CONTESTS AND COMPETITIONS
JULY 19TH - 20TH 2024
370 LAKESIDE PARK IN ST. PETERS, MO
Calling Contests
We have a full lineup of duck and goose calling contests for juniors, novices, and professionals, with huge amounts of cash and prizes on the line! All contests will follow the official rules set forth by the International Callers Association, with the exception of the DU Regional.
Retriever Combine Challenge
Show us you can run with the big dogs! The Retriever Combine Challenge consists of three smaller "events." The dogs will score 1–50 in each event, and the lowest combined score (highest place) of all three events will be crowned champion.
*Please see the official rules for each event below!
For the first run of events #1 and #2, dogs MAY NOT be restrained by a leash, collar hold, or any other device to prevent them from breaking. If the dog breaks, a 10-second penalty will be applied to the next run. Handlers MAY touch their dogs, but if it is determined the handler is restraining their dog from breaking on their first run, the 10-second penalty will be applied. If the dog breaks on the first run, the handler may use assistance from a leash or collar hold on the next run, with the penalty applied. If a dog breaks 3 times, their run will end, and a score of 50 will be given. Minor “creeping” or footing adjustments by a dog will not be considered breaking as long as the dog does not cross the starting line. All breaks are judgment calls by retriever combine officials and may not be disputed. E-collars may be worn, but remotes are not allowed. Whistles may be used. The handler must stay inside the designated 10-by-10-yard box. All tie-breakers are settled with the highest score from Event #1, the 60-yard dash. Limited to 50 dogs.
Event #1: 60 Yard Dash - This is an event based on how fast a dog brings back the bumper. A yellow bumper will be tossed 60 yards away on land and will be timed starting from the moment the dog is sent on its name and stopped when the dog crosses the finish line. The timer will not stop until the dog crosses the finish line between the designated stakes. Dogs must reach the finish line with the bumper in their mouth. There will be a penalty of 10 seconds added each time a dog breaks across the designated starting line.
Event #2: Speed Swim - This is an event that's based on how fast a dog brings back the bumper. A yellow bumper will be tossed 30 yards from the starting line into the lake and will be timed starting from the moment the dog is sent on its name and stopped when the dog crosses the finish line. The timer will not stop until the dog crosses the finish line between the designated stakes. Dogs must reach the finish line with the bumper in their mouth. There will be a penalty of 10 seconds added each time a dog breaks across the designated starting line.
Event #3: The Long Jump (Dock Jump) - The event is based on the dog's ability to jump the furthest into the water off the dock. The dog will be scored on how far it jumps, measured from the end of the dock to the point where the base of the tail touches the water. Each dog will jump twice, with the longer of the two jumps being taken as their score. There will be no break penalties for this event.
About Dive Bomb SquadFest
Dive Bomb SquadFest is not just an event; it's an experience like no other for waterfowl hunters and their families. What started in 2021 as a response to the growing demand from customers to connect and hang out with fellow hunters has now evolved into a grand celebration of the hunting community.
The inaugural event at our headquarters quickly outgrew its space, leading us to relocate to the spacious 370 Lakeside Park in St. Peters, Missouri, for year two. This change allowed us to expand our offerings and cater to a larger audience of hunting enthusiasts.
Initially focused on duck and goose calling contests with unprecedented payouts, Dive Bomb SquadFest has transformed into a spectacular affair featuring a massive vendor fair, unbeatable show specials, a unique retriever combine event, engaging kids' activities, retriever training demonstrations by industry professionals, and an array of delectable food and drink options.
As we gear up for year four, we are thrilled at the prospect of making this year's event bigger and better than ever before. Join us this summer for what promises to be the most exciting SquadFest yet!