THE deadline is approaching for entry to the BASC gamekeepers’ classes at Crufts 2016. Owners of working gundogs need to register by January 4, 2016.
The UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), will once again host the gamekeepers’ classes, which are open to gamekeepers, owners of working gundogs, gundog teams and young handlers.
The competitions will be held on Gundog Day, Friday, March 11, 2016, at the NEC in Birmingham.
The BASC gamekeepers’ classes are unique at Crufts because they give handlers the opportunity to show working gundogs in their prime. The top individual dogs owned by gamekeepers will go head-to-head in a final show in the main arena for the Best in Gamekeeping Class title and the chance to win the Northesk Memorial Trophy.
In a change to recent years, BASC will hold a gundog demonstration display during the lunchtime interval.
Matt Dutton, one of BASC’s game and gamekeeping officers, said: “This is a great opportunity to see working gundogs being shown at the biggest dog show in the world. I would encourage anyone with a working dog to come and enter the BASC gamekeepers’ classes. We’ll make you very welcome.”
Ian Grindy, the chairman of BASC’s game and gameshooting committee, said: “All of the dogs who are getting ready to take part have just finished a busy shooting season. BASC’s rings at Crufts provide a showcase of working gundogs to a global audience and give their handlers an opportunity to show these animals in their prime.”
The BASC gundog programme is sponsored by Chudleys.
Schedules and entry forms are available from BASC’s game and gamekeeping team on 01244 573019. They can also be downloaded here.