Three major field trials are in progress at the Camp Robinson Wildlife Demonstration Area near Mayflower, giving spectators a chance to see some of America's finest bird dogs in action.
The events are the Arkansas Open Shooting Dog Championship, the Ozark Open Shooting Dog Championship and the Arkansas Derby Classic. They began Wednesday and are running concurrently until they conclude Dec. 7-8, depending on the weather.
John Van Horn, treasurer of the Camp Robinson Conservation Association, said the events draw bird dog enthusiasts from all over the country.
Because of the rugged, far-ranging nature of field trials, the events also are major equestrian events. The dogs range over such large areas, Van Horn said, the only way to keep up with them is on horseback.
Handlers follow the dogs on horseback, as do gallery members. Everyone keeps a respectful distance from the competitors, much like the galleries at golf tournaments.
"At times there are 40 to 50 riders in the gallery," Van Horn said. "Spectators can drive around on the roads, but you really need a horse to see it."
Spectators are welcome, Van Horn added, but they must follow field-trial protocol.
Two dogs compete in each heat, and each dog has a handler. There are two judges for each handler, Van Horn said.
Each handler also has a scout. If a dog casts to the side and doesn't return, the handler sends his scout to see if the dog is on point.
Behind the competitors is a field marshal that controls everyone behind that group.
"If a dog is on point, everybody rides to it," Van Horn said. "It's quite a riding event."
The Ozark Shooting Championship started Wednesday and includes 46 dogs. Twelve dogs will run each day until the event concludes at noon Saturday.
The Arkansas Shooting Championship will begin Sunday and will include 48 dogs. It will end Wednesday or Thursday.
The Arkansas Derby Classic will be sandwiched between the Ozark and Arkansas shooting dog championships.
All of the events are non-lethal, meaning quail will not be shot. The Camp Robinson Conservation Association purchases, maintains and releases quail for field trial purposes. Buying, feeding and upkeep of birds is a major expense, Van Horn said, and a large percentage of the proceeds from the events will go to that purpose.
The Camp Robinson Demonstration Area is one of America's premier field trial areas, thanks in part to the stables and camping facilities that are on site. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission considered dismantling the field trial area and facilities in 2014 after the Mayflower tornado wrecked the facilities and destroyed the clubhouse that was so dear to field trial participants.
The Camp Robinson Conservation Association helped preserve the tradition by uniting various groups that enjoy the demonstration area, including bowhunters and equestrians.
For more information, visit the Camp Robinson Conservation Association website at crcai.wildapricot.org or call (501) 940-1586.
Coastal Conservation
Arkansas sportsmen have a major interest in the Gulf Coast, which provides recreational fishing opportunities but also important wintering habitat for waterfowl.
Encouraged by the success of its Tennessee chapter, the Coastal Conservation Association is trying to gauge interest in starting a CCA chapter in Arkansas.
The association is a grassroots, non-profit, social movement organization of salt water anglers from 17 coastal states spanning the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, and Pacific coasts.
Wildlife and fisheries conservation extends beyond state and national boundaries, as evidence by the millions of dollars that Arkansas duck hunters donate to purchase and improve waterfowl habitat in Canada.
Many of us also enjoy saltwater fishing along the Gulf Coast, and the CCA is the major voice in protecting coastal habitat.
For more information, call (800) 201-FISH (3474) or click joincca.org.
Correction
In Sunday's column, we mistakenly reported that Yell County would not be immediately added to the state's chronic wasting disease management zone.
Yell County already is part of the CWD management zone. It is unlawful to transport deer killed in Yell County outside of the CWD management zone except for antlers and cleaned skulls, meat with all bones removed, cleaned teeth, hides and taxidermy products.
The three-point rule still applies to Yell County. Antler point requirements have been suspended only in deer management zones 1-2. Button bucks killed in Yell County still count toward a hunter's annual two-buck limit. Button bucks do not count against the buck bag limit in Zones 1-2.
Sports on 12/01/2016