National Shoot to Retrieve Association (NSTRA) Information

(By Phil Taunton)

 

 

NSTRA field trails not only extend the bird dog season but also provide a sportsmanlike atmosphere to compete with others who enjoy bird dogs and to recognize their accomplishments.

 

The Association was incorporated in 1978 and is a non-profit association with service to the membership its goal.

 

NSTRA recognized trails are open to all pointing breed dogs and are conducted under conditions closely resembling actual wild bird dog hunting.

 

The rules of NSTRA are easy to understand and score. Points are given for each find and each retrieve, as well as the dog’s first back or honor of a brace mate. The dog is also judged on ground coverage and obedience throughout the 30 minutes of running.

 

Scores are posted on the brace sheet after each running. Simply put, the dog that points the most birds and properly handles each find with flair and style is declared the winner. Second and third placements are also awarded.

 

Championship points are awarded at all recognized NSTRA trails depending on the number of dogs entered. At full trails (32 dogs) three points are awarded for first place, two points for second and one point for third. When a dog accumulates a total of 18 points, including nine first place points, a Certificate of Championship is issued and it is declared a NSTRA champion.

 

The outstanding characteristics of each pointing breed are enhanced through NSTRA field trails.

 

Judging is by qualified persons with thorough knowledge of the various breed characteristics.  The NSTRA concept of field trails emphasizes the complete bird dog, from point to retrieve. These dogs must have the ability to find and handle birds for the foot hunters. There are no penalties for mistakes, only positive judgment for the dog’s ability to point and retrieve birds. Successful NSTRA dogs are excellent hunting dogs.

 

NSTRA handlers may do their own gunning or elect to have a friend gun for them. No sense in jeopardizing a good dog’s chance of winning when “old dead-eye” shoots blanks or can’t hit the side of a barn.

 

NSTRA is proud to have many father-son and father-daughter teams participating, not to mention the many women handlers who are just as competitive as the men. The only prerequisite for participation is the desire to enjoy competitive bird-dogging in a sportsmanlike manner.

 

For more information on National Shoot to Retrieve events, contact NSTRA for trails through out the US.

 

Better yet, check out the trial schedule on this website and support your local club!