Axton became a member of NAVHDA International and Texas NAVHDA in 2022. He has owned three German Shorthaired Pointers (GSPs) since 2012 and began evaluating his GSPs in 2022. Axton has earned a UTIII on three occasions with youngest German Shorthaired Pointer. He has also volunteered at nearly every test since joining NAVHDA.
Outside of waterfowl hunting, competing, and training for NAVHDA, Axton is working towards earning an American Kennel Club (AKC) Master Hunter title. He also serves as Co-Chair of the Native Habitats Subcommittee for Stewards of the Wild, a conservation leadership program with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.
Axton joined Texas NAVHDA after acquiring his third GSP and was immediately drawn to the organization because of the welcoming support he received from its members. He values the diversity within the chapter, noting that members range from military veterans to lawyers to small business owners, and from beginners to seasoned professional trainers. Axton recognizes that each member brings unique talents to the group. He appreciates the chapter’s commitment to honoring the strong bond between versatile hunting dogs and their dedicated handlers.
Stephen became a member of NAVHDA International and the Lone Star Chapter of the NAVHDA (LSN) in 2017. He joined Texas NAVHDA in 2020, at a time when our chapter was on the brink of dissolution. Along with a committee of LSN members, Stephen played a key role in the successful efforts to revive Texas NAVHDA. Since 2017, Stephen has achieved significant accomplishments, including earning a UT-I on several occasions with various versatile hunting dog breeds and earning the Versatile Champion title at the 2021 Invitational Test hosted by the Hawkeye Chapter with “Cedarwoods PI P R Texas.” During the Apprentice Judge program, Stephen evaluated over 120 versatile hunting dogs. Stephen volunteers at every test in various capacities and has served as Vice President of Texas NAVHDA since 2022.
In addition to his involvement with NAVHDA, Stephen is the owner of North Texas Pudelpointer, a breeding operation focused on producing the highest-performing Pudelpointers in Texas. Since 2020, he has earned seven NAVHDA Breeder Awards. Stephen is also a professional versatile hunting dog trainer, having successfully passed dozens of versatile hunting dogs in Natural Ability, Utility, and Invitational Tests.
Stephen joined NAVHDA after acquiring his first versatile hunting dog in 2016 and has since become deeply committed to the organization. He values the culture of Texas NAVHDA and has worked tirelessly to cultivate a family-oriented environment within the chapter.
Blake became a member of NAVHDA International and Texas NAVHDA in 2019. Since then, Blake has achieved notable accomplishments, including earning a UT-I 204 with “The Ruger” in May 2021 and participating in the 2022 Invitational Test hosted by the Zia Chapter with “The Ruger.” He is currently a NAVHDA International Approved Judge and has previously served Texas NAVHDA as Test Secretary. Blake owns four German Shorthaired Pointers and one English Cocker Spaniel.
In addition to his NAVHDA achievements, Blake earned fourth place in the 2023 German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America (GSPCA) National All-Age Field Trial. He also holds the GSPCA Field Champion title and the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Master Hunter title with “The Ruger.”
Blake joined Texas NAVHDA after acquiring his first versatile hunting dog. He was immediately drawn to the organization by the camaraderie among members and the opportunity to observe the work ethic of various versatile hunting dogs. Blake values the life-long friendships he has made through Texas NAVHDA and the many memorable hunting trips he has enjoyed with fellow members.
