Nevada Department of Wildlife news release:
Sportsmen and women looking for something new should consider attending the Wild West Shootout and first ever Dayton Valley Sports Expo scheduled for Sept. 17-20.
The Wild West Shootout is a timed dog trial competition for pointing bird dogs, which–unlike a field trial–is an actual hunting event that will test the skills of both dog and hunter alike. The fields will be approximately 10 acres with three birds planted in each field while the dog and hunter are in a blind so they cannot see the plant. A judge will follow the hunter and dog in the field and keep score as they hunt. The hunter/dog team will have 15 minutes and six shotgun shells to find and bag the three birds.
Points are awarded for each pointed, bagged and retrieved bird with additional points awarded for any remaining time and ammunition. The Shootout winner will take home $10,000 (based on a minimum of 80 entries).
Bird Dog Challenge events are held throughout the U.S. and are sanctioned by the National Bird Dog Challenge Association with many BDC events televised on The Outdoor Channel. Most of the hunts are held outside traditional hunting seasons, allowing hunters to hunt with their dogs nearly year round. The majority of dogs competing are English pointers and German shorthairs, but all the pointing breeds are represented.
In keeping with upland game typically found in Nevada, the Shootout will use chukar (purchased from a local source) for the competition, while events in other parts of the country typically use quail or pheasant.
Some hunters are intimidated about competing at BDC events, but if the dog can point and retrieve and the hunter can shoot, anyone can compete. Spectators are always welcome and are advised to bring binoculars, camera and sunscreen. Additionally dog training experts will be available to answer questions and help advise on how to get started in the field of hunting. For more information visit www.wildwestshootout.com, where you will find hunt rules, entry forms, directions to the hunt location and more.
In conjunction with the Wild West Shootout, the Dayton Valley Sports Expo will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Dayton Valley Golf & Country Club from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vendors will exhibit sporting goods of all varieties, RVs and hunting gear and will include animal enthusiasts and crafters. A carnival and show and shine will also be at the expo. Admission is free. To become a vendor, please contact the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce at 775-246-7909.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear.
