2011 VCOI Spring Hunt Test
Des Plaines Fishing & Wildlife Area - Wilmington, IL
April 16-17, 2011

Once again, the VCOI hosted a top notch event! The April Hunt Test at the DesPlaines grounds was very successful and garnered a profit. I have a slew of volunteers to thank. Brad Lepoudre was the event Chairman and he rounded up an excellent crew of gunners; John Looby, Steve Scruggs, Victor Barger, Mike Miklas, Chad Morsch and Dennis Nowak - bird planters; Ray Ray, Nick Scrugs and our line marshall: Rick Forner. Many thanks to these guys who worked without complaint in some of the worst spring weather we've had. On Saturday we not only dealt with the cold, we had rain, sleet and snow! I was beginning to think it was still winter! Our Saturday judges Tim Cummings and Gary Ellinger worked well together in spite of the poor conditions. They were able to pass 5 junior dogs, 5 senior dogs and 2 master dogs.

Sunday rolled around with better weather and we were thankful! Our judges were Doug Drmolka and Jeff Engelsman and they passed 5 junior dogs, 2 senior dogs and 2 master dogs.

All of our participants had a good time and it was fun to see the excitement on the faces of those who passed.

A couple of weeks after the test, I received a nice note in the mail and thought that it needed to be shared:

"Dear Jodi,
I thank you and commend you for a well run hunt test last weekend. From the fields to the gunners, all went well to make an enjoyable weekend. Please pass it on as I know it takes a lot of help. Please keep me in mind by way of email for the next hunt test.
Thank you
Jay P Wade"

The VCOI's next Hunt Test is in June, if you are interested in helping out or have any questions, please contact Brad Lepoudre. See you there!

- jodi cieslak
HT Secretary