05/13/2026
SAVE THE DATE & OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE PLANS
EB Club of Illinois / UKC Pointing Dog Field Trial
All Pointing Breeds Welcome
November 14–15, 2026
LaFary / McCrea Farms
South of Bloomfield, Iowa
The EB Club of Illinois proudly invites you to join us for a premier weekend of UKC pointing dog field trials on the beautiful LaFary/McCrea Farms located just south of Bloomfield, Iowa.
ALL POINTING BREEDS ARE WELCOME.
This event is designed to showcase exceptional bird dogs in true upland conditions during one of the finest times of year to run dogs in southern Iowa. Cool temperatures, rolling habitat, carefully managed cover, and strong bird numbers promise an unforgettable weekend for handlers, dogs, and spectators alike.
This is more than simply a field trial weekend. It is an opportunity to experience outstanding bird dog country, great fellowship, excellent upland habitat, and the traditions that make the pointing dog community special.
Trial Schedule
Saturday – November 14, 2026
Wild Bird Trial
Saturday will feature a true wild bird experience over the carefully managed LaFary/McCrea Farms. This is not manufactured bird work. These are large rolling Iowa farms managed specifically for upland habitat, bird populations, and quality dog work.
Handlers and dogs will have the opportunity to compete over genuine wild bird contacts, including:
Wild Quail
Wild Pheasant
Possible Migrating Woodcock
The habitat throughout the farms offers everything a bird dog enthusiast wants to see. Rolling grass fields, native warm season cover, crop edges, creek bottoms, draws, brush lines, and transition areas create ideal upland conditions and exciting opportunities for dogs to demonstrate intelligence, nose, range, bird finding ability, and handling.
The farms have been under strict habitat and hunting management for years. Controlled pressure, habitat improvements, food sources, and conservation minded management have created excellent upland conditions and consistent bird numbers throughout the area.
This is the kind of trialing that upland hunters and bird dog people dream about. Cool November mornings, dogs reaching through big country, wild birds flushing hard, and braces unfolding naturally across authentic upland terrain.
For many handlers, opportunities to run on true wild birds are becoming increasingly rare. This weekend offers competitors a chance to experience dogs the way they were originally intended to be evaluated honestly, naturally, and in genuine wild bird country.
Saturday Stakes:
Open Brace
Open Solo
Gun Solo
TAN
WRT
TAN and WRT will be offered on Saturday only.
Sunday – November 15, 2026
Liberated Hungarian Partridge Trial
Sunday’s liberated Hungarian Partridge trial is designed to provide one of the most exciting and realistic liberated bird experiences available in the Midwest.
The liberated Huns will be run in expansive rolling upland habitat specifically selected to allow the birds to behave naturally and challenge dogs appropriately. These are not tight planted birds in narrow cover. The goal is to create a true upland style experience where dogs must hunt intelligently, handle objectives correctly, and produce stylish bird work under realistic conditions.
Hungarian Partridge are widely respected as one of the finest birds for evaluating pointing dogs. Their tendency to run, relocate, covey rise, and flush hard creates exciting situations that demand excellent dog work and smart handling. Dogs must demonstrate:
Forward application
Intelligent use of cover
Proper bird handling
Style and intensity
Manners around moving birds
Good cooperation and handling
The open rolling terrain, cool November weather, and strong flying birds should create exceptional conditions for exciting braces and memorable performances.
For handlers who appreciate watching dogs work big objectives, pin moving birds, and handle upland situations with style and composure, Sunday promises to be a truly special experience.
Combined with the scenery and atmosphere of southern Iowa in mid November, this liberated Hun trial is intended to capture the feel of a true upland hunting day while still delivering a high quality competitive UKC field trial experience.
Sunday Stakes:
Open Brace
Open Solo
Gun Solo
Entry Information
Entry Fees:
Open Brace – $50 per run
Open Solo – $50 per run
Gun Solo – $50 per run
TAN – $35
WRT – $35
Entry Policy
Entries will be LIMITED based upon the capacity of the grounds.
Entry preference will be first come, first served, however consideration will also be given to handlers wishing to run both days.
ALL entries MUST include:
Official UKC Entry Form
Full payment
NO EXCEPTIONS.
Entries will not be held without completed paperwork and payment received. Early entry is strongly encouraged.
Running Times
Running will begin at 7:30 AM both days.
Handlers and spectators should plan for full days in the field.
Please plan for your own lunch as the trial will NOT stop for lunch either day.
Grounds and Habitat
The LaFary/McCrea Farms provide classic Midwestern upland habitat and have become known for outstanding bird dog country. The farms are intensively managed for upland wildlife through habitat development, food plots, controlled pressure, and conservation practices that continue to improve bird numbers year after year.
Mid November in southern Iowa offers prime conditions for bird dogs with cool temperatures, ideal running weather, and exceptional cover conditions.
This area of southeast Iowa is also widely recognized for excellent upland hunting opportunities, and visitors are strongly encouraged to plan additional hunting days before or after the trial weekend.
Whether you enjoy pheasant, quail, woodcock, or simply watching quality bird dogs work in true upland habitat, this weekend offers a tremendous opportunity to enjoy some of the best bird country Iowa has to offer.
Host Motel - Let them know you are part of the EB Club of IL.
Southfork Motel & Grill
907 S Washington St
Bloomfield, IA 52537
Phone: (641) 664-1063
Website: https://southforkmotel.com/
The Southfork Motel will serve as the official host motel for the event.
Friday and Saturday evening dinners will be held at the Southfork and will provide a great opportunity to relax, visit with fellow handlers, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes the pointing dog community special.
Saturday evening, awards will be presented during dinner.
Sunday awards will be presented in the field following the completion of the trial.
Additional Nearby Lodging
Cobblestone Inn & Suites
509 S Washington St
Bloomfield, IA 52537
Phone: (641) 664-2000
Website: https://www.staycobblestone.com/ia/bloomfield/
Foxtail Cabins
17155 Highway J18
Moravia, IA 52571
Phone: (877) 736-9824
Website: http://foxtailcabins.com/
Lake Wapello State Park Cabins & Camping
15248 Campground Rd
Drakesville, IA 52552
Phone: (641) 722-3371
Website: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/Lake-Wapello-State-Park
Mustang Country Lodging
206 Weaver Rd
Bloomfield, IA 52537
Phone: (641) 664-1858
Website: http://mustangcountrylodging.net/
Greenleaf Place Bed & Breakfast
425 N Madison St
Bloomfield, IA 52537
Phone: (641) 664-1985
Website: http://www.thegreenleafplace.com/
Special Hunting Opportunity
The EB Club of Illinois is also excited to offer a unique opportunity to support the club while enjoying some exceptional southeast Iowa upland hunting.
A limited number of private hunting opportunities will be available on the Monday following the field trial weekend.
Donation Hunt Opportunity
$250 donation per gun to the club
Private field access for the day
Limited to 2 hunters per field
4 total hunting fields available
These farms are part of the same carefully managed upland habitat system used throughout the trial grounds and surrounding properties. Hunters can expect outstanding upland cover, beautiful rolling Iowa habitat, and the opportunity to experience some of the finest bird country in southeast Iowa.
This is designed to be a relaxed and enjoyable hunting experience following a great weekend of trialing, fellowship, and bird dogs.
Availability will be extremely limited and spots will be reserved on a first come, first served basis.
ALL Iowa hunting regulations, licensing requirements, and daily limits must be strictly followed by all participants.
Why You Should Attend
Mid November in southern Iowa is hard to beat for bird dog people. Crisp mornings, cool running weather, strong flying birds, rolling upland country, and great fellowship create the perfect atmosphere for a memorable field trial weekend.
Whether you are competing, scouting future dogs, enjoying good dog work, or simply spending time with fellow upland enthusiasts, this trial is designed to provide a premium experience centered around quality dogs, quality grounds, and true upland tradition.
Add in some extra days to hunt the exceptional southeast Iowa upland country, enjoy great food and fellowship in Bloomfield, and experience bird dogs the way they were meant to be enjoyed.
We look forward to seeing you in Bloomfield this November.
Additional Information Coming Soon
Final event information will be released closer to the trial date and will include:
Judging assignments
Official entry opening dates
Entry closing dates
Running orders and additional event details
Participants are encouraged to begin making plans early as entries will be limited and southeast Iowa lodging can fill quickly during prime upland season.
If you have questions about the trial, grounds, lodging, hunting opportunities, or the weekend schedule, please do not hesitate to reach out.
We are excited to welcome everyone to southern Iowa for what promises to be a memorable weekend of bird dogs, upland habitat, and great fellowship.
Trial Contacts
Clint and Suzanne LaFary
Sur le Delavan Kennel
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 309-231-8868
