Welcome to the Desert Southwest Cup 2025!
EVENT RECAP: We continue to be humbled by the enthusiasm and commitment of our incredible community!
We are thrilled to share the success of the first-ever Desert Southwest Cup. This event would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our members, fellow club participants, volunteers, and spectators. Whether you were in the field, judging, assisting behind the scenes, or cheering on the competitors, thank you for making this event truly special.
HONORING A LIFETIME OF DEDICATION
One of the weekend’s most memorable moments was having the honor of participating in the presentation of the Peter Ward Service Award to Linda Rice. This prestigious award, given by CEB-US, recognizes individuals who have dedicated a lifetime of service to the Epagneul Breton breed and its community. We cannot think of a more deserving recipient than Linda and are proud to have her and her husband, Don, as part of our club. Congratulations, Linda, and thank you for all you do!
OUTSTANDING DOG WORK & ACHIEVEMENTS
While the event focused on bird dogs, the food was center stage. The weekend started with a yellowfin tuna feast served by Woody Brickley and Bill Higdon. Shawn Kearney and a host of volunteers served lunches on the trial grounds both days, and Saturday evening culminated with a meal for 30 people at the Steak Out restaurant in Sonoita. It is through shared experiences in the field and around a table that make our community stronger, and the shared stories of upland adventures has us aching for the next season to roll around.
The bird dog performances over the weekend were nothing short of inspiring! We saw seasoned dogs demonstrate their refinement and skill, while young up-and-comers showcased their drive, tenacity, and boundless potential. It was a true celebration of the hunting spirit that defines our breeds.
A special congratulations to our members whose dogs earned new ribbons and even completed titles during the trial—your hard work and dedication to training and fieldwork are paying off!
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
It takes an incredible team to pull off an event like this, and we are grateful to everyone who stepped up to help. While we’re bound to miss a few names, we want to give special recognition to:
Trisha Wherley – Field Marshal
Shawn Kearney – Bird Planter, Chef, and All-Around Do-It-All
Kurt Davis, Spencer Daines, Bill Higdon, and Guy Mollicone – Gunners
Woody Brickley and Robert Poor – Bird Planter
Linda Rice, Jeanne Cassara, Lisa Puccio and Jill Yoerin – Providers of Scrumptious Food
To everyone who contributed their time, skills, and effort — thank you!Join us for an unforgettable weekend celebrating the art of bird dogs in the beautiful Southwest desert. Hosted by Epagneul Bretons of the Southwest and Korthals Griffon Desert Southwest, this event is a testament to the passion and dedication of two clubs united by their love for pointing breeds.
RESULTS
Saturday, February 15, 2025
OPEN SOLO LIBERATED | Judged by Hon. Shooter Smith | Gunners: Spencer Daines & Kurt Davis
CAC: Takoda Kaycee de Copper Spur | Jim Cassara
RCAC: Ourson de la Ferme Brune | Don Rice
EXC: TR Smith’s Nikon Rebel | Jim Cassara
PASS: Roscoe de Pays du Soleil | Pat Rogers
GUN SOLO LIBERATED | Battery 1 | Judged by Hon. Butch Nelson | Gunners: Bill Higdon & Guy Mollicone
CAG: Titus de l’Etoile du Nord | Mary Simmons
RCAG: Riri des Grandes Origines | Carroll Kemp
EXC: Sweet Trinity du Ten Bar Ranch | Ric Haulenbeck
EXC: Hun Hill Repo’s Business | Dan Thompson
EXC: Steeleshots Red Ryder Roxy | Michael Steele
PASS: Trigger de la Trinite | Thomas Johnson
GUN SOLO LIBERATED | Batter 2 | Judged by Hon. Shooter Smith | Gunners: Spencer Daines & Kurt Davis
CAG: Trilliums Alchemy | Laine Jewell
RCAG: Hun Hill Dona Diggs | Frank Puccio
EXC: Agassiz Moppie Steele | Michael Steele
EXC: Hun Hill Kamiah Idaho | Frank Puccio
PASS: Steeleshots Tank the Toad | Michael Steele
GUN BARRAGE | Judged by Hon. Butch Nelson & Hon. Shooter Smith
CAGT: Titus de l’Etoile du Nord | Mary Simmons
RCAGT: Trilliums Alchemy | Laine Jewell
TAN | Judged by Hon. Butch Nelson
Seaview Yanielle | James Carpenter
Trillium Alchemy | Laine Jewell
Vincent de Hyalite | Thomas Johnston (judged under Hon. Shooter Smith)
Steeleshots Tank the Toad | Michael Steele
Titus de l’Etoile du Nord | Mary Simmons
Trigger de la Trinite | Thomas Johnston
Agassiz Valkyrie | James Carpenter
Hun Hill Sonoita Sunset | Frank Puccio
Valkyrie du Big Sky Bretons | Ric Haulenbeck
Venice du Big Sky Bretons | Ric Haulenbeck
WRT | Judged by Hon. Shooter Smith
Phoebe de Pays du Soleil | Woody Brickely
Sunday, February 16, 2025
OPEN SOLO LIBERATED | Judged by Hon. Butch Nelson | Gunners: Bill Higdon
CAC: TR Smith’s Nikon Rebel | Jim Cassara
RCAC: Takoda Kaycee du Copper Spur | Jim Cassara
GUN SOLO LIBERATED | Judged by Hon. Shooter Smith | Gunners: Guy Mollicone & Kurt Davis
CAG: Riri des Grandes Origines | Carroll Kemp
RCAG: Titus de l’Etoile du Nord | Mary Simmons
PASS: Agassiz Moppie Steele | Michael Steele
PASS: Steeleshots Red Ryder Roxy | Michael Steele
Desert Southwest Cup Winner: Riri des Grandes Origines | Carroll Kemp
