Result: NBHA National Amateur Invitational Championship

Location: Grovespring, Missouri

Post Date: Jan 26, 2024

Submitted By: Tim Penn

NBHA National Amateur Invitational Championship (l-r): Joe Zimmer, Tony King (judge), Kenric DeLong and Tammi with K Del's Eagle Magnum Hotshot, Tim Penn, and Adam DeLude (judge).

The NBHA National Amateur Invitational Championship was held on December 1 at the Sportsman's Field Trial grounds near Grovespring, Missouri. The grounds were in excellent condition this year, with milo strips that bordered the edges throughout the course. This championship is a two-part series, with the first series running on Friday, December 1. The final series, "The Callbacks," was run on Sunday morning, December 3. As part of this event, a Handlers' dinner is served at the end of the first series to announce the callback dogs that will make their final bid to win the championship. Other activities, such as a raffle with various donated items, are given out. To conclude the activities was a presentation of a portrait of last year's winner, Craig's Runin Roxie, for owner and handler Craig Hiatt.

This year's event was hosted by the North Missouri Field Trial Association with the help of the Missouri Bird Hunters. Helping out were Tim Penn, Joe Zimmer, Randy Zimmer, Jack Glover, and Kevin Western. This is a hard-working bunch of guys who are willing to help out wherever it is needed. This year's judging duties were capably handled by Tony King of Thompson, Missouri, and Adam DeLude of Campbellsport, Wisconsin. These gentlemen gave their undivided attention to their job at hand, and we were lucky to have them evaluate our dogs.

The National Bird Hunters Association is blessed to have such generous sponsors. Purina Pro Plan, Garmin, Gun Dog Supply, OnX Hunt, and Mule Brand Gear are valued and much-appreciated sponsors. Their participation and sponsorship of the NBHA are much appreciated.

Again, we would like to thank all our sponsors, the judges, the helpers, and all our participants. It is the work and participation of all that help make up a great event. The participation and dedication of the good folks who come to these trials make the future look great for the National Bird Hunters.

Initial series
The first brace of the championship had Faith's Maximum Justice with handler Kenny Delong braced with Chippewa's Dog of War with Geoff Johnson as handler. This day started out fast and furious as Chippewa's Dog of War was gone to the front and was pushing the limits. Faith's Maximum Justice was found pointed and then was relocated prior to the road crossing; he suffered an unproductive here at 20. At 25, Chippewa's Dog of War had his only bird contact of the hour; he was again to the front. Faith's Maximum Justice had finds at 53 and 58 and finished his hour.

The second brace had K C's Guitar Man handled by Ken Sauer, braced with Raintree Blue Moon handled by Kathy Lewis. K C's Guitar Man had finds at 12 and 32; he was picked up by this handler at 56. Raintree Blue Moon's first find came at 29, and he backed K C's Guitar Man at 32. At 48, Blue Moon had his final piece of birdwork with all in order. He finished the hour for handler Kathy Lewis.

The third brace had K Del's Eagle Magnum Hotshot with Kenny DeLong as handler. His bracemate was Foxy Lady Sadie, with Mike Fox handling. Eagle Magnum Hotshot had finds at 8, 15, 18, and 25. He suffered an unproductive at 55 but finished the hour. Foxy Lady Sadie had a divided find at 15 and then, after being turned loose, was lost the remainder of the brace, ending her bid.

The fourth brace was Sol Fire Bend, handled by William Langley, and Cates Rocket Girl, handled by David Cates. Sol Fire Bend was lost from the start; Cates Rocket Girl had a find and was picked up at 55 due to infraction.

The fifth brace was Double D's Red Lancelot, handled by Dan Draffen, braced with Fast Money, handled by Bud Moore. Double D's Red Lancelot was picked up shortly after his first find at 15. Fast Money finished the hour with two finds for her handler, Bud Moore.

The sixth brace had Bakers Shining Star Duke, handled by Mike Baker, braced with Sulphur Bend Firestorm, handled by William Langley. Duke had finds at 15, 35, and 57 and finished the hour. Sulphur Bend Firestorm had an unproductive at 30 and again at 45 and was picked up by handler.

The final series, "The Callbacks"
Faith's Maximum Justice was braced with Bakers Shining Star Duke in the first brace. The second brace was Raintree Blue Moon with K Del's Eagle Magnum Hotshot. Standby dogs were Fast Money and Chippewa's Dog of War.

After the completion of the final series, the judges named K Del's Eagle Magnum Hotshot, a Brittany male owned by Kenric DeLong, champion of the NBHA Amateur Invitational Championship. Hotshot finished the hour with five finds and card one unproductive. He was to the front and competed with intensity throughout, showing what a champion should do. His four-find performance in the first hour and a five-find performance in his final hour demonstrate the true measure of a champion. Congratulations to Kenny DeLong, and special thanks to all our participants.

Grovespring, Mo., December 3 - One Course
Judges: Adam DeLude and Tony King
NBHA NATIONAL AMATEUR INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Qualifying Heats; One-Hour Finals] - 6 Pointers, 1 Setter, 1 Brittany, 2 Irish Setters, and 2 German Shorthairs
Winner-K DEL'S EAGLE MAGNUM HOTSHOT, 1685770, Brittany male, by Magnum High Velocity-K Del's Eagle's Chance To Soar. Kenric J. DeLong, owner and handler.
No Runner-Up Named.