Gundog advice
Whether you are new to owning and training gundogs, or want more practical advice we’ve got you covered.
Tower Bird Trophy
BASC Tower Bird trophies winners presented with their awards
Congratulations to all our winners of the Tower Bird trophies for 2023. This year’s roll of honour is as follows:
- HPR winner: Louise Holmes (Gilleyfield Blossom; German wirehaired pointer)
- Retriever Winner: Declan Boyle (Knockyclovaun Ralph; Labrador)
- Pointer winner: Terry Harris (Sparkfield Moondrifter; pointer)
- Spaniel winner: Steven Bolton (Dashbrook Typhoon; English springer spaniel)
What are the Tower Bird trophies?
The trophies themselves are named in memory of the late Noel M (Tim) Sedgewick, the former editor in chief of The Shooting Times and Country Magazine who wrote under the pseudonym “Tower Bird”.
Awarded on a points system, there are four trophies each year given to the most successful retriever, spaniel, HPR breed and pointer or setter during the previous field trial season.
Winners receive a trophy and commemorative prizes.
Is my dog eligible to enter?
Your dog will need to meet the following criteria to be eligible to win one of the trophies:
- Your dog needs to have been placed between first and fourth in either novice or open stakes during the previous field trial season (2022/23).
- Your dog must be less than four years old. Once the dog reaches its fourth birthday, any award/points accrued after won’t count towards the Tower Bird competition.
How do I know how many points my dog has?
Points for the Trophy Bird Trophy are calculated using the table below. If you are unsure of how many points your dog should be awarded, don’t worry. Simply complete the entry form and return it. We will calculate the points for the necessary placings your dog has won. Points are awarded as follows:
| POSITION | NOVICE STAKE OR ALL AGED STAKE | OPEN STAKE | ||
| Spaniels, pointers or setters and HPRs | Retriever (1 day) | Retriever (2 day) | ||
| 1 | 8 | 16 | 12 | 16 |
| 2 | 6 | 12 | 9 | 12 |
| 3 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 8 |
| 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
How do I enter?
Entries for the 2023 Trophy are now closed. Please keep an eye out for further information if you wish to take part in 2024.
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Gundog code of practice
BASC strongly recommends that anyone who goes shooting should be accompanied by a trained and competent gundog.
Gundog courses
We run a wide range of training courses, including some dedicated to training gundogs.
