NBHA Midwest Regional Championship 3-23-25 results
Dewayne Langley with Champion Sulphur Bend Firestorm
NBHA Midwest Regional Championship was held at Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area near LaRussell, MO on March 21st – 23rd. This year’s Championship was hosted by the Missouri Bird Hunters Association. The trial drew twenty-seven of the toughest competitors for the Championship, nine for the companion Derby, and fourteen vibrant youngsters for the companion puppy class. This made for a fun filled but full three days of running for the prestigious event.
The grounds were tough, and they tested a dog’s ability to run a good race but still be in contact with its handler. This year we had the element of super high wind gust and dry conditions along with temperatures that reached up near 60 degrees. The dogs that made it around did so with a lot of grit and determination.
We want to thank our judges for their time evaluating the performances put forth by all entries. Ken Chenoweth, Fairplay, MO, judged the Championship as well as the Derbies and the puppies. Jim Ogle, Jasper, MO, helped judge the Championship. Jack Glover, Shelbyville, MO and James Ogle, Jasper, MO. Helped with the derbies and puppies, respectively. These men did an excellent job of evaluating the entries and kept the trial moving at a good pace. Even though conditions were not ideal they went about their jobs with a high level of dedication and a smile on their faces.
This year’s Champion Sulphur Bend Firestorm emerged from the seventh brace right after lunch. Freckles is owned and was expertly handled by Dewayne Langley. He ran in the toughest of conditions and handled the course with ease, hunting in all the right places garnering two expertly handled finds to go along with his near perfect race. The race that he had and the conditions he had to run in set him apart from the rest of the field. Mohawk Mill Trail Warrior ran on the second day and was handled by Gary Malzone. Warrior is owned by Jillian Stuhr. This team is no stranger to the winner’s circle. They always bring their “A” game, and this year was no different. Warrior applied himself very well and was rewarded with back and three finds to garner the Runner Up spot. Both the Champion and the Runner Up exemplified the kind of dog it takes to win at the highest level in the National Bird Hunters Association. Both dogs were very fun to watch.
The NBHA would like to thank our sponsors Purina for the dog food that is provided for the winners and samples to all the participants. Garmin provided a TT25 collar to the winner, On X Hunt to the winners and Gun Dog Supply gift certificates. Other NBHA sponsors Gun Dog Central and Mule Brand clothing are ongoing supporters of the organization throughout the year.
I cannot say enough about the group of guys that comprise the Missouri Bird Hunters Association. Jim Ogle, Randy Zimmer, Joe Zimmer, Jack Glover, and Kevin Western. This group is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Without groups like this we would never be able to host a class event like we had.
WINNERS
CHAMPION: Sulphur Bend Firestorm O/H William D. Langley
RUNNER UP CHAMPION: Mohawk Mill Trail Warrior O-Jillian Stuhr; H-Gary Malzone
DERBIES:
1st Hackberry’s Zack O- Brian Kennedy; H-Justin Crook
2nd Haney’s Live Wire O-Ben Weddington; H-Travis Patterson
3rd Sulphur Bends Shamrock O/H-William D. Langley
PUPPIES:
1st Windypoint’s Black Storm O-Robert D. Jones; H-Justin Crook
2nd Hackberry’s Boone O-Brian Kennedy; H-Justin Crook
3rd Hackberry’s Elhew Maggie O-Robert Konz/H-Brian Kennedy
