The NSTRA Lone Star region has an Open/Novice trial scheduled the weekend of October 15-16 at our Anna, TX trial grounds (30 miles north of Dallas). For those who may not be familiar with the Open/Novice trial format, the Novice category is for dogs with 3 or less points and no first place wins. Novice dogs only run against other Novice dogs. Otherwise, the format and points earned are the same as for Open dogs (those with more than three or any 1st place points). It's a great opportunity for less experienced dogs (and handlers) to participate in a sanctioned NSTRA trial without having to go up against the "Big Dogs". For more information, visit the NSTRA website at www.nstra.org or contact me at my email address, pthdlm10@aol.com or call my cell number,
972-743-6205. Dave "Doc" Morgan

Is there any grass on the grounds?

Welcome to the forum David. I'd be there, if it were 30 miles south of Dallas. Cracker is still an amateur, but I'd put her in the novice Saturday and the open on Sunday, where I could spend only one night on the road. See you in the first Corsicana trial.

I'd like to have that info on the grounds to. Come on Bill Dallas isn't that far.

Remember folks, Bill only buys yellow bananas

The trials grounds are in great condition from what I've been told. They had to cut about 14 inches of the grass. I'll be planting birds at that trial and some of the guys from the Texas Gun Dog Club will be there. Hope to see you there!

Wow, they must have had alot more rain than we had around here. Cut 14 inches, didn't realize they got that kind of rain.

Thanks Doc for the post! Nstra is an awesome way to kick your fall bird hunting off early! Love it!

I'd like to do it, BUT it's archery season! I'll probably be tucked up in a tree waiting for Mr Buck to meet Mr Broadhead!

I got an email from Dale Heaton last night asking for help in the trial the weekend before this trial. He has only 20 dogs signed up. I replied that he had scared everyone else off. I'm not well enough dogged to brace up against a national champion.

The Priddy trial this coming weekend still has some openings. I think CoolHandsGsp is supplying the birds.

Did any of you go to the Anna trial over the weekend?

I went and planted the birds. There are a few spots left for this trial coming up.

I'll be there running my GSP.

How did you do?

dr730 took 3rd place on B field for the novice trial. Dale Heaton held the lead for the open/novice trial with a score of 1124 but he was upstaged by a novice dog who found 7 birds with 7 retrieves and a back and he finishe with a 1200 and something. Overall the novice dogs had 3 placements all weekend. There was a huge turnout and we should have some returning competitors. A lot of these new guys came in and did really well, 4 placed overall including the open dogs. It was a lot of fun.