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I had a number of readers and writers contact me about
a tragic situation that has evolved between America Field Publishing
Company (who sanctions pointing dogs events) and NSTRA (National
Shoot To Retrieve Association). At the heart of the situation
is question: Do we stand together or do we back down to the anti-gun
and anti-hunting crowd? The American Field has chosen to join
with the anti-gun/anti-hunting crowd, and we thought you should
know. If you want to know how we at Bird Dog & Retriever
News feel.... turn to any page of the last 14 years of Bird Dog
& Retriever News, we proudly take the stand of pro-gun and
pro-hunting.... as with our forefathers who built this proud
country.
Dennis Guldan
Publisher Bird Dog & Retriever News
From Wes Barr: President of National Shoot To Retrieve.
Members of NSTRA,
Below this brief introduction you will find a letter recently
sent to President Wes Barr from Bernie Mathys of American Field
Publishing Co. The summary of this letter is that American Field
will no longer sanction any NSTRA field trials beginning immediately.
The reason in the letter is very clear and stems around one very
important principle to NSTRA, "we shoot birds." This
topic has been one that AF has found objectionable for some time.
Mr. Mathys has suggested to us on numerous occasions that we
consider reformatting NSTRA and do not
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include harvesting birds as a part of our
sport.
NSTRA was and still is founded on the principle of the true and
complete hunting dog. Our wonderful organization is what it is
today because of this principle and to change it is unthinkable.
NSTRA dogs have become known in the sporting dog world as bird
finders. Due to the format and philosophy of NSTRA our dogs can
compete in trials on weekends and go a field on Monday and be
very efficient and effective hunting dogs. This cannot be said
about many other sporting dogs.
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The National officers, at a recent officers
meeting in July, adopted a slate of NSTRA Championships levels
to replace the American Field programs. This program is being
considered and voted on by the NSTRA National BOD. These levels
are to include NSTRA National Champion, NSTRA Regional Champion,
and NSTRA Champion. Details are included in the packets sent
to the BOD. These levels will differ within themselves distinctly
with all receiving recognition at the gatherings in October and
April each year. Each level will be distinguished on the NSTRA
pedigree as well.
This is a wonderful opportunity for NSTRA to grow not only within
its own ranks but in the world of competition pointing dogs as
well. NSTRA has become one of the top Field Trial Organizations
in the Country. We no longer are the "step child" of
bird dogs. We do and will continue to stand tall in the Bird
Dog World.
Wes Barr, President NSTRA
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