The Master got underway with 32 starters, including Steve's 7. Only 12 were called back after the 1st. series, but all 7 SRK dogs made the cut.

After the last series, a total of 9 Master dogs were passed, including 6 of Steve's 7. Only Sonny (Rebel's Best Son S.H.), not yet 2 years old, failed to make it through the last series.

Not counting SRK dogs, the rest of the field managed only 3 passes out of 25 dogs.

A strong field of 42 dogs, many run by pros, ran the 1st series at the Heart of Texas Master near Killeen, TX. The first set-up was interesting. Handler and dog came to the line and did a "cold honor", as a duck was thrown and was then retrieved by another dog (which had just picked up a triple).

The dog retrieving the single was then excused and the honoring dog was sent on a blind retrieve through the old fall area to a planted bird about 50 yards beyond.

After retrieving the blind, a triple mark set-up was shot for the dog. Once all 3 marks were retrieved, a new "cold honor" dog was brought up and the single was shot and retrieved.

The complex test trimmed the field to 30 for the 2nd series, a double water mark/water blind scenario. This test cut the field to only 17 called back for the last series.

After the last series, 14 of the original 42 received Master passes including 5 of Steve's 7 entries. Among Steve's dogs completing this challenging Master were Sonny, not yet 2 years old, and Maggie, who completed her Master Hunter (MH) title and qualified for the '04 Master National.

Next Test: Alamo Retriever Club, April 17-18

The SRK dogs had another successful run at the Alamo Retriever Club test on April 17-18. 5 SRK Master dogs out of 6 passed a tough series of tests, while only 12 out of the field of 44 survived.

The 1st series was a delayed quad followed by a land blind. With 4 marks to pick up, most of the field handled on at least one bird, but Rose, Nanny, and Stormy pinned all 4 birds. 14 dogs were lost, leaving 30 for the 2nd series. Lizzie was the only SRK dog dropped.

The 2nd featured a water blind with an "en route" poison bird followed by a water double on "technical" water. A land blind was then retrieved followed by a diversion shot. 7 dogs were cut, leaving 23 for the last series.

The final set-up was a big water triple with duck calls from the line and a wipe out bird. 2 big swims and a 30 mph crosswind combined with the wipe out to eliminate nearly half the field. All 5 SRK dogs turned in excellent work on this demanding test, with no handles and minimal hunts on any of the marks.

Despite nearly 10 inches of rain during the week, the Ozark Hunt Test went off without a hitch Apr. 24-25.

In the Master, all 7 SRK dogs passed, including Ruby, only 22 mo.old! It was her first Master and the fast start puts her in the hunt for a spot at the Master National, despite the late start.

4 SRK dogs have already qualified. Rose needs only 1 more, while Lizzie, Sonny, and Nanny need 2 each.

Next up: Tulsa, May 15.

Lizzie, Ruby, Sugar, and Rose turned in outstanding performances in a very demanding Master at Tulsa (May 15-16). Rose qualified for the Master National, the 5th SRK dog to do so. She has gone 3 for 3 since returning from a false pregnancy. Lizzie's pass puts her within 1 of qualifying.

Only 17 out of 42 Master dogs passed this Master, which featured lots of high cover on the marks as well as possibly the toughest water blind ever seen in a Master stake. Ruby celebrated her 2nd birthday with her 2nd Master ribbon in 2 starts.

Next up: Sooner Retriever Club, June 5-6.

SRK Dogs On Top Again At Sooner

Steve’s dogs once again turned in impressive performances at the Sooner Test held June 5-6 near Shawnee, OK.

The 1st series Master Test proved to be the “biggest” test of the season—a triple mark/double water blind with all 5 birds well over 100 yards. This grueling test took about 15 min. per dog if you picked up all 5 birds.

The SRK team this week was young. Of Steve’s 5 dogs, all but Rose were barely 2 years old and not yet titled as all the titled/qualified dogs (except Rose) are on “summer break”.

Despite the age disadvantage, impressive performances were turned in by Ruby, Sonny and Lizzie. Ruby’s perfect marks and flawless blinds belied the fact that she was the youngest dog in the field. Only 23 of the original field of 55 were called back.

The 2nd Series walkup Triple/Land Blind also took its’ toll, cutting the field to 16.

The last series had 2 short “breaking” birds, but all 16 survived. With 16 passes from the original 55, the pass rate was 29%. The SRK pass rate was 60%. Lizzie, Sonny, and Ruby passed, with Lizzie attaining her M.H. Title and Master Natl. qualification while proud owner Casey Clem looked on.

Sonny’s pass puts him within 1 of his M.H. Ruby and Nanny need 2 more. All of the other 6 SRK Master dogs are already titled and Natl. qualified.

In the Junior, Heath Grant handled Bailey to her J.H. Title. Way to go, Heath!

Ruby & Sonny Title, Qualify for Master National

With the southern Hunt Test circuit concluded for the Spring, youngsters Ruby, Sonny and Nanny headed north with Pro Lyle Steinman for a road trip through the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Iowa.

Ruby went on a tear, passing 4 straight and obtaining her M.H. at only 25 months of age. SHe may well be the youngest dog at this years Master National.

Sonny, also barely 2, took a little time getting used to Lyle, but finally came through at Little Sioux River to acquire his M.H. He should also be among the youngest at Wisconsin.

Nanny did not run well on the road trip and came up 1 short of her M.H. title. She is the only SRK dog not qualified for the National. Steve has 8 Master dogs qualified and will go to the line with 7. Maggie has been bred to FC-AFC Yellowstone's TNT Explosion and will not make the trip.