“Restoring Quail across the nation brings with it the opportunity to exquisitely enjoy the unbelievable talents and performance of well trained bird dogs. Dog owners have inherent bragging rights that bring untold hours of enjoyment to their families, friends and other hunters. Letting others see how well their dog performs in true field conditions, regardless of breed, is truly what every dog owner wants to show” explains Rocky Evans, President of Quail Unlimited (QU). “We have searched for the best way to have the most opportunity for a great competition based wholly on the dog’s ability and field performance under natural habitat conditions with his owner/handler. We have a winner now working with the United Bird Hunters organization” strongly stated Evans.

The United Bird Hunters (UBH), a non-profit organization, was formed to establish a pointing dog trials competition first, based on the dogs performance in true field conditions that closely resemble the actual walking bird hunt. The competition’s judging point standards emphasize the dog’s intelligence in hunting scenarios including range, obedience, style and manners all in a timed competition hunt. The new QU-UBH field trial is planned to have 20 events in the 2008-2009 season culminating with a National Championship, crowning the National Champion and hi point overall competitor and dogs. Competitors will compete for trophies and prizes, not to mention the immense bragging rights of a proven field dog.

“We want to make it very accessible to have any pointing dog owner compete in the QU-UBH events, experiencing the fun and camaraderie based on their dogs work in the field, not breed standards. If you have a great hunting dog, you just may have the National Champion if he works for you in true hunting scenarios” states Chris Andrews, Chairman and one of the co-founders of the UBH. “QU and UBH both share the vision of a fun and enjoyable competition among passionate sportsman and dog handlers simply based on the dog’s ability, regardless of breed. It is fun and designed for the entire family, and we want to emphasize, it is for the entire family, a great day to be outside seeing their favorite dogs strut their stuff” emphasized Andrews. “Promoting youth activities and events is one of our top priorities and I’m sure working with QU will bring new directions and ideas as we grow conservation and the sport of hunting dog competitions at the same time” concludes Chris.

For more information, the United Bird Hunter’s web site, http:/www.unitedbirdhunters.com has current information on entries, rules, competition locations and dates. Currently, 10 events are planned for the South Carolina area, 8 in Arkansas and 2 in Missouri. Events are planned from September to April. The http:/www.QU.org website will also share the UBH information as well as the National Championship. If you would like information with regard to hosting a QU-UBH competition, visit the UBH web site and contact the applicable Regional UBH Vice President in your area.