The Field Trial Gunners Guild: One of the National Retriever World's Great Traditions
-a competitor's perspective
By: Jamie Woodson #47
So... yesterday was pretty amazing! I had the great honor of shooting at the flyer station as an official gunner in the 2017 National Amateur Retriever Championship! It was an unbelievably fantastic experience! And, today promises to be excellent as well.
Have you ever wondered who guns at the National Amateur and Open Championships? Uniquely, the Field Trial Gunners Guild (FTGG) leads the selection of the Gunners Committee at Nationals. The Gun Captain for the host timezone chairs the Gunners Committee at each National.
Not many folks know about the FTGG. I will ask my friends at Retriever News to reprint the excellent piece that National Gunner and FTGG leader Richard Smith penned in June 2012. It shares valuable information about this important organization.
Since this is a shorter "from the field" blog, I will try to cover a few highlights that are top of mind as we close in on the final moments of the National Amateur.
My husband, Bill, has been invited to gun at other Nationals. It's a tremendous honor. That said, Bill nor I are members of the FTGG. That is reserved for a select few. Membership in the guild is only granted to individuals who have gunned at FIVE nationals.
You may think there are many members of this important guild. Nope.
Actually, there are only 31 members of the Field Trial Gunners Guild (26 active members and five retired/inactive members). It's a very small and distinguished group of sportsmen.
Here are a couple "Fun Facts" about the 28 official guns at the 2017 NARC Gunners Committee: Seven gunners had nine dogs qualified for this National. There are seven members who have judged a national - seven! - (some, multiple times) - Dennis Bath, John Parrott, John Goettl, Fred Kampo, Steve Kompf, John Russell, and Larry Morgan. The Hall of Fame in Grand Junction, Tennessee houses an important plaque.
Gunners who have dogs running a national (or a spouse with a running dog), DO NOT gun until the dog is out of the competition. However, when a gunner's dog is out, it's time to take a shift in the field. For Bill #61 and Jamie #47, that meant that, by the end of the sixth series, we were released to take a shift because our canine companions were no longer competing in the National Amateur.
The only perks that FTGG members receive are two that they don't ever ask for. One is a memorial plaque at the Hall of Fame in Grand Junction, Tennessee that holds over three dozen names of FTGG members who have passed. The other is a recognition in the Retriever News at a guild member's passing that reads, "Guns up, old friend."
The Gun Mothers are also a VERY important group. They are the wives, family members, and significant others who support the Gunners Committee at every national. Yes, EVERY National.
Some may think that the National Gunners are paid or reimbursed for their travel expenses and eat elaborate "professionally" catered meals, provided at the National Club's expense at all the nationals.
Guess what? That's NOT true!
100% of the costs are paid by the Gunners themselves. These families take time off work, pay their own fuel and hotel costs, meals, etc. Yes, these amazing men and women take their vacation days and pay their own way for two weeks a year (sometimes more) to serve as gunners at the Nationals in June and November.
Also, they don't hire a "professional" caterer. Instead, each gunner donates a small amount of money to pay for meals for the week. That's when the magic happens.
The Gun Mothers then meticulously plan every meal - three meals a day - for seven days in the field. Not in a fancy commercial kitchen, but usually under a tent, out in a field. And the location changes almost every day depending on where each series is run.
It's unbelievable really. Homemade specialties, deliciously prepared game, baked goods, favorite family recipes, and creative genius form the primary ingredients for some of the most phenomenal eating you can imagine - all of which is lovingly and painstakingly created by the Gun Mothers!
This year is a little different. Because the event is in a very rural part of Wisconsin, National Gunner and Gun co-captain, John Parrott and his AMAZING wife, Laura, have generously hosted dinners each evening at their home. Laura and John are ONE of ONLY TWO couples in retriever field trial history to have EACH won a double header with the SAME dog. But, I will post that story at a later date...
The Gun Mothers Chairman this year is Wendy Langley. Wendy tells me she's an orthopedic surgery physician's assistant in Louisiana but I am convinced that she runs a large restaurant. She could serve as general manager, head chef, chief bottle washer or elegant guest in any fine restaurant in the country - as could EACH ONE of the Gun Mothers. They are amazing. Watching them plan, prepare, and tidy after each meal is like watching a sophisticated military operation - precise and expertly executed.
You may be asking, "What in the heck are you doing as a national gunner, Jamie?" I'm not a member of the Guild. I was invited to serve as a gunner by FTGG member and the 2017 NARC Gun Captain, Dennis Bath. Dennis mentioned that he intended to extend the invitation many months ago, but when I received my formal letter of invitation, I was beyond thrilled. What an honor to gun at a National!!!
Women have gunned at nationals in previous years. One woman is a member of the National Gunners Guild - Ellie Hesler? Karen Pingatore has served as a gunner. Others have served as well. I'm extremely honored to have been invited to participate
My gunning partner for the seventh series was FTGG member, Larry Morgan #60. Larry has judged a national, has over 25 judging points, has gunned in at least 10 nationals, and is an active leader in the retriever sporting world. Pretty solid, eh?
Now, those of you who have followed the blog the last three nationals know that I'm not afraid to share my "less than cool" moments.
Confession: I was a little uptight about my first shift as a gunner. I thought it was going to be on a popper gun (dead bird). When the Captain announced that I was assigned to the flyer station for the second shift the next morning, I almost swallowed my tongue. Instead, I just smiled and thought... wow, I really hope I'm matched with someone awesome. I was! Like all of the FTGG members, Larry is an excellent shot!
Larry and his wife, Lorrie, have also become friends. I followed his expert lead on protocol and appreciated how comfortable it was to experience my first shift as a gunner in a National. Between Larry and my dear friend and National bird thrower, Jimmy Darnell, I could not have had a better team to ensure my goals were achieved for the day. What were my goals, you ask?
1. Be safe 2. Zero "no birds" on the flyer station during our shift 3. Enjoy this INCREDIBLE experience!!! I'm pleased to report: Done, Done, and Done! Whew!
So much more to say, but 17 dogs were invited back to run the 9th series today. I will have the great honor of gunning on a flyer station in the 10th and final series with FTGG members Dan Partington and Olen Bielski. WOW! Just, Wow!
The next time I post, the 2017 National Amateur will have her Champion.
Until then, may the wind be with you and your flyers be friendly.
Jamie Woodson #47
