Field Trials

   Peanut butter and Jelly. Peas and carrots. Some things just naturally go together! The same can be said about the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association and the series of Hunters’ trials established by SCSA over sixty years ago! Did you know that these early field trials were, in fact, co-sponsored by the now defunct Cleveland Press? At their inception, they received much publicity from well- known outdoor writer Max Riddle. The American Kennel Club honored Max Riddle for his contributions to the dog world by naming their AKC training facility at the Ravenna Kennel Club “Riddle Field”.

   At South Cuyahoga, we had two club members who worked tirelessly to promote these trials and the sport of field trialing. Both the late George Sullivan and the late Steve Johnson have had trials named in their honor. Both men worked diligently to change old laws in the Ohio Administrative Codes that prevented individuals from placing commercially propagated game birds onto the ground and then hunting them. The change to these laws led to the modern field trials enjoyed by dog handlers throughout Ohio to this very day.

   In 1969, the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association and The Cuyahoga Coonhunter’s Club suggested that the winning dogs from one club compete against the winning dogs from the other. Hence, the All- Breed Invitational Winners trial was created. This season ending finale gathers dogs and handlers from Northeast Ohio’s nine participating clubs. Approaching its’ Golden anniversary, this trial has hosted handlers from 5 different states and a Canadian province.

   If there is a bird dog in your future, the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association offers a wonderful venue to train that young dog. With our 2 lakes, and ample native prairie grass fields, we have the facilities to help make any retriever or bird dog a cherished hunting companion. The SCSA offers regular training, and advice on bird dogs, every Saturday morning at the Spencer Lake Rd. farm. Contact Ken Buehner Sr. at 440-823-0114 for further info.

   We maintain regular contact with other clubs, and most times have information regarding the availability of puppies or started dogs. Please feel free to contact us if we may assist you in your search for your new hunting companion.