2024-2025 DOY & HOY Awards Announced
The National Bird Hunters Association is thrilled to announce and celebrate the highly esteemed Dog of the Year and Handler of the Year awards for the 2024-2025 Field Trial Season.
Dog and handler of the Year awards symbolize the pinnacle of excellence in the field through the rigorous competition, skill, and tireless effort, and a heightened standard of distinction and quality.
Dog of the Year and Handler of the Year award recipients for the 2024-2025 NBHA Field Trial Season are awarded as follows:
🐕 DOG OF THE YEAR AWARDS🐾
--Open Shooting Dog of the Year--
• Winner: Kissamee Grousewoods Tea – Owner: Black Meadow Kennels
• Runner-up: Southern Shadow’s Bootlegger – Owner: Klaus Schmidt
--Open Derby of the Year--
• Winner: Haney’s Big Country – Owner: Jillian Stuhr
• Runner-up: Hackberry’s Zack – Owner: Mike Griffin
--Open Puppy of the Year--
• Winner: Lil Elhew Chief Snake Feather – Owner: Mike Taylor
• Runner-up: Run To Wynn – Owner: Brett Eikenbary
--Amateur Shooting Dog of the Year--
• Winner: Glover’s Flintstone – Owner: Jack Glover
• Runner-up: Glover’s Pepper Shaker – Owner: Jack Glover
--Amateur Derby of the Year--
• Winner: Erin’s Pancho Villa – Owner: Charles Leonard
• Runner-up: Miss Grace – Owner: Dan Crunk
--Amateur Puppy of the Year--
• Winner: PB John The Baptist – Owner: Brian Stockrahm
--Amateur Shooting Dog of the Year (JC@F)--
• Winner: Firebug – Owner: Chuck Maxson
• Runner-up: No Limit’s Little Slick – Owner: John Landolina
🎖️ HANDLER OF THE YEAR WINNERS 🎖️
--Open Shooting Dog Handler of the Year--
• Winner: Garry Malzone
• Runner-up: Kenny Snow
--Open Derby Handler of the Year--
• Winner: Garry Malzone
• Runner-up: Justin Crook
--Open Puppy Handler of the Year--
• Winner: Justin Crook
• Runner-up: Garry Malzone
--Amateur Shooting Dog Handler of the Year--
• Winner: Jack Glover
• Runner-up: Kenny DeLong
--Amateur Derby Handler of the Year--
• Winner: Charles Leonard
• Runner-up (tie): Dan Crunk & Mary Sue Schalk
--Amateur Puppy Handler of the Year--
• Winner: Brian Stockrahm
• Runner-up: Brian Kennedy
--Amateur Gun Dog Handler of the Year--
• Winner: Chuck Maxson
• Runner-up: Myah Landolina
--Youth Handler Handler of the Year--
• Winner: Myah Landolina
• Runner-up: Meadow Thornton
🏅 OVERALL HANDLER OF THE YEAR 🏅
• Open Handler of the Year: Garry Malzone
• Amateur Handler of the Year: Jack Glover
The National Bird Hunters Association extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the 2024–2025 season such a success. From the handlers and trainers to the judges, volunteers, and loyal supporters—you are the heartbeat of this sport.
Your dedication and passion have not only fueled incredible competition but also fostered a strong sense of community built on camaraderie, sportsmanship, and shared purpose.
As we honor this year’s award recipients, we also celebrate the entire bird hunting community. Every member—whether in the field, behind the scenes, or cheering from the gallery—plays a vital role in advancing and preserving this sport we love.
The National Bird Hunter's Association and its framework is completed and wholly supported by its loyal and trusted partners in Purina Pro Plan, Gun Dog Supply, Garmin, Gundog Central, Mule Brand Gear and Apparel, and onX Hunt.
For more information and photos of this season's recipients, please visit us on Facebook and/or Instagram.
