Result: The American Bird Hunters National Championship

Location: Berea, Kentucky

Post Date: Mar 29, 2021

Submitted By: Adam Thomas

The American Bird Hunters National Championship took place at the Central Kentucky WMA near Berea, Ky., the week of March 29.

First and foremost, the ABHA would like to thank our sponsors, SportDog and Sportsman's Pride. These two sponsors have been with the ABHA for several years now and we truly appreciate their steadfast support. SportDog graciously awarded ProHunter 2525 units to both our champion and runner-up.

Secondly, we would like to thank our judges and participants. Magda Lear of Lebanon Junction, Ky., occupied the saddle for all stakes except for the Open Puppy. Magda is well known locally for participating in walking trials of all kinds including NBHA, ABHA, and AKC. Roy Richardson of Russell Springs, Ky., accompanied Magda, judging the walking stakes. Roy brought decades of experience to the table. Filling in where needed was Adam Thomas of Beaver, Ky., and Scott Luther of Marshall, N.C.

With heavy rains hitting the area in the days before the trial club officials elected to delay the start until March 30 to give the grounds time to dry out. With each day of the trial participants were faced with entirely different conditions. Temperatures crept up near 80 on March 30, with bluebird skies. Nearly an inch of rain fell that night with showers continuing well into the next day with temps falling below freezing into the next night. Heavy frost greeted participants on the 1st with temps hovering in the mid-30s all day.

Clinching both National Champion and Runner-up honors was Joseph Hopkins of London, Ky. Joe and his wife Brittany have put together an outstanding group of dogs that have been making a strong showing the last few years.

Earning National Champion title was All Out, white and orange setter male coming seven (June 1). This is "Nick's" third championship title. He is the reigning ABHA Free-For-All Champion as well as clenched the 2019 AFTCA Region 4 Walking Championship.

In addition to these titles Nick was also Kentucky Field Trial Association Walking Shooting Dog of the year for the 2019-2020 season. Nick laid down a strong race boasting five finds during his bid.

Earning runner-up was Seven of Diamonds, three-year-old chestnut and white setter male. "Pete" is a first-year shooting dog that had a dominating Derby season last year in Kentucky earning the title of KFTCA Derby of the Year and winner of the 2020 ABHA Derby Classic. This title cements that Pete has made a successful transition from Derby to dependable Shooting Dog. Pete scored four finds during his hour running a large race showing well to the front.

Notable multiple-find performances were also put up by Pond Rivers Pressures On with Joshua Griggs, 2020 National Champion Katyln's Jan with Ronnie Rogers, No Leaf Clover with Joseph Hopkins, and Guns Pistol Pete with Justin Crook.

Earning top spot in the Derby Classic was Vitali's Grouseringer Shiner, setter male owned and handled by Gary Vitali of Versailles, Ky. Shiner laid down a strong ground effort coupled with two classy finds showing excellent restraint on a group of uncooperative birds in a thicket. Earning second was Whisper Ridge Gunner owned, handled and bred by Gerry Addison of Okeana, Ohio. Gunner laid down a solid brace handling well for Gerry.

The horseback stakes were largely dominated by Missouri professional handler Justin Crook of Powerhouse Kennels in Joplin, Mo. Justin seized all three Derby placements as well as second and third in the Shooting Dog Stake.

Earning first in the Shooting Dog Stake was B K Rolling Dice, handled by Bill Hoover of Felicity, Ohio and owned by William Siemer of Hamersville, Ohio.

Thanks again to everyone that helped make this trial possible. Thanks to KDFW and their crews for all they do to keep these grounds maintained and available.

Berea, Ky., March 29 -- One Course

Judges: Magda Lear and Roy Richardson

ABHA NATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] --

8 Pointers and 10 Setters

Winner--ALL OUT, 1658806, setter male, by All In--Walnut Hills Rocket Onpoint. Joseph & Brittany Hopkins, owners; Joseph Hopkins, handler.

Runner-Up--SEVEN OF DIAMONDS, 1682461, setter male, by Erin's Hidden Shamrock--Diamond's Blue Girl. Joseph & Brittany Hopkins, owners; Joseph Hopkins, handler.

ABHA OPEN DERBY CLASSIC -- 2 Pointers and 3 Setters

1st--VITALI'S GROUSERINGER SHINER, 1686944, setter male, by Vitali's Grouseringer Tony--Boatright's Zena Re Call. Gary J. Vitali, owner and handler.

2d--WHISPER RIDGE GUNNER, 1686742, setter male, by Smoke Rise Buck--Whisper Ridge Rosie. Gerry Addison, owner and handler.

Judges: Magda Lear and Adam Thomas

ABHA OPEN DERBY -- 4 Pointers and 3 Setters

1st--TWO SEAMER, 1688946, pointer male, by Rock Acre Shortstop--Frozen Desert Blizzard. Colby Tackett, owner; Justin Crook, handler.

2d--BOLT'S DURAMAX, 1690620, pointer male, by Chelsea's Thunder Bolt--Babe of Flint Ridge. John D. Gaines, owner; Justin Crook, handler.

3d--MOORE'S LAST HURDLE, unreg., pointer male, by White Reign--Dial My Number. Tony & Landon Crow, owners; Justin Crook, handler.

ABHA OPEN SHOOTING DOG -- 8 Pointers and 7 Setters

1st--B K ROLLING DICE, 1685683, pointer female, by Railhew Explorer--Railhew Mrs. McGoo. William Sierner, owner; Bill Hoover, handler.

2d--OBJECTIVE, 1668187, pointer male, by Miller's Happy Jack--Copper's Little Patti. Tony & Landon Crow, owners; Justin Crook, handler.

3d--UNFINISHED BUSINESS, 1665852, pointer male, by Unabridged--Mojo's Rock Solid. John D. Gaines, owner; Justin Crook, handler.

Judges: Scott Luther and Roy Richardson

ABHA OPEN PUPPY -- 3 Pointers and 5 Setters

1st--MOORE'S LAST HURDLE, unreg., pointer male, by White Reign--Dial My Number. Tony & Landon Crow, owners; Justin Crook, handler.

2d--NAPA, unreg., pointer female, breeding not given. Justin Crook, owner and handler.

3d--CZESHKA LOYAL FLOYD, 1693743, setter male, by Jaguar Za Czeshka--Max's Cross Connection. Magda Lear, owner and handler.