Event: Event & Fundraiser
Result: Park Cities Quail Coalition & National Bird Hunters Association
Location: Alford, Texas
Post Date: Dec 11, 2023
Submitted By: Ken Sauer
NBHA Amateur Shooting Dog (JC@F) Winners (l-r): Ken Sauer, Jason Super (judge), Conrad and Harper Jett with Beau, Sammy Davison with Cruz, Mike Rogers, David Strickland with Panzer, Sean Anderson (judge), and Trey Baer.
We at the National Bird Hunters Association (NBHA), Valley View Field Trial Association (VVFTA), and Region 7 AFTCA, in appreciation of the years of sponsorship to the NBHA, were compelled to do something to show our support for Park Cities Quail Coalition (PCQC) and all their research and habitat restoration; not to mention their support of the NBHA over the years introducing walking field trials to like-minded upland dog enthusiast. A sizable group of people are also owed many thanks for their participation. It takes people to pull this off, and we're thankful for those who lent a hand. Also, to my wife Melissa Sauer, who has helped, supported, and been my scout over many years, I owe many thanks. She's always been a trooper, but on some days with poor weather, she has a hard time getting excited about it.
I have to say mission accomplished for introducing new folks to field trials and raising money to donate to PCQC. By no means were we able to compete with the PCQC Banquet's fundraising, but we didn't have Kevin Costner showing up. A huge thanks to all the raffle supporters: Jay Stine, our judges Jason Super and Sean Anderson, Heath Autry, and Trey Baer. This year's event raised $4,448 to benefit PCQC.
The weather on Saturday was cool in the morning but did warm up to the mid-60s. The activities (Saturday) started with an introduction day of working dogs in a field trial environment to help out the new folks interested in our sport of field trialing. We had 17 dogs enter this venue. The goal was to show them a field trial course and how it works. There were plenty of birds on course for lots of dog opportunities with bird contact. Lots of experienced trialers were on hand lending positive support. As a consensus, the day and experience went well. There were lots of positive comments, happy faces, and many thanks of gratitude. Lunches were served with smoked pulled pork tacos, refried beans, and Spanish rice sides. The day was topped off with the raffle. We had Conrad Jett's daughter, Harper, and Sammy Davison's grandson, Rhyder, draw all the winners. Lots of happy faces from the winners.
Sunday, the weather forecast had cooler weather and possible mixed precipitation. What rain we had wasn't heavy but off and on until after lunch. There were a lot of birds on the course from the Saturday event, not to mention even more put out on the course. I'm excited to see some of the newer folks over the past two years starting to run in some broke dog stakes. Entries for the JC@F stake are what I would consider low, but as long as there are enough to hold a stake, there will be one. The NBHA Amateur Shooting Dog stakes followed the JC@F event. There was a lot of really nice dog work and ground races. Placements are listed below.
NBHA Amateur Shooting Dog -- JC@F (6 Dogs)
1st-Beau, Llewellyn setter male. Conrad Jett, owner & handler.
2d-Grandslams Gunslingin Cruz, setter male. Sammy Davison, owner & handler.
3d-Panzer, German Shorthair male. David Strickland, owner & handler.
NBHA Amateur Shooting Dog (12 Dogs)
1st-Fortius Make Someday Today, Vizsla female. Sean & Jacklyn Anderson, owners; Sean Anderson, handler.
2d-Banjo, pointer male. Matthew Puckett, owner & handler.
3d-K C's Guitar Man, pointer male. Ken Sauer, owner & handler.
Our sponsors are many and need to be recognized: Purina Pro Plan, Park Cities Quail Coalition, Garmin, Mule Brand Clothing, Gun Dog Supply, Indian Creek Kennels, Ken Sauer, American Field/UKC, and OnX Hunt.