Result: NBHA Midwest Regional Championship

Location: Larussell, Missouri

Post Date: Apr 17, 2025

Submitted By: Kevin Western

NBHA Midwest Regional Championship (front): Sulphur Ben Firestorm with William Langley. (Back row): Jim Ogle (judge), Ken Chenoweth (judge), Kevin Western, Joe Zimmer, Kenny Snow, Randy Zimmer, and Jack Glover.

The NBHA Midwest Regional Championship was held at Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area near La Russell, Missouri, on March 21-23. The Missouri Bird Hunters Association hosted this year's championship. The trial drew 27 of the toughest competitors for the championship, nine for the companion Derby, and 14 vibrant youngsters for the companion Puppy class. This made for a fun-filled but full three days of running for the prestigious event.

The grounds were tough, and they tested a dog's ability to run a good race but still be in contact with its handler. This year, we had the element of super high wind gusts and dry conditions, along with temperatures that reached nearly 60 degrees. The dogs that made it around did so with a lot of grit and determination.

We want to thank our judges for their time evaluating the performances put forth by all entries. Ken Chenoweth, Fairplay, Missouri, judged the championship, the derbies, and the puppies. Jim Ogle, Jasper, Missouri, helped judge the championship. Jack Glover, Shelbyville, Missouri, and James Ogle, Jasper, Missouri, helped with the derbies and puppies. These men did an excellent job of evaluating the entries and kept the trial moving at a good pace. Even though conditions were not ideal, they went about their jobs with a high level of dedication and a smile on their faces.
This year's champion, Sulphur Bend Firestorm, emerged from the seventh brace right after lunch. "Freckles" is owned and was expertly handled by Dawayne Langley. He ran in the toughest of conditions and handled the course with ease, hunting in all the right places and garnering two expertly handled finds to go along with his near-perfect race. His race and the conditions he had to run in set him apart from the rest of the field.

Mohawk Mill Trail Warrior ran on the second day and was handled by Garry Malzone. Warrior is owned by Jillian Stuhr. This team is no stranger to the winners' circle. They always bring their "A" game, and this year was no different. Warrior applied himself very well and was rewarded with a back and three finds to garner the runner-up spot. Both the champion and the runner-up exemplified the kind of dog it takes to win at the highest level in the National Bird Hunters Association. Both dogs were very fun to watch.

The NBHA would like to thank our sponsors: Purina, for the dog food provided for the winners and samples for all the participants; Garmin, for a TT25 collar to the winner; and OnX Hunt and Gun Dog Supply, for gift certificates. Other NBHA sponsors, Gun Dog Central and Mule Brand Clothing, are ongoing supporters of the organization throughout the year.

I cannot say enough about the group of guys that comprise the Missouri Bird Hunters Association. Jim Ogle, Randy Zimmer, Joe Zimmer, Jack Glover, and Kevin Western. This group is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Without groups like this we would never be able to host a class event like we had.

La Russell, Mo., March 21 - One Course
Judges: Ken Chenoweth and Christian Ogle
NBHA MIDWEST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 14 Pointers, 11 Setters, 1 Irish Setter, and 1 German Shorthair
Winner-SULPHUR BEND FIRESTORM, F1690502, German Shorthair male, by Texas Tuff-Sulphur Bend Inferno. William D. Langley, owner and handler.
Runner-Up-MOHAWK MILL TRAIL WARRIOR, F1676193, pointer male, by Stoney Run's Buddy-Hirollins Fancy Lady. Jillian Stuhr, owner; Garry Malzone, handler.

Judges: Ken Chenoweth and Jack Glover
NBHA OPEN DERBY - 7 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st-GRIFFS HACKBERRY'S ZACK, F1714352, pointer male, by Hackberry's Elhew Chief-Hackberry's Mia Blackhawk. Mike Griffin, owner; Justin Crook, handler.
2d-HANEYS LIVE WIRE, F1718923, pointer male, by Sam Houston's Image-Miss Turner Loose. Ben Weddington, owner; Travis Patterson, handler.
3d-SULPHUR BENDS SHAMROCK, F1705480, setter male, by Jojo's Quick Justice-Shamrock's Tish. William D. Langley, owner and handler.

Judges: Ken Chenoweth and James Ogle
NBHA OPEN PUPPY - 12 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st-WINDYPOINT'S BLACK STORM, F1712564, setter female, by Windypoint's Handsome Mann-Eleven Oaks Bitte. Robert D. Jones, owner; Justin Crook, handler.
2d-HACKBERRY'S BOONE, F1708403, pointer male, by Hackberry's Elhew Chief-Deep Creek Katydid. Brian Kennedy, owner; Justin Crook, handler.
3d-HACKBERRYS ELHEW MAGGIE, F1714825, pointer female, by Hackberry's Elhew Ruger-Numark Sioux Zee. Robert Konz, owner; Brian Kennedy, handler.