July/August 2026

23 – Purebred PIGEON long. Back to the National to so- cialize and take care of my birds then back to the hotel. But first dinner at the Cracker Barrel. Saturday January 24th, it’s show time. A little bit more snow on the ground. A very powdery and dry snow. Tem- perature outside is 8 degrees Farenheit but feels like -7. I hitch a ride to the show with fellow Chinese Owl breeder Tim Mumma in his new 4WD F150. Chinese Owls are out in force with 318 birds entered, second only to the Modenas. Weather conditions prohibited our selected NCOC judge and one exhibitor from attending. Bill Leech was gracious to withdraw his birds from the show and be our judge. After a full day of judging a nice Tort Grizzle Check old hen raised by Rick Tucker was Champion. I really enjoyed meeting all my fellow National Chinese Owl Club members. Everyone was more than friendly to the new guy. Much to my surprise I even caught our club president Brian trimming one of my birds toe- nails. Not that they needed it, he thought it was one of his birds LOL. Back to the hotel after a long day. The lobby is full with talk of pigeons flowing from every seat. Looks like a good time was had by all. Sunday January 25th, breakfast in the lobby then off to the show. A little more snow on the ground but not nearly what was forecast. The Silver Bullet handles the trip without any issues. Looks like some flights out of Oklahoma are starting to be canceled due to the storm. Fanciers are loading up their birds, anxious to get on the road. Good byes and handshakes and I am on the road again for the 426 mile drive back to the La Mesa Hotel in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Monday January 26, up early, ice crys- tals cover the truck. Bathroom faucet works but the shower pipes are frozen so I make some hot tea and hit the road. Breaking the drive home up a bit, 644 miles and about nine hours to Lake Havasu City in Arizona to hole up for the night with friends before heading home. Tuesday January 27, a short four and half hour 284 mile drive home and I pull into my driveway around 12:30pm. In total 7 days, 2682 miles and 39.5 hours of driving. Having only returned to the hobby a few years ago, this was my first National Show. Even with the bad weather I had a great time and made new friendships. Connecting faces to names and making new friendships is better than any trophy. Don’t get me wrong, I would still love to win a trophy LOL. Now let’s get to breeding so next year I can nourish those new friendships and maybe win that elusive Best of Show.• Rick Tucker’s Tort Grizzle Check OH - Champion Chinese Owl NPA National 2026 Below: Judging area of the National Chinese Owl Club Meet Weather alert in OKC