NBHA

2015 Midsouth Regional CH Article

The NBHA Mid-South Regional Championship and accompanying stakes were started on Jan. 31st and concluded on Sunday Feb. 1st. The Tallapoosa Field Trial Club hosted the event at the J.L. Lester WMA near Cedartown, GA. Field Trials have been held on these grounds for more than 40 years dating back to when the property was privately owned by a local cattle and crop farmer. Due to the vision of a few local sportsmen and the willingness of some State Officials the property was purchased several years ago for the primary purpose of providing grounds to contest birddog field trials.
The weather for the trial was most favorable with cold morning temperatures giving way to warmer, more normal, afternoon conditions. We had two well respected Gentlemen riding and rendering the judicial decisions; Fred Smith from Mt. View, MO and Lavon King of Rockmart, GA. Both men were very attentive and were very gracious in helping handlers any way possible. We had a great group of Guys teaming together to host the event and take care of the many details a trial demands. GA. State Director Stan McCain procured our birds, furnished and drove the dog wagon and took care of all the treasurer duties. Terry Amberson and Bruce Mercer were busy planting birds, scouting and the two them were responsible for one of the most important of all activities, serving some wonderful grub for breakfast and lunch each day. When not running dogs, Oscar Whitt could always be found assisting anywhere there was a need.
We were very pleased to have long time field trailer and friend, Bobby Phillips come down from TN and join us. Bobby is always a true Gentleman and always comes with a string of dogs capable of winning any trial. Also traveling in to run was Ray Brown of Kentucky, Joe Barton up from Sandersville, GA and Jesse Brown from over at Tignall, GA.
Named Open Shooting Dog Champion, was Rocky Hollow Big Time (Big), owned by Brian and Georgie Casey of IL and handled by Oscar Whitt. Big was placed with Oscar during the 2013-2014 season as owners saw much potential in their contender but didn�t feel he was performing at his potential level. Oscar has done a very good job of developing Big to his potential as was exhibited in his bid for the Championship. Big set the standard in the very first brace with a very intelligent ground effort which was awarded with multiple finds. He was mannerly on each of them and was very deserving in his win.
Named Runner-Up was Sand Mountain Andy, owned by Stan McCain and also handled by Oscar Whitt. Andy has a bit of a story of his own in that after an OK Derby season in Oscar�s string a few years back, Andy was removed from the trial circuit and strictly bird hunted for a few seasons. Andy continued to develop good ground application and has always been a strong bird finder. It was decided that Andy still had potential to compete in trials and Stan and Oscar agreed to �give it a go�. Andy seems to have really come into his own this year and has been a consistent winner and competitor.
In the companion Derby Stake, first place went to Jesse�s Cold Shoulder who was ably owned and handled by Jesse Brown. Second was garnered by Sand Mountain Will for Owner Mike Otinger of Horton, AL and handled by Oscar Whitt with third going to Frozen Assets, pointer female owned and handled by Marty Robinson.

In the Amateur Shooting Dog Stake, first place was won by Tattle for Owner and Handler Joe Barton, Second went to Attitude�s River Kate for Owner and Handler Marty Robinson and third going to Surefire Supersport owned and handled by Ray Brown.
The Georgia NBHA clubs truly thank all who participated and supported the trial and hopes everyone attending had as much fun and enjoyment as we did hosting. Wow, is this a great sport or what? Hope to see everyone at another trial in a week or two. Take good care.

Submitted by:
Marty Robinson

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