Stellar Retrievers, LLC - Blog

August 15, 2022 by Marta Morris

Hennipen County Retriever Club hosted a Hunt Test that tested our dogs and showed some of us what we need to work on before Master National! Thank you Leda Bloom and Jerry Sather for your quality series and your time in the judges chair, also a huge thank you to the club members for their hard work and quick series turnover. It was wonderful to be back on HCRC supreme grounds and have time to visit with club members we had not seen in over a year. Congratulations to all those receiving qualifying scores. Stellar was proud to have passed Jim and Viktor owned by Michael and Janice Woodbury, Drake and Creedmore owned by Jeff and Karin Parker, Axem owned by Dr. Steve Widner, Jimmy owned by Doug and Amber Bishop, Ranger owned by Chris and Lacey Hughes, Lion owned by Mary Ellen Hamilton, and Cody and Major owned by Gary Witherspoon. Congratulations to Jack Brustkern on Snickers Junior Hunter Title, great job Snickers! Stellar also passed their personal dogs Shane, Lena, and Regi. It was a wonderful weekend in the St. Cloud area.

July 26, 2022 by Marta Morris

Mississippi Headwaters Retriever Club’s Hunt Test is on the books and Stellar was happy to help. Jack and Marta had great help marshaling the Friday Master Test. Thanks to Bud and Becky Denny for putting on the event and our outstanding bird boys Scott, Luke and Landen for their hard work setting up and throwing birds. Thank you Dan Boettger and Bud Denny for your time in the judges chairs and for three challenging series. Stellar was fortunate enough to pass Viktor which gave him a ticket to the big dance in Oregon and his Master title! Congrats to his owners and our good friends and clients Michael and Janice Woodbury. Jack Brustkern’s sweet Snickers received Junior passes Saturday and Sunday, well on her way to a Junior Title??????. Our friend and helper Mike Marmon did a great job and passed his dog Buckwheat in the Saturday Master test. Thanks to the MHHRC members and friends that worked to put on a great event.

July 15, 2022 by Marta Mortis

Had a very good time at NDRC Hunt Test this past weekend. Saw friends we have not seen in a year. Thank you to NDRC and their great members for smooth running of the event. Thanks to Brock and Ed for some really nice series in the Friday Master. Stellar is so proud to include 4 new Master hunters to our kennel! Axem, Drake, Ranger, and Rose received their title and are now qualified for Master National?? Viktor received qualifying passes in Friday and Saturday masters. This young boy only needs one more pass to receive his Master title and qualify for MN. It has been a busy yet productive July??????

July 04, 2022 by Marta Morris

Many thanks to the Coastal Bend Retriever Club for the fine Hunt test at Kelly Farms this past week. Thanks to Wendi Mattinen and Karen Vossbein for their time in the judges chair. Congratulations to all who received a qualifying score. Stellar was fortunate to pass Axem owned by Steve Widner, Drake owned by Jeff and Karin Parker, and Ranger owned by Chris and Lacey Hughes. Our young dogs and steadily improving and hopefully will all qualify for Master Nation by the end of July. A very big thank you goes out to Tim and Lauren Springer, Rusty Hagland, Craig Minder and Benita Otterness for going out of their way to help Jack and I when we needed assistance. Hunt test people know how to reach out in times of trouble.

June 20, 2022 by Marta Morris

Jack has been very busy with the young Master dogs. We arrived in MN June 4, trained 4 days and then he was off to Vikingland Retriever club Hunt test where he successfully passed 6 of 6, qualifying Lion, owned by Mary Ellen Hamilton, for Master National. Thank you to the club, the workers and judges Chad Gullickson and Lance Lerum. The next weekend he was off to ND for the inaugural event of Island Lake Retriever Club. Thanks to the photographer who took this picture. Thanks also to the club members who did a great job setting up and running this event. Nicole Boettger and Pat Taphorn set up some good challenging series. Stellar was fortunate enough to pass 5 of 5. Looks like the young dogs are getting good experience.

March 04, 2022 by Marta Morris

Thank you to Lost Pines Retriever Club for a great mid week Masters event. Sheila Nelson and Charles Pugh put on three very challenging series which tested all aspects of a master hunter’s talents and training. Stellar was fortunate enough to have passes on Major owned by Gary Witherspoon, Jim owned by Mike and Janice Woodbury, which was his Master title pass, and Jimmy also his Master title pass owned by Doug and Amber Bishop. Glory, Regi, Sunny and Lena owned and handles by Jack and Marta also received passes. It was a good start to the coming Spring season and we are Looking forward to our young dogs debuting this month. Jack and I and very privileged to have great clients and their talented dogs.

December 07, 2021 by Marta Morris

Thank you Brazosport Retriever Club for a wonderful Master B series. The weather was good, the group worked well together and we met new people to the sport. Thank you Bruce and Rocky for testing our dogs. Congratulations to all those who received passing scores. Wayne Paterson passed Patience which qualified her for MARC 2022, and Mike Woodbury passed his dog Axsel. Stellar was fortunate enough to pass Gary Witherspoon’s Cody and Major, Jeff and Karin Parker’s Creedmoor, Doug and Amber Bishop’s Jimmy, and Mike and Janice Woodbury’s Jim. Stellar received passes on Regi, Shane, Glory, Lena, and Baylee.

October 12, 2021 by Marta Morris

After Master National was said and done, celebrating and sorrow felt... time to head home and start planning for next year. Some people get to plan their trips, Stellar does it as an after thought to the Big event. Having said that, we had an awesome trip back to Bemidji to finally pack for home. Jackson Hole, Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone were overwhelming, the early morning departure from Gardiner MT was high adrenaline and the Badlands were amazing. If Stellar ever retires, Jack and I will have a hard time deciding where we go first, second and on. We are so blessed to see much of American beauty one mile at a time. Praying all travelers get home safely. Hope all will prepare for more cold weather and beauty for 2022.

August 16, 2021 by Marta Morris

Thank you to the North Dakota Retriever Club for the “Stellar” job they did on their Mid-week test August 10-12. Scott, Chad, Kris, and the rest of the club had everything ready to go. Thank you to our Judges Roger Moltzan and Rick McConico for their time in the judges chair. Congratulations to all who passed; Stellar was fortunate enough to pass 14 out of 15 dogs. Congratulations to Karin and Jeff Parker on Maverick and Creedmoor, Josh Clepper on Bolt, Amber and Doug Bishop on Jimmy, Gary Witherspoon on Major and Cody, Dr David Dyslin on Rowdy, Lee Hanes on Sunny, Lynn Teague on Cinder, and Michael and Janice Woodbury on Jim all receiving a Master pass. Stellar dogs passing were Regi, handles by Jack and Lena, Glory, and Baylee handled by Marta. We look forward to coming back to NDRC tests in the future.

June 24, 2021 by Marta Morris

Stellar Retrievers had a great time at the North Dakota Retriever Club Hunt Test June 15-17. Thank you to the hard working club members and the quality judging of Tom McKenzie and Roger Moltzen. Congratulations to all who received passing scores. Stellar is very proud of our young dogs in their first Master test. Jim owned by Mike and Janice Woodbury, Jimmy owned by Doug and Amber Bishop, Sunny owned by Lee Hanes and Shane owned by Stellar Retrievers, stepped up to the plate and hit a home run. Creedmoor, owned by Jeff and Karin Parker received a passing score which gave him his Master Title and a trip to the big dance in Idaho this fall. WAY TO GO CREEDMOOR! Stellar’s young dog Regi received a passing score and his 2nd Master pass. We look forward to a bright future for these young dogs.

March 28, 2021 by Marta Morris

Stellar had a good weekend with friends and clients at the Alamo Retriever Club Hunt Test this past weekend in D’Hanis Tx. Thank you to Alamo for their hard work in putting on a quality event on the beautiful Seco Valley Ranch. A very special thank you to the Millers for allowing the event to be held there. Wayne Paterson and John Green put on three challenging series with the help of Mother Nature continually varying the conditions. Jack Morris ran the following dogs receiving passes: Major and Cody owned by Gary Witherspoon, and Creedmoor owned by Jeff and Karin Parker. Marta Morris  successfully handled the Morris’s personal dogs Lena, Baylee, and Glory to passes. Congratulations to Joal Harper on Hitch’s pass, Karin Parker who handled her dog Maverick to a pass, and Marion Woolie’s Breaux who passed and became qualified for Master National 2021 in Idaho. Congratulations to all those who had passing score this weekend. It was a wonderful way to spend time and work with friends.

December 07, 2020 by Marta Mortis

Stellar Retrievers wishes to thank Brazosport Retriever Club and David Christianson and Mike Akeroyd for three challenging series last weekend. Congratulations to all those with passing scores. Joal Harper’s Kiker and Hitch, Wayne Paterson’s Patience and Pearl, Karin Parker’s Maverick, Gary Witherspoon’s Major and Cody, David Dyslin’s Rowdy, Marion Woolie’s Breaux, and Stellar’s Baylee and Lena all received passing scores. We are all looking forward to 2020 closing and are hopeful for better things in the New Year. Blessing to all for Christmas.

August 30, 2020 by Marta Morris

Stellar’s last northern test is on the books. It was a successful weekend with 13 out of 15 Master passes and 2 for 2 Senior passes. The weather was a little unsettled Friday morning with a rain/lightening delay, but the day found sunshine in the afternoon with just enough of a rain late in the day to produce a beautiful rainbow stretched across the sky. Our thanks to the Hinckley Retriever Club and Chuck Beckmann, Dan Berglove, Ed Thibodeaux, Sonia Liedman, Steve Paulson and all the other volunteers like Sarah Willett, Chad Sweep, Gordie Schlichting and other I did not know by name who stepped up to keep the tests moving. Thank you to Lin Gelbmann and Tom Newell for their Master tests with good bird and blind placement. Thanks to Sharon Sweep and Sid Sontag for what Jack referred to as the “Senior National” with some very meaty birds and blinds. All these tests showed areas for trainer/handlers to work on for future tests. Stellar congratulates all those who received passing score but also acknowledges the commitment all  handlers make to play this sport. Stellar looks forward to running in the HRC tests next year.

August 24, 2020 by Marta Morris

Stellar retrievers just completed Mississippi Headwaters Retriever Club’s Master/Senior Test which started Friday 8/21 and finished 8/23. The Master test started with 84 dogs and finished with 51 dogs. A huge “thank you” to Budd Denny for Chairing this event and Becky, Doug, Shannon, Ernie, Jerrie, and the rest of the MHRC for all their hard work and planning. Thank you to Sarah Willett and Wilson “Boogie” Lejeune for setting up some very challenging tests (the blinds were very well placed). When it was all said and done, Stellar passed 16 out of 16 Master dogs, (Karin Parker did an awesome job handling her dog Maverick with 10’s on both the land and water blinds in the last series), and passed 2 for 2 Senior dogs. It was the first test for both Senior dogs, thank you the Shannon Heifort and Wendy Mattinen for their tests and time in the Judges chair. Stellar thanks and appreciates our clients faith in our training.

August 10, 2020 by Marta Morris

Stellar Retrievers had one of those unbelievable Hunt Tests this past Friday/Saturday at Hennipen County Amateur Retriever Club in Foley MN. Thank you to the Hennipen Club for their well organized flight and all the hard work of Dan Tongen and his crew. They were all great and kept things moving. Thanks to Lin Gelbmann and Jace Tramontin for three very challenging series that had some of us a little nervous. Stellar wishes to congratulate all those who passed these tests and say thank you to our clients who put their faith in Stellar.

July 05, 2020 by Marta Morris

Thank you to the Coastal Bend RetrieverClub for a well run, organized Hunt Test this weekend. Thank you Tim and Lauren Springer for hosting at their property at Kelly Farms. Thank you Leda Blom and Mark Holcomb for safe Hunt Test setups, keeping dogs from getting overheated in the excessive heat, thank you to our Flight team for cold water pools and having everything ready to go on all three series. Congratulations to all those who received passes including Goose, owned by Phil and Linda Shimerda. Goose not only passed, he received his Master Title and qualified for the 2020 Master National. Josh Clepper’s Bolt also passed. Coastal Bend is always a well run event and all those working and participating have a very good time.

June 18, 2020 by Marta Mortos

Thank you to North Dakota Retriever Club and Scott Chaney and David Jansma for putting on a really good test this past Tuesday/Wednesday. Stellar is so please to congratulate Bolt owned by Josh Clepper and Goose owned by Linda and Phill Shimerda on their passes. Getting closer to the BIG PRIZE, MN is within their grasp.  With all other dogs qualified, Stellar is cheering them on to the finish line.

June 15, 2020 by Marta Morris

The Vikingland June HT is on the books and what a day it was. With a flight of 32 and a very organized Retriever club, the Test was completed in one day. Thanks to judges Jeff Buddy and Kurt Stivley for putting up three good series made more difficult by mother nature’s windy conditions?? A huge “Thank You” goes out to Todd and Benita Otterness for sharing their amazing training facility for the competition. Jack was able to get master passes on Gary Witherspoon’s Cody, David Dyslin’s Rowdy, Jack’s Tori, and Josh Clepper’s Bolt. Karin Parker did a great job handling Maverick to another master pass. It was wonderful to be able to see friends and compete again after a very isolated spring.

April 25, 2020 by Marta Morris

What a wonderful place to be quarantined! Stellar training goes on as if there was nothing happening outside these 110 acres. Jack and I are praying for so many we know and many we don’t know for healing and health. If you are fortunate enough to be healthy at this time, we pray you stay that way, if not know we are praying for you daily. Remember to be kind to all and if possible generous to those less fortunate. This time will pass and we will all be stronger and more resilient on the other side.

March 16, 2020 by Marta Morris

Great weekend at Waterloo Retriever Club Hunt Test. Thank you to Waterloo for a great weekend and Mike Akroyd and Jeff Bundy for three great series. Congratulations to Karin Parker and her dog Maverick, Scott Baker and Brennan, and Joal Harper and Hitch, Kiker, and Mia on passes in Master A, congrats to Gary Witherspoon on his passes with Cody and Major, Jack handling those two for him. David Dislyn and Jack Erskin on their passes with Rowdy and Mack, Jack handling both, and Jack handled Josh Clepper’s Bolt, Dede Paterson’s Patience, and Marta Morris’s Cheers to their first Master pass. MARY Ellen Hamilton’s Lion passed with Marta Morris to Qualify for Master Nationals 2020, as did Wayne Paterson, handling his dog Pearl. It was a good weekend for the Stellar group.

December 10, 2019 by Marta Morris

Stellar had a good weekend at Brazosport HT Dec 7-8 at the beautiful Homestead Ranch in Giddings Tx. Thanks to Brazosport club for hosting the event. Thanks to Nancy and Bob Neipert for marshaling Master flight B. Stellar dogs that received a passing score run by Jack were Mack owned by Jack Erskin, Maverick owned by Karin and Jeff Parker, and Rowdy owned by David Dyslin. Congrats to all. Lion owned by Mary Ellen Hamilton and handled by Marta received a passing score and Stellar dogs Glory and Mariah also passed. Congratulations to Joal Harper on the passes with his three dogs Mia, Kiker and Hitch. Thank you judges Bruce Backert and Bob Heise for really challenging tests.

December 06, 2019 by Marta Morris

Stellar Retrievers has had a very busy fall! We returned home in August to close on the old Stellar property and move to the new property on Sept 10th. Then it was full steam ahead on building ponds and clearing the property. We were off to Master National in Cheraw SC October 17-27, beginning with a good pre-training week, October 13-17. The weather for the week of testing was very good, just a couple of days of light rain and cool temperatures. Thank you to all the judges and MN committee for challenging tests that showed the abilities of our dogs.  Thank you to our wonderful judges in Flight D, Ellison Armfield and Richard Anderson for their efforts and their time in the chair. It was nice getting to know them better and look forward to seeing them in the future. Congratulations to all the competitors who received plates and a special congrats to Stellar’s Proud Mary on her MNH8! Way to go Bob and Mary. Jack and I are very proud of all the Stellar dogs that qualified for this year. Thank you all for allowing Stellar to train you talented dogs. The Stellar dogs that received plates were: Major owned by Gary Witherspoon, Lion owned by Mary Ellen Hamilton, and Cinder who became an MNH 4, owned by Bill and Lynn Teague; Glory, Lena, Baylee, Mariah and Tori, Stellar’s personal dogs also received plates. Stellar clients who handled their personal dogs trained by Stellar did very well. Joal Harper received a plate with Mia, Dede and Wayne Paterson passed their dogs Jones and Tryst, Marion Woolie received a plate with Remi, and Nathan Proske passed Trigger. It was a great moment for Dede, Wayne, Nathan, and myself when our family of dogs Jones (dad), Baylee (mom), Lena, Tryst, and Trigger (siblings) all became MNH’s and entered the Hall of fame. Look forward to seeing all the old and new friends we have made in Minnesota at MN 2020.

October 26, 2019 by Marta Morris

Jack and I are relaxing here at Moree’s Preserve now that the 2019 Master Nationals is on the books. Out of 1053 dogs entered, 409 passed. The tests were challenging, Team Stellar congratulates all the qualifiers and especially #15, Jones and Dede Paterson MNH, #20 Tryst and Wayne Paterson MNH, #38, Major and Jack Morris, #68, Mia and Joal Harper, # 72 Mary and Bob Neipert now a MNH8, #83, Cinder and Jack Morris MNH4, #97 Trigger and Nathan Proske MNH, #107, Remi and Marion Woolie MNH, and #113, Rango and Robert Rascoe. Stellar was very proud of their dogs #3, Mariah and Jack, #33, Glory and Jack MNR, #88, Tori and Jack, #93 Lion and Marta MNR, #98 Lena and Marta MNH, and #103 Baylee and Marta MNH. It was a very special event for the Paterson’s, Nathan Proske and Marta Morris as their whole canine family, Mom, Dad, and 3 siblings all received their MNH this event. Safe travels to all competitors as they return home and begin the process of qualifying for 2020.

August 08, 2019 by Marta Morris

Stellar Retrievers wishes to congratulate all the owners who’s dogs passed the mid week Hunt Test put on by Southern Minnesota Hunting Retriever Association August 6-8th in Blooming Prairie MN. Gary Witherspoon’s Cody and Major, Ben and Allison Wallace’s Laney, Philip and Linda Shimerda’s Goose, Carol Davis’s Sassy, David Dyslin’s Rowdy, Joal and Erin Harper’s Kiker, Hitch, and Mia, Wayne and Dede Paterson’s Pearl, Scott Baker’s Brennan, Lee Hanes’ Caper, Bill and Lynn Teague’s Cinder, Shy Anderson’s Sammy, Jack Erskin’s Mack, Mary Ellen Hamilton’s Lion, and Jeff and Karin Parker’s Maverick. Stellar Retriever’s Lena, Baylee, Tori, and Mariah had passed as well. Thank you to the Judges and members of the SMHRA for putting on a good test.

August 03, 2019 by Marta Morris

Wow! What a great start to the 2020 Hunt Test season!

23 Stellar dogs were entered and 22 passed!

Special congratulations go to Scott Baker and Gary Witherspoon, Scott handled Brennan for the first time and came away with a pass. Gary handled his new partner Major for the first time and passed as well. Proud of you two guys! Bill Teague handled Cinder, his trusted friend, to a pass and Lee Hanes handled Caper, her young super dog, to a pass as well. Lee also was kind enough to take all the photos as I am at home on Puppy watch. Way to go group. Nathan Proske and Jack were busy handling Kiker, Hitch, and Mia, owned by Joal Harper, Gigi owned by Matt Kaplin, Rowdy owned by David Dyslin, Maverick owned by Jeff and Karin Parker, Sammy owned by Shy Anderson, Goose owned by Phil and Linda Shimerda, Sassy owned by Carol Davis, Pearl owned by Wayne and Dede Paterson, Laney owned by Ben and Allison Wallace, Lion owned by Mary Ellen HAMILTON, and Cody owned by Gary Witherspoon. Nathan and Jack also passed their personal dogs, Trigger, Lena, Tori, Baylee, and Mariah. Thank you to all our valued clients for trusting Stellar Retrievers with your talented dogs.

July 26, 2019 by Marta Morris

Stellar Retrievers congratulates Allison and Ben Wallace on Laney’s Master pass at Southern MN Retriever Club’s event July 26-27th. Laney received her Master Title and qualified for Master National in Cheraw SC. Thank you Allison and Ben for trusting Stellar Retrievers with your dog.

July 22, 2019 by Marta Morris

Congratulations to all the Stellar dogs and their owners who passed the Double Master Tests this past weekend at the Mississippi Headwater Retriever Club Hunt Test. Nathan Proske passed Laney, owned by Ben  and Allison Wallace, and Jolie owned by Bob Owens in the Friday/Saturday Test, and Cody owned by Gary Witherspoon in the Saturday/Sunday Test. Cody earned his Master title and qualified for Master National, and Jolie qualified for Master National. Thank you for trusting Stellar Retrievers with  your dogs.

July 15, 2019 by Marta Morris

Stellar had very good results at North Dakota HT. The tests were challenging and the weather pleasant. Congratulations to Matt Kaplan owner of Gigi, Gary Witherspoon Cody’s owner, Ben and Allison Wallace, Laney’s owners, Jack Erskin, Mack’s owner and Stellar Retrievers Mariah on their dogs passing the Friday/Sat Masters. All Stellar dogs passed the Sat/Sun Masters with Rowdy, owned by David Dyslin and Mariah receiving their Master Titles and qualifying for MASTER NATIONALS. Matt Kaplan’s Gigi qualified for MN with the Sat/Sun pass and Goose owned by Linda and Philip Shimerda received another Master pass. Jack and I want to thank all the owners for their confidence in our program.

July 04, 2019 by Marta Morris

Congratulations to all of our Stellar dogs who passed the Minot Retriever Club Hunt Test in North Dakota. Rowdy owned by David Dyslin, Cody owned by Gary Witherspoon, Goose owned by Linda and Philip Shimerda, Laney owned by Ben Wallace, and Mariah owned by Stellar Retrievers. Special honors went to three very talented dogs who earned their Master Title AND qualified for the 2019 Master National, Mia owned by Joal Harper, Sammy owned by Shy Anderson, and Tori owned by Stellar Retrievers. Thank you to the owners who put their trust us. Update: Congratulations to Wayne Paterson and Pearl on their Master pass on 6/29 which qualified them for Master National and Pearl received her Master Title. All Stellar dogs passed the mid week Minot Test. Jack and I are very proud of our competent handlers and their talented dogs.

June 15, 2019 by Marta Morris

Congratulations to the owners of Goose, Linda and Phil Shimerda; Laney, Ben Wallace; and Mack, Jack Erskin on the double passes this weekend at Central MN HT. All three dogs received their Senior Titles. Congratulations to Scott Baker on Brennen’s pass in Master A which qualifies Brennen for 2019 Master National!!! Sammy owned by Shy Anderson, Rowdy owned by Davd Dyslin, Mia owned by Joal Harper, and Gigi owned by Matt Kaplan also received passes. Stellar dog passes were Tori and Lena. Great group of dogs!

May 19, 2019 by Marta Morris

Stellar Retrievers wishes to congratulate the owners of our group of amazing young dogs. Once again they proved their intelligence and  trainability at the Magnolia Retriever Club double Master and Sr level tests in Greensboro, Alabama. Those passing the Master B 1 series were Cody and Major owned by Gary Witherspoon, Rowdy owned by David Dyslin, Mia owned by Joal Harper, Skylar, Mariah, and Tori owned by Stellar Retrievers, and Sammy owned by Shy Anderson. In Master B2 Major, Rowdy, Tori, Mia, Mariah and Sammy received passes. In Senior Laney owned by Ben Wallace, Goose owned by Philip and Linda Shimerda, and Mack owned by Jack Erskin received passing scores. These young dogs have recently traveled to Arkansas, Oklahoma and Alabama to receive Senior and Master passes. The future looks very bright for these dogs and there owners. Thank you all for being part and having trust in Stellar Retrievers.

March 04, 2019 by Marta Morris

Congratulations to the Stellar Retriever handlers qualified for Master Amateur 2019! Dede Paterson, Wayne Paterson, Joal Harper, and Marion Woolie. Well done and good luck in Montana!