How It All Began

In 1981, Robert Lee, Jack Myrick, and Gerald Shaw founded the United States Complete Shooting Dog Association, a walking shooting dog organization. Gerald Shaw, an attorney from Sanford, N.C., handled the legal work; Jack Myrick brought extensive bird dog knowledge and a vast network of contacts; and Robert Lee contributed strong administrative skills and a competitive edge. With the combined talents of these three gentlemen, success was inevitable.

Bernie Matthys of The American Field was contacted to secure recognition for the trials. A championship was requested, but Mr. Matthys required a classic to be held for two years before granting championship status.

Jack Myrick provided the grounds for the early trials, and in March 1983, the first championship was held. Graham Parker’s pointer, “Jack,” was named the inaugural champion. The runner-up, “Star,” a female setter handled by W. Mills Hodge, had 10 shooting dog finds. Mills' vest was filled with quail from the brace. In the early days of USCSDA, birds had to be shot over a steady dog, and a retrieve to hand was required.

In the fall of 1995, live ammunition was eliminated from the trials, and birds were no longer shot on course. This change was supported by many members, as some states had banned shooting on state grounds, preventing them from participating in USCSDA events. In the interest of including other states and continue the organization's growth—a founding goal—it was agreed that set-up backs would no longer be required, the shooting of birds would be eliminated, and retrieving would no longer be judged. These adjustments were necessary to maintain field trialing as a family-oriented sport.

With the assistance of sponsors, USCSDA became financially healthy and expanded throughout the Southeast. The founders’ early goal was to improve the quality of pointing breeds through field trialing while creating an environment where the entire family could participate and enjoy the experience.

Today, USCSDA club trials and championships are held throughout the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Great Lakes, and Northern Plains regions and the association wishes to continue growing. Make plans to join us!