402 or jeddah@alphalink.com.au

Field Assessment Day
Sunday 24th October (please note change of date)
Contact Kevin Phelps on 0407 091 221 for more details

Come along to both these events for a fun day for all the family and help support your club.

Next Training Day

2010-08-22T18:54:00.000+10:00

The next training day will be held on Sunday 19th September at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10. Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm. Anyone with a gundog is welcome. Please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.
Posted by WGAA Working Gundog Association of Australia (SSAA) at 09:54 0 comments

Epagneul Breton (Brittany) pups for sale

2010-08-02T14:28:00.004+10:00

3 bitches & 2 dogs. Whelped 30/7/10. Colour - Orange & white.
Sire - Wayland Perigrine (bred/owned by Alby Mangion)
Dam - Windkael Winter Sun (bred-Bill Allen Owned-Abed Karaan).

Purebred french type Epagneuls Bretons (Brittanys) from proven trialing/working bloodlines.
Excellent gundogs for quail, partridge, pheasant, duck, rabbit & deer. Great family dogs capable of high performance hunting.

Available October 2010. For further information contact: Abed Karaan on 0404 879 874

Next Training Day

2010-07-27T09:54:00.000+10:00

The next training day will be held on Sunday 15th August at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10. Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm. Anyone with a gundog is welcome. Please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.

WGAA WA Pointer & Setter Field Trial

2010-07-27T08:28:00.004+10:00

The winner, Maurizo with Zac and the judge, Alan Willey

The Grouse Plate All Pointing Breeds (Closed Season) Pointer & Setter field trial was run on Saturday 17th July in Meckering WA in a good stubble paddock with enough game to get a result. There was a field of six dogs - three Irish Setters, two Brittany's and an English Setter. Two dogs went into the second round, Mauriizio Casidio's Britt, Zac and Lesley Store's Irish Setter, Asher. Unfortunately, Asher went out of control at the shot, but Zac filled his card with a back and two good finds and did the compulsory two retrieves successfully at the end of the trial.

Winner: Tobenlee Zachary Ballou, Brittany Spaniel handled by Maurizio Casadio

Congratulations to Maurizio as this was Zac's first win in a field trial.

Sporting Spaniel Association of NSW Inc - Field Trial Notification

2010-07-25T11:32:00.005+10:00

Open Stake Field Trial & Novice Stake Field Trial (to be run concurrently)
Date: Saturday 14th August 2010
Judges: Steve Sapseed (2nd judge to be announced shortly)
Entry fee: $25.00 per dog. Entries must be received by 6th August.
All entrants must have their dogs registered with WGAA and must also be members of either WGAA or a SSAA gundog affiliated club.
The trial will be conducted in accordance with WGAA Spaniel Field Trial rules.
For more details email: warren.hardman@bigpond.com

WGAA Vic July training day 2010.

2010-07-23T13:49:00.003+10:00

The WGAA (Vic) monthly training day certainly is an institution. For 12 years, rain, hail or shine, the training day has continued on – and believe me, there have been many days of climatic extremes.
On an area of land that will probably be coved by an industrial estate one day, literally hundreds (probably thousands by now) of gundogs have turned up to be trained in the various aspects of gundog work. Through it all the patient trainers have encouraged, instructed, prompted and guided the handlers. The WGAA training day is a unique canine event.
The following slideshow shows a typical training day in action. Anyone wanting to come along to Melton on the third day of each month should contact the training officer, Graham Hayes, 97437402. Email - jeddah@alphalink.com.au

For more photos please click HERE and wait for the slideshow to load.

NEW SOUTH WALES WGAA POINTER & SETTER CLOSED SEASON TRIALS.

2010-07-18T20:17:00.002+10:00

The WGAA NSW Closed Season Pointer & Setter trials kicked off on the weekend of the 11th and 12th July in ideal conditions. Great grass paddocks, plenty of game, nice overcast conditions and a good breeze were all available. To the Victorians who attended it was almost unbelievable to see so much game – a real return to the good old days prior to the setting in of the drought. (One of the handlers gave a young pup a run after the Saturday trial and in the space of half an hour put up nearly 60 birds with the pup tallying 30 finds!) Button quail, brown quail and stubble quail were all seen over the two days, along with some spectacular peregrine falcons.
Saturday’s trial saw all of the 7 competing dogs (all pointers) have multiple finds in what was a high quality affair. Finds on running birds, finds on birds that were sitting tight, backs, good productions, some great ground coverage were all on display. The judge, Vince Guastella, called on his many years of experience to select beats that gave all dogs the opportunity to showcase what they could do.
At the end of the event the three dogs that were placed on the podium were: in first place the experienced F CH and F CH (CS) Koram Kris at Innistona (imp Ire) handled by Henry Foster, runner up was Andrew Melisi’s Similax Conte and in third place was the stylish Walteela Blitz handled by John Arsenis.
Sunday’s trial started off in similar fashion to the day before with more high quality work on display. However, as the event proceeded some errors crept in, especially during a warm spell when the clouds cleared and dogs began to put themselves out. Two dogs were left to vie for trial honours, Michael Zandona’s Addum Domino (imp NZ) and Andrew Melisi’s Similax Conte. These two had certainly given an exhibition in round one, but as sometimes happen in trials, especially when tired at the end of two days of competition, they also began to falter and Vince, mindful of the importance of keeping a high standard , called it quits with a‘no result’. The award of Best Novice dog went to Michael’s pointer dog.
Well done to the NSW WGAA group for putting in the effort to make this a very successful weekend. These were both hard fought events that featured some well bred trial dogs and some very experienced handlers – and a judge who has seen it all. We look forward to returning for the August trials on the weekend of 28th and 29th August 2010. For enquiries contact Andrew Melisi on 0419 166 965.

To view photos please click HERE and wait for the slideshow to load.

WGAA WA Pointer & Setter Trials 2010

2010-06-12T20:24:00.004+10:00

The Western Australian Closed Season (CS) field trial circuit kicked off on Friday 4th June and continued until Monday 7th June – 4 trials in 4 days, a trialler’s nirvana. Once again those in charge had done a great job providing excellent paddocks in the WA grain belt, vast paddocks that seemed to stretch on forever. The infrastructure for the event all worked smoothly with competitors coming from SA, Vic & WA.
The opening event was the Bob Dean Memorial and was well won by Henry Foster’s Major. A hiccup with the retrieve saw Ferrante Alvarez de Toledo’s young (10 mths) English Setter bitch, Tina, unable to be awarded second, a placing she was certainly worthy of. However she did take the Best Novice dog award. The following day saw the Closed Season National conducted. This was the main event of the weekend but unfortunately very touchy game confounded the best efforts of the dogs and handlers. The award of Best Pointer and Best Novice went to Barry Oliver’s Veeda (PB). Best setter on the day went to John Kersley’s Chili (ESB). The WA State Championship was the third event to be run and the worthy winner was the local dog, Alan Willey’s Abbey (PB). The final event was the Jack Pontin Memorial, won convincingly by Major once again but this time with Tina performing well enough to be awarded a meritorious second place.
This is the third year that the West Australians have presented this event, and they are to be congratulated, especially Alan Willey. Getting things right for one trial can be a challenge, 4 in 4 days is something else again. All this, plus ample training opportunities are made available for the competitors, certainly a unique event.

For slideshow of pictures please click HERE

Next Training Day

2010-06-11T11:42:00.000+10:00

The next training day will be held on Sunday 20th June at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10. Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm. Anyone with a gundog is welcome. Please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.

Next Training Day

2010-03-24T17:24:00.002+11:00

The next training day will be held on Sunday 16th May at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10. Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm. Anyone with a gundog is welcome. Please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.
Posted by WGAA Working Gundog Association of Australia (SSAA) at 15:49 0 comments

WGAA (Vic) Retrieving Challenge - Feb 28th 2010

2010-03-20T18:37:00.004+11:00

Click here to see photos.

WGAA Retrieving Discipline held its second Retrieving Challenge Event on Sunday 28th February 2010 near Bacchus Marsh. This event was open to all WGAA members and to gundogs of all abilities.
The Challenge is designed to replicate quail, duck and rabbit shooting scenarios. The event as the name suggests is a challenge to all dogs, with 12 of the most recognised retrieves set, covering quail, rabbit and duck retrieves for handlers and dogs to negotiate.
Teams of three complete the series of retrieves. The retrieves are set at different levels of difficulty, with experienced dogs completing the more advanced retrieves and less experienced dogs completing the easier runs.
The event saw a variety of gundogs competing - English Pointers, German Shorthaired Pointers, L’epagneul Breton, Hungarian Vizsla, and Labrador Retrievers, it was great to witness what a great job these dogs do in retrieving.
The winning team with a great score of 260 points:
Alex Jevric with Elle – L’epagneul Breton (Open)
Barry Oliver with Veeda – English Pointer (Advanced)
George Loucas with Nugget – Hungarian Vizsla (Intermediate)
Great individual achievements went to Alex Jevric, who has now succeeded twice in the Open section and to Bill Allen in the Intermediate Section.
The Retrieving Committee is very grateful to Kevin Phelps who organised the magnificent property, and many thanks to the property owners.
The club would like to thank Dianna and Kevin Phelps, who put on a magnificent lunch, certainly one of the highlights of the day, and also Dean Watts, who spent the day showing new handlers and young dogs the ropes for the Retrieving Challenge.
This all goes well for the future of the Retrieving Discipline in the club. More information about the Challenge concept can be obtained from Graham Hayes – Ph 9743 7403 email: Jeddah@alphalink.com.au
This Certainly was a Great Club Event

South Australian Duck & Quail Seasons announced.

2010-02-19T14:11:00.001+11:00

WGAA members will be pleased to read the following SA news:

12 Feb, 2010 11:43 AM
The dates of heavily-restricted duck and quail hunting seasons for 2010 have been announced.
The duck hunting season will be open from March 27 to June 27, 2010.
There will be a total bag limit of six ducks per hunter per day, with a maximum of two Pacific Black Duck able to be taken per hunter per day.
The limit is well below the historical full bag limit of 12 ducks per hunter per day.
The quail hunting season is open from April 3 to July 25, 2010, with a bag limit of 15 quails per hunter per day. This is well below the historical full bag limit of 25 quails per hunter per day.
“Recent surveys have shown that there are sufficient numbers of duck and quail across southern and eastern Australia for limited hunting seasons in South Australia this year,” Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill said.
“SA surveys show waterfowl populations are significantly higher than the previous seven years and Eastern Australian surveys also show an increase in waterbird numbers.
“However, heavy restrictions have been placed on the length of the seasons and the number and species of duck and quail able to be taken in recognition that some wetlands are recovering from on-going dry conditions.”
Wetlands within the Chowilla Game Reserve that are receiving State and Commonwealth environmental water flows and game reserves in the Coorong and Lower Lakes will be excluded from the open seasons to enable critical habitat to recover.
Bool Lagoon Game Reserve and Bucks Lake Game Reserve are also excluded from the open season.
“The decision to permit the season was based on a consultation process which considered evidence of the distribution and abundance of waterfowl in various habitats,” Mr Weatherill said.
“Based on the recommendations of that consultation process, the Government decided that restricted duck and quail hunting seasons this year were sustainable.
“However, we will continue to monitor the situation across SA and should circumstances change, we will revert to a closed season in 2011.”

Next Training Day

2010-02-10T15:49:00.003+11:00

The next training day will be held on Sunday 14th march at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10. Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm. Anyone with a gundog is welcome. Please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.

Gundog Supplies

2010-01-20T14:27:00.002+11:00

Club member Michael Zandona and his wife Kathy have started up a new venture supplying gundog training equipment & books. Email: surefind@aapt.net.au mob 0403 482 643

ANKC recognition

2010-01-20T14:22:00.001+11:00

The following decision was recently arrived at by the ANKC:

Delegates resolved to endorse the recommendation from the National Retrieving & Field Trial Committee for the ANKC to recognize the Working Gundog Association of Australia.

Training day report 17/01/10

2010-01-17T17:45:00.002+11:00

The first training day of the year got off to a great start with approximately 25 people in attendance together with a variety of gundogs - Labs, Pointers, GSP's, Wirehairs and a cocker. Great to see some new members turn up to this unique WGAA monthly activity, now into its 12th year.

Important upcoming dates:

Sun 21 Feb - Training Day.
Sun 28th Feb - WGAA Retrieving Challenge.
Sun 7th March - Clean up Australia Day at our training venue, followed by some training
Sun 14th March - Training Day - note change of date - this training day will be held on the 2nd Sunday in March to avoid clashing with Duck Opening.
Sat 20th March - Duck Opening weekend.

WGAA Training Day

2010-01-16T15:17:00.002+11:00

The first training day for 2010 will be held on Sunday 17th January at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10. Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm. Anyone with a gundog is welcome. Please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.

WGAA (Vic) Retrieving Challenge Schedule

2009-12-31T15:28:00.000+11:00

Sunday 28th February 2010. Open to all WGAA members and all gundogs.
Entry fee $10.00.
Venue: Bacchus Marsh
Please contact Graham Hayes if you have any queries – tel 9743 7402
Email: Jeddah@alphalink.com.au

For Sale

2009-12-31T15:17:00.002+11:00

Two pointers (English). 4YO. Fully trained, steady to shot, seeking dead, have had many birds shot over them. Overall a pair of excellent shooting dogs. Part of a deceased estate. No papers. Will only be sold as a pair to a good hunting home. For information contact Sandy Wright 0896232390

Duck and quail seasons 2010

2009-12-31T13:02:00.002+11:00

The acting Minister for Environment & Climate Change, Tim Holding, has declared that the Victorian duck season will run from 20 March to 30 May, a total of 72 days. This is two weeks shorter than normal, but significantly longer than last year’s 49 day season. The bag limit for 2010 is 5, of which only 1 may be an Australasian Shoveller. Also, an additional 3 wood ducks will be allowed, giving a total daily bag limit of 8 ducks per day, an increase over last year’s limit of 5 per day.
Quail season is regulated to commence on the first Saturday of April and to close on the last day of June. The daily bag limit remains at 20 birds per day.
The seasons for both duck and quail are not automatic – remember that they are the result of a lot of hard work by people from the major hunting organisations.

Pointer & Setter Field Trial dates 2010

2009-12-13T16:26:00.002+11:00

Saturday 24 April (Anzac Day) – WGAA (Vic)
Sunday 25 April – WGAA (NSW) – to be held in Vic.

Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 May – WGAA (NSW) – to be held in Vic.
Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 May – WGAA (Vic)

Western Australia - all 'Closed Season' trials
Friday 4th June - Bob Dean Memorial Field Trial (CS), Judge: John Kersley (SA)
Saturday 5th June - National Championship (CS), Judge: Lance Bailley Hill (SA)
Sunday 6th June - SSAA State Championship (CS), Judge: Henry Foster (Vic)
Monday 7th June - Jack Pontin Memorial Field Trial (CS) Judge TBA

Saturday 12 & Monday 14 June – WGAA (NSW) to be held if no other trials are scheduled
Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 June – WGAA (Vic)

July – date to be announced – WGAA (NSW) Closed season trials

South Australia –The quail season dates not yet available. The 2010 P&S National is scheduled to be held in South Australia.

Field Assessment Day

2009-10-31T19:13:00.006+11:00

WGAA's annual Field Assessment Day was held on Sunday 25th October. This is the fourth year we have conducted this event which requires dogs to complete three basic tasks - a field run, a land retrieve and a water retrieve. The retrieving assessment was under the guidance of Wayne Phelps and Barry Oliver took care of the field assessment. Once again the event was held on an excellent property at Daylesford due to the efforts of Wayne and Kevin Phelps. The club is indebted to landowners who kindly make their properties available for our use. This is an interesting and enjoyable activity open to all breeds of gundogs of all abilities. A large and enthusiastic group of handlers and their dogs took part in the day’s activities. This event has become established as a highlight of the club’s calendar and next year bigger plans are in place to further test and extend the program for the more experienced handlers as well as cater for those new to the concept. The weather was a little inclement but the rain held off and it was a happy group of people that eventually gathered around the campfire for lunch. Due to the success of the morning’s activities the event was extended into the afternoon. This day is part of the Hunt, Point & Retrieve (HPR) sub discipline program and is organized by the WGAA Vice President, Kevin Phelps.

Field Assessment Day

2009-10-19T15:48:00.001+11:00

THIS WEEKEND THIS WEEKEND THIS WEEKEND THIS WEEKEND
WGAA's annual Field Assessment Day will be held on Sunday 25th October. This is the fourth year we have conducted this event which requires dogs to complete three basic tasks - a field run, a land retrieve & a water retrieve. Once again the event will be held on the excellent Daylesford property, starting at 9 am. This is an interesting, enjoyable activity, open to all breeds of gundogs of all abilities. For directions contact the training officer, Graham Hayes, on 97437402, or Kevin Phelps on 0407091221. Bring own lunch.

Retrieving Weekend at Nagambie

2009-10-19T15:25:00.006+11:00

WGAA (Vic) held its New Event “The WGAA Retrieving Challenge” at Nagambie on the 3rd & 4th October for all those interested in Retrieving and for all those wanting to take part in a new event. It was a great weekend.

On Saturday members took part in Retrieving training in good conditions. The club explained the format for running the new event, showing the types of retrieves, and equipment to be used.

The night had the usual campfire providing warmth and the usual stories; a good night was had by all.

On Sunday we were met with drizzle and damp conditions, and due to daylight saving lost an hour of early morning light.

Setting of the runs was delayed due to hiccups and equipment malfunction, but eventually due to the persistence and perseverance of all the WGAA Retrieving stalwarts we got the show on the road.

We had 12 competitors who braved the conditions to compete, with a good range of gundog breeds.

Competitors entered their choice of grade to compete in and teams were drawn, and it was off to the runs.

The Retrieving Challenge has 3 stations where the runs are set, offering retrieving of quail, rabbit and duck. 12 set runs covering the 3 grades, using the same distances and format from trial site to trial site.

The first station is quail retrieving, the dogs and handlers are given (1) single mark, (2) double marks, (3) two bird and (4) double fall retrieves.

The second station is rabbit retrieving, where (5) double mark, (6) triple mark, (7) single blind and (8) double blind retrieves are set.

The third station is water, where duck retrieving takes place, (9) double rise, (10) mark and blind, (11) double mark and blind, (12) is the last a double blind and mark.

These are all achievable shooting runs, ranging from 30m – 70m for sighted retrieves and up to 80m for blind retrieves. They were greeted with tremendous interest, and on completion competitors spoke highly of this new concept, and agreed it was as close to real shooting as possible.

Everyone praised the club for the use and quality of the hand made dummies, with life like look and scenting features.

The results of the Retrieving Challenge team event winners:

Gerry McDonnell with Bella – Hungarian Vizsla – Intermediate
Tim Cloke with Chopper Labrador Retriever Advanced
Alex Jevric with Elle L’Epagnel Breton Open
with a winning score of 310 out of a possible 330.

This was a magnificent achievement, WELL DONE to all of you.

Individual performances – the only dog and handler to successfully complete their grade’s retrieves were Elle and Alex in the open section. It was a joy to watch dog and handler negotiate and achieve all their retrieves, the best seen for sometime. It was a pleasure to see a good dog work, and Elle is a very good dog.

The club would like to take this opportunity to thank:

Ray Waldron, not only for providing a magnificent trial site, but also all the work he does to make our events a success.

The Committee who have worked long and hard to finally stage our first WGAA Retrieving Challenge Event.. - Kevin Phelps, Angie Bloomer, Norm CLoke, Tim CLoke, Gary Bristow and Graham Hayes.

And finally Kevin, Dianna and Tanya for providing a great lunch for us all.

It was noted how many of you thanked the club, and were interested when the next event will be held. The Committee will meet and advise you of when that will be.

Final Training Day for 2009

2009-10-11T16:03:00.003+11:00

The final training day for 2009 will be held on Sunday 22nd November (not the 3rd) at Tullidge Reserve, Melton, Melways Ref 337 D 10. Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm. Anyone with a gundog is welcome. Please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.

Next Training Day

2009-09-12T20:25:00.002+10:00

The next WGAA (Vic) training day is Sunday 20th September. This will be an opportunity to practise for the inaugural Retrieving Challenge to be held on 3 & 4 October.
Training continues on the 3rd Sunday of each month at Tullidge Reserve, Melton. Training commences at 9am and finishes with a BBQ lunch at around 12pm. Anyone with a gundog is welcome. Please contact the Training Officer, Graham Hayes on 9743 7402.

Annual General Meeting

2009-09-12T20:22:00.002+10:00

The WGAA AGM is scheduled for Friday 20th November 2009 at the SSAA Springvale Range, 710 Dandenong Rd Springvale 3171. Time: 8pm.

Retrieving Weekend at Nagambie, Vic - 3&4 October 09

2009-08-10T16:24:00.003+10:00

The Retrieving Discipline Committee is showcasing its New Event
THE WORKING GUNDOG ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA RETRIEVING CHALLENGE
which is open to ALL WGAA MEMBERS - ALL DISCIPLINES

The aim is to meet on Saturday when Retrieving Training will be available and also information on the WGAA Retrieving Challenge which is being held on the Sunday.
As this is the FIRST RETRIEVING CHALLENGE to be run by WGAA we are trying to promote this concept, so this event will be FREE TO ENTER and A BARBEQUE LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED.
Camping is available on Saturday Night. You will need your camping equipment, food etc.

COME ALONG FOR A FUN WEEKEND AND SUPPORT YOUR CLUB
Please contact Graham Hayes for further details if you are coming or have any queries on
TEL: 9743 7402 or email: Jeddah@alphalink.com.au

WGAA New South Wales Pointer & Setter Field Trials (Closed Season) 1&2 August 09

2009-08-09T19:05:00.004+10:00

A welcome return to NSW by the Working Gundog Association Pointer & Setter fraternity saw two Closed Season format trials conducted on the first weekend in August. Held in the Southern Riverina these trials saw some excellent work on the Saturday but some strangely disappointing work on the Sunday.
Saturday’s event was conducted in some old rice bays that had a nice sprinkling of birds. The first find occurred in the first 30 seconds, and this set the pattern for the rest of the trial, with a total of 20 finds being made by the competing dogs. The outstanding performer was Neville Whaley’s pointer bitch Patch. Showing blinding speed and stylish finding ability, she only needed to complete the retrieve/seek dead to have the event sewn up. Alas, Patch did not satisfactorily complete this requirement. The immaculate retrieves performed by Henry Foster’s Major saw this consistent performer awarded first place. Andrew Melisi’s pointer dog, Conte, was an extremely close runner up.
Sunday’s trial was, by comparison with Saturday’s excellent standard, a puzzling affair. Held in the same paddocks the 11 dogs could not produce the form that was seen only 24 hours earlier. Handling problems and missed opportunities characterised the event and by late morning the Judge, Vince Guastella of NSW called an end to the trial by announcing a no result.
The social aspect of this event was second to none and was certainly appreciated by the interstate visitors. The shearer’s quarters, good friends, the barbeque, the endless talk about dogs and trials past, present and in the future – what better way to end the season?

Saturday 01 August 2009. Judge: K. Oliver.
Winner: H. Foster’s F Ch (CS) Koram Kris at Innistona (Imp Ire) NFTW & NFTW (CS)
Runner up & Best Novice Dog: A. Melisi’s Similax Conte.

Sunday 02 August 2009. Judge: V Guastella - no result.

Click HERE to see photos.

John Nash Memorial P&S Field Trial 28/6/09

2009-07-04T09:42:00.017+10:00

John Nash, after whom this trial is named, judged in Australia for the Pointer Club in 1988. John's impressive demeanor and the huge entry - over 30 dogs (the biggest P&S entry in living memory in Australia - possibly ever), stamped this event as one worthy of being commemorated.

The trial was conducted in a 750 acre paddock of directly drilled new crop, a testament to modern farming techniques with its huge size and GPS accurate drill rows. When the fog began to clear revealing the huge size of this paddock, things got serious and some excellent P&S work was produced. Dogs revelled in the cool, dampish conditions and the fresh northerly breeze.

The heat between Alan Willey's Abbey (PB) and Henry Foster's Major (PD) was the spectacle of the morning. Both dogs were really going for it, ranging and quartering as hard as they could go, covering their beats in correct pointer & setter style, two white flashes cutting through the remaining fog patches, turning into the wind, straining for a competitive advantage, slamming into point, backing without a moment's hesitation, steady to wing, shot and the fall of game, accurate retrieving ... this was the sort of work one always wants to see. Andrew Melisi's Conte (PD) was another stylish goer, with its high head and eye-catching productions. But for some unsteadiness at the fall of game this dog may well have been placed. The extra temptations in a shooting field trial (the shot, the fall of game, the retrieve/seek dead on a bird shot seconds before) are the criteria that separate the Closed Season non - shooting trial format from the Open Season shooting format, and a dog that can handle both formats well is indeed a tough & worthy competitor.

Such was the case today, with Alan Willey's Closed Season Field Champion Abbey coming through to win. No dog was going to be her match on this day as she produced 6 times in her two runs, retrieved flawlessly, backed in a flash and consistently took the front running - a tough competitor indeed. This was the first win ever by a Western Australian dog in a Victorian P&S field trial.

John Nash Memorial Field Trial 2009 placegetters. Judge: Barry Oliver

Winner: Alan Willey's F Ch (CS) Ywurrie Rani PB (Abbey)

Runner up: Henry Foster's F Ch (CS) Koram Kris at Innistona (Imp Ire) NFTW (CS) PD (Major)

Third: Taner Ozsehitoglu's Gamemaster Evans ISD (Brandy)

Click HERE to see photos of the John Nash Memorial Field Trial 2009

WGAA National P&S Field Trial 27/6/09

2009-07-04T08:34:00.012+10:00

The SSAA Working Gundogs National Field Trial was conducted in the North West of the State under ideal field trialling conditions. 9 hard going dogs (8 pointers and 1 Irish setter) and handlers from three States vied for the title of National Field Trial Winner (NFTW). Trial entries have suffered a little this year as a result of the drought, with many dogs not being ready, but those that have entered have been battle hardened trial competitors and this event was no exception.

With a steady, cool breeze blowing throughout the event, dogs were given multiple opportunities to be tested on game, and throughout the day over 25 finds were registered, many of them demonstrating the best features of pointer & setter work. In WGAA events dogs must have at least 2 finds, 2 retrieves or seek deads and back when a clear opportunity is offered. With the amount of game on offer in the vast stubble paddocks these requirements were not a problem. What did cause problems were the fast running birds. In the thin stubble and direct drilled new crop the birds were able to cover big distances in a short time - a fact which tested many dogs.

When lunchtime arrived 4 dogs remained in contention for National honours - Taner Ozsehitoglu's Brandy (ISD), Henry Foster's Major (PD), Vince Pino's Diesel (PD) and Andrew Melisi's Conte (PD). The final two heats saw some excellent pointer & setter work from these 4 dogs - work one expects to see in a National event. The paddock we were now competing in was no cakewalk and birds were able to run and run, requiring a dog to be well up on its finds and to road and produce quickly and accurately.

The two top dogs on the Judge's card at this stage were the pointer, Major, and the Irish, Brandy. Both these dogs had done some breathtaking work, but in the end it was the more expreienced Major, the import from Northern Ireland, who produced two more smart finds, productions and retrieves that saw him take the honours on the day. Runner up went to the Irish, who was also awarded the Best Novice Dog award. No third place was awarded. (Diesel was credited with a total of 9 finds on the day but some poor shooting by Vince, normally an excellent shot, saw him unable to fill his card.)

Results 2009 SSAA P&S National: Judge Barry Oliver

Winner - H&L Foster's F Ch (CS) Koram Kris at Innistona (Imp Eire) NFTW (CS) PD (Major)

Runner up & Best Novice Dog - Taner Ozsehitoglu 's Gamemaster Evans ISD (Brandy)

Click here to see photos.

Western Australia Closed Season Trials 2009

2009-06-08T15:28:00.002+10:00

The WA Closed Season Working Gundogs Pointer &Setter Trials for 2009 saw the full gamut of trial experiences. 4 trials were conducted but only 2 managed to end with results. The first two events were run under generally good conditions, but as the weather warmed up the competing dogs found the going increasingly tough. This warm weather (the last trial was held on the warmest Perth day for 25 years – 26 degrees!) combined with the often sparse cover combined to undo the best endeavours of man and dog. However, field trials are run under natural conditions and dogs and handlers have to be able to cope with whatever is present on the day.
The first event was conducted in a huge paddock of wheat stubble that held a plenty of evenly spaced game. The dogs produced some excellent work and by late morning Alan Willee’s pointer bitch and Henry Foster’s pointer dog were awarded first and second place respectively. The following day saw a change of venue and again some quality pointer & setter work was produced by Alan’s pointer which was duly awarded first place. No other placings were awarded.
With the weather warming up the remaining two trials were something of a letdown considering the quality work that had been produced on the first two days. Dry runs, mishandling of game, control problems ... the quality of the work took a severe drubbing and no results were the order of the day.
Overall the Western Australian 4 day event was a success. Competitors flew in from 3 States to compete in the closed season format, the venues for both competition and training were the result of a lot of hard work by the organisers and the hospitality provided by the WA hosts was second to none.

Click here to see a slideshow from the trials.

WGAA (Vic) 23 & 24 May Trials.

2009-06-08T15:21:00.005+10:00

As if the drought isn’t making things tough for bird dog owners and trial enthusiasts, the trials themselves are bedevilling things with two no results occurring at the Working Gundog May trials. The Saturday event was held deep in Victoria’s Western district and was judged by South Australian Lance Bailey Hill. Over 35 birds were seen, but none of the competing dogs were able to produce enough quality work to satisfy the man with the judging sheets. Trials are not meant to be easy and there is no value in awarding placings if the quality is not present, and this was the case on this occasion.The following day was a similar story with dogs having difficulty handling game, and no one was surprised when the judge, this time another South Australian, John Kersley, pulled the pin early in the afternoon. Just why these trials went downhill is difficult to say. No doubt the continuing drought is having an effect on both dogs and game. However, on occasions on both days various dogs did produce some fine work ... it just goes to show that trials can be fickle affairs.

WGAA VIC & WGAA NSW Trial Weekend

2009-05-01T10:18:00.001+10:00

With the Pointer & Setter field trial season in full swing, two trials have been conducted at the time of writing. Saturday 25th saw the traditional Anzac Day trial (open this year to all pointing breeds) take place in Victoria’s Western District. A minutes silence at 7 am was followed by a tough event in in a native grass and stubble paddock that held a good number of birds. Weather conditions were wet and windy – excellent for the dogs, but not so good for some of the handlers who were caught out with the rain – who could blame them?
At around 2pm the judge, Denis Everard had seen enough, and Henry Foster’s pointer dog F Ch (CS) Koram Kris at Innistona (Imp Ire) NFTW (CS) was awarded first place over Vince Pino’s pointer dog Ft Ch Rocca Diesel and Panos Papas’ pointer dog Similax Brio was awarded third place.
The following day saw the NSW WGAA Branch conduct its inaugural pointer & setter trial in Victoria (quail hunting has been closed in NSW and shooting trials are unable to be conducted at present – a situation we all hope is reversed in the near future). The venue, near Ballarat, was an excellent stubble paddock. The birds were very wild, a situation brought about in no doubt by the wind that was getting stronger by the minute, and most dogs were having great difficulty scenting and holding game. Stubble, high winds and running birds can often be a tricky combination. The judge, Vince Guastella from NSW, was very mindful of the problems and was generous in his judgement.However, the large number of ‘bumped’ birds eventually could not be overlooked and a no result was the only logical outcome.
Despite the disappointing result on the second day, the weekend was a great success. Old friendships renewed, hard going dogs, wild weather, game birds ... who could ask for more?

Anzac Day Pointer & Setter Field Trial (All pointing breeds)

2009-05-01T10:14:00.001+10:00

ALL POINTING BREEDS FIELD TRIAL - ANZAC DAY-SATURDAY 25th.APRIL 2009

The trial grounds were stubble and grassy rocky outcrops in Western Victoria.
There was a cool north westerly wind blowing and conditions were ideal for field trialing.
6Pointers , 1 German Shorthair Pointer and 1 Le’pagneul Breton made up the field.
Prior to the commencement of the trial one minutes silence was observed in respect to the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we could enjoy our freedom today in this country.
Throughout the day there were plenty of quail and in the first round there was a number of dogs that impressed.
Angie Bloomer’s GSP bitch was competing in her first trial and worked her gound and drew on her birds beautifully. She had 4 birds but none were shot at.
Henry Foster’s PD Major put in a quality run and filled his card.
Vince Pino’s PD Diesel handled well and had a stylish find and back and roaded his bird out smartly.
Panos Papas’s PD Oscar did enough with a couple of finds and backs to be seen again.
Neville Whaley’s young PB worked her ground and found impressively.She had 4 finds but I think Neville could not get his safety catch off. He did shoot on her last find but Patch broke.
Barry Oliver’s PD Striker had 3 good finds and 2 retrieves. However he failed to retrieve the last bird that was shot and was disqualified.
4 dogs were taken into the 2nd. Round.
Major had 2 good finds and a good retrieve.His search and ground coverage was as required and I was very happy with his productions. He was well handled and his obedience and control was without fault.
Diesel found well, produced his birds on command smartly and showed good style and intensity on point. Vince was letting the dog down with his shooting but eventually he completed his card by doing a good seek dead.
Oscar had a satisfactory find and retrieve.
Angie”s bitch failed to back when it had several opportunities.

1st. MAJOR (H.& L. Foster)
2nd. DIESEL (V.Pino)
3rd. OSCAR (P.Papas)
Best Novice Dog. ATDAWN (A.Bloomer)

Denis J. Everard. (Judge)

South Australian Quail Season

2009-04-07T13:31:00.002+10:00

Gundog owners will be disappointed at the shortening of the quail season in SA. The Dept for Environment & Heritage website lists the season as starting on 28/3 & closing on the 31/5 - a mere 2 months. While the website gives a host of evidence for shortening the SA duck season - the Bureau of Meteorology, the annual DEH wetland and waterfowl survey, the National Agricultural Monitoring Service, and the Eastern Australian Aerial Waterbird survey conducted by Professor Richard Kingsford, University of NSW, no such evidence is given as to why & how the decision re the quail season was made. It appears that the quail season decision has just been tacked on to the shortened duck season decision.

This is just not good enough! Many Victorians purchase SA hunting permits and travel to SA for hunting & triallling. They deserve better than this no explanation decision. WGAA members have for years travelled to SA for trials - especially in July. Without any reasons being given this opportunity has now been removed.

Express your annoyance over this cavalier decision by writing to the
SA Dep't of Environment & Heritage
PO Box 1047
Adelaide SA 5001

Or email the Premier at
premier@saugov.sa.gov.au

Clean up Australia Day

2009-02-10T09:30:00.004+11:00

WGAA members are again asked to help in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 1 March. The venue is the Melton Tullidge Rd. Reserve where the training days are held at 9.00am. For more information please contact Graham Hayes 9743 7402.

Pointer & Setter trial dates

2009-02-08T11:23:00.003+11:00

WGAA's 2009 Pointer & Setter trial dates are as follows:

25 April (WGAA Vic) - all pointing breeds, Judge D Everard.
26 April (WGAA NSW to be held in Vic) Judge V Guastella
9 May (WGAA NSW to be held in Vic) Judge A Melisi
10th May (WGAA NSW held in Vic) Judge TBA
23 May (WGAA Vic) Judge L Bailey-Hill
24 May (WGAA Vic) Judge J Kersley
29 May (WGAA WA) Closed season- all pointing breeds, Judge B Oliver
30 May (WGAA WA) Closed season - all pointing breeds, Judge H Foster
31 May (WGAA WA) Closed season - all pointing breeds, Judge D Dunn
1 June (WGAA WA) Closed season - all pointing breeds, Judge D Everard
27 Jun (WGAA Vic) Judge H Foster
28 Jun (WGAA Vic) Judge TBA

Whoa post update

2009-02-08T11:19:00.002+11:00

Those who attended the Rick Smith seminar will remember that Rick mentioned a new whoa post article was about to be published. This article, in 2 parts, is now available on the Huntsmith website. Go to www.huntsmith.com and the two articles are currently available on the home page

Training days - March

2009-02-08T11:06:00.003+11:00

WGAA training days continue on the 3rd Sunday of each monthat the Tullidge Rd Reserve, Melton, Melways ref: 337 D10. Training runs from 9 am until midday. Contact Graham Hayes: 97437402. All gundog breeds welcome. The March training day will be held on Sunday March 15th.

2009 Duck and Quail seasons

2009-02-08T10:57:00.002+11:00

WGAA members will be pleased to know that common sense has prevailed and that the duck and quail seasons are both on. Duck season runs from 21.3.09 until 8.5.09, with quail season opening on 1.4.09 and closing on 30.6.09. Further information can be found on the DSE website.

Last Training Day for 2008

2008-11-01T20:16:00.001+11:00

The next WGAA (Vic) training day is Sunday 23 November 2008. Tullidge Rd Reserve, MELTON. Starting time 9am. All gundog breeds. For further details ring Graham Hayes 97437402. Training is provided free of charge. BBQ lunch & drinks available at a nominal cost.
Please note this is the 4th Sunday in the month, not the usual 3rd Sunday.

WGAA (Vic) AGM

2008-11-01T19:58:00.002+11:00

The WGAA (Vic) Annual General Meeting is on Friday 21 November at the SSAA(Vic) Springvale Range, 710 Dandenong Rd SPRINGVALE 3171 at 8pm.
We are able to have the bar open, and meals are available as long as we have 20 or more people present. So do the right thing by the club and make sure you attend. This has been a major year for the club with a big calendar of events, and a meal and a drink or two will be a nice way to finish things off. The bar and restaurant will open at 6pm and the AGM will start at 8pm.

Rick Smith Seminar Success

2008-11-01T19:14:00.007+11:00

RICK SMITH SEMINAR
After many months of planning the Rick Smith Seminar finally got underway on October 24th, 25th and 26th. This was no easy undertaking! Liaising with the participants, organising meals over the 3 days, assisting with accommodation ... the list of tasks seemed never ending. However, it all came together in what can only be described as a unique and groundbreaking event. 8 different breeds of gundogs, 30 handlers from 4 different States ... this seminar was indeed an Australian first in the bird dog world.
The venue was just west of Melbourne and as can be gauged from the following photos, we were in the heart of “drought country.” However, drought or no drought, the event was both educational and entertaining for all. The Smiths are a byword for training excellence in the USA where they have been conducting bird dog seminars for many decades. This depth of knowledge was evident throughout the 3 day event in the way that Rick went about presenting, explaining and demonstrating the Silent Command method of gun dog training. The system is based on establishing the point of contact on the dog, developing a conditioned response and then overlaying the learned behaviour with whatever command the handler chooses. The command lead, whoa post and the check cord are all integral components of this system. Rick was also able to demonstrate the use of the low stimulation e- collar as an effective gundog training tool. As an interesting sidelight, Rick explained how the e- collar is used extensively in the States for “snake proofing” dogs – a point not lost on the handlers present.
Mention must be made of the support received from both SSAA National and SSAA (Vic) and Innotek.
This was an excellent event, one that received many accolades from participants at the certificate presentation. Requests for another seminar in the future attest to the success of the event, a point noted by the hard working WGAA committee.

Visit a slideshow of the seminar by clicking here

Sporting Spaniel WGAA trial - NSW

2008-09-25T12:44:00.001+10:00

For a report and pics from this trial visit the following link http://sportingspanielnsw.shutterfly.com

Training Day pics 21.9.08

2008-09-25T11:43:00.006+10:00

A nice finish

Dynamic entry

All set for "Knuckles" to do his thing

Eagerness

Always a nice pic

End of the session

2008-09-25T10:31:00.005+10:00

WGAA FIELD ASSESSMENT DAY 31.8.08
On what was a fairly cold, wet day, 12 dogs faced up to WGAA’s level 1 Field Assessment. A field run on a planted bird, a land run retrieve and water retrieve had to be completed. Although only at level 1, the tasks required were testing enough for the dogs. In the field run dog had to cover the ground well, complete a recall and a stay at distance when instructed, point or “flush” (for flushing breeds) the bird and be reasonably steady to the flush and shot. The land run was a sighted retrieve on a “rabbit” (on this occasion up hill) and the water retrieve was a sighted retrieve on a “duck” thrown into running water. The water was both cold and running reasonably hard. Some handlers elected not to ask their dogs to complete the water retrieve.

Buck goes through the cold water

Angie lining things up

Abed checking that everything is ready.

So too is Dean

Next Training Day

2008-08-05T20:13:00.003+10:00

The next WGAA (Vic) training day is Sunday 19th October 2008. Tullidge Rd Reserve, MELTON. Starting time 9am. All gundog breeds. For further details ring Graham Hayes 97437402. Training is provided free of charge. BBQ lunch & drinks available at a nominal cost.

Beretta raffle

2008-07-09T19:42:00.001+10:00

The 2008 Beretta Raffle is on now! For your chance to win click on https://secure.giga-sj-001.net/eps/raffle/ssaavic/enter.php
or visit http://www.ssaavic.com.au/

1st Prize: $4,000 Beretta Australia Shopping Spree Retail Value $4,000 You will be able to choose from a wide range of Beretta Australia products. Proudly Supported by Beretta Australia.
2nd Prize: Holiday Package. Retail Value $2,000
3rd Prize: Home entertainment Package. Retail Value: $1,000
Tickets are only $5 each and can be purchased on-line via the SSAA (Vic) website or by calling the State office on (03)8892-2777.
Don't wait any longer! Buy your tickets NOW!

SSAA (Vic)
Ph. (03) 8892 2777
F. (03) 8892 2700

Forthcoming events

2008-07-08T17:22:00.003+10:00

Over the next few months WGAA will be fairly active with the following events:

20/7/08 Training day - Melton
17/8/08 Training day - Melton
23/8/08 Celebration dinner, Royal Mail Hotel, 519 Spencer St West Melbourne. 7pm.
31/8/08 Field Assessment Day - Daylesford
21/9/08 Training day - Melton
19/10/08 Training day - Melton
24/10 - 29/10/08 Rick Smith Foundation Seminar - Balliang East
16/11/08 Training day - Melton
21/11/08 AGM williamstown RSL

10 Year Celebration dinner

2008-07-08T16:50:00.004+10:00

As mentioned in the last WGAA News, WGAA (Vic) is celebrating its 10th birthday. In that time we have helped train hundreds of dogs and conducted events too numerous to mention. To mark the occasion we are organising a celebration dinner on Saturday 23rd August at the Royal Mail Hotel, 519 Spencer St West Melbourne, commencing at 7 pm. (Plenty of parking available.) All WGAA members, past & present, are invited to attend. Guests can choose from the set menu at $30 per head. This includes a main meal with a choice of either entree or sweets, and a glass of wine. Details of the menu will be published in the July-August WGAA News.
Come along and join us for a night of celebration and good company. Those members who have maintained continual membership for our first 10 years will be presented with a lapel badge to mark the occasion.
Contact Lyn Foster hlfoster@netspace.net.au or phone 95095245 to confirm your attendance.

Litter of Pups - Working Labradors

2008-07-07T10:07:00.005+10:00

Litter of Pups - Working Labradors

4 Females and 2 Males - All black

Whelped 22nd June 2008

Will be wormed, vaccinated and vet checked
$350 each

Mother available for viewing

Ph: (03) 5331 9474 or 0418 319 409

SSAA National Pointer & Setter Field Trial 2008

2008-07-01T13:19:00.009+10:00

Judge: Bill Cross (Vic) Assistant Judge: Robyn Gaskin (NZ)
Results:
1st - D&A Everard's Irish Setter Bitch - F Ch & FT Ch RUSSETRAY TULLAMORE (Tara)
2nd - B&K Oliver's Pointer Bitch - WINGFIELD DAME (Imp NZ) (Jaeger)

Competitors:
H&L Foster’s F Ch (CS) KORAM KRIS AT INNISTONA (Imp Ire) (Major)
D&A Everard’s F Ch & FT Ch RUSSETRAY TULLAMORE (Tara)
B&K Oliver’s F Ch YWURRIE JED (Striker) & WINGFIELD DAME (Imp NZ) (Jaeger)
T. Ozsehitoglu’s F Ch & FT Ch WHITESMOKE (Rusty) & WHITESMOKE DIESEL
J. Camilleri’s FT Ch WALTEELA VULCAN & FT Ch WALTEELA BLOSSEM
V. Pino’s FT Ch ROCCA DIESEL
P. Papas’ SIMILAX BRIO
A. Willey’s F Ch YWURRIE RANI (Abbey)
B. Whinnen’s QUAILBANDERS DOUBLE RISE (Brian)
Scratchings:
R Clay's Kilsheelan Paprika (Imp NZ) & Kilsheelan Quill (Imp NZ).

The 2008 SSAA WGAA National was a hard fought affair marked by freezing weather but plentiful game. Thin stubble and vast native grass patches made up the venue for 14 of the country’s best pointers and setters to fight it out. At the end of round one 6 dogs were brought back – Dielsel, Major, Jaeger, Striker, Diesel & Tara. Four dogs proceeded into the third round – Striker v Major and Tara v Jaeger and as the heats progressed it was left to Tara & Jaeger to vie for trial honours. An extremely long final heat saw multiple finds, hard running birds and good productions. At around 4pm a halt was called with the Irish Setter Bitch Tara being given the nod over the Pointer Bitch Jaeger.
This was a great event, characterised by some excellent dog work and a phenomenal number of finds. The standard of all dogs was high, and judgement was accordingly very difficult on occasions. Judging is never easy, and at times I had to rely on my assistant judge in order to help me make some tough decisions. I am thankful to the WGAA committee for the opportunity to judge such a hard fought affair.
Generous funding was again provided by the SSAA for this event, a sign of the association’s ongoing commitment to field sports in this country.
Many thanks to those who put together the necessary infrastructure for this major event and especially the landowners who generously make available their properties on which we are able to run our dogs. I must also thank my assistant judge Robin Gaskin from New Zealand for her efforts on the day.

Bill Cross

Vince Pino & FT Ch Rocca Diesel

Judges: Robyn Gaskin & Bill Cross

A section of the gallery

Barry Oliver & Wingfield Dame (Imp NZ)

Bob Whinnen & Quailbanders Double Rise

Joe Camilleri & FT Ch Walteera Vulcan

Henry Foster & F Ch(CS) Koran Kris At Innistona (Imp Ire)

Bob Whinnen & Quailbanders Double Rise

Alan Willey with F Ch(CS) Ywurrie Rani & Panos Papas with Similax Brio

Vince Pino & FT Ch Rocca Diesel watched by Bill Cross

Taner Ozsehitoglu & Whitesmoke Diesel

Denis Everard & F Ch&FT Ch Russetray Tullamore

Barry Oliver & F Ch Ywurrie Jed

Winners are grinners

John Nash Memorial Pointer & Setter Field Trial

2008-07-01T12:31:00.005+10:00

Thanks to WGAA for inviting me over to judge the John Nash P&S trial in Victoria and for providing paddocks with such good numbers of birds in them. The conditions were very tough for the dogs and handlers, with strong blustery winds and twitchy birds that ran furiously and often lifted a long way in front of them. I took six dogs (from a field of eleven) through to the second round, and of these, my two top dogs were well in contention for the win. In particular, Barry Oliver's PD FCh Ywurrie Jed shone with his accurate location and production of birds in the testing conditions. Vince Pino's PD FTCh Rocca Diesel was the other to impress, with excellent ground treatment and stylish backing. Unfortunately, the competition pressure pushed all dogs over the limit in the last round and I could make no awards. But I compliment the handlers and dogs on their performances and for taking my decisions with good grace. It was a pleasure to judge you all.
Awards:
The Bael Bael Trophy (Best Finding Dog) - B&K Oliver's F Ch Ywurrie Jed
The Brodruggan Plate (Best Setter) - D&A Everard's F Ch&FT Ch Russetray Tullamore

Robyn Gaskin (New Zealand)

Next Training Day

2008-06-06T09:04:00.002+10:00

The next WGAA (Vic) training day is Sunday 20th July 2008. Tullidge Rd Reserve, MELTON, (Melways ref 115 D11). Starting time 9am. All gundog breeds. For further details ring Graham Hayes 97437402. Training is provided free of charge. BBQ lunch & drinks available at a nominal cost.

WA Pointer & Setter National Field Trial (Closed Season) 1/6/08

2008-06-05T20:29:00.009+10:00

The inaugural Western Australian Pointer & Setter National Field Trial, Closed Season (CS), was held in the Meckering area, east of Perth. The judge for this prestigious event was the well known Victorian pointer & setter personality, Bill Cross. The event was organised by the Working Gundog Association of WA (Inc), the SSAA's Gundog group in the West. Sponsorship for the event came from the SSAA National, SSAA WA and Rosendorff Jewellers, Perth.

The National was one event in a long weekend of 4 CS trials which commenced on Friday and went through to the following Monday - a tough programme for bird dogs who had to show great endurance to compete consistently over such a programme. Dogs cover many kilometres at top speed in each heat, and some dogs ran up to 3 heats each day - often in quite warm conditions, no easy task!

The National event was the third in a series of 4 trials. The form dog of the programme was the pointer dog; Koram Kris at Innistona (Imp Ire) (Major) owned and handled by Henry Foster. Major had left his opposition far behind in the previous two events and was looking unbeatable.

Field trialling commenced in the 1850's, and the basic requirements have remained unaltered over the past century and a half - winning dogs should show style, dominant game finding ability, speed and good field manners. Major's performance on the day of the National left no-one in doubt that he had met these criteria and by late in the day when there were only 2 compulsory retrieves left to perform he made no mistake - a clear winner on the day.

Runner up was the local dog, Alan Willey's pointer bitch Ywurrie Rani (Abbey), a very stylish dog who showed great endeavour over the 4 days of trialling, and today was no exception. Lacking only the number of finds produced by Major, Abbey was a worthy second place getter. No third place was awarded.

Over the weekend both Major and Abbey were awarded their WGAA Field Champion (CS) titles.

Overall results from the WA National weekend were:
Friday 30th May. Jack Pontin Memorial Pointer & Setter CS field trial: Winner H&L Foster's pointer dog WGAA F Ch Koram Kris at Innistona (Imp Ire) NFTW (CS). Runner up A&V Willey's pointer bitch WGAA F Ch (CS) Ywurrie Rani.

Saturday 31st May. Bob Dean Memorial Pointer & Setter CS field trial: Winner H&L Foster's pointer dog WGAA F Ch Koram Kris at Innistona (Imp Ire) NFTW (CS).

Sunday 1st June. National CS Pointer & Setter field trial: Winner: H&L Foster's pointer dog WGAA F Ch Koram Kris at Innistona (Imp Ire) NFTW (CS). Runner up A&V Willey's pointer bitch WGAA F Ch (CS) Ywurrie Rani.

Monday 2nd June. WA State Pointer & Setter field trial Championship (CS): Winner B&K Oliver's pointer bitch, Wingfield Dame. Runner up A&V Willey's pointer bitch, WGAA F Ch (CS) Ywurrie Rani.

Major - 3 time winner

National winner - Koram Kris at Innistona (Imp Ire) (Major)

Gallery chatting

National gallery

Ywurrie Rani (Abbey) & Alan Willey

Maurizio Casadio & Tobenlee Zachary Ballou

Major on point

Go! John Kersley's Skraveldalens C Chili (Imp SWD)

A well earned drink break

National winners. (l-r) Henry Foster, Judge Bill Cross & Alan Willey

Ywurrie Rani waits her turn

Well done Chili

A good vantage point

BEGINNERS RETRIEVING TRIAL 4th May 2008

2008-06-05T09:54:00.003+10:00

The Retrieving Committee was delighted to have secured Wayne Phelps as the Judge,
who put on three very good runs for this level. The Committee was also pleased with the
entry - ten was a good number of dogs.

First Run: The rabbit run of about 65 metres was a good challenge for the handler – first to position the dog in the right place to obtain good sight of the rabbit when popped from the thrower. The firing point pegs were placed between a couple of bushes, some dogs broke on the firing of the gun, and this complicated the retrieve.

Second Run: Next up was the quail run The judge wisely used the natural terrain to provide a good quail run of about 70 metres. The clay thrower was about 35 metres (well concealed) slightly to the right and in front of the handler and dog, and the “quail” was thrown into fairly thick cover. Dogs that broke paid the price by not accurately marking the fall.

Third Run: The final run was the duck run. This was a good natural shooting run of about 60 metres. The dog was positioned on the bank amongst big trees, and about 30 metres along the bank on the same side a duck was cast In flight it appeared to be flying through the trees, the dogs would have been impressed with the shooting of all handlers to hit the bird, which, when it fell, gave a large splash falling in a little bit of surface cover on the water. The dog had the challenge to show good perseverance to retrieve the bird.

Everyone was pleased with the runs and good gun dog work was shown at this level of development as retrieving gun dogs.

Placings: Winner: Tim Cloke – Kumile Crackshot
Second: Gary Bristow – Woldjaeger Birthday Girl
Third: Bill Allen – Windkael Rusticana

Congratulations to all three place getters:
Bill who is rekindling his interest in retrieving trials.
Gary who knows the meaning of devotion and loyalty as his dog had been struggling with some health issues.
And of course, Tim, the club’s youngest trialer who showed everyone the way to do it, and is the future of our club and sport.

Knuckles nails it

Judge: Wayne Phelps on the job

Brittany looking good

WGAA NSW Pointer & Setter Field Trial

2008-05-12T19:16:00.002+10:00

The inaugural WGAA NSW Pointer & Setter field trials have been scheduled for 24th & 25th May. The trials will be held in Victoria. For more information please contact Andrew Melisi on 0419166965 or Barry Oliver on 0403380092.

Litter Notification

2008-05-08T18:35:00.005+10:00

Working Irish Setter pups for sale
6 males, 4 females - all red with varying amounts of white on chest
Sire: Fyledalens Peregrin (Imp Sweden)
Dam: Quailbanders Aisa

Contact Lesley Store (WA) 08 9451 5361 Mob 0448 366 532
email lesley.store@people.net.au