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WELCOME to the Official Blog of the 2013 Master National Hunting Test, September 21-29, brought to you by the Retriever News and written by Tina Styan and Gwen Jones. We hope you enjoy these daily updates on the 2013 Master National, held this year in and around Fall River, Kansas.

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A L S O   S P O N S O R E D   B Y

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Master National Opening Ceremonies



At 5:30 pm, we found the tent filling up with contestants and a steady stream of cars and dog trucks filing up the winding drive. The massive tent was arranged with large round tables with green tablecloths and a wrought iron Labrador for a centerpiece. Beverage stations were located at either end of the tent. The group of people were laughing, renewing friendships and becoming anxious for the starting draw. At 6:30 pm, President Gloria Mundell welcomed us to the 2013 Master National and invited Bill Teague for the convocation. The prayer was followed by a rendition of “America The Beautiful” sung by Dorothy Reuhman.



Gloria then introduced the General Manager of Flint Oak, Mr. Jeff Oakes. He explained that this had been planned for four years in conjunction with the Master National Retriever Club Board of Directors and the Sunflower Retriever Club. He then welcomed the group to the Lodge property and began to describe the facilities, amenities and rules. He requested that the vehicles stay on the pavement, adhere to the speed limit and follow all of the rules.

The Board of Directors and the Judges were introduced next. Bill Teague returned to the podium in his role as Corporate Sponsor Liaison. He told the audience that through donations of cash and in-kind products, this year’s Sponsors have collectively donated over one hundred thousand dollars.

Frank Barton and his dog Double Down Delta Blues “Delta” began the selection process for the starting dog in each flight. After Delta retrieved the bumpers, the starting Number 128 was announced. The handler in each flight who has this number, will receive a special hat that says “I ran first at the 2013 Master National,” which they will get to keep unless they have a no-bird.

The podium divided the many auction items in half with a drawing by raffle ticket on one side and the silent auction on the other. A lot of interest was generated by the varied selection of items to purchase or bid on. After dinner, there was a live auction. As the predicted rain storm blew in, the employees of Flint Oak quickly put the sides on the tent.


Putting the finishing touches on the Raffle and Auction items



The Auctioneer....














Dorothy Ruehman sings "America The Beautiful."
MNRC President Gloria Mundell welcomes the crowd.
Gloria introduces Jeff Oakes, General Manager of Flint Oak Lodge



Frank Barton and "Delta"





Larry Kimble, Hunting Test Chairman
Bill Teague, Corporate Sponsor Liaison
The impending storm approaches...


The Kress family seeks shelter!!

In Kansas, they wear sunflowers as halos.

Miss Emma strikes again ... Even in dry Kansas!


 


The First Day at the Lodge

The day dawned clear bright and beautiful with a steady breeze to help offset the heat. We knew it was a good idea to go exploring early before the temperatures soared into the 90s.


The 2013 MNRC Judges enjoy a little "down time" at the Sporting Clays.





We wanted to inform people that the nearest gas station is approximately twenty miles from the lodge. We drove to get fuel this morning so we would be set for the start of the event. On our return, we were pleasantly surprised with cold sandwiches and salads in the lobby of the Lodge and fresh grilled burgers by the the main tent.

Some of the friendly, helpful staff of the Flint Oak Lodge.

We would like to take a quick opportunity to note that we have not passed an employee of Flint Oak whether on foot or in our cars where they never failed to smile, wave or acknowledge their gratitude. We appreciate them, too!


Mark Roode, Chief Operations Manager of Flint Oak
Have you ever seen a lawn mower in a ballroom
Preparations are well underway for tonight's Opening Ceremonies



Just darling!

 



2013
Master National Running Order


Flight Draw & Running Order



2013 MNRC Test Descriptions

Windsock

Three Ponds

Buffalo Wallow

The Burches

Duck Blind

Pearly Gates

Mitchell's Pond

Roy's Pond



Meet Your Judges



2013 MNRC Qualified Dogs



2013 Master National Training Grounds Guide