Craig Smith

1-Tell us a little about you, who is Craig Smith?

Craig Smith is a retired (worked at BYU for forty years) who has had pigeons off and on for 50 plus years, mostly off.  I am the Manager of the H&R Block in Payson, and have worked for H&R Block for the past nine years, before that I worked for Macey’s Grocery stores for twenty years. I have spent two summers at the new BSA camp above Mt Pleasant working as Program Director. I love to garden, hunt and fish, watch BYU Sports and especially raise pigeons.

2-Tell us some of your struggles these first few years in the hobby.

When I told my family that I was getting some pigeons, I received a lot of flack. But when I came home with 4 bald heads, every one of the family was hooked. The biggest struggle was trying to find Bald heads for sale,  I am always behind, so it is no surprise that I joined the Club a few weeks after the Club had auctioned all of Norm’s birds. Thanks to Ray Crumbie, David Corneal, and Jason Hoaglund for selling or giving me my birds.  Most of my breeders are still birds from these men.

3- Any great triumphs?

Three come to mind, First was when, after Judging my birds, Thayne Lee told me that I had the best kit of Baldheads that he had ever seen.  Of  course the BOP thought the same thing and ate all but two of them. Second, was when my foundation hen (Light Almond from David Corneal) was named the best of breed at the Hurricane “Color Country Pigeon Show”. She went on to win best of the flying breeds, but did not place in the Best of show.

But my altime high was one morning this year, I was flying my birds and at least 17 or 18 rolled. Not all the same distance, but it was the neatest thing I have ever seen.

4-  You have served as a regional director for the Utah State Roller Club, in doing this and visiting so many fliers what was your greatest take away?

I am just starting my service as director, but I have enjoyed working with others, ( I am working with Jon to have one Judge do Idaho and Utah at the same time, saving costs and maybe getting a real good Judge) I hope to visit every member in the club this year, and see their set up.

5- Tell us about your current birds.

Working with Norm’s Baldheads and Almonds. I love to work with colors and will hope for the good roller now and then.

6- Any mentors helping you along the way?

Have to thank Guil Rand for really helping me get started.  I would go with Guil to as many fly’s as I could, and as we drove between stops I would go over my list of questions.  Also I have visited some of the members of the club on other than fly’s and always gotten good advise.

7- What are your goals with your birds?

My goals are simple. I want to receive at least one point on the Master Flyer list.  I actually meet my daily goals by spending time with the birds, but I want to do my part in the growth of the Club. If I never win a fly, that is OK and I will continue to compete. I love fly days.

8- As a new person in the hobby, what do you wish would have happened with your birds?

What would have helped you along better? I bought Dave Gerkey (SP) book and also Guil Rands book, so I had a lot of help in those books. I think the  Club should charge $5.00 more the first year and give a newby Guil’s book.

9- What does the hobby need right now?

More exposure. I don’t meet too many people that aren’t interested in my birds. My neighborhood is great, a couple of home next to mine, have said we could watch my birds from their back yards. I was the only member to show birds at the Utah County Fair.  When we get new members, we all need to help them with decent birds.

10- Any last thoughts?

Thanks to everyone for being so helpful to me.  Where else can you get Guil’s pancakes and chilli, Nick’s hot chocolate, a kiss on the neck from a llama, and the chance to say that Tom Monson has been in your back yard?