National Shoot to Retrieve Association

09/02/2026

It’s been a heavy year for the NSTRA family, as we’ve had to say goodbye to far too many people who helped shape this organization and the sport we all love.

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Phillip N. “Butch” Butler. Butch was a longtime member of the Florida Region, serving as an officer and Region President, and was recognized in 2025 as an NSTRA Distinguished Member, an honor that speaks to the lasting impact he made on NSTRA.

People like Butch leave behind more than titles, wins, and accomplishments. They leave behind friendships, stories, traditions, and a piece of the history that made NSTRA what it is today.

Our thoughts are with Butch’s family, friends, and the entire Florida Region. May we continue to remember and honor those who came before us and gave so much to this sport.

Rest in Peace, Butch. Your contribution to NSTRA will not forgotten.

08/20/2026

🐎 Coming to Dickinson for the 2026 NSTRA Endurance?

Be sure to set aside some extra time to visit the newly opened Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora! This incredible new destination brings Theodore Roosevelt’s story to life in the beautiful North Dakota Badlands.

August is a busy time in Medora, so advance reservations are strongly recommended.

🎟️ Purchase tickets online:
https://www.trlibrary.com/tickets

We look forward to welcoming everyone to Dickinson—and hope you’ll enjoy everything western North Dakota has to offer!

Admission to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is by timed-entry ticket covering the full exhibit experience — how tickets work, and how to plan your visit to Medora.

08/19/2026

NSTRA is saddened to share the passing of Ed Rader, a man whose contributions helped shape the foundation of our organization and the sport we enjoy today.

Ed was there in NSTRA’s early years and went on to serve as National President from 1982–1984. In 2012, he was honored as one of the inaugural members of the NSTRA Distinguished Members class — a fitting recognition for a lifetime of dedication to bird dogs, field trials, and the people who share that passion.

Ed’s impact reached far beyond NSTRA. He was instrumental in the early days of the Conservation Bird Dog Club in Amo, a place that has become such an important part of NSTRA’s history and continues to bring generations of bird dog enthusiasts together.

Those who have attended our National Trials at Amo in recent years likely saw Ed there, often alongside his granddaughter, Olivia, as another generation carried on the Rader bird dog legacy.

We are grateful for Ed’s vision, dedication, and the lasting mark he leaves on NSTRA. Our thoughts are with the Rader family and all those fortunate enough to call Ed a friend.

Rest in peace, Ed. Your legacy will live on in NSTRA for generations to come.

View Ed Rader's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/07/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our friend, Brent Underdahl.

Brent was a valued member of the NSTRA family whose love for bird dogs, dedication to the sport, and friendships made a lasting impact on so many. He will be remembered for the memories he created, the friendships he built, and the positive influence he had on our community.

Please keep Brent’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

On behalf of the National Shoot to Retrieve Association, we extend our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him.

Rest easy, Brent. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

08/04/2026

Please join us K-9 Kondo Inc. as the newest sponsor of NSTRA!

K-9 Kondo builds high-quality dog kennel doors and durable dog “Kondos” designed for hunting dogs and active kennels.

We’re excited to have them on board and appreciate their support of NSTRA and our members. Be sure to check them out and give them a warm welcome!

www.k-9kondo.com

07/23/2026

The countdown has officially started for the Purina Pro Plan Endurance Classic, in Dickinson, North Dakota.

Sign up by July 28!
www.nstra.org
https://www.nstra.org/media/1522/2026-endurance-entry-form-fillable.pdf

06/16/2026

PERFORMANCE CLASSIC HOST BIDS
The deadline to submit bids to host the Performance Classic has been extended to June 23, 2026.

Please submit all bids to the National Office by June 23.

06/12/2026

⚠️ Member Notice ⚠️

We’ve recently been made aware of scam/phishing emails being sent to NSTRA members.

These emails may look like they are coming from a NSTRA Board Member or another member you know. In some cases, the sender’s name is correct, but the actual email address is not.

Please take a moment to check the sender’s email address before responding, clicking any links, or opening attachments. If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.

When in doubt, contact the person directly through a phone call, text message, or a known email address to verify the request.

Please be cautious and help spread the word to fellow members.

-NSTRA-

06/03/2026

The Performance Classic is behind us, but it’s never too early to start planning for the Purina Endurance Championship!

We’ve got a room block set up at the Baymont in Dickinson:

🏨 $85/night + tax
🐾 Pet fee waived for NSTRA participants
🍳 Rooms have kitchens (bring your own dishes)

When booking, ask for Chris and tell him you’re with the NSTRA dog group to get the rate.

Get your room reserved and we’ll see you in North Dakota! 🏆🐕‍🦺
More trial & camping details to follow….