Result: Northwest Field Association

Location: Hsnkinson, North Dakota

Post Date: Jun 22, 2026

Submitted By: Lorrie Bohl

Open All-Age (front, l-r): Jean LaNasa with Hotdish, Keith Anderson with Ready or Not, and Frank LaNasa with Warbird. (Rear): Nik Zewers, L. J. Lundstrom, Katherine Gove, Todd Manns, and Lorrie Bohl.

The Northwest Field Association held its 2026 Spring field trial on May 1-2 at the Sheyenne National Grassland South Unit near Hankinson, North Dakota. Part of the larger Sheyenne National Grassland conservation area, the South Unit is comprised of rolling sandhills, mixed grass prairie, and scattered oak woodlands. The area's open terrain and natural cover provide a unique setting for field trials, allowing dogs ample opportunity to demonstrate range, bird-finding ability, and style.

North Dakota weather can be unpredictable at any time of year, especially in the spring. This year, Mother Nature smiled on the event, and the weekend weather was overall mild, making for comfortable days outdoors and in the saddle.

This year's trial showcased the efficiency and flexibility of the organizers and participants before it even began. The National Forest Service finished a scheduled burn of land sections adjacent to the field trial grounds just as trialers began arriving. The presence of smoke and smoldering earth compelled the group to use an alternative base camp to await the start of the trial. On Friday morning, camp was efficiently relocated to its usual location, with handlers and dogs eager to run under the clear blue sky.

Handlers from across the region come to this trial to compete at a high level, but the opportunity to connect with fellow trialers brings people back year after year. Following Friday's running, participants gathered at The Church Bar in Hankinson for a Judges' Dinner. On Saturday night, the group reconvened at the Black Pelican Bar & Grille in Wyndmere for an outstanding prime rib dinner, where stories from the weekend--and years gone by--were shared among friends. Both gatherings were a testament to the strong sense of community and lasting friendships that are the heart of our sport.

The trial was chaired by Nik Zewers, whose hard work and dedication were instrumental in the success. Organizing a field trial requires balancing countless details and overcoming unexpected challenges. Nik managed it all with grace, good humor, and steady leadership, keeping the trial running smoothly from start to finish. Nik even found time during the weekend to trim a horse for a fellow club member, a testament to his generosity and willingness to lend a hand wherever needed. The Association is deeply grateful for his efforts and commitment to the club.

The Northwest Field Association extends its sincere appreciation to the judges, many volunteers, National Forest Service Manager Aaron Gaither, and participants who contributed to a successful event.

The Northwest Field Association would also like to thank Purina for its generous sponsorship of the trial.

Open All-Age
Judges Scott Jordan and Bruce Mueller presided over a strong field of all-age competitors.
Hotdish ("Dolly"), handled by Frank LaNasa, won the performance with a forward race, quality bird work, and consistency throughout the course, earning top honors in a competitive field.
Ready or Not ("Rosie"), handled by Keith Anderson, secured second place, while Warbird ("Joe"), handled by Frank LaNasa, placed third.

Open All-Age Derby
Judges Todd Manns and Emily Spolyar evaluated an exciting group of young all-age prospects.
Tate Island Nation ("Tate"), handled by Scott Jordan, with a stylish race and maturity, earned first place among a talented derby field.
High Speed Come Apart ("Crew"), handled by Scott Hadley, placed second, while Lil Miss Silver ("Babe"), handled by Frank LaNasa, placed third.

Open Shooting Dog
Judges L. J. Lundstrom and Ben Fleishacker observed a quality shooting dog stake marked by strong ground races and productive bird work.
BK Marshall ("Kane"), handled by John Zeman, balanced race, responsiveness, and effective bird work, securing the top placement.
Ready or Not ("Rosie"), handled by Keith Anderson, placed second, while "FYN," handled by Todd Manns, placed third.

Open Shooting Dog Derby
Judge Ben Fleishacker and Keith Anderson evaluated the young shooting dog derby contenders.
"Rosie," handled by Bruce Mueller, earned first place with a confident and polished performance, multiple finds, and an impressive back.
In second was Silver Confidence ("Coop"), handled by Frank LaNasa, and "Sage," handled by Scott Hadley, placed third.
Congratulations to all winners and participants, and thank you to everyone who contributed their time and effort to the event.
The Northwest Field Association looks forward to welcoming members and friends back for future trials and continued success in the field.

Hankinson, N. D., May 1
Judges: Scott Jordan and Bruce Mueller
OPEN ALL-AGE - 6 Pointers
1st-HOTDISH, F1702480, pointer female, by True Confidence-My Lucky Day. Frank & Jean LaNasa, owners; Frank LaNasa, handler.
2d-READY OR NOT, F1708651, pointer female, by Seranoa's Valley Below-Affinity. Keith Anderson, owner and handler.
3d-WARBIRD, F1705326, pointer male, by True Confidence-Red Sunshine. Frank LaNasa, owner and handler.

Open Derby (front, l-r): Scott Jordan with Tate Island: Nation, Scott Hadley with High Speed Come Apart, and Jean LaNasa with Lil Miss Silver. (Rear): Ben Fleishacker, L. J. Lundstrom, Keith Anderson, Todd Manns (judge), Lorrie Bohl, Frank LaNasa, and Nik Zewers.

Judges: Todd Manns and Emily Spolyar
OPEN DERBY - 11 Pointers
1st-TATE ISLAND NATION, F1716100, pointer male, by Haney's All In-Pearl Jam Nation. Scott Jordan, owner and handler.
2d-HIGH SPEED COME APART, F1727403, pointer male, by Elhew Sinbad-Aim High Elhew Hadley. Scott Hadley, owner and handler.
3d-LIL MISS SILVER, F1724703, pointer female, by Haney's Silver Dollar-Lil Miss Confidence. Frank LaNasa, owner and handler.

Judges: Ben Fleishacker and L. J. Lundstrom
OPEN SHOOTING DOG - 12 Pointers
1st-BK MARSHALL, F1699760, pointer male, by B K Bonafide Stallion-B K Hirollins Wild. John Zeman, owner and handler.
2d-READY OR NOT, F1708651, pointer female, by Seranoa's Valley Below-Affinity. Keith Anderson, owner and handler.
3d-KINNI CREEK FYN, F1685067, pointer male, by Dominator's Rebel Heir-Bar P Fizz. Todd Manns, owner and handler.

Judges: Keith Anderson and Ben Fleishacker
OPEN DERBY - 11 Pointers
1st-COLD CREEK WILD ROSE, F1720408, pointer female, by Nomads Uncle Sam-Cold Creek Spectacle. Bruce Mueller, owner and handler.
2d-SILVER CONFIDENCE, F1724700, pointer male, by Haney's Silver Dollar-Lil Miss Confidence. Frank LaNasa, owner and handler.
3d-HIGH EXPECTATIONS, F1712180, pointer female, by Miller's Blindsider-Hadley's Honky Tonk Song. Scott Hadley, owner; Matt Griffin, handler.

Open Derby (front, l-r): Nik Zewers with Cold Creek Wild Rose, Jean LaNasa with Silver Confidence, and Scott Hadley with High Expectations. (Rear): Ben Fleishacker (judge), L. J. Lundstrom, Todd Manns, Bruce Mueller, Frank LaNasa, Scott Jordan, Andie Miller, and Lorrie Bohl.

Open Shooting Dog (front, l-r): Ben Fleishacker (judge) with BK Marshall, Keith Anderson with Ready or Not, and Todd Manns with Kinni Creek Fyn. (Rear): Nik Zewers, L. J. Lundstrom (judge), Bruce Mueller, Andie Miller, Scott Jordan, and Lorrie Bohl.