R. Cray Stephenson

Hometown:
Milton, Florida
Occupation:
Retriever Trainer, Full Time Father
Areas of Hunting Expertise
Waterfowl and Retrievers
Favorite Method of Hunting:
Ducks over Decoys
Credentials and Awards:
HRC Judge, Super Retriever Series Judge, World Retriever Championship Judge

Cray was born and raised in Eastern Kentucky where he was introduced to hunting at an early age by his grandfather. In his early 20s, Cray was introduced to hunting waterfowl and it quickly became an obsession. This obsession coupled with his love for retrievers led him to start Creighton Kennels Hunting Retrievers.

In 1990, Cray began working with hunting dogs and since then he has worked with Competition retrievers, Gun Dogs, Companion dogs, Service dogs, Therapy Dogs and Search and Rescue dogs. Cray has trained and handled dogs in the N.A.H.R.A. and H.R.C. programs and judged events in both of these venues. He also has handled and judged in Super Retriever Series events and was one of 4 judges to judge the inaugural World Retriever Championship.

Cray has a strong desire to keep the outdoor sports as a large part of his family life and to give back to that community. He believes that the future of hunting and fishing lies at the feet of the children and Cray wants to teach and guide our children to a love and respect for the outdoors, our environment and our heritage. One way Cray is giving back is by volunteering as a Den Leader for the local Cub Scouts, he finds this work very rewarding. He will also be Assistant Cub Master for 2007/2008

These experiences allow Cray to bring a wealth of hunting and retriever training knowledge to Avery's Pro Staff. Cray's use of Avery products allows him to believe and trust in them. This trust makes it very easy for him to promote Avery to both water fowlers and retriever enthusiasts.

Cray lives in Milton, Florida with his wife, Michelle Stephenson, DVM, and their 2 boys, Patrick, 7 years old and Kelton, 4 years old.