December 6th, 2025 kicked off the Frozen Toes trial, which also kicked off our 2025/2026 trialing season. The Frozen Toes trial is unique for our region as it is held during the hunting season, and it is a chukar trial. The weather forecast leading up to the trial called for heavy snow and really wet weather. It looked like the trial was going to live up to its name. We were pleasantly surprised when the rain and snow cleared up early Saturday morning and the weekend was great for running dogs.
As a region we are always excited to see new faces and dog handlers that want to come out and give this game a try. At this year's Frozen Toes we had 27 amateur dogs in the field of 36, with several being their first trial. We want to welcome all the new handlers and thank our seasoned handlers for the camaraderie and inclusive environment at these trials.
We want to thank our judges (Mitch Johnson, Angie Wonnacott, Rich Lowe, Joel Cartwright, James Wiitala, Kris Hamby , Bobby Brown, Dennis Haggard), field marshals (Angie Wonnacott, Lynn Jeffers) and bird planter (Glenn Smith) for helping make this trial a success. We also want to thank those that helped set up / take down the fields and also a special thanks to Bobby Brown and Kayla Howell for picking up the birds in Colorado.
We qualified 6 dogs this weekend for our Regional Elimination Trial in May '26. An updated qualification list can be found at the link below.
The current high point standings can be found at the link below.
We look forward to seeing everyone at our next trial - The Spring Opener Trial - February 21st/22nd, 2026 (registration will open January 21st).
Saturday Results - Open
A trio of Setters would dominate A-Field on Saturday, as Bret Wonnacott and Snaps had the run of the day finding 6 birds with excellent scores to take 1st place.
Michael Workman and Pepper had a good run and found 4 birds with a back for 2nd place.
Bret Wonnacott and Rox would also find 4 birds with great scores to secure 3rd place.
Congratulations to our A-Field winners.
In B-Field on Saturday, Joel Cartwright and his Wirehair Knox would take top honors with an exciting 4-bird run securing them 1st place.
Michael Workman and Pepper had a great day with their 2nd podium finish, finding 3 birds and taking 2nd place.
Wyatt Workman and his Brittany Dot would also find 3 birds finishing 3rd and round out a great day for the Father/Son duo.
This is not the first time Michael and 15-year old Wyatt have shared the podium. They are both becoming regulars at the top of the leaderboards.
Congratulations to our B-Field winners.
Sunday Results - Open
In A-Field on Sunday, Kayla Howell and her Pudelpointer Magic would have the run of the day finding 5 birds with a back to capture 1st place. This is Kayla and Bobby's first open win with Magic, Congratulations.
Van Jacobson and his Setter Jazz had a great run finding 4 birds with great scores to take 2nd place.
Quinn Inwards and his Wirehair Jade put 3 birds on the card during their run to secure 3rd place.
Congratulations to our A-Field winners.
In B-Field, Kelly Irons and his Shorthair Ember would have an outstanding run, finding 5 birds taking the top podium spot. This is Kelly's first open win with Ember, Congratulations.
Van Jacobson and Jazz, would have another solid run for thier second podium placement of the day. They found 4 birds with great scores to secure the 2nd place finish.
Our friend, James Wiitala (from the Big Sky region) and his Shorthair Missy would have a solid run finding 4 birds and finishing in 3rd place. James had to get back on the road home so is not pictured.
Congratulations to our B-Field winners.
Amateur Results
1st Place - Pepper / Michael Workman
2nd Place - Magic / Bobby Brown
3rd Place - Mel / Blue Bank (not pictured)
1st Place - Pepper / Michael Workman
2nd Place - Dot / Wyatt Workman
3rd Place - Kevin / Dennis Haggard (not pictured)
1st Place - Ember / Kelly Irons
2nd Place - Aldo / Kayla Howell
3rd Place - Talon / James Wiitala
1st Place - Magic / Kayla Howell
2nd Place - Jade / Quinn Inwards
3rd Place - Ember / Kelly Irons
Noteworthy Accomplishments