Meet Your Judges (2024)

First, I would like to thank the Region 1 board members for selecting me, and the entire board for approval.

Born and raised in Raleigh, NC, my wife Linda and I moved to nearby Franklin County and raised two sons. Both are married, and we have one granddaughter. We are both retired and enjoying spending time with family and dogs.

My first experience with retrievers was in 1976 with Honey, a Golden Retriever given to me by Linda while we were attending ECU. We both fell in love with her loyalty and ability.  Honey and I dove and duck hunted continuously until she passed. We lost Honey shortly after college to illness at five years old. We owned several Labs and Goldens after her who didn’t turn out to be dependable hunting companions, but were great pets. After hunting my youngest son’s lab with mixed results, we decided to get a cold-water dog- hence our first Chesapeake, Hoyt.  I decided to seek professional guidance from a pro trainer. After gun dog training, we decided to try a Hunt Test.   Hoyt was outstanding in Junior and Senior, but then lost interest, while remaining an excellent hunting companion until his passing in 2023. During this period, I ask the trainer where I could get training birds, and he suggested I join the club he was active in. I did, worked a test, got birds, and have been active ever since.

Then came Chase, a Chessie bred to sustain as a competition dog. He was a Master Hunter at two years.  Hip problems were discovered during breeding requests, putting an end to his career.  During the process with Chase and attending and working multiple tests, I decided to move back to Labs. I purchased Beau, a yellow lab. in 2015; Maggie, a black female, in 2018; and Dixie, a black female, in March 2024. We lost Beau in early 2024 with no warning from an intestinal issue.

My first exposure to the Master National Retriever Club was in 2015.  Our club was one of three host clubs, and I volunteered to help during setup week.  Since then, I’ve been involved in multiple additional events in various roles, as well as substitute judge due to Covid in 2021. Looking forward to a great event in Paducah, train hard and we’ll see everyone in the fall. Good Luck!

Robby Griffin

I got my first lab in 2011 after several duck hunting trips and pressure from my wife and kids.  They wanted a family dog, and I wanted a hunting dog that would “handle”. I thought hand signals were the coolest thing I had ever seen.  I had never been to a hunt test and never planned to run hunt tests.

I picked a nice breeding and selected Boomer. I had no idea the places we would go together.  A friend of one of my hunting buddies was a hunt test pro and helped train him (and me), but I was there several times a week and did a substantial amount of the work myself (with supervision). I still consider myself a pro-trained bird tech.

I would be remiss not to thank the people who have helped me along the way. I have been fortunate to have spent extensive time training with several pros and consider them friends. You know who you are, and I could not have done it without all of you. I have made friends and acquaintances all along this journey. For all those I’ve trained with, judged with, gunned with, or otherwise spent time with, Thank You!

I am looking forward to Kentucky this fall. I know the time, effort, and resources it takes to qualify for and attend the Master National. Congratulations to you all! Good luck!

Linc Huffman

I would like to start off by saying thank you for the opportunity to judge the 2024 Master National. This opportunity is a true testament to the hard work and sacrifice we all put in as handlers and judges to do what we love for our dogs and for the sport. I would also like to congratulate all the qualifying handlers for the 2024 Master National and wish you all the best of luck.

I have been in the dog world for just about 11 years along with running dogs for just about the same amount of time. I have been a AKC judge for 7 of those years. I have many interests which most include dogs and hunting. I have been employed with government for over 20 years and have been in the jewelry business for 23 years. I enjoy training my retrievers any chance I get along with hunting when time allows. I have been married to the love of my life for 17 years, although her and I do not share a common interest in hunting, she has supported me every step of the way even throwing birds for me “on occasion.”

I have been an avid hunter since the age of 14, hunting whitetail deer, bear, elk, caribou and many other species but had never had the opportunity to hunt waterfowl. Fast forward to 2009 I found a group of guys who were serious about waterfowl and were willing to take me along for a hunt and at that moment I never hunted anything else beside waterfowl. In the 2012 – 2013 season after retrieving many of my own birds I decided it was time to get a dog!!! Having no friends with dogs nor knowing anything about retrievers or the retrieving world I decided to go on Craigs List and find myself a dog! For $150. I picked up what would become my best friend, my road dog for life the famous #CraigsListClarke, that’s right I purchased a 5 months old Chocolate Lab from Craigs List that was born in a puppy mill in Lancaster PA. When I said I knew nothing about the retriever world I meant it. After picking him up from his owners who purchased him as a Christmas present, we were off to the vet for a check up and that is where the story begins. The lady behind the counter said do you hunt and I replied I want to start well she said call this man Joe Eschert he can help.

I met up with Joe Eschert at a park in late 2013 and it’s been a blast ever since. Not only did I gain knowledge on how train a retriever but I gained a friend for life. In the last 11 years I have taken this $150 puppy mill present and put 26 master passes on him, qualified for the Master National and the Master Amateur 3 times having never participated in either because I was too scared to go. This dog has been the best thing to ever happen to me and has brought me to where I stand today.

In 2019 I decided it was time to get another one. I was given a dog from Bold Bay Retrievers out of Easton Maryland from another good friend Christian Ricker. Bold Bays Special effect George, named after my Late father. Christian met Joe Eschert many years ago and was given a dog from Joe for $100, the Late great Wingshot’s Krush Run MH. So, Christian did the same for me and now that I had the experience, I took another Chocolate Lab and put 15 master passes on him. I have been truly Blessed to have such awesome people in this community to help me along my journey that hopefully will never end.

As you can see the dog world is full of caring giving folks that would do anything for anyone. Some of you have become friends for life even family and if dogs ceased to exist the next day you would all still be at my side. I am very blessed with these two wonderful dogs and if not for taking the time and sharing knowledge and friendship I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Patience, partnership, commitment, leadership, focus, determination, these are all qualities that we teach our dogs and at the same time are teaching ourselves the same. Dogs have changed my life not only on a personal level but professionally as well, allowing me to look at things from a different perspective. I could sit here and type a long list of the people in this dog world who have not only given me advise but that list would be full of friendships that will last a life time and for that I can’t be thankful enough.

In regards to my judging style I am always for the dog. This is a team sport and I expect to see team work. Challenging the test with you and your dog is key to success. I take pride in my ability to setup a challenging test that is both fair to the dog and the handler. The most important thing to ask yourself as a judge is “would you hunt with that dog.” As stated previously, I congratulate all of you again on your achievement on qualifying for the 2024 Master National and I wish everyone a successful run. “Take your time, line ‘em up and kick ‘em loose.”

Mike Ostrom

It is truly an honor to be selected as a judge for the Master National and I would like to thank all those who have supported me.

I started with a pup in1984 to take pheasant and duck hunting. Tired of throwing rocks to point out the fall of the duck I sought out a pro trainer.  He convinced me that the best training would involve hunt tests.  My first test and I was hooked! I still remember getting that first ribbon.

The people, the challenge, the rewards. Those two words from the judge –“NICE JOB” meant everything. My trainer had introduced me to the NAHRA program and we became longtime friends.

My friend Carol introduced me to the AKC program and enlisted me into the Fingerlakes  Retriever Club. I have held just about every position in that club in the following years. I have experienced the hunt test world from many different angles. The people that I have met through the clubs have become like family.

I am on my 8th generation of my dogs –master hunters and grandmaster hunters.  My dogs have taken me to places I never would have seen and to people I never would have met. It has been a great journey. The challenges have been many but not as many as the rewards. 

My first dog was a female and I bred her to keep a puppy. My third dog I bred to Riptide’s Quik Windstorm and produced a litter of 13. That was almost overwhelming but it gave me Seal — who I trained to MH at age 3 and qualified all-age in two tests. His second open turned up a third. He was so much fun to train and lived to be sixteen. His daughter is now 15 and still active. I had been lucky to have longevity in my line as well as trainability. 

I started judging to become a better handler. It has taught me so much about what works and what doesn’t. It has taught me what I want to be as a handler. I have judged AKC, NAHRA, NAVDA, the NAHRA Invitational, the Golden Retriever National Specialty and still learning.

It is such a pleasure to see dog and handler come to line and work as a team. Setting up a test is kind of like artwork. You create a setting where the dog and handler finish the painting. I enjoy creating that environment that dog and handler can challenge themselves, enjoy good work and time well spent.

I am looking forward to seeing you all come to line. Good Luck to everyone!

Maggie Rathje

I am deeply honored to be chosen to judge the Master National. It is a privilege to be able to participate at this level in a sport I have enjoyed for so many years. Congratulations to the handlers and their dogs for qualifying for the 2024 Master National.

I grew up in a family who loved the outdoors and we spent most of our free time fishing on a Minnesota lake or hunting birds with our family Brittany Spaniel. After getting married my wife wanted to get a Labrador puppy since she had grown up with a black lab. It was at a Duck’s Unlimited dog of the year competition with our dog Maggie that I first heard about hunt test competitions. I saw it as a way to hunt during the off season. Maggie went on to qualify for 5 Master Nationals. She was a great hunting companion and worked as a guide dog in South Dakota several seasons. I was hooked! Since Maggie, we have had several other dogs that I have enjoyed hunt tests, field trials and tournament hunting.

My journey in dog sports has been enriched by a variety of experiences. One of my most rewarding experiences was 3 ½ years spent working at K2 training teams of labradors and handlers with the Marine Corp to prepare them to detect explosives in Afghanistan.

I am happily married to my wife Patty for 42 years. We are blessed with 3 grown children and 7 grandchildren. It’s been a joy watching my oldest grandson get interested in training dogs and watching him get a Junior title with his golden retriever Piper who went on to get her Master title.

The best part of these competitions has been meeting wonderful people who share the same passion for our dogs. This sport has allowed me to forge many lasting friendships. I am grateful for the many judges I have run under who have encouraged me with their constructive comments over the years. As a judge I like to see a fair test that will challenge the ability of the dogs and be a rewarding experience.  I look forward to the opportunity to be a part of this incredible event.

Chuck Beckmann

As I sit down to write my bio, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and honor for being selected as a judge for Master National.

Born and raised in the town of St. Cloud, Minnesota, my childhood revolved around the Central Minnesota Retrievers Club, where my parents (Joe and Lois Evens) were deeply involved as competitors & trainers.  Surrounded by the love and energy of dogs from an early age, I developed a connection with these magnificent creatures that would shape the course of my life.

For over two decades, I have had the privilege of serving as an in-home dog trainer. It was over twenty-five years ago when my husband, son, and I welcomed our first Labrador, Nellie, into our lives. Among the stars of our pack was Zipper who was affectionately named after my childhood nickname “Zip”. Zipper led the way to her Master title & Master National Qualified.  The lineage of champions continued with Zipper’s offspring, Sassy and Cyka, both of whom I had the privilege of training to Master titles as well as their offspring Yeti and Cabo.

A heartfelt appreciation goes to my father Joe and friend Jerry Sather of Labs Unlimited Kennels, whose mentorship and camaraderie have shaped me into the competitor I am today.

Today, I am filled with gratitude for the countless memories and friendships forged along the way. Dog to the Line!

Leda Blom

I would like to thank everyone involved in the process of selecting the judges for the 2024 Master National. I am truly honored to be one of the judges selected for this event.

My wife, LaVerne, and I have been married 47 years and live near Detroit Lakes, MN.  We have two daughters – Erica (Dan) and Hope (Josh).  We have been blessed with three grandchildren, Jase (11), Olive (8), and Milo (6).  I have been retired five years from a 45-year career in the electrical industry.  

My journey in the dog world started in 2006 when we purchased our first Black Labrador puppy, Belle. Lacking any dog training knowledge, Belle and I enrolled in a puppy “kindergarten” class. At that class, I met the most patient, professional, and knowledgeable retriever trainer, Pru Konley. Pru was a member of the North Dakota Retriever Club and quickly invited me to join the club. So began my journey in the world of retriever training and testing.  With Pru’s help and mentorship, Belle and I earned her AKC Junior, Senior, and Master Hunter titles. My second Black Labrador, Coal, and I also achieved the AKC Master Hunter title. I am now in the process of training my next Black Labrador, Bridger, to also achieve the Master Hunter title.

I have been a member of the North Dakota Retriever Club in Glyndon, MN for 16 years and have served on the Board of Directors many years and been President for five years. Every year our retriever club offers training classes for all levels. I love helping others to train their dog to be a great hunting partner and also a successful hunt test competitor.

I started judging AKC hunt tests in 2010, starting with Junior, progressing to Senior, and finally judging Master tests. I enjoy watching the handler and dog work together in fair and challenging  hunt tests.

I am looking forward to the 2024 Master National in Paducah, Kentucky. Thank you to all who work so hard to make this event possible each year. Good luck to each handler and dog in this year’s event!

Roger Moltzan

First, congratulations to all the qualifying teams for this year’s Master National.  It takes perseverance and dedication to advance a dog to this level, and you should all be proud.  Second, I am truly honored to have been nominated and selected to judge the 2024 Master National.  Thank you to my family for allowing me the time to do what I love.

 My journey into the dog world began in the fall of 1998, when hunting alone, and chasing down a crippled teal.  After about a 20-minute pursuit, carrying me a couple hundred yards from my spread, I slogged back through the thigh deep water and mud.  I was in decent shape back then; however, I promptly threw up when I got back to my chair.  It was at that moment, I vowed, I would never hunt without a dog, again.  The following spring, I bought my first black labrador retriever.  I quickly immersed myself into the world of training a dog for field work.  I managed to develop a well-mannered dog, could hunt in the upland and would pick up my ducks, if she saw them fall.  By the time I learned what force fetch and handling were, we were five years in and ready to get a second gun dog.  My search and purchase of my second dog, opened me up to the hunt test world, first running NAHRA then becoming a judge.  Since 2008, I have been running and judging NAHRA and AKC hunt tests, HRC hunt tests, judging SRS events, and more recently, have become an AKC field trial judge.

 Lastly, I can honestly say that I have learned the most about dog handling from sitting in the judge’s seat and encourage anyone thinking about becoming a judge to go for it and give back to the sport from the best seat in the house.  With that being said, I’d like to thank all the other judges who have accepted the role of Master National Judge and all the people working very hard to put on this event.  Without judges and event workers, we wouldn’t have our game to play.

Shawn Piotter

I have been an avid outdoorsman all my life. Fifty years ago, my wife Carolyn brought home a skinny, worm and flea infested Black lab that had wondered up where she worked and asked if we could keep him. I agreed, trying not to show my excitement of having my very own duck dog. We named him Bullet and our lives were forever changed on that day. There was a trip to the vet and trip to the library (the only place one could get any info back in the day) where I checked out the book “Water Dog” by Richard Wolters. That book set us on journey that is still on going and we hope never ends.

That journey, which started in 1974, involved several different dogs and was all about performance in the field until around 2007.  The kids had flown the coop and we were looking for something to do with our spare time, when we were introduced to Hunt Testing. At the time we had a 2-year-old, 95 lb., Yellow Lab named Sunni that was beast in the field and duck blind, surely this would be a snap for her.  

Well, not so much, we struggled with those little things that during the excitement of the hunt were overlooked in the field but were unacceptable at a test. Working 6 days a week, long hours and with no club close at the time we were looking for answers on how to improve. It was suggested that we attend a judges and handlers seminar. We attended everyone we could get to for several years, it really helped and our dogs (yes, by now it was dogs not dog) really started improving, earning ribbons and titles. After several more years’ running dogs and attending seminars, we were asked if we ever considered judging.  By then we were both retired, we had the time, so we jumped right in.   Carolyn has chosen to stay with the lowers levels and I chose to work my way up to Masters Level.

I am very thankful for the confidence in me shown by those that asked me to judge the Master National.  I am looking forward to seeing old friends, making new friends and judging of some the best dogs the country has to offer.

I also want to wish safe travels and the best of luck to all dogs and handlers, look forward to seeing you at the line, “Guns up, Dog to the Line!”

Rockie Hall

I have been a dedicated amateur retriever trainer since 1987. I have enjoyed training several dogs to the master level as well as participating in the dog games and meeting
many great people along the way.

I currently live in Kechi, a small town north of Wichita KS. I moved to Kansas about 16 years ago from the Redding area in Northern California. In California I was a member of the Lassen Retriever Club for about 20 years. Since moving to Kansas I became a member of the Jayhawk Retriever Club.

I had the privilege of qualifying and running one of my first dogs in the 1994 Master National which was held in Region 4. There were 250 dogs entered, and it was considered a huge entry. Since then, I had to wait 20 years while balancing work and dog training to once again participate in a national event.

I had a wonderful lab qualify for the 2014 Master National. I came home with a plate and great memories. Since then I worked with another lab and passed her in two Master Amateur Nationals.

I have been a hunt test judge since 1990 judging all levels under different conditions and varying terrain. I truly enjoy watching the teamwork between the handler and their dog.
I want to see everyone succeed.

My continuing interest in retriever training was always helped by my pursuit of waterfowl and upland game. There is nothing more satisfying than making a good shot and then watching your retriever make a great retrieve. It takes teamwork to make that happen, that is what I look for when evaluating dog and handler.

Chris Nagy

I am beyond humbled to have been chosen to judge this year’s Master National, representing Region 3.  Thanks to all that have put their faith and trust in me in doing so!  I was born and raised in Northern Minnesota (Duluth) and was a long-time member of the Duluth Retriever Club.  I am currently a member of the Coastal Bend Retriever Club and now reside in Cuero, Texas since retiring in October 2021 after 30 years as the Office Manager for the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 1091. 

My back story began in 1998 wanting to purchase a hunting dog.  So, in 1998 we did just that.  While having her trained is when I discovered the NAHRA and AKC Hunt Tests.  I then purchased my first competition dog in 1999 and as the saying goes “I was addicted.”

Wanting to give back to the sport, I ALWAYS made sure to work all the events and had also served on the Board of Directors for many years as well.  In addition to that I began judging in 2008 and let’s just say I have not lacked in assignments since then.

In closing I would like to thank all those involved for giving me this opportunity.  I am looking forward to seeing some old friends, making some new friends, and a lot of amazing dog work!

Wendi Mattinen

Congratulations in qualifying for the 2024 Master National Hunt Test and a sincere thank you to the MNRC and all its member clubs for the honor of judging the 2024 event.

I have been a lifelong hunter with one of my first childhood memories being carried piggy-back by my dad to the duck blind.  My childhood was spent chasing ducks and geese many weekends and a few school days in the coastal marshes in southeast Texas always in the company of a lab.  In fact, my dad ran the family dog in a few field trails held by a member club, Port Arthur Retriever Club.

Fast forward to many years later and after raising my two sons to their teenage years, my wonderful wife Barbara allowed me to buy a well-bred field trial line black Labrador Retriever which I promptly named Crash, just the first of many missteps in my journey in the retriever training/test world.

 In 2005. I took Crash to a professional trainer and like many told him I was looking for a good gun dog and was interested in this hunt testing thing I had heard about. Little did I know, I had just taken my first step, into a life-long hobby/love.  Crash ended his career one pass short of a master title and I have gone on to judge in two different organizations.

I am currently judging and testing in AKC hunt tests.  My Master National journey started over seven years ago, when my best friends Mike and Glenda Akeroyd brought Kaizen, MH MNH into my pack.  Prior to Kai, I was well known for my very limited skills at the line and both Crash and my next dog Izzy, both wonderful dogs but lacking in the line manners it takes to be true master dogs.  Kaizen on the other hand has been more than I ever dreamed.  He will be running his fifth consecutive Master National.  Kaizen was trained by Rody and Kristen Best and the BR crew qualifying for his master title 1 day prior to his second birthday and getting his MNH in 2022 after qualifying in 2019, 2021 and 2022.  He made it to the fifth/last series in 2023 and, well decided to be a dog.

Thanks to the current state of the real estate market, I have had lots of free time from my job as a real estate appraiser and as such taken a more active hand in training the two junior members of the pack, Tilly a 2-year-old daughter of Mike Akeroyd’s Willie, a full brother to Kaizen, and Dakota, a 3-year-old German Wire-Hair pointer.  Both having recently qualified for their junior hunter titles.  I have hopes of Tilly joining her dad and uncle at Master National in the future and having Dakota run at the senior level.

I find judging a very rewarding and educational part of my retriever journey.  I believe judging should be fair and appropriate to the level of the test and I look forward to helping design and judge at the ultimate level of AKC retriever hunt testing. It is my hope that we as judges set tests that challenge the best of the retrievers in our sport similar to the tests, I have observed over the last four years. I look forward to seeing all of you in Kentucky in September.  God speed and good luck at the line.

Rob Somers

I have had dogs all my life. Performance dogs came in 1986 when I got my first Golden Retriever boy for hunting. And then I stumbled onto dog trials and the addiction began. After moving to Portland OR in 1990; getting involved at the club level became a priority. Starting with the Oregon Retriever Trial Club as a board member for several years and then President for 3. We put on 2 Field Trials, 1 Hunt test and assorted picnic and non AKC events: i.e., the Ten Series per year. This gave me an appreciation of what went on behind the scenes.

Judging started in 1998. My first AKC Hunt test assignment was in 2001 and continues today. I judge at all levels and working with up and coming judges is my “thing”.

Landing in the Seattle suburbs where clubs to join and work with were abundant: my two are the Rainier Hunting Retriever Club and the Evergreen Golden Retriever Club. Board member, Officer, Hunt Test Secretary, Test Chair are some of the many positions held.

One of my favorite accomplishments was organizing and running an AKC Advanced Judging seminar in March of 2020 for the Rainier Club.

Something that made a deep impression on me was the pre-Master National work for Roseburg in 2018. That was an incredible education. Experiencing what it takes to put these events on is an amazing experience.

The dogs and I have been attending the Master National since 2014. We have been in many of the same flights with you.

I have resumed painting after a long absence and of course the subject is dogs.

Thank you for the invitation to judge here at the Master National. I am looking forward to seeing all of you again in Paducah.

Susan Bell

It is an honor to have been selected to judge the 2024 Master National. Many thanks to the clubs in Region 4 that made this possible.

It is ironic that retrievers and field training has been the one constant passion in my life. Many hobbies and interests have come and gone, but the retriever game has never faded. I have had Golden Retrievers since I was a teenager, but then I bought one that wanted to retrieve ALL of the time.

I discovered that there was a local retriever club and a phone call and a club meeting later I was involved in the Redwood Empire Retriever Club (RERC). Suddenly my life revolved around training and field trials. The RERC was primarily made up of hunters who ran field trials on the side, and with their encouragement my husband and I started hunting in the fall.

The RERC held the first Sanctioned hunt test on the West Coast in 1984 and a year later I judged the Junior stake at the first Licensed AKC Hunt Test on the West Coast. Soon I was judging all test levels as well as field trials. I was on the original Board of Directors of the MNRC in 1991-92 when the name of the organization was chosen and the By-Laws were drafted. I judged the 1995 Master National in Vermont which was one flight of about 190 dogs and three judges. Three years later I judged the event that was held in Washington and was run as two flights with 90 dogs each.

I served another stint on the MNRC Board until 2006 when I was President. For ten years, I published the Hunt Test Know How News in an effort to improve the understanding of hunt test training, testing and judging. In 2018 I had the privilege of judging the MARC Invitational test and judged the 2019 and 2022 MNRC events.

Over the years I have had many wonderful Goldens that I have trained and titled at all levels. Currently I have a female black Lab.

Life isn’t all about retrievers and hunt tests. I retired a few years ago after 30 years with the U.S. Postal Service as a rural letter carrier. I am a ceramic artist and do volunteer work in the community. I have a seven-year-old grandson that lives with me. Good luck to all of you.

Julie Cairns

I would like to first thank my family for allowing me to participate it this great sport that we all love. I am very honored to have been selected to judge the best dog and handler teams in the country coming together at the 2024 Master National event in Kentucky, what a showcase of talent. Congratulations to all the dog and handler teams qualified this year.

I got my first Labrador after someone I waterfowl hunted with had a very well-trained Labrador that absolutely amazed me. I became involved in training for and running AKC and NAHRA events after I got my first Labrador, Shadow, in 1990. Shadow was a fantastic hunting dog and had a heart of gold. But due to family and work obligations it was difficult to pursue the sport at a high level. Once I retired, I was able to train hard and had my first Master Hunter.  We were able to go to the Master Amateur in 2021. What a ride. Raven was a true team player and a joy to run. I now have a young dog, River, in training. We ran some AKC derbies this past winter and were somewhat successful. We hope to run Master tests this fall.

I am a current member of the Lassen Retriever club and a former club member and officer of the Inland Valley Retriever club. I would suggest to any new dog handler to join your local club and get involved.  Play all of the dog sports the dogs don’t care what is it is they have fun.

My judging philosophy is to set up quality tests within the stated parameters using terrain, bird placement and factors to challenge the dogs and handlers.

I look forward to seeing everyone in Kentucky, safe travels. Good luck, enjoy the ride and remember “It’s all about the dogs.”

Scot Huffman

Congratulations to all handlers and their dogs that have qualified for the Master National.  This is an accomplishment in its own right. 

Thank you to all of the Region 4 clubs and their members who put their confidence in me to judge the Master National.  I am deeply honored and humbled and will represent our Region with dignity and respect.  Thank you to the Bourbon Hills Retriever Club members and all the volunteers for their willingness to work tirelessly for a successful event.  Also, thank you to the National Board for their leadership and commitment to the sport.

I was born and raised in Iowa.  Shortly after high school, I enlisted in the United States Air Force and served six years as a law enforcement officer, with assignments in the Philippines and New Mexico.  Upon discharge, I landed in Washington State, where my husband and I raised our daughter and participated in various sports, such as wildlife photography, fly fishing, and hiking.

About 20 years ago, we ventured into another sport that was on my husband’s bucket list, the retriever hunt tests.  Our first field dog came from Ed and Edwina Ryska, who were willing to give us a chance to be a part of the retrieving sport. It has been a very rewarding experience, with lots of ups and downs along the way.  Training our dogs and then judging events taught me so much about how to “think like a dog”.  There were really great days and then there were those days that made me wonder why am I doing this.  At the end of the day, it is about the journey and the rewarding relationship I have developed with my dogs. 

The first event my dog and I entered was a local club’s 10-series.  Miss Elie and I earned the blue ribbon and needless to say, I was hooked.  Ever since, I have done everything from working a pop-and-throw station to marshalling, judging, bird stewarding and chairing events.  I currently serve as a director for the Golden Retriever Foundation; treasurer/secretary for the NW Retriever Trial Club; and serve in many capacities for national events on the West coast.  My husband, Paul, and I believe that both hunt tests and field trials are necessary for our sport.  We have handled our Goldens in both and they have earned master hunter titles, and are qualified all age. 

As a judge, I believe in tests that are fair, challenging and display the natural marking and training abilities of the dog.  I understand the commitment in training your dog and enjoy watching that teamwork. 

Again, congratulations to all the handlers who worked hard to get to the Master National.  Above all else, enjoy it, visit with friends, and have fun. 

Linda Johnson