Result: SBHA National Open Shooting Dog Classic

Location: Union Springs, Alabama

Post Date: Apr 16, 2026

Submitted By: Marty Robinson

Winners of the SBHA National Open Shooting Dog Classic and participants.

The 2026 running of the SBHA National Open Shooting Dog Classic is in the books, and what a grand event it was! We were blessed to have an entry of 68 of the best shooting dogs in the country. The event started on February 11 and was completed on February 17. Conecuh Station, the beautiful piney wood plantation owned by Tony and Beck Gibson of Union Springs, Alabama, was in pristine condition, and the dogs took advantage of its beautiful terrain. The weather during the trial was typical February weather in the South, with lows in the mid-40s to mid-50s and highs in the mid-60s to low-70s, with only one day of precipitation.

The Winners
Taking first place this year was Miller's Little Duce Coupe, a pointer female owned by Allen Linder and Madison McDonald and handled by George Tracy. She ran in the seventh brace and had a flowing race with two dug-up finds.

Second place was BK Locked N' Loaded, a pointer female owned by Boss Kennels and handled by Sergio Velez. Locked N' Loaded ran in the very first brace and set the bar early with an effortless, flowing, and forward race with one find.

Third place went to Cool Hand Luke, a pointer male owned by Robert Bergen and handled by Mike Tracy. Luke ran in the 31st brace and had a forward race with two finds.
There are many people to thank for the support and help that continually make this trial one of the most prestigious of the year. We thank Eukanuba for their "Elite" sponsorship. They always step up and are such great partners, having truly supported the SBHA's mission to make field trials great again. Eukanuba rep Lynn Carridine is the best. She is always present, either through her attendance or her influence. She always has a keen eye for ideas and ways to improve our sport. Also, SportDOG, a Gold sponsor, and James O'Neal Dodge and Gundog Central, who are Silver sponsors. We could not offer all we do without the support of each of these sponsors, and we thank them with serious appreciation.

Our judges this year were Doug Hinton of Dacula, Georgia, and Burl Hicks of Smithville, Mississippi. These gentlemen were attentive to each entrant, and we appreciate them so much for taking on this duty for our trial.

Jeff Gibbons was our Field Marshal and, as always, kept everyone on course and is always on hand to assist in making the trial a success.
Our dog wagon was ably handled by Steve Hutto, who wears many hats around Conecuh Station and always has the next brace of dogs ready to go.
Teresa Justice, National Secretary of the SBHA, was also on hand, receiving entry fees and assisting in any way possible, and a special shout-out to Shana Gibbs for producing our unique, one-of-a-kind running orders.

Our meals were expertly handled by Steve Hutto and George Cole (breakfast), and Ban and Allison Stewart (lunches and dinners). I overheard someone say, "This is the only trial I go to and ride for seven days and still gain weight!" Banjo makes sure no one has a hungry moment during the trial.

A special word of thanks always goes out to Tony and Becky Gibson for allowing, not only our trial, but so many trials to be run on this remarkable venue. We can never thank them enough!
Many thanks also go to the owners and handlers who continue to support this event. We work very hard to put on professionally organized, enjoyable, and fair events. We are rooted in fairness and will never waver from this commitment. We look forward to hosting this event again next year and will soon begin preparations for the annual SBHA Banquet, where we will award our dogs and handlers of the year. If you've never attended an SBHA banquet, we invite you to come and witness what a great banquet honoring the sport really looks like.

Union Springs, Ala., February 11
Judges: Burl Hicks and Doug Hinton
SBHA NATIONAL OPEN SHOOTING DOG CLASSIC [One-Hour Heats] - 57 Pointers and 11 Setters
1st-MILLER'S LITTLE DUCE COUPE, F1700309, pointer female, by Miller's Upgraded Version-Walden's Ice Breaker. Allen Linder & Madison McDonald, owners; George Tracy, handler.
2d-BK LOCKED N' LOADED, F1699229, pointer female, by B K Bonafide Stallion-B K Hirollins Wild. Sergio Velez, owner and handler.
3d-COOL HAND LUKE, F1714223, pointer male, by Southpoint's Speedy G-Lone Tree Last Snow. Robert Bergen, owner; Mike Tracy, handler.