NBHA Midwest Regional Championship 3-22-26 results
Jillian Stuhr with Champion Indian Creek Spur and Paul Ott with Runner-up Champion Flint Ridge Ranger. Back l to r; Tim Penn, Garry Malzone, Bob Wilson, Jason Williams, Judge Bill Wright, and Judge Dan Draffen
NBHA Midwest Regional Championship 2025 – 2026
Whetstone Conservation Area near Millersburg, MO was the site for the 2025-2026 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, thus making for some excellent grounds to run dogs on. The weather was warm to hot, keeping dogs cool was an ongoing challenge.
Missouri Bird Hunters team consist 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, MO and Dan Draffen of Bunceton, MO, 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, On X 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, NJ 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, 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, KS 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 breath taking 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 going to the winner as he showed the endurance need to perform in the heat of the day.
Open Derby and Open Puppy stakes finished out the trial on Saturday when the days temperature was at its hottest with little to no breeze.
Open Derby winners are 1st place Indian Creek Arrowhead, PF owned by Jillian Stuhr and handled by Garry Malzone. 2nd place is RTK Rebel Gunslinger, PM owned by Taylore Sartain and handler by Joe Shearer. 3rd place is Penrosa Mizz Grovy, SF owned and handled by Tim Penn
Open Puppy winners are 1st place Indian Creek Scissors, PF owned by Jillian Stuhr 2nd place is Indian Creek Branzino, PM owned by Jillian Stuhr. 3rd place is Indian Creek Kalabar, PM owned by Jillian Stuhr and Garry Malzone. All three Puppy winners were handled by Garry Malzone.
