Result: NBHA National Open Championship

Location: Dancyville, Tennessee

Post Date: Jun 24, 2025

NBHA National Open Championship (l-r): Ronnie Rogers (judge), Brian Peterson, Isaiah Todd with Southern Shadow's Bootlegger, Mike Fox, an unknown participant, Bobby Phillips (judge), Klaus Schmidt, Ike Todd, Cliff Monroe with Emert's Grouse Ringer T, Tony Bingham, Ken Sauer, Julia Currie, Bill Currie, and Andria Ward.

The NBHA National Open Championship was held at the West Tennessee Field Trial grounds near Dancyville, Tennessee. This event began on February 25 with 57 entries vying for the crown of NBHA National Champion. This is the largest entry for this trial to date. Judges for this Championship were Bobby Phillips of Jonesborough, Tennessee, and Ronnie Rogers of New Market, Tennessee. Both men have a long history of field trials as competitors, trial chairmen, and judges. Their combined knowledge has prepared them for the task of selecting the top dog to be the NBHA National Open Champion.

This year's NBHA National Champion is Southern Shadow's Bootlegger ("Robert"), owned and handled by Klaus Schmidt from Wichita, Kansas. Robert ran in the 20th brace in the qualifying round and was in the first brace of the final callback hour. Robert has always performed at his best at the West Tennessee trial grounds. Robert was named champion in 2024 and, in 2023, was the first-place winner in the Derby. He is setting a high mark for others to match in the future.

The runner-up champion is Emert's Grouse Ringer T. "T" is owned by Gail Emert and Amber Richards of Greer, South Carolina, and handled by Tony Bingham of Shelby, North Carolina. He ran in the last brace of the qualifying hour, and he ran in the second brace of the final series. Much like the winner, T ran a forward race and displayed style, intelligence, and good manners throughout his performance.
After four days, it was time for the Friday night Handlers' dinner, and everyone was anticipating a relaxing evening of fellowship, awaiting the announcement of the callback dogs. The announcement of World Class Bird Dogs' top qualifier is Southern Shadow's Bootlegger, and the callback dogs to run on Sunday morning, as chosen by trial chair Greg Blair, were as follows:
Brace 1) Southern Shadow's Bootlegger and Santee River Pawley Girl
Brace 2) Emert's Grouse Ringer T and Foxy Lady Sadie
Brace 3) Mohawk Mill Shake Up and Raintree Simply Singular
Brace 4) Smoke Rise Jake and Harbor City Pride

Saturday was set aside for the running of the Open Derby and Open Puppy stakes. The Open Derby had 19 entries for judges Ken Sauer and Isaiah Todd to evaluate, and their placements were well received.

The Open Puppy had 15 entries for judges Greg Blair and Ronnie Rogers to evaluate, and their decisions were well received.

This year's NBHA National Championship was fueled by the great sponsors that support the NBHA organization throughout the year. Sponsors are Purina Pro Plan, Garmin, Gun Dog Supply, Mule Brand Clothing, World Class Bird Dogs, OnX Hunt, Gun Dog Central, and Andis.

NBHA is grateful to the Currie family and all members of the West Tennessee Field Trial Club for their ongoing commitment to supporting and providing additional help in making the NBHA National Open Championship a first-class event. Their ability to provide daily lunches and their attendance to help and assist all attendees are greatly appreciated.

There are so many working parts that need to be recognized in making an event like this a success. Without naming anyone individually, we want to thank all who helped and stepped up to help, from the smallest task to the everyday commitment. Thanks, from the NBHA.

Dancyville, Tenn., February 25 - One Course
Judges: Bobby Phillips and Ronnie Rogers
NBHA NATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 57 Entries
Winner-SOUTHERN SHADOW'S BOOTLEGGER, F1700852, pointer male, by Lester's Prime Poison Lane-Southern Ritz Lane. Klaus Schmidt, owner and handler.
Runner-Up-EMERT'S GROUSE RINGER T, F1680041, setter male, by Erin's Hidden Shamrock-Pine Straw Sweet Tea. Gail Emert & Amber Richards, owners; Tony Bingham, handler.

Judges: Isaiah Todd and Ken Sauer
NBHA OPEN DERBY - 12 Pointers, 2 Setters, and 5 Irish Setters
1st-HANEYS LIVE WIRE, F1718923, pointer male, by Sam Houston's Image-Miss Turner Loose. Ben Weddington, owner; James Kleve, handler.
2d-HANEY'S I.B. FANCY, F1718863, pointer female, by Haney's Silver Dollar-Haney's Black Widow. Sonny Clark, owner; Klaus Schmidt, handler.
3d-HANEY'S BIG COUNTRY, F1715342, pointer male, by Haney's Silver Dollar-Wiggins C Trace. John Mathys, owner; Garry Malzone, handler.

Judges: Greg Blair and Ronnie Rogers
NBHA OPEN PUPPY - 7 Pointers and 6 Setters
1st-BOBO'S ELHEW COCO, F1708921, pointer female, by Tenacee Cooper-Bob's Elhew Smokie. Bobby Phillips, owner and handler.
2d-BOATRIGHT'S RENEGADE, F1710486, setter male, by Boatright's Maverick-Stardust Outcast Coco. Terry Boatright, owner; James Kleve, handler.
3d-ELHEW CHIEF SNAKEFEATHER, F1709748, pointer male, by Hackberry's Elhew Chief-Hackberry's Elhew Ashlee. Michial Taylor, owner and handler.