AKC Cover Dog Trial Proved Challenging And Fun for Dogs, Handlers and Judges

Aug 22, 2026

AKC Grouse and Woodcock Cover Dog Trial coverage highlights why cover trials are demanding and rewarding for dogs, handlers, and judges. The narrative explains how wild birds and dense grouse habitat test pointing speed, steadiness, and effectiveness, using ruffed grouse as the central training teacher. It documents the Marienville, PA event, weather conditions, course quality, and judge feedback, then lists top placements across open and open derby categories. The article closes by encouraging clubs to host Cover Dog Trials and outlining how to apply.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryStory & Novel

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

AKC Cover Dog Trial Overview

Trial Setting and Course Conditions

Judges' Remarks and Placement Results

Awards in Open and Open Derby

AKC Cover Dog Trial Proved Challenging And Fun for Dogs, Handlers and Judges By Gary Sadler, Executive Field Representative It takes birds to make a bird dog: It takes wild birds to make a great bird dog. Wild birds give dogs no easy success and a lesson each time dog and bird encounter eachother. The Ruffed Grouse is the master in teaching the dog far better than any trainer. The dog that has become an experienced grouse dog has had many encounters in the thick and tangled cover of the grouse coverts. If the dog isn’t quick enough to point the bird will only be the thunder heard flushing through the forest. In my opinion the Grouse is the King of game birds. Being from the South you might think quail would be my pick and maybe if I had lived during the quail heydays they would be. With the shrinking habitat and opportunity to find a good day’s hunt I decided to give Ruffed Grouse a try and I was hooked on my first trip to Wisconsin. The color, smells and abundant land to run on are just a small part ofthe allure of the Thunder bird. With my love of field trials it is only natural that I wished to combine the two. I am pleased to report on the AKC Grouse and Woodcock trial hosted by the Oak Ridge Pointing Dog Club on October 29-30 in Marienville, PA. This was a new activity for the Oak Ridge Club and I want to congratulate them on taking the initiative. This type of field trial is often referred to as a Cover Dog Trial. It is a field trial in the woods. Marienville, PA is thought by many to be the cradle of Grouse trials. These grounds have held trials for over 60 years; its eight one-hour courses (run once each day) have been the proving grounds for thousands of dogs. These dogs are not only competitive; their bloodlines are seen in hunters’ dogs throughout the country. This was the weekend that snow wreaked havoc across PA and much of the East Coast. Marienville was on the western edge of the storm and the snow spread a beautiful light blanket for participants. Eighteen starters representing five different breeds where excited to take to the woods. Judges Frank Watters and Curtis Fry gave their full attention to the handlers and dogs for two days wishing the best for each brace. The habitat is what keeps the birds on course. It takes breeding, exposure and training to take advantage of the few opportunities offered. Each course held birds though not all of the dogs made contact. Curt offered these comments: The courses and cover were excellent as we moved birds on every brace. In the end we had four dogs with solid work. The top two finishers (English Setter and a German Shorthair) had their finds at the 56 and 58-minute mark of the hour. The third and fourth place finishers (German Shorthair and an English Setter) were braced together and had a divided find at about the halfway mark. It was a joy and an honor to judge this event with such a variety of dogs. Next time someone else can judge because I want to run my dog! Below are Open Gun Dog Judge Curtis Fry, Chairman Scott Jordon, Derby Judges Tim Tufts and Tim Perschke, Bill Davis and Open Gun Dog Judge Frank Watters. Ernie Lantiege guided his Paucek’s Bonasa Bandit CD JH a snappy female English Setter to the blue. Second place was awarded to German Shorthaired pointer FC AFC Gunnem Down Adolph owned and handled by Ron Schmeider. Third went to another German Shorthaired Pointer owned and handled by W C Hensel and English Setter Hypointe Putter Boy took fourth, owned and handled by Nicholas Mellon Jr.. Thanks must be given to the many local American Field trialers that are familiar with the grounds. They marshaled each brace and lent advice from start to finish. Without their help the trial could not have been the success that it was. The Open Derby provided an opportunity for the younger dogs to demonstrate their abilities. Ernie Lantiege returned to the winner’s circle with Paucek’s Purdey Patches JH. Second placed went to GSP Larke Spirit Of Boyd

FAQs

What makes a Cover Dog Trial challenging for dogs and handlers?

Cover trials require dogs to succeed in wild-bird encounters within thick, tangled cover where pointing speed and performance determine outcomes.

Where and when was the AKC Grouse and Woodcock trial hosted?

The trial was hosted by the Oak Ridge Pointing Dog Club on October 29-30 in Marienville, PA.

What weather affected the event weekend?

Snow wreaked havoc across Pennsylvania and much of the East Coast, and Marienville received a light blanket for participants.

Aug 22, 2026

Uploaded by Berry Peter