2022 Breeders Championship
This year's Breeders Invitational Championship, Futurity, and Jerry Kilgore Puppy Classic were held on the Sportsman's Association grounds near Grovesprings Mo. We started on Wednesday February 9th and ran through Sunday the 13th. We had a total of 88 entries for all three classes. With the help of the Missouri Bird Hunters and NBHA officers and spouses we had no issues getting through these dogs in a timely manner. The dogs were on the line and ready to go. Birds were planted. Gallery wagon full of spectators. Thank you all.
This year's handler dinner was catered by Dowds Catfish House. The meal was donated by last year's winners Mr. Greg Blair and Mr. Garry Malzone. Thank you so much. We also had a special guest Purina consultant Mr. Terry Trzeinski. The raffle and auction items provided a little entertainment and funds to help support the Futurity.
Our sponsors have our backs with help not only on these Championships but with our weekend trials also. Gundog Central, Gun Dog Supply, Garmin, Mule Brand Clothing, our newest sponsor On X, and our biggest sponsor Purina Pro Plan. Thank you all so much.
CHAMPIONSHIP
We had 3 beautiful February days in Missouri for the Championship. The weather can be a bit touchy in February, it can be nice or ice, flip a coin. This trial would have coats shed as the handlers chased their chances for a Championship. The Missouri Bird Hunters would be right behind them planting birds, snacks, coffee, picking up and getting dogs on the line. The Judges Mr. Jeremy Gulick of Kansas and Mr. Jay Lewis of Missouri would have 35 dogs to look at the next 3 days.
Day 2 would produce both Champion and Runner up. Congratulations to the winner and Champion Erin's Deja Vu. Tri colored English Setter female would run in the 14th brace. She is owned by Mr. Joseph Link. Handled by Garry Malzone and scouted by Jillian Stuhr. She would be cut loose from the west side at 1:45pm.The west side has taller switch grass, smaller fields, rolling hills with timber. She handled this with ease. A smooth running girl with all the class and style to win. She would grab an edge and go. 20 minutes in she was locked up on a single in Little Vine Loop. Garry flushed a single and would send her on her way. Working her way through the course she reach to front in the bigger fields of Sycamore Bottoms. At the 32 minute mark she stood tall in the bottoms. With birds produced, and all in order she would be sent out again. After crossing the road she would eat up the ground in the big fields ahead. 41 minute mark would be her third find deep on the SW corner along the creek. With a single being kicked up she stood tall as the single Bobwhite was on its way. Looking great and still hunting forward, Garry would call her and scout Jillian in to water with 8 minutes to go. She would finish the hour strong and still going forward.
After an early pickup of brace 9 we would start over across the road from the clubhouse with brace 10. Congrats to winner and Runner Up Champion Indian Creek Bocephus. Bo is owned by Edward Marron of New Jersey. Handled by Garry Malzone and scouted by Jillian Stuhr. He is a white and liver Pointer. Bo is a machine on a mission when released. Breakaway would be 836 am. Putting on a show he would hunt the country trying to locate game. Easy to watch work with a ton of style and class. Bo would have his first and only bird contact at the 50 minute mark. Garry put the birds in the air and continued on. Finishing with the strength he started with Bo would finish the hour.
