Looking for a weekend filled with barking, racing and maybe a little potluck-induced napping? The Montana State Houndsmen Association (MSHA) Field Trial is calling your name! Pack up the pooches, the kids and that one dish you make really well for a two-day event guaranteed to be a howlin’ good time.
Getting There: A Scenic Adventure in Itself
No GPS? No problem! Here is how to get to the Graves Creek Road, Lolo MT location:
- From Alberton: Take I-90 Exit 77, head south on Petty Creek Road for 16.5 miles, and voila—it’s on your left!
- From Lolo: Travel west on Highway 12 for 16.4 miles, turn right on Graves Creek Road, drive 1.4 miles, and boom—on your right!
Friday: Set-Up & Settle In
Kick things off on Friday with camping and set-up. There’s dry camping at the event site, so bring water and supplies. (It’s a bonus that no signal means no work emails!)
Saturday: The Main Event
Rise and shine early birds, because:
- 7:00 AM: Registration opens.
- 9:00 AM: The action begins!
Competitions:
- Open Coon Drag
- Puppy Coon Drag: For the little pups under a year old.
- Kids Coon Drag: Where the handlers are as adorable as their dogs (kids under 12).
- Open Cat Drag: Big paws, big energy.
- Veteran Cat Drag: For the wise and grizzled pros (dogs 8+).
- Kids Bench Show: Little handlers show off big skills.
- Single Tree: One dog, one bark-off champion.
- Double Tree: Two dogs, twice the barking, twice the fun.
- Coon Final: Who’s the ultimate dragster?
- Cat Final: The fur’s flying now.
Potluck Dinner: Wrap up the day with good food and better company. MSHA provides the main course—just bring your best dish (and stretchy pants).
Sunday: Big Prizes, Big Fun
Sunday starts with the show-stopping Bear Blowout Drag, featuring some high-stakes prizes:
- $500 for First Tree!
- $500 for First Line!
And don’t forget the Fastest to Tree contest, where speed is the name of the game.
Why You Should Come
This event isn’t just about competition—it’s a chance to meet other enthusiasts, watch talented dogs in action and enjoy a weekend of fun with the family. So grab your gear, your best dish and your best four-legged friend, and join the fun!
Mark your calendars and make plans—this is one field trial you won’t want to miss!
