Mark Van Zee
Lincoln, NE
BACKGROUND
Mark owns and operates Drake Creek Kennels in Lincoln, NE. A retriever training kennel with a focus on Hunt Test level retrievers & waterfowl hunting dogs. He started training retrievers in high school where he hunted waterfowl along the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies. His passion for retrievers & the sport of waterfowling sparked his interest in field trials and hunt test level retrievers.
After a successful career as an amateur handler running his own dogs, he branched out into training dogs for clients. He currently competes in both AKC & HRC/UKC Hunt Tests & will participate in the odd field trial. He's also the President of the Salt Valley Hunting Retriever Club, Vice President of the Nebraska Dog & Hunt Club, and a AA Finished Level Judge in the HRC.
WHY I USE SPORTDOG BRAND
I use SportDOG Brand 'cause of how tough and reliable the product is. This, along with their top-notch customer service, makes 'em a no-brainer choice!
FAVOURITE PRODUCTS
My favourite product is the SD-2525. It's the perfect training collar with its wide range in stimulation levels that can be easily adjusted on the fly while training. And the 'quick buttons' for high, medium & low allow me to quickly choose a stimulation level I need immediately without mucking about with a dial.
Websites
https://www.drakecreekkennels.com/Other Senior Prostaff
David Combs
David's background comes from white-tailed deer and duck hunting. He competes and judges in the North American Hunting Retrieving Association (NAHRA). David has title 1 GMHR, 2 MHR, 3 WR, and 2 SR. His dog training focus is primarily on gun dogs and retrievers.
Mike Tracy
Mike Tracy was born into the Field Trial World. Starting at the early age of 7, barely as tall and certainly not as powerful as the English Pointer male named Andy he handled, he took second place in a local Amateur Derby stake. At age 10, Mike won the Pennsylvania...
Jack Gimpel
Jack was introduced to the world of retrievers when he started helping a local pro a few years back throwing birds. He spent that time learning all he could and has been hooked ever since. He currently has a chocolate lab and they are making their way through the HRC...
