Second Annual Desert Southwest Cup
Join us for the second annual Desert Southwest Cup, co-hosted by Epagneul Bretons of the Southwest and the Korthals Griffon Desert Southwest Club. This event brings together passionate handlers, talented bird dogs, and a shared love of the hunt for a weekend of camaraderie and competition in the field.
👉 [Click to download the Premium]
All dogs entered in the Open and Gun Class field trials will be eligible to run for the Cup. The winners of each class from Saturday and Sunday will qualify for a special runoff on Sunday afternoon—where they’ll compete head-to-head for the coveted Desert Southwest Cup title.
Note: The Cup is a friendly regional challenge and not affiliated with the UKC.
Congratulations to Riri des Grandes Origines and owner Carroll Kemp, winners of the 2025 Desert Southwest Cup!
👉 [Read the recap and see photos from last year’s event]
New to field trials? The CEB-US recently released a fantastic educational series covering everything you need to know about UKC field trials, including how to sign up, what to expect, what to bring, and more. Read all about it here!
This exciting event is open to all UKC Pointing Breeds and features a variety of field trials and tests to challenge handlers and dogs alike. Don’t miss your chance to participate in the run for The Cup, where the winners of each class go head-to-head in a thrilling Sunday runoff.Event Details
When:
Saturday, March 7, 2026 & Sunday, March 8, 2026
Where:
Maternity Wells at Empire Ranch near Sonoita, AZ
(GPS Coordinates: 31.76247, -110.66599)
What’s Happening:
Liberated Field Trials & Tests featuring:
OPEN Braces
OPEN Solo
GUN Solo
GUN with TAN
TAN (Natural Ability Test)
WRT (Water Retrieving Test)
Chukar or bobwhite will be used for trials. Note: Unless otherwise noted, no GPS/Locator collars will be allowed.
Hosts:
Epagneul Bretons of the Southwest (UKC Club AZ-51)
Korthals Griffon Desert Southwest (UKC Club AZ-53)
Compete for The Cup
Dogs entered in the Open and Gun classes are eligible to compete for The Cup in a thrilling Sunday afternoon runoff. Winners will earn bragging rights and recognition, though The Cup holds no official UKC affiliation.
Pictured: 2025 Desert Southwest Cup winner Riri des Grandes Origines and owner Carroll Kemp flanked by Hon. Shooter Smith (left) and Hon. Butch Nelson (right).
Registration & Entry Fees
OPEN Braces: $80/dog
OPEN Solo: $80/dog
GUN Solo: $80/dog
GUN w/ TAN: $95/dog
TAN: $55/dog
WRT: $55/dog
Entry Deadline: February 7, 2026. [Late entries may be accepted at the discretion of the Trial Chairman.]
How to Enter
Complete the UKC Field Trial Entry Form:
Download Here
Submit entries via email or mail:
Email: ebsofthesw@gmail.com
Mail:
Epagneul Bretons of the Southwest
Attn: Shooter Smith
1958 W Desert Hollow Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85085
Now accepting online payment via JotForm. Click here.
Event Highlights
Judges: To Be Announced
Saturday Awards Ceremony: Following all events
Sunday Awards: Immediately after trial activities
Accommodations
Dry Camping/RV Parking: Available at Maternity Wells (self-contained only).
Nearby Lodging: Sonoita (10–15 minutes away), or Tucson/Vail (30–45 minutes away).
Getting There
From Tucson/I-10:
Take I-10 East and exit AZ-83 South.
Follow AZ-83 South for 18.6 miles, passing the US Border Patrol Checkpoint.
Turn left onto E Empire Ranch Road and follow signs to Maternity Wells.
From Sonoita:
Take AZ-83 North for 6.5 miles.
Turn right onto E Empire Ranch Road and follow signs to Maternity Wells.
Additional Information
Veterinarian Services: A list of emergency and local vet clinics is available on the Premium.
Refund Policy: No refunds due to upfront event costs. In cases of extreme weather, cancellations may occur at the host club's discretion.
Ready to Join the Action?
Don’t wait—register today and be part of this premier event in the Southwest’s stunning desert landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a first-time handler, the Southwest Desert Cup promises an exciting and memorable experience for all.
Contact Us:
Event Chairperson: Shooter Smith (303-506-2284) ebsofthesw@gmail.com
Event Secretary: Trisha Wherley (720-635-0830) ebsofthesw@gmail.com