We arrive at Pin Oak Kennels to find the sun beaming at a pleasant 52 degrees F. The wind is blowing from the north at 14 mph. The 2016 National Retriever Championship Series 10 is a Water Triple. The 10th Series brings us to a mound overlooking a very busy pond. The pond contains several islands, points, channels, etc. This pond is sure to challenge a dogs' perseverance and may throw a dog or two off course.
The mat is facing slightly southeast on top of a mound about 55 yards from the water. The first mark to be thrown in the 10th series triple is up the center of the pond to the east and deep in the field. The gunners come out from a group of hay bales situated across a road to make the throw. The bird is thrown to the left and is a dead Rooster Pheasant measuring a distance of 396 yards. The gun station retires into the group of bales and will be referred to as the Long Retired or LR.
The next mark to be thrown is situated on top of a mound deep about 25 yards from the pond. This gun station is throwing a Hen Mallard Flyer to the right. The Hen lands in light to medium cover at the base of the mound. This mark also retires behinds the mound. We will refer to this mark as the Retired Flyer or RF, it is measuring a distance of 220 yards from the mat.
The final mark or "go-bird" will be thrown is a dead Hen Mallard. This Hen lands on a cattail covered island about 150 yards from the mat. If the dog completes the test in a manner according to the rules, it will be considered a Finalist.
It is taking between 10 and 12 minutes per dog.
 |
| Long Dead Retired – Dead Rooster – 1 |
 | ||
| Right Hen Duck Flyer – Retired – 2 |
 |
| Left Island Duck – Hen Duck –3 |
