Blue Mountain Field Trials

BLUE MTN DOG TRIALS

by Brad Wells

J Perry Mikles Blue Mountain SUA is a 5000 acres area managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish for dog related field trial events. We host bird dogs (quail), beagles (rabbits), and coonhound events at this location. Though the grounds are managed for field trials we have plenty of opportunities for sportsmen to enjoy hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Deer and small game hunting are very popular on J Perry SUA as well as fishing Petit Jean River and Sugar Creek.

J Perry SUA is known for hosting bird dog field trials. AR Game & Fish host four Classic Championships a year: Fleetwood, Lone Star, Southland, and the Stillwater Classics; and two National Championships: the Irish Setter Club and the American Brittany Clubs. Beagle and coonhound field trials are becoming very popular and have the most local involvement of all the events we host at J Perry SUA.

If anyone wants to experience these events first hand all the clubs that utilize the grounds will be happy to let spectators learn about their particular events. The schedule can be found on AGFC.com under J Perry Mikles SUA. We would love to have you and come visit.

For beagles and coonhounds, the dogs are drawn into cast which consists of 4 dogs per cast for coonhounds and 4-8 dogs per cast for beagles. There are often 50-80 participating dogs that get broken into cast. The dogs are then released at different locations and judged by the way they hunt and track the animals. No animals are killed during these events, all are chase only for competition. Dogs then become placed by the judges based on the way they performed on that particular day.

For bird dogs, J Perry SUA is set up with three 1 hours courses that connect to each other. The dogs are braced together and only 2 dogs run at a time which is why their trials take several days. The 2 dogs run for one hour and in that time are judged on how they hunt and the ability to point quail. At the second hour, 2 more dogs are braced and compete for one hour and so on. The competition runs 6 dogs in the morning and 6 dogs in the afternoon resulting in 12 dogs per day competing. After all dogs have had their chance to compete the judges place the dogs according to how they performed. All the dogs are handled and judged off of a horse which is why you see horses here during these events. The clubs do pull a dog wagon which hauls the dogs around the courses which also has room for spectators.

For those wondering what role the AGFC plays in all of this, we manage the grounds and the facilities. The clubs and volunteers do the rest. We get lots of support and help from the City of Booneville and much appreciate the support they offer us here. Again if anyone is interested in learning more come on down for an event or call me anytime.

Field Trial Schedule

bradley.wells@agfc.ar.gov | 479-849-0188