Where to start
The key to training a gundog is to make sure that training sessions are enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Tower Bird trophies
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.
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.
- 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. Simply complete the entry form and return it. 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 |
2025 winners
Pointer/setters
Steve Robinson with FTCH Coldcoats Ginny (Irish red setter)
Retriever
Laura Hill with FTCH Jarailstar Hogen of Stauntonvale (Labrador)
H.P.R.
Jim Bird with FTCH Sutchest Isla (German Shorthaired Pointer)
Spaniel
Barry Faley with FTCH Skitters Abbie (English springer spaniel)
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Dog Breeding Regulations in England
Since 2018 there have been revised regulations surrounding the breeding and selling of puppies in England.
The use of a dog below ground in England and Wales
The Hunting Act 2004 prohibits all hunting of wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales, except where it is carried out in accordance with one of the tightly drawn exemptions, which allow for certain necessary pest control and other activities to be undertaken, subject to strict conditions.