Welcome to Northwest Region of NSTRA

Presidents Message

The NW NSTRA Board of Directors extends best wishes to all of you for a safe and happy new year. We apologize for the lateness of this Newsletter. During the Holiday season and board members hunting trips and general gallivanting around the country, it’s been very hard to put something together. Nonetheless a new trialing season is rapidly approaching. This spring’s trialing season is a busy one with nine full weekends scheduled. We encourage everyone to support your local trials, and when possible travel to one or two others locations. All of the clubs sponsoring trials are in need of dogs, judges, quads, bird planters, meal helpers and volunteers to set up and take down their trials, unpack and pack up trailers, carry out garbage, you name it we need it! The increased cost of birds means that most clubs cannot afford to pay for the use of quads. If you have a quad please consider donating its use. If you can help in anyway please do so. I personally have made many lasting friendships through field trialing. Volunteering at field trials builds camaraderie initially forged in competition during the braces. I look forward meeting like-minded people, helping each other with training, traveling to trials, and hunting together. It makes for time well spent.

Looking back at the past year we had one of the smallest Regionals in quite some time. Some reasons for this come to mind; the poor economy, high gas prices and the increased cost of entering trials have definitely hurt participation. Also some of our NW Region trial dogs passed away last year. Dogs which I am aware of that have died this year are: Moon (EP)-Jack Richardson, Buddy (ES)-Mike Ouchida, Bonnie GSP-Mary and Ron Park, Meg(GSP)-Scott Harrison, Trey (GWP)- Davy Caven, Dakota (GSP)-Judy and Gary Weitenhagen

No matter how old or how a dog dies, it is never easy. I personally can remember each of these wonderful dogs. Our condolences go to everyone who lost their dog.

Take care and we look forward to seeing you this spring, Your NW Region Offices and Board of Directors

Mike Stotts

NSTRA is a very fun and competitive sport. We have a great group of people in the Northwest Region. Consider joining us for an upcoming event.

Secretary’s note: In order to save money on printing and postage the NW Region would like to email as many newsletters out as possible. If you have an email address and are able to download a newsletter and not receiving a newsletter by email please contact me.

We have found a wonderful way to conserve gas at our trials - check out our new judge's transportation.

President: Mike Stotts, Jr

Vice President: Ed Westbrook

Secretary: Mike Ouchida

Treasurer: Jack Richardson

Directors: Paul McCawley, Jerry Youman, Robert Proctor , Jeff Funke