English Setter Club of America

English Setter Club of America, Inc.
    
Founded in 1905, the English Setter Club of America is one of the oldest and most respected field trial clubs in the United States. Rich in tradition and bird-dog history, our club has proudly hosted field trials for more than a century—open to all pointing breeds, professional trainers, and amateur handlers alike.
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Renowned in sporting dog publications as “the greatest one-course trial in America,” our grounds continue to hold a place of honor in the field trial community. The Club sponsors the prestigious Garden State Open Shooting Dog Championship (formerly the Garden State Open All-Age Championship), which attracts some of the finest dogs and professionals from across the country.
A Premier Destination for Field Trials

Our Medford, NJ grounds have welcomed notable guests throughout the years, including the AKC and the National Geographic Channel, who featured our grounds in a special on the German Shorthaired Pointer. Each season, many regional pointing breed clubs lease our facilities to host their annual hunt tests, training days, field trials, and both regional and national championships.
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Thanks to careful management, the grounds are typically well-stocked with quail, and the Club also maintains a commercial shooting preserve. While members may enjoy limited hunting, this is NOT a hunting club—quail, including those brought by members, may never be shot.
Facilities & Grounds

The English Setter Club is set back from the road, with much of the property fenced, creating a safe environment for dogs off-lead. Facilities include:
 
  • A clubhouse with a full kitchen
  • Historic farmhouse (second-oldest in Burlington County), home to the resident manager
  • Kennels, barns, and sheds
  • Members-only pet cemetery
Membership & Community

Members enjoy year-round access to a protected environment where they can work and condition their dogs. The Club also hosts trap shooting, an annual picnic, and the highly regarded Lee Bird Memorial Trial, a dual-sanctioned event drawing AKC and American Field professionals and amateurs alike.
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To join, prospective members must complete our online application, be nominated by two members in good standing, and receive approval from the Board of Directors.
Club Leadership 

Current Board of Directors & Officers
President
David Ross

Vice President
Paul Capri

Treasurer
Rick Taglang

Corresponding Secretary
Mark Dreyfus

Recording Secretary
Bob Sexton

Board Members
  • Norman Basilone
  • Matt Basilone
  • John Beck
  • Joe Buchanan
  • Joe Cincotta
  • David Creagan
  • John Frank
  • Wayne Horner
  • Dan Jolly
  • Edward Kerr
  • Joseph E. Lordi

Honorary Board Members
  • Ed Gager
  • Gary Miller

HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBER

  • John Rosenburg
  • Joseph Manning
  • John Peternich
  • Paul Pollock
  • Walt Wagner
  • John Pew
  • Wade Absner
  • Leroy Bird (Dec.)
  • Dr. Alvin Nitchman (Dec..) *
  • William Byer (Dec.)
  • Tom Getler (Dec.)
  • Joe Lordi Sr. (Dec.)
* = Member of the Bird Dog Hall of Fame

Rich in Tradition & Bird Dog History

Discover the proud history that has made the English Setter Club of America one of the nation’s oldest and most respected field trial clubs in the United States.

Browse the pages below to discover the story behind the English Setter Club and some of the founding members.
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