Event: Dakota Shooting Dog Classics and Derby
Result: Northwest Field Association

Location: Hankinson, North Dakota

Post Date: Jun 10, 2025

Submitted By: Lance Schulz

Dakota Amateur Shooting Dog Classic (front row): Ramblin Rivers Natural with Bill Stapleton, BK Marshall with John Zeman, and Moonshines Mustang Sally with Keith Anderson. (Back row): Todd Manns, Billy Stewart (judge), Bruce Mueller, Nik Zewers, Jim Tande, Mike Rost, and Scott Hadley (judge).

The Northwest Field Trial Association and the North Dakota Pointing Dog Club proudly hosted the inaugural Dakota Shooting Dog Classics from May 9-11 on the picturesque Dakota Prairie National Grasslands near Hankinson, North Dakota. This event featured both Amateur and Open Shooting Dog stakes and marked the ninth consecutive year the NDPDC has held its spring trial on these grounds.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors, whose generous support made this event possible. Purina supplied dog food for all placements, SportDOG contributed training collars for the winners, and Gun Dog House Door, Inc. sponsored a judges' dinner, staying true to their motto: "QUALITY ... INSIDE AND OUT!"

The Hankinson Hills offer an exceptional setting for field trials. Originally shaped by an ancient river that once emptied into glacial Lake Agassiz, the landscape has been sculpted over time by wind and rain into a diverse and challenging course. Handlers and dogs navigated open prairie adjacent to rolling sand dunes, followed by shaded groves of oak, poplar, and cottonwood. Ferns softened the scenery as the course opened again into an expansive prairie, framed by distinct tree-lined edges. This terrain provides a unique and rewarding experience, allowing dogs to stretch out and search for objectives while handlers work the natural boundaries of the course.

We would also like to recognize the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and judges. Field trials would not be possible without their time and commitment. Special thanks go to Keith Anderson, Justin Crook, Brian Gingrich, Scott Hadley, LJ Lundstrom, Todd Manns, Bruce Mueller, Mark Pfeifer, Mike Rost, Lance Schulz, Doug Swingley, Bill Stapleton, Billy Stewart, Jim Tande, John Zeman, and Nik Zewers for their contributions.

Despite unseasonably hot temperatures reaching the mid-90s, the event proceeded smoothly. On Friday, the Amateur Shooting Dog stake was completed. Ramblin Rivers Natural, handled by Bill Stapleton, claimed first place with a powerful forward ground race that included five well-earned finds. BK Marshall, handled by John Zeman, also finished with five finds and an impressive race, earning second place. Rounding out the placements, Moonshines Mustang Sally, handled by Mike Rost, took third place. That evening, participants gathered for a judge recognition dinner at Doc's, a well-known local bar located in the basement of a church. This dinner was graciously sponsored by Gun Dog House Door, Inc.

Saturday began with the Open Derby stake, where Total Confidence, handled by Jim Tande, secured first place. Ramblin Rivers Double Dot, with Bill Stapleton handling, earned second, and Mike Rost's Moonshines Bodacious finished in third. Following the Derby, we proceeded into the Open Shooting Dog money stake.

Sunday brought another early start to beat the heat, allowing us to complete the Open Shooting Dog stake by early afternoon. S T's Locked N Loaded, handled by Brian Gingrich, took first place honors. Brian also handled the second-place finisher, Erin's Ikon. Third place was awarded to Upfront's County Seat, handled by Lance Schulz. This stake was a National Open Shooting Dog qualifier and an Amateur Shooting Dog Invitational Points Trial. Congratulations to Erin's Ikon and Upfront's County Seat for qualifying for the 2026 National Open Shooting Dog Championship.

In closing, congratulations to all participants and winners. The success of this event reflects the hard work of the handlers, volunteers, judges, and sponsors who make it all possible. We look forward to many more successful events on these outstanding grounds.

Hankinson, N. D., May 9 - One Course
Judges: Scott Hadley and Billy Stewart
DAKOTA AMATEUR SHOOTING DOG CLASSIC [One-Hour Heats] - 16 Entries
1st-RAMBLIN RIVERS NATURAL, F1688693, pointer male, by Chelsea's Thunder Bolt-Upfront's Southern Star. William Stapleton, owner and handler.
2d-BK MARSHALL, F1699760, pointer male, by B K Bonafide Stallion-B K Hirollins Wild. John Zeman, owner and handler.
3d-MOONSHINES MUSTANG SALLY, F1708474, pointer female, by Touch's Malcolm Story-Wildfair Joy. Mike Rost, owner and handler.

Open Derby (front row): Total Confidence with Jim Tande, Ramblin Rivers Double Dot with Brian Gingrich, and Moonshines Bodacious with Mike Rost. (Back row): L. J. Lundstrom, Bruce Mueller, Bill Stapleton, John Zeman (judge), Nik Zewers, and Keith Anderson (judge).

Judges: Keith Anderson and John Zeman
OPEN DERBY - 16 Pointers and 2 Setters
1st-TOTAL CONFIDENCE, F1717099, pointer male, by Confident Nation-Oday Nation. James Tande, owner and handler.
2d-RAMBLIN RIVERS DOUBLE DOT, F1709252, pointer female, by Miller's Blindsider-True Grace. Bill Stapleton, owner and handler.
3d-MOONSHINES BODACIOUS, F1718111, pointer male, by Confident Nation-Wiggins Pree Dawn Reward. Mike Post, owner and handler.

Judges: L. J. Lundstrom and Billy Stewart
DAKOTA OPEN SHOOTING DOG CLASSIC [One-Hour Heats] - 16 Entries
1st-S T'S LOCKED N LOADED, F1686059, Vizsla female, by C K Touchdown Guy-Midnight Run's Probable Cause. Jeff Zenas, owner; Brian Gingrich, handler.
2d-ERIN'S IKON, F1703948, setter male, by Erin's Wild Atlantic Way-Wildcat Creek Athena. Jerrold & Kristen Moisson, owners; Brian Gingrich, handler.
3d-UPFRONT'S COUNTY SEAT, F1705554, pointer female, by Chelsea's Thunder Bolt-Upfront's Southern Star. Lance & Marcie Schulz, owners; Lance Schulz, handler.

Dakota Open Shooting Dog (front row): S T's Locked N Loaded with Bill Stapleton, Erin's Ikon with Brian Gingrich, and Upfront's County Seat with Lance Schulz. (Back row): Billy Stewart (judge), Doug Swingley, and L. J. Lundstrom (judge).