2016 NBHA Western Regional Ch. Texas
NBHA Nat�l Free for All Ch.
NBHA Western Regional Ch.
This all began back on March 8th of this year (actually the planning began well before) with Melissa & I heading off to one our very favorite places; Camp Robinson WMA near Mayflower, AR. Our arrival the weather was cloudy and temperatures mild. Great for the NBHA Nat�l Free for All. As we should expect not only in Arkansas but also in Texas �If you don�t like the weather just give it a day or a few hours and it will change�. The forecasts were heavy rain. Humm, just like last year at the same time. We had no clue that the heavy rain meant 10-12� and after we headed home they got another 4� plus tornado�s in the area. We had a wonderful participation level set with Oscar Whitt from AL, Mike Sandifer from TX, Tom Waite and Greg Blair from WI, Gerry and Jill Malzone from NJ, Jeremy Gulick from MO. We drew 34 shooting dogs and 10 derbies. Our scheduled Judges were good friends of all the field trailers Harold Woodward from Volonia, AR and Fred Smith from Mt. View, MO. All to be spoiled by the torrential down pours. The creeks were so high you couldn�t get across walking not the dogs. I had to make a judgment call that tormented me all day Wednesday and decided to cancel the event before ever starting. It just wasn�t safe on the course with even more rain on its way. This was re-scheduled and moved to Texas in the month of April with short notices to the Field and our membership. We tied the Western Regional Ch. to this to hopefully get both of these events done in such a short time frame and in hope that two major events would attract sizable numbers.
The re-scheduled Nat�l Free for All did not draw enough dogs to hold this event. As much as I hate to say it one of our Nat�l Championships was not held this year. However the Western Regional drew enough dogs to hold. The event was held at the Porter Ranch in Hubbard, TX. These grounds are a wonder venue for not only walking but also hose back field trials. Our hats have to go off to Dickie Sorrell for all the work he does to this piece of property from the club house to the maintenance of the pastures. He also raised game birds that fly very well for liberated birds.
Our Judges for this event were Joyce Miley from Hempstead, TX and Fred Smith from Mt. View, MO. We want to thank them for their services and time in the saddle. A special round of applause has to go out to our supporters and sponsors. Garmin for their continued support year after year, Purina for their 100% commitment to the NBHA, Wilson Fire Equipment for their multiyear support to our efforts, Gun Dog Supply and their support to our contestants and participants. I can�t help mention the folks who help Melissa & I keep the event running smoothly. Dickie Sorrel is always there to help out with chores and make sure all the people have what they need, Michael Schiber for hauling the Polaris/Dog/Handler wagon along with many other chores he help me with, Lisa Sandifer for helping around camp, and my wife Melissa for everything she does for our efforts in hosting these events and putting up with me.
We had a cook out on Friday evening with BBQ chicken, venison sausage, and all the sides. Everyone stay around and a good time was had by all the best I could tell. Many tall tales and stories were told. The weather was nice in the mornings but heated up in the afternoons. We drew 12- shooting dogs, 6- derbies, & 11- puppies. I was a little disappointed in the quantity of entries but events usually this late in the season have trouble starting from the weather in Texas starting to heat up to trailers winding down the season. Thanks to all who came out to support our efforts. We did have quite a few new folks to the field trial game come out. This was a really nice sight to see for those interested in field trialing. Hopefully we�ll see them in the fall season.
The Championship
The winners came out of the kennels from Mike Sandifer. The Champion �Sandifer�s Nickie� ran in the third brace with a pleasant forward ground game. Nickie had finds at 6 with bracemate backing, find at 10, a back at 14, a find at 22 with bracemate backing, find at 38, 51 with bracemate backing, and a final find at 59. She ran in a warming part of the day and showed a wonderful brace to watch. I will have to say I was braced with Nickie and I never was able to get ahead. I never thought I would have to see my dog backing so often. She did a wonderful job. Nickie has been in the winner�s circle numerous times and she�s always a contender. The Runner-Up Champion, was Erin�s Sweet Alabama �Polly�. Once again I was braced with a real tough one to beat. Polly�s ground game was also to the front. She too is not stranger to the winner�s circle. She started out with a find right out of the gate at 2 with birds walking across the pond dam that we did not put out (native birds from the trial a week before) with her bracemate backing. Chalking up more bird work at 21, again at 48, one more at 57, and a back of her bracemate at 59. Polly did a wonderful job.
Derby Stakes
We had a few new folks come out and participate and watch our game. This was nice to see. 1st place laurels went to Mark Wagner�s setter Boarder�s Son of Sister with a nice race and bird work. 2nd place Mike Parnell�s setter �Cactus Jet JR� with a nice race and bird work. 3rd place went to James Cardwell�s setter CC�s General Jeb. He too showed upcoming potential with his race and bird work.
Puppy Stakes
James Cardwell came out in full force with a pile of setters. Also Justin Crook traveled all the way from Missouri to make sure he had a chance with his Puppy of the Year leader kept his chances to win this title. James and his setter Cassie In Motion garnished 1st place title. A new comer to the Texas NBHA crowd Tim Kelly placed his Brittney Spaniel TK�s Buddy�s Iron Red River Ripper to a 2nd place. Justin Crook handling Steve Hennin�s puppy Hennin�s Bad Majik was honered with a 3rd place. Good job to all of those young dogs and their handlers.
In closing I will have to say with all of our sponsorship and the Texas Bird Hunters Association (TBHA) did a wonderful job with prize money added to every stake and the huge pile of prizes. Also Dean Reinke with Purina as usual stepped up to the plate with dog food for the winners. Garmin also offered us special pricing for this event. Our thanks have to go out to Warner Smith and Garmin for helping us make these events successful. Steve Snelling at Gun Dog Supply also supported this event as they do all of our events.
