Result: NBHA Midwest Regional Championship

Location: Williamsburg, Missouri

Post Date: Apr 23, 2026

Submitted By: Kevin Western

NBHA Midwest Regional Championship: Tim Penn, Gary Malzone, Jill Stuhr with Indian Creek Spur, Bob Wilson, Jason Williams, Paul Ott with Flint Ridge Ranger, Dr. Bill Wright (judge), and Danny Draffen (judge).

Whetstone Conservation Area near Millersburg, Missouri, was the site for the 2025-26 Midwest Regional Championship. The grounds were in great condition; those attending would agree that these grounds will allow a dog to naturally hunt the cover and show the good qualities that judges are looking for in their winners. Whetstone area manager Clinton Prenger and his team of dedicated workers have continued to improve the area for quail habitat, making for excellent grounds to run dogs. The weather was warm to hot, and keeping the dogs cool was an ongoing challenge.

The Missouri Bird Hunters team, consisting of Kevin Western, Joe Zimmer, Randy Zimmer, Jack Glover, and Tim Penn, kept the trial moving from start to finish. Their efforts and time were well appreciated by all who participated.
Judicial duties were carried out by Dr. Bill Wright of Bellflower, Missouri, and Dan Draffen of Bunceton, Missouri. A big thank you to them for their time evaluating each dog's performance throughout the trial.

Big thank you to the NBHA sponsors who continue to support the NBHA at all their events: Purina Pro Plan, Garmin, Gun Dog Supply, OnX Hunt, and Mule Brand clothes.

This year's championship had 22 entries competing for the hardware. And this year's champion is Indian Creek Spur (PM), owned by Black Meadow Kennels of Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, and handled by Garry Malzone. Spur ran in the sixth brace on Friday afternoon when the temperature was climbing to 85 degrees plus. Spur had five well-spaced finds and a stop to flush on a woodcock. His race was the strongest of the trial, and he was always to the front, and his manners were good on each of his finds. He was able to catch the eye of the judges with his performance in the heat of the day.

Runner-up champion is Flint Ridge Ranger (PM), owned by Paul and Rae Ott of Andover, Kansas, and he was handled by Paul Ott. Ranger ran in the second brace and set the standard early in the trial with his five-find performance and a back. His style was breathtaking when on point, and his manners were great. He was an attractive dog to watch throughout the hour. Both the winner and runner-up complemented each other in their performances. The nod is going to the winner, as he showed the endurance needed to perform in the heat of the day.
The Open Derby and Open Puppy stakes finished out the trial on Saturday when the day's temperature was at its hottest, with little to no breeze.

Williamsburg, Mo., March 19
Judges: Danny Draffen and Dr. Bill Wright
NBHA MIDWEST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 22 Entries
Winner-INDIAN CREEK SPUR, F1695312, pointer male, by Mohawk Mill Legacy's Pride-Mohawk Mill Dolly. Black Meadow Kennels, owner; Gary Malzone, handler.
Runner-Up-FLINT RIDGE RANGER, F1688374, pointer male, by Chelsea's Thunder Bolt-Babe of Flint Ridge. Paul E. & Rae Ott, owners; Paul Ott, handler.

NBHA OPEN DERBY - 5 Pointers and 3 Setters
1st-INDIAN CREEK ARROWHEAD, F1716828, pointer female, by Indian Creek Spur-Indian Creek Mascara. Jillian Stuhr, owner; Gary Malzone, handler.
2d-RTK REBEL GUNSLINGER, F1711748, pointer male, by Erin's Perfect Storm-Erin's Little Faye. Taylore Sartain, owner; Joe Shearer, handler.
3d-PENROSA MIZZ GROVY, F1715060, setter female, by Trail Boss Grover-Penrosa Forbidden Eve. Tim Penn, owner and handler.

NBHA OPEN PUPPY - 7 Entries
1st-RUNNING WITH SCISSORS, F1724728, pointer female, by Mohawk Mill Trail Warrior-Indian Creek Sprout. Jillian Stuhr, owner; Garry Malzone, handler.
2d-INDIAN CREEK BRANZINO, F1724723, pointer female, by Mohawk Mill Trail Warrior-Indian Creek Sprout. Jilliam Stuhr, owner; Garry Malzone, handler.
3d-INDIAN CREEK KALABAR, F1724852, pointer male, by Indian Creek Spur-Indian Creek Blackeyed Pea. Jilliam Stuhr, owner; Garry Malzone, handler.