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May16
The Draws for this weekend are posted.
We have posted the draws for the trials this weekend. Please go to the Draws page to see the details. Good luck to everyone.
May15
A Puppy Classified Ad has been added.
Check out the Classifieds page for details on this ad and others.
May10
The Draws are Posted for this Weekend.
The draws for this weekend are posted. Please check out the Draws page for details.
Good Luck Everyone! As always, we sent an email to our mailing list to announce the draw. If you would like to receive announcements from the region, please click HERE.
May7
Open Dogs Needed for May 19/20.
Trial Chairman Lou Choffin would like to announce he still has one Open dog opening for Saturday, May 19th and two Open dog slots for Sunday, May 20th for his trial at Rossco’s Rooster Resort. Please contact Lou immediately if you are interested in competing.
Stay tuned for the draw for this weekend’s trial at Cedar Creek Ranch in Gladwin, MI.
May1
Well, It is Official. NSTRA Recognized by UKC.
Kalamazoo, Michigan – United Kennel Club, Inc. President Wayne Cavanaugh and National Shoot-to-Retrieve Association President Joe “Butch” Jackson signed an agreement this week to affiliate the two well respected organizations. As a result, UKC will now officially recognize NSTRA Champion titles on UKC Pedigrees and will issue Championship degrees to the owners of those dogs earning a title. Additionally, those dogs previously registered by NSTRA will now be officially registered with UKC.
Read the full article here.
April15
Another MI Region Dog Photo Added to the Gallery.
If you have not yet sent in a picture of your dog(s), please do so ASAP. Also, remember that if you are not from the Michigan Region but trial with us, we would still like you to send in a photo of your dog(s). Our goal is to have all dogs who trial in Michigan with current photos.
April12
Regional Officer/Board Election will Occur this Year.
Michigan Region,
This year is an election year in the Michigan Region. The MI Region Board of Directors consists of a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary and four Board Members. If you would like to nominate someone for a position, please submit your accepted nomination to Pam Loveday (loveday10@comcast.net ) or 734-243-6953. The election will take place directly following the first day of the Regional Championship on May 26, 2012 in Gladwin, MI. All MI Region members in good standing are eligible to run for a position and vote. If you are unable to attend the Regional Trial, please contact Pam for information on absentee voting. We would like to have all nominations in by May 12, 2012 (two weeks ahead of the election), but nominations will be accepted up until the membership meeting and write-in candidate ballots will be available at the meeting. If you have questions about this process or the specific duties required by a Regional Board position, please contact a Regional Officer or Board member. Thank you.
Mar30
Trial Modification and Update.
The trial in Gladwin, MI on May 12th and 13th is still looking for participants. There is room for 8 more dogs on each day. Please contact trial chairman Mike Cherry to sign up.
The trial on May 19th and 20th has been modified to include Amateur on both Saturday and Sunday (originally Amateur was scheduled for Saturday only). Please contact trial chairman Lou Choffin (his number is in the roster and on the schedule page) to sign up or with any questions.
Mar27
Lodging for Regional Trial in Gladwin.
Rooms are available at the Northwood Motel in Gladwin, MI for the weekend of the Regional Elimination trial. To make a reservation please call (989)426-4021 (leave a message if they do not answer and they will call you right back). This would be a great place to stay for the trial the weekend of May 12th and 13th too!
The Northwood Motel is located at 5800 North M-30, Gladwin, MI 48624.
Mar26
2012 Trial of Champions Draw Posted.
The draw for the 2012 Trial of Champions to be held in Amo, IN April 25 - 28 is posted. As usual, the MI Region is well represented. The following dog/handler teams will be competing:
Wednesday A Field
7 MORGAN ALBRIGHT XVI MI GSH/F MELVIN ALBRIGHT MELVIN ALBRIGHT
Wednesday B Field
9 SECOND CHANCE SCOOBY MI ES/M ERIC GRIFFITHS JOHN GRIFFITHS
12 TC'S LITTLE NASTY MI EP/F TODD CRAVEN TODD CRAVEN
Thursday A Field
10 CLASSIC POINT GRETCHEN MI GSH/F JOHN GRIFFITHS JOHN GRIFFITHS
11 ON POINT'S HOLY TARA MI ES/F KEN LOVEDAY KEN LOVEDAY
Thursday B Field
13 BECKLEY'S ELHEW PANIC BUTTON IN EP/F HAROLD SMITH SCOTT BECKLEY
Good Luck Michigan Region! You can view the entire draw here.
Mar23
Regional Elimination Trial Entries Requested.
Great news, Michigan Region! We have 44 dogs from our region that qualify for the 2012 Michigan Regional Elimination Trial to be held in Gladwin, MI on May 26/27. To qualify, a dog has to have an open placement or five amateur points during this season. This is great news as our region continues to grow thanks to the dedication and commitment of not only our Regional Officers, but our members at large as well! We are excited about this growth and hope that EACH AND EVERY dog/handler qualified will enter. The entry fee is $50.00 and each entry will receive a bag of Pro Plan dog food as in years past.
Because of the large amount of dogs, we are requesting that all 2012 Regional Elimination Trial entries get to John Griffiths no later than April 20, 2012. This will allow us time to determine if we need to run two fields on Saturday (22 braces is not an option for one field in one day!) or make other arrangements to handle the increased entries.
Get your entries in MI Region! If you are not sure if your dog qualifies, please contact a Regional Officer for clarification.
Mar22
March 31 / April 1 Trial Cancelled.
The trial scheduled for March 31 / April 1 at Rossco’s Rooster Resort has been cancelled according to trial chairman Dave Sullivan due to lack of participation.
The trial scheduled for May 19/20 at Rossco’s Rooster Resort chaired by Lou Choffin will still be held. The reduced rate lodging is still available for judges and others on a first come/first serve basis. Please contact Lou with any questions.
Mar20
Special Note from the President of the Midwest Region.
The deadline for the Performance Classic being held at Rock Creek in Waverly, NE and hosted by the Midwest Region is April 2. A dog only needs one point to qualify. If your dog qualifies, please sign him/her up and come join us for a fun week of trialing. We look forward to having each and every one of you come join us in all of our activities.
You can download an entry from here.
Mar14
TWO IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS.
#1 - The trial on April 14/15 which was to be held at Crosswind Kennels has been cancelled.
#2 - Trial Chairman Mike Cherry would like to invite you to the May 12/13 trial at Cedar Creek Ranch in Gladwin, MI. He has openings, but anticipates filling up fast as this the same grounds as the Regional Elimination trial two weeks later. He also wanted to let everyone know he still needs a couple judges. To sign up for this trial or to be a judge, please email Mike or look for him at this weekend's trial at Crosswind Kennels.
Mar7
Classified Ads have been added.
You can check them out here.
Feb26
MI Dogs Do Well in 2012 Quail Invitational.
Michigan Region dogs did well this past weekend at the 2012 NSTRA Quail Invitational Championship Trial in Lake Wales, Florida. Todd Craven/Maveric and John Griffiths/Gretchen both had placements in the pre-trial. Maveric and Todd went on to make the third cut on Friday. John and Gretchen made it to the final 16 before being knocked out on Saturday. Great job you guys.
Feb20
You are invited to Rossco's Rooster Resort.
Trial Chairman Dave Sullivan is looking to recruit some additional entries for his trial at Rossco’s Rooster Resort on March 31/April 1. He has openings for a couple amateur dogs on Saturday and open dogs for both days. He wanted us to pass along that he has reserved spots at the on-site housing for judges and bird planters. There are also around five bunks available on-site to rent for $10 a head and additional low cost (~$25) overnight housing across the street available. Please contact Dave a.s.a.p. to reserve your spot. Thanks.
Feb14
New Gallery added from Crosswind Kennels Trial.
A new gallery was added to the Image Gallery Page from last weekend's trial at Crosswind Kennels.
Feb7
UKC Rule Change Ballot in current NSTRA Magazine.
A rule change has been proposed to include the agreement with teh United Kennel Club (UKC) to acquire the NSTRA dog registry.
In case you have not yet heard, the United Kennel Club has proposed an affiliation with NSTRA to acquire the NSTRA Registry. This will give NSTRA members the opportunity to have their dog's championship titles documented in the UKC registry. Any dog currently registered with NSTRA will be issued a UKC registration at no charge. Those dogs registered with UKC will have their NSTRA accomplishments recorded. This new agreement has been brought before the NSTRA Board of Directors and they have overwhelmingly accepted this proposal. In order to be able to launch this program in a timely fashion, NSTRA needs to be able to change the rule book to reflect the change in the registry. For more information on the UKC, you can visit their website HERE.
Please look in your magazine on pages 7 and 8 and vote today. After completing your ballot, please send it to NSTRA, 203 N. Mill Street, Plainfield, IN, 46168. Ballots must be received in the office by March 16, 2012 in order to be counted. As always, the Michigan Region strives for 100% participation for all national votes.
Please contact a regional or national officer if you have specific questions.
Jan30
Training Birds Available.
Michigan Member Joel Williams asked we let everyone know that he has training birds available for a price of $2.50 each. He can bring the birds to the trial at Crosswind Kennels on February 11/12 for anyone who is interested. You can contact Joel directly by email HERE to make arrangements.
Jan27
IMPORTANT! Judging Seminar to be held MARCH 17
There will be a judging seminar at Scott Townsends on March 17th following the trial please email Mike Cherry on your attendance so he has a head count for this seminar, all judges that have expiring cards need to attend this seminar as well as those that want to become judges.
You can contact Mike by email HERE.
Jan27
Date/Venue for Regional Elimination Trial Announced!
The Michigan regional is going to be in May at the Gladwin trial grounds, the dates are May 26th and 27th please send your completed entries to John (click to email) or mail your entries in to John his address is 745 Wright St. Jonesville, Mi. 49250.
Click HERE to download the entry form.
PLEASE EMAIL OR SEND ENTRY FORMS WITH ALL INFORMATION FILLED IN IT IS PERTINENT THAT ALL INFORMATION IS FILLED IN DUE TO THE REGIONAL PAPERWORK THAT IS INVOLVED IT IS A GREAT HELP TO HAVE ALL THE REGISTRATION INFORMATION IE: FULL NAME, CALL NAME, REGISTRATION #, DATE OF BIRTH, SIRE AND DAM. The reason for this is on the regional paper work every dog entered in the regional has to have this information sent into the national office with all this information, not just the top 6 dogs, every dog entered needs to have this information sent into the national office for a regional. All members if you have a dog qualified please enter the regional, amateur dogs as well.
Jan19
A Bye Dog Drawing will be held!
This weekends trial has a bye spot open for each day. If you have a dog to run, please contact Scott Townsend ASAP and get put in for the draw for these spots. You can contact him at (734) 755-0888.
Jan18
Bird Banding Rule Change Defeated!
The National vote is in on the proposed rule change that would allow individual grounds decide to band birds if appropriate and it has been defeated. 61% of the votes received were opposed to the rule change. As a result, banding birds in adjacent fields continues to be against NSTRA rules.
Jan17
The Draw has Been Posted!
The draw for this weekend's season opener trial has been posted. Please check out the Draws Page for details. See you all there.
Dec25
Merry Christmas, Michigan Region!
Dec22
Spring Trial Schedule Updated.
The spring trial schedule has been updated on the Schedule Page. Please take a moment to check it out. The trials tend to fill up fast. Please note there are more trials at Rosco's Rooster Ranch. We also have new grounds... Crosswind Kennels.
Sign up soon. See you in the spring!
Dec24
Important Rule Change Vote: Bird Banding.
The National Board of Directors voted to send a rule change proposal to the membership for a vote. Your response must be received in the office by January 16, 2012 in order to be counted. The MI Region board would like to strongly encourage MI members to vote on this issue. Here is how the proposed rule would read:
Bird Banding
It will be at the trial chairman's discretion to tag birds with colored tags prior to each day's trial to clearly identify birds coming from one field or another. The intention to band birds will be clearly articulated to all entrants prior to the trial. Only birds pointed with the proper color tag will be counted for the given field tagged with that color tag. Any bird pointed which is not identifid with the proper color tag will not be scored. Identification of the bird as good or bad for the field is done by the judge when the retrieve is completed and the bird is given to the judge.
Application: For trial grounds where there are fields which share a fence line, it will help identify birds that cross from the adjacent field.
The ballot can be found on page 57 of the December 2011/January 2012 (164th Edition) of the NSTRA Bi-Monthly magazine. Please mail the completed ballot to NSTRA, 203 N. Mill Street, Plainfield, IN 46168. Please note: the deadline is for the ballot to be received, not postmarked, so please leave sufficient time for the ballot to be received. If you have questions about this rule or the voting process, please contact a regional board member or call/email the National Office.
The MI Region would like to see 100% participation on all national votes. Thank you.
Dec22
Spring Trial Schedule Updated.
The spring trial schedule has been updated on the Schedule Page. Please take a moment to check it out. The trials tend to fill up fast. Please note there are more trials at Rosco's Rooster Ranch. We also have new grounds... Crosswind Kennels.
Sign up soon. See you in the spring!
Dec13
Ohio Trial on February 4th/5th?
Rex Messner of the Ohio Region is Chairing a trial on February 4th and 5th at their Fin Feather Fur trial grounds. The trial is currently a double/single (two day single). Rex would like to invite Michigan Region members and encourage us to participate in the trial and if there was enough interest (soon enough interest!), he would move the trial to the Columbia grounds and make it a doube/double.
Please contact Rex Messner ASAP if you have interest in attending this trial.
You can contact Rex by email HERE.
*** Correction 12/18/11 *** The Columbia Game Club grounds are located at 237 US 224, Sullivan, OH 44880.
If you are interested, don't delay, email Rex today!
Nov23
Thank you from Nick and Sue Miller.
Nick asked for the following note to be posted:
Dear Michigan NSTRA Region,
Thank you for your participating for the past 17 plus years.
It's been a pleasure.
Also thank you for the nice party and gift.
Susan and I wish you all a Merry Christmas.
Nick and Susan
Nov8
Farewell to Mil-Run Farms Trial Grounds.
NSTRA members that have had the pleasure of trialing at Mil-Run Farms in Coldwater, Michigan: The trial on November 19th & 20th will be the last trial held at this location. Please join us Saturday after the trial on November 19th, 7 p.m. at LoTequilas, in Coldwater for an opportunity to share good times and thank Nick and Sue Miller for their many years of service to the Michigan Region. Even if you are not able to trial this weekend please come and join us all for dinner and a good time. The resturant is located at 32 Railroad St, Coldwater, MI 49036.
Nov8
Amateur cancelled on Nov 20th.
Amateur braces have been cancelled at the Mil-Run Farm trials the weekend of November 19/20, 2011. Due to daylight considerations (the days are now just too darn short), there will not be enough time to hold both Open and Amateur trials that day. Anyone who was entered in Amateur can enter the Open, simply contact trial chairman, Nick Miller... but do so soon to make sure you get in.
Nov8
Fund Raiser Success.
On behalf of the region, I would like to thank Chris and Kathy Ritter for putting in some serious effort to make the Sept 24/25 fundraiser trial up in Gladwin a success. The trial raised $1447.81 for the region. We would also like to express a BIG thank-you to the judges/bird planters and everyone who donated their ATV's and time to put this trial on.
Nov7
Very Sad Announcement.
It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of one of our own. Michigan Region member Curt McInnis suffered a fatal heart attack approximately two weeks ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Oct26
2011 Dog of the Year Day 1 Update.
Day one of qualifing is over and Todd Craven/Maverick, Scooby/Eric Griffiths and Scott Townsend with Zach have qualified for Friday. Great Job guys. Good luck to those running tomorrow!
Sept29
Draw for the 2011 Dog of the Year is Posted.
The Draw for the 2011 Dog of the Year has been posted on the National website. We thought a little more information would be nice. Some interesting facts about the field in the National Trail:
- 86 of the 192 dogs have NO Open Championships
- 7 have 10+ Open Championships
- 4 have no Open points at all
- the average number of Open Championships for all dogs entered is 1.88
- the average number of Open points for entered dogs is 42.86.
Click here to download a .pdf with the draw with additional information. This draw is unofficial.
Sept27
Results from Cedar Creek Ranch have been added.
Results have been added to the Results Page and all appropriate updates have been done. Congratulations to the dogs/handlers who placed. This was another successful Regional Fundraiser, which will help us pay for the Regionals next spring. Thank you to all the judges/bird handlers/atv owners who donated their time and/or equipment. A very special thank you to trial chairman Chris Ritter and his wife Kathy for putting in the time to pull off a successful event, even with some last minute challenges. Great Job.
The regionals are shaping up to be big next spring with more than the usual number of dogs qualifying so far.
Sept11
More Dog Photos Added to the Gallery.
More photos have been added to the image gallery after another successful trial at Mil-Run Farm. Thank you Nick and Sue Miller for all you do.
