They call it ‘the game’.  Many of the hunting dog clubs out there are all about the individual achievement of each animal.  While you may sometimes run with another dog and handler, you are competing for an overall win.  NSTRA field trials are run a little different.  The National Shoot to Retrieve Association is all about beating your opponent on the field.  Each successful bird find and retrieve is worth points.  You have one goal, and that is to find the birds before your brace mate does, in a half hour.  Of course, getting to the bird first is just the start.  From there you need to have near flawless dog handling if you want to earn the points.  NSTRA is fast paced, and shows off the best a dog has to offer.  The dog-handler relationship has to be finely tuned.  To win, a dog has to be on its game, and it has to be consistent.  The handler too, must manage their dog in a way that lets the judges know that they are in control, but are not controlling.   You can read all of the rules HERE.

This past weekend at the NSTRA Michigan Regional Elimination, the heat was on.  34 dogs started the day on Saturday.  By days end, there were only 6 left to compete.  It is amazing how much emotions, good and bad,  can flair when competition at this level unfolds.  On Sunday morning, the 6 finalists ran 3 braces to  determine the the top dogs of the region.  Out of 6 came 4: 3 runner ups, and a champion.  Out of those 4, 2 dogs compete in the “big dance” so-to-speak.  The final run of the day is between the two top scoring dogs of the semi-final round.  This brace run for one hour, and 10 birds are placed in the field.  Only one dog-handler team can be crowned regional champion.

This year’s NSTRA Michigan Region Champion is Chip run by Scott Townsend.  Chip is a stellar dog, and a staunch hunter.  Chip is also the most affectionate dog I have ever seen.  When he is not slamming on point, he is curled up in someone’s lap, or pawing at your leg for a scratch on the head.   Congratulations Chip.  You have a well deserved win.

Just because there is one winner, doesn’t mean that other dogs were lacking.  I saw some fantastic dog work this weekend.  This was a tough field, for sure.  But like i said, this is a game, and there can will prevail.

I personally had a great time this weekend.  Even though this was my third NSTRA event, I learned a lot about the game.  I rode with a judge the whole time, end was able to gain insight into how things are supposed to go, and what he was looking for.  I also would like to thank my hosts for the weekend, Chris Ritter, Mike Kibby, and Scott Townsend.  I look forward to my next opportunity to shoot a NSTRA event.

Click on a link below to view the full album and purchase images.  If I did not get very many, or any pictures of your dog(or quality ones), I apologize   Because of the level of competition, I had to stay in the Ranger with the judge to shoot, and was not able to always capture both dogs in the field.  If you would ever be interested in having professional hunting scenario portraits taken of your dog(s), please contact me.