With a sad and troubled heart, I want to report the passing of the Ambassador of Grouse Trials and the Gladwin Field Trial Area in Michigan: Wayne Fruchey. Wayne’s smile and handshake greeted me in the fall of 1966 and greeted hundreds of bird dog enthusiasts before and since. Without a doubt, his name and that of Ghost Train, winner of the Grand National Grouse Championship in 1969 is known to many. I can’t even try to number the wins he accumulated over the years before turning over the handling duties to his son, Tom. I am proud to say he was a friend, mentor, and my fishing partner for the last few years. Good shooting friend. And let me know if you need the net. Requiescat in pace.
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