NBHA

NBHA National Invitational Amateur Championship results

This year's National Invitational Championship was held at the Sportsman's Association grounds in Grovesprings Missouri. This year's Championship had 12 outstanding dogs. Wisconsin was represented the strongest with 6 dogs making the journey South. We had 4 make it to the call backs Sunday with 2 on standby these dogs did an outstanding job to qualify for this trial and I hope they are all happy with their decision to compete. This year standby dogs would not be called back. Congrats for making the call back to Dale Creek Tothe Max English Setter male O/H John Dlobik, and Royal Rocks Lotta Hardcash pointer male O/H Mike Roper.

Championship running Sunday morning

Brace#1 would be released at 7:54 AM. I am always happy when we start early. Double D's Red Lancelot pointer male owner handler Danny Draffen and Raintree's Blue Moon Irish setter male owner handler Cathy Lewis would be paired to start us off. At the 16 minute mark Red was standing. After a good flushing attempt Danny elected to take the UP and continued on. After crossing into the Sycamore bottoms Red was standing again. This time a covey was produced. After passing through the bottom Blue Moon would pin a pair in a milo strip. Red would be backing. Both dogs perfect on their birdwork. At 8:39 along the dry creek by the gate Red would be found standing. A pair of bobs would be put in the air by Danny. Blue Moon would be picked up for manners. With 10 minutes to go Red would have his last find in a feed strip near the big south hill. Red would finish looking great and hunting hard.

Brace#2
This brace would be released at 9:07 am. Circle H's Tru Grit GSPM O/H Adam Hamilton and Craig's Runnin Roxie PF O/H Craig Hiatt. This was an exciting brace to watch with both dogs going back and forth in the judge's heads. At 9:22 both would be found standing. The judges ordered a divided find and both handlers flushed and shot. At 931 Grit was standing west of Sycamore Bottoms on a feed strip. Adam produced a pair of birds. 937 Roxie was pointing on the North side of Sycamore Bottoms with Grit backing. Before crossing the road both dogs would be pointed again going up the big chute. Judges would again call a divided find. Roxie was standing again at 9:51 with birds produced. Both dogs were still hitting the edges and hunting hard across the bottom field. Judges and gallery excited to see how this would play out. At 9:58 across from Andy's house Roxie was pointed again with Grit backing from a great distance. All was in order as Craig put the birds in the air. Both dogs finished the hour just as strong as they started and going away.

The Missouri Bird Hunters are proud to have been able to host this trial and would like to Congratulate are winners for 2022.
Congratulations to Mr. Craig Hiatt and Craig's Runin Roxie for winning this year's Championship. Also a huge congrats to RU Champion Double D's Red Lancelot and his owner Mr. Danny Draffen. Special thank you to our judges Mr. Justin Crook Jasper Mo and Mr. Kenny Snow of Mouldrow Ok.

This year was a blast. These trials go smoothly with our team. We had morning breakfast of biscuits and gravy and eggs, dinners with our judges nightly. This was nice to all be together cussing and discussing. Sometimes we went to different venues but no matter we were always eating with friends and family. Friday evening was a handler's dinner catered by Terry and Company Catering. We had a wonderful meal and dessert. We presented last year's championship winner Mr. Don Heisner a beautiful painting of Champion Beacoup Creek Gus. This painting was done for us by Jordan Wood of Grove Oklahoma.

The Missouri Bird Hunters Association helpers are great group Kevin Western, Jack Glover, Randy Zimmer, Joe Zimmer these guys cook breakfast every morning, donated UTV, drove dog wagons and kept every brace on the line. Hauled the bird planter, reporter, gallery wagon which is becoming a huge hit. I could call all of these gentlemen my brother. They are great behind the scenes helpers as well always offering help Justin, Tim, Craig, and Kristi. Thank you to all that had anything to do with this trial.

A special thank you to Ivy Crook and Crooks Creations for making the judges and National Invitational Championship dogs beautiful keepsake tumblers. Gabe Allen G&S Printing for the awesome hats.

Our birds came from Seneca Missouri this year. Scott Walker has been working to improve his birds and facility. The results are amazing these birds would flat get-up-and-get gone. If you need birds locally give him a yell Walker Valley quail.

Thank you to our sponsors Purina for their gift certificates and coupons and dog food. On-X for the gift certificates. Garmin for the Alpha 10 and TTX collar. Gun Dogs Supply for their gift certificates. Gun Dog Central. These sponsors are our backbone and we would ask that you support them whenever possible. Thank you all so much.

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