Hey guys and girls,

Training day this Saturday, we will start things up at 9:oo and will go till whenever. Not sure about the weather, but welcome to spring in Montana. Still have no pheasant or chukar but working hard to find some. We'll figure out something. We'll see you all there! Scotty

Hello everyone,

Hope your fall and winter hunting season and the holidays were good to you, and you got fat and sassy with the winter layoff. I'm ready to shake some pounds and get going with the new season's puppies and revisit some issues with older dogs. With that in mind our first training day will be March 3rd, and will be held every 2 weeks after that. We are anticipating lots of new folks and pups, so will be a busy spring. I will have pigeons available if you need some, be sure to bring a crate or box to take them home if you need some. I am also trying to find some roosters for the tracking and chukar if anyone wants them. Pigeons are $2 , pheasant are $12, and chukar are $10. As of right this minute, we will be meeting at my place, directions are posted on the blogspot under training days. There will be a general discussion on the activities for the summer as far as fundraisers and such at lunch time. We'll fire up at 9:00 and go until we're done, so come prepared with lunch and snacks for me. I meant you, but if you have extra... If any one has questions you can call me at 406-627-2383, or email me at scotty@shockkennels.com. Scotty

Annual International Business Mtg

Annual business meeting to be in San Diego, CA; Jan20-22; I would like to know if we should send someone to the meeting, I have made a Motion, asking National to assist persons interested in the Apprenticeship Judge from the Johnny Shulkey Fund, which is set aside for aiding the Judge Developement for NAVHDA. If there is any other idea to be put into a form of a Motion it must be submitted before November 1, 2011. Phil

Training pays off.

Just a hunting report and a thank you for all the help training.
We went to a hunt in Brooks Alberta this past weekend. It was a release hunt. They have it every year. It is a fund raiser for youth hunting in Alberta. Team of 6, and you get 40 Roosters. We released the birds and I watched 2 of them go into a Cattail island in a small pond. I wasn't waiding out to get them so we tried the duck search training. I got Sadie at heal, nelt down beside her, got her attention on where I wanted her to go, and said Fetch. She swam straight to where I pointed, smelled the bird and the action was on. The bird actually flushed, but landed on a old dead tree stump in the island of Cattails. It was soaken wet, wasn't going to fly so I shot it. Sadie found it and swam back with it. Good Girl. There was one more in there, so we did it again. She went back in but the bird would not fly. She caught it and brought it back. Thing were not perfect, but I was very happy with the results.
Thanks for the help training Scott. The bucket payed off.

Lets Go Hunting

Thus ends another great Big Sky NAVHDA season, with plans under way for spring and fall 2012 tests. Fall test at Ronan was beautiful, and lots of fun. Great dogs, Great Kids, Great Judges, Great Volunteers and Great Handlers. What more can one say except Lets Go Hunting.
See you next year

We have had some last minute cancellations, please email me if you are interested in running a dog in NA or UT

Thanks
Leslie

Fall Test info

Hi Folks

Here is some information about our fall test- which is full, but please contact me to be put on the wait list for last minute cancellations.

We are using the Ninepipes test grounds in Charlo MT and as always we expect utmost respect for the property. We will have dog signs and a Purina banner to mark  the test site entrance. We ask that you water your dogs in specific areas prior to the test and crate or keep your dog on leash, when they are not actually running.  If you bring kids, please keep an eye on them so that they don't disturb dogs or test participants. We will discuss all of these points at the welcoming introduction the morning of the test.   Please make sure that your dogs have an up to date vaccination record, we will have a vet on call for the test if there are any emergency's.   There will be coffee and muffins by donation in the morning, and any additional baked goods are always welcome. We will have a simple hot lunch- all three days days at a nominal fee.  Saturday night dinner is on site and will be Barbeque Pork Brisket. Sunday night we will have a dinner at a Connie's Countryside Kitchen in Ninepipes. They are open for Breakfast at 6am.



We will have t-shirts to sell at the test in Orange and Grey for $15.  Big Sky Chapter was first started in 1977 and since then the test has had a great history of yearly tests and training days. We have great expertise in the club and our mission is to help each other. So if you have any questions or concerns about the testing,  preparing or training, please do not hesitate to give me a shout or an email, and I will try to get the information that you need. If anyone would like to volunteer to help at the test, please let me know.

Thanks

Leslie

Training

Training day at Scotty's Saturday. Also the last training days are the 13th and 27th.
Leslie

Fall Test

Hi Everyone

Had a great day training at Scotty's- Laird was introduced to Ducks and chased them for hours. Definitely a future duck dog....

Fall test in Ronan is full, but contact me to get on the wait list.
Leslie

Hello everyone,
We will be holding a training day on Sat July 9th at Scotty's. Looking forward to seeing everyone there. Scotty

I got this in a email from the guy we got Ciaro from. Thought I would share.
TRACKING INTRODUCTION
Supplies you will need.
Pack of survey flags (you can find them at Lowes) small size 12inches
Beef broth
Beef hot dog or Turkey (No pork)
Squeeze bottle to put the beef broth in

!2 weeks old pup short straight track about 20 30 yards
We are working on some small tracking courses with Hondo.
We put a flag on where we start and a flag at the end of the trail.
BEEF HOT DOGS (cut up 3 hot dogs in nickel size pieces)
1. You put the beef broth in a squeeze bottle.
2. Your first trail only make it about 30 yards.
3. Your first couple of time make it a straight line.
4. From the flag squirt a line of beef broth 4 ft. lay 2 small pieces of hot dog at the 4ft. Then go another 4ft with broth and set 2 pieces of hot dog. Keep going until you get to the end flag. Put four pieces of hot dog at the end.
5. Go get pup, Have pup on a check cord and go to the starting Flag, point to the ground and say track, track , track make sure you get pups nose to the ground, wants pup smells the broth keep pup walking on the trail with nose down and keep repeating the word track, track over & over. When pup gets to the first hot dogs let pup eat them and then keep pup going to the next hot dogs. Still saying track, track, track.
{He told me that they put a leash on the pup, hold his nose to the ground and crawl with them giving the track comand.}

You should have seen Hondo, the second day he was ready, then the third time he went out already to track. he was ALL about the track.
We have him doing the tracking twice a week, we make the trail longer each time and we put turns in it, when you make a turn you need to put a flag for your reference.

We will be having a training day at Scotty's on Sat. The road in is kind of messy so be careful that you don't slide off into the fields. We have some pigeons and chukar @ 8.50, and roosters @ 12.50 if you need them. We will have ducks available in 2 weeks, price yet to be determined. We will be starting at 9:00 and go to whenever. We'll be training rain or shine so come prepared. Scotty

Great test day. Thanks to everyone, and thanks to Scotty for his time and patients for training days. The meal was great at Cattlmens. We are still eating prim rib.

Handlers Clinic at Wild Rose Chapter

There is a handlers clinic being offered by the Wild Rose Chapter- Alberta on June 25th, 26th. Contact Gerhard for info . His email is grosin@mcsnet.ca. I hope to be going and could carpool from Northern Montana.
Leslie

What a great TEST

Miserable weather, wonderful dogs, cheerful handlers and a great group of judges. A big round of applause to all of the volunteers, many were running dogs as well, who made this a really smooth test. This test really set the standard for future tests. Puppy tests are fun, and always a mixed bag of performances. I think what is really the most satisfying element of a test is seeing the relationship between dogs and handlers and seeing the excitement building towards future training. I really believe that NAVHDA's greatest strength is getting you to work and spend positive time with your dog. I am just itching to get my pup on ducks and get him steady for hunting season.... Lots of fun ahead....
Leslie

Upcoming Test

Hi Everyone.
We have a few openings left for the upcoming test on May 28, and 29 2011 in Great Falls Montana.

Let me know if you need a last minute spot.

Thanks Leslie
leslie@lowe.ca

We will be having a training day this Sat at Scotty's. Plan for wet fields and dress accordingly. We will also be doing waterwork and have Pheasant for tracking. The spring test is filling up, so if you plan on entering please call or email Leslie Lowe and get your info in, she will be starting a waiting list for entries soon. Our judges will be Gary Whitman, Joe Schmutz, and Sheryl Tepp. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Sat. Scotty

We will be having a training day at my place this Sat. We will begin at 9:00 as usual. The weather is calling for 50 and overcast, slight chance of showers. Will see everyone then. Scotty

Training Day Site Change !!!!!

Hey people, Due to snow drifts still blocking the entrance to the fields, we will be holding the training day at a different location. Directions are as follows: coming from the south; Get off of I15 at exit 340 (Conrad) take the frontage road across from the Veterinarian clinic North for 2.3 miles. Turn to the left just before the railroad tracks, if you cross the tracks you have gone too far. Coming from the North; Get off at exit 345 and turn to the West (Right). Go .5 mile turn South (Left) go 2.7 miles. Immediatley after crossing the tracks turn right. I will be there early and have a pointing dog or a NAVHDA sign out at the turn in. As of today, Thursday, there is the possibility of rain or snow showers. Bring your foul weather gear and a lunch, and let's get started! If you have any questions, shoot me an email or give me a call at 406-627-2383. See ya'll there! Scotty

Hey guys and girls,
Its time to go to work after our 6 month layoff from bird season! Well okay it hasn't been 6 months, but it sure felt like it. Not sure winter was ever going to end. Our snow level is about gone in the fields, and I think that we should be able to get in the fields for some training. So our training days will commence on April 2, and go every two weeks until the spring test. The first training day will be at my place, with more options to follow. We will have pigeons available and chukar and pheasant at a later date. The ponds have been open off and on, and are full, full, full. The weather so far is calling for a 30% chance of rain, so come prepared for a Montana spring day. We will start at 9:00 and have lunch at noon and go till whenever, so bring a sack lunch and any questions you may have. If we have people getting their dogs ready for utility, this is an excellent chance to lay out a training program for the spring and summer for a fall run. If you need directions shoot me an email @ MontanaScotty@yahoo.com, or call 406-627-2383. Till then hope this finds everyone well, and we'll see you then! Scotty

Full Steam Ahead

Hi Everyone

Looking forward to a great training and hunting season. I am blessed to have Kirin, 3yr old Griff , working towards Utility and a Laird, 1yr Griff working towards NA. So I will be busy training and keeping up with test entries. It will be an exciting year. As we move forward, we will nail down training days on both sides of the mountain and post it on the blog.
Meanwhile, test dates are set, May 28 and 29 for NA and a mixed test in the fall on Sept 3,4,5.

Please remember I will not take applications without full payment.

Cheers
Leslie
leslie@bigskyhunt.ca

Maybe getting carried away, but I wanted to see if I could upload a picture. These are the GSP pups from last Christmas.

Not much of a bloger but thought I would try to start some conversation. I enjoy hearing about everyones hunting season, good or bad. I didn't get to do much training last summer, but I miss it. Hunting season has been good. Nice to be able to just go out after work for a hour or so. I can't believe what 6 or 7 weeks of growth does for a rooster.

A huge thanks to all the Judges, Volunteers, Handlers and of course the Dogs for a great series of tests over the weekend. We'll post scores as soon as we are able - Thanks again, and Happy Hunting.

Hey guys,
I will be at Three Forks running in the AKC Hunt Test on the 20 and 21 of Aug, so there will not be a training day then. However, we will be holding a training day this Saturday the 14th, so if you are coming, please rsvp. We have pigeons and ducks for use for training. Scotty

Big Sky Fall Test

Big sky Chapter is running a Natural ability and a UT/UPT Test on September 4,5,6 in NinePipes-Ronan. Montana. It is just north of Missoula. The grounds are exceptional, every portion of the test is walkable from the main parking/ camping area.

We have a great lineup of judges and I know it will be a great test. We have additional spots left for both NA and UT. I encourage people to get their applications in quickly.

Test costs are as follows- per dog...
Natural Ability $125members or $150 for non-Big Sky members
Utility Prep and Utility $150members or $175 for non-Big Sky members

September 4,5,6
Natural Ability on Sept 4, 5
Utility Prep Sept 4,5,6
Utility Sept 4,5,6

We will try to accommodate entries with significant travel time on
requested days first.

Always looking for volunteers to help,make these tests happen. If you can help, drop me an email. For more information email me; bigskyhunt@lowe.ca

Cheers Leslie

We are working on putting together at least one, if not more training days in the Whitefish Area in July and August - Please call Tom or email swiftcreekgriffons@gmail.com if you are interested. We will need birds, and the likely spot for field work is a piece of state land, which would require anyone in attendance to have a Montana State Land Recreational Use Permit. http://fwp.mt.gov/recreation/permits/stateLandUse.html Contrary to popular belief, this is NOT included in your hunting and fishing license - your hunting and fishing license only covers state land use while you are actively hunting or fishing. Please call Tom if you have questions - 406-212-0602. Thanks.

Training Day Sat 26th

Hello to all,
Just a quick note to any that are coming up to the training day on Sat, it will be at Scotty's and be sure to bring plenty of mosquito spray. We have found our first snake of the season and so please be aware that they are coming out. Looking forward to Sat. Scotty

SPRING TEST RESULTS

First of all...Many thanks to all the handlers, owners, judges and volunteers for a great event. We couldn't have pulled it off without a huge volunteer effort. Results can be found at:
http://www.navhda.us/Chaptertestresults.aspx
Type in 5/29/2010 as the start date and 5/31/2010 as the end date - select Bigsky as the chapter.

BLOG POSTING

There have been lots of inquiries from folks who have forgotten how to post to the blog - in order to post, go to blogger.com - enter bigskynavhda@gmail.com as the account name, then enter your google gmail account password as the password - if you can't remember your gmail password, go to mail.google.com and they will send you your login info to your alternate regular email account. If that doesn't work, contact Tom at swiftcreekgriffons.com and a new "invitation" to be an author will be sent your way - hope that all works.

Hello everyone,
Just a quick note on things in general. There will be a training day at Scotty's on Sat. We will be doing an abbreviated utility test for those who have not seen one and are interested in continuing on with their pups. Scotty

Spring Test

Hi Everyone

There are two openings left for the spring NA test. Reminder to these that still need to send me NAVHDA numbers- I need them, in order for your dog to be eligible to run. I am looking forward to the test and meeting everyone and their pups.

Leslie

THE SPRING TEST IS FULL - TAKING BACK-UP REGISTRATIONS

The Big Sky Chapter Spring NA test is full - Don't hesitate to send in a back-up registration if you haven't signed up yet. We are still looking for a few volunteers, so bring a friend and stay an extra day and help out - contact Leslie Lowe at bigskyhunts@lowe.ca

TRAINING DAY CANCELATION

Unfortunately, due to excessive flooding of the fields at Scotty's, the training day for this Saturday, May 8th is cancelled - stay tuned for a future days........

May 8th Training Day

Please RSVP for the May 8th Training Day at Scotty's, bigskynavhda@gmail.com , phone or the Blog - Thanks!

APRIL 24 TRAINING DAY

Please RSVP for the Big Sky Chapter Training Day at Scotty's. So far:

Tony Weber (1 NA)
Rae Brown (3 NA)
Roger and Laurie Lohr
Diane Boyd
Dawna Miller
Lisa and Allan Durand (2 NA)
Jenny Murney (1UPT)
Tom Healy (1NA / 1UT)

Thanks, and we'll see you there!

Please RSVP for the April 10th Training Day at Scotty's.
So Far:

George and Celeste McLean - 1 NA
Pat and Susan Krage - 1 NA
Steve Depta - 2 NA Dogs
Tom Healy - 2 NA/1 UT
Tony Weber - 1 NA

Hopefully we'll see you there!

Three Forks Directions

I've added a link to the "GSP Training Days" page to the Three Forks Training and Testing site - If someone could confirm this it would be great - or even better send a link to a "Google Maps" page or "Mapquest" page - I received the directions in PDF form and have had a difficult time posting it to "Blogger" - Thanks

Hey everyone,
I just want to say thank you to everyone who is showing up for the training days, I know the travel can be a chore, but I hope it will continue, I am super excited with the turnout and enthusiasm! With a couple of training days under our belt, we have some new ideas to try to streamline our day and workload and try to lessen the downtime. We also would love to hear some feedback (what you like, what you don't) and we can try to address those issues. I would like to be able to give some homework to those of you that wish to, and work more toward hunting dog training, along with training for tests.
We have access to some pheasant for training for the track at $10.00 each. If you would like to get 1 or more, please preorder at least 3 days before each training day so I have time to go and get them and have them ready for your use. If you want to take it (or them) home with you, please bring your own crate or cage as we do not have any to lend.
On the 22nd of May, we will be holding a mock mini NA test at Davy Girtman's grounds, which is where the test is going to be held. Mike Bowman, who is going to be judging at our Fall test, is going to be on hand to answer any questions you might have on what to expect on your big day. This is a fantastic opportunity to be able to ask questions on what the judges are looking for from you and your dog especially if this is your first time as a handler. Thank you Mike!

Training Day

Hi Everyone,
We had a great training day last weekend and I look forward to our next! Having a great time. :)

Even More Rattler Info

A couple folks have inquired relative to the frequency of vaccination required. This webpage - http://redrockbiologics.com/FAQ.html#4 - from Redrock Biologics may help.

More Rattler Info

Didn't mean to make anyone nervous with the rattler post - they shouldn't be out/active for a few more weeks.

WELCOME

Welcome to Steve and Cole Depta, our newest members - We'll see you Saturday.

RATTLESNAKES

Just a friendly reminder to everyone that rattlesnakes have been found on Scotty's property in the past, and this year will likely be no different. You may consider checking with your Vet to see if they have vaccine available. It would be preferred if you find the vaccine on your own. If you have difficulty finding it through your vet, contact Tom at swiftcreekgriffons@gmail.com or 406-212-0602. It is recommended that a pup be at least 4 months old before they are vaccinated. The recommended schedule for vaccination should be as follows:

If your dog has never been vaccinated:
1st - NOW (Late March, early April)
2nd - May 1
3rd - August 1

If your dog has been previously vaccinated:
1st - NOW (late March, early April)
2nd - August 1

http://www.redrockbiologics.com/ for info

To-Date: RSVP's for the next Training Day at Scotty's

Sissy and Girt Girtman
Greg Curtis - 2 NA
Michael Bowman
Steve and Cole Depta - 2 Dogs
Dawna - 4 Dogs
Tom Healy - 2 NA and 1 UT
Pat and Susan Krage 1 NA
Tony Weber - 1 NA

Please RSVP if you plan on attending the next Training Day at Scotty's: March 27, 9:00 am. Thanks and hope to see you there.

First of all, a great big thanks to Scotty and Jacky for hosting our first Training Day for 2010. Thanks of course, as well to Scotty, Phil, Craig and Matt for all their hard work. I'm pretty sure that everyone who RSVP'd showed up, in addition to a couple others. Please feel free to either use the blog, or direct emails, to give some feedback on the day. Scotty and I had the opportunity to visit afterwords and we came up with these few things to work on for the next time:

*Some more group presentations (like the "whoa post")
*Visit with individuals about "concrete" things to work on at home between training days
*Help people who have never run in a NAHDA test to understand the elements of their test

Thanks to everybody for putting on the miles to get to the metropolis of Ledger - it was a great effort - we're already looking forward to the next one.

-Tom

Welcome to our newest members:

Ken and Jane Wigen of Wisdom, MT
Nancy Anderson of Whitefish, MT

Again, welcome, and we look forward to meeting you.

Things are shaping up for the upcoming training day - Mud boots and Waders if you have them, we could have a bit of water available. Please don't forget to RSVP to: bigskynavhda@gmail.com
-Thanks

RSVP's for the March 13 Training Day so far:

Dawna Miller
Heather and Brent Genesis
Carolyn Mehl
Tony Weber
George McLean
Pat Krage
Tom Healy
Dave & Sissy Girtman
Nancy Anderson
Leslie Lowe
Lisa and Allan Durand

Please RSVP to: bigskynavhda@gmail.com
Thanks

Although some folks thought this photo came from somewhere in sharptail country south of Malta, its actually a photo of Scotty throwing a "fetch" item for Axel.

TRAINING DAY - ROLL CALL

First "Big Sky Navhda Training Day" - March 13, 2010 - 9:00am. Location: Scott Henry's, Ledger, MT. Please rsvp to: bigskynavhda@gmail.com if you are planning on attending. Mud boots are strongly recommended. Bring a lunch - water is available on the grounds. Emphasis will be on field work and tracking, as the water will likely still be frozen. Pigeons will be the only birds available at this first training - but start to figure out what your bird needs are for the year and we can start to make sure members can get what they need: pigeons, chukar, quail and ducks. The weather could be just about anything - from below zero to 70 degrees, so plan accordingly. Written directions are posted on the "BIG SKY TRAINING DAY" link. Thanks, and we'll hopefully see you there.

MEMBERSHIP ROSTER

There is a new link (top right of the Home Page) - "BIG SKY MEMBER ROSTER" - It is a fairly complete list of names and email addresses of Big Sky Navhda members. If you know of any people not on the list, or if you know the email address of someone who is on the list, with no verified email - please let us know- you can email to: bigskynavhda@gmail.com Thanks.

Greetings Everyone, It looks as thought the first MT GSPC training day at the Conner Ranch is going to have a nice turn out. I am anticipating at least 5 handlers with several pointing breeds. I checked the weather forecast it is expected to be in the 50's. Please remember to not use the private dirt road entrance into the Conner Ranch but instead to go through the Subdivision. I am hoping to arrive early enough to have signs out to direct traffic.
Thanks Rae

3Forks Training

Off to 3Forks to assist the GSP club and check out the grounds on Sat. Scotty and I will have to leave really early and that is a fact, I am excited about the new grounds, I do remember the old State Park area and it got somewhat conjested at times. We will be having birds there, pigeons, a little hard to come up w/ gamebirds yet, everyone is invited to attend the session, we will be asking some questions pertaining to the status of each dogs training to get a feel where we can assist. Rae tells me that they do have some hen pheasants, price ? See you all there. Duffy aka Phil

BIG SKY NAVHDA
MARCH 1, 2010
NEWSLETTER

As I sit at the computer to write this, we have not seen the sun in four days. It's Superbowl Sunday, and everywhere I look the frost has built onto the trees and kennels, buildings, windbreaks, everywhere! It doesn't seem like winter is ever going to end. I have a new pup that I'm starting, and he keeps dragging his junk in the snow drifts when we are out in the field. I'm thinking ice buildup on my peepee would not be good, and shiver in sympathy for him. So for now we are working in the areas that are somewhat free of snow and concentrating on things that will make the training easier for him and I later. People often ask me "What can I do to train a new puppy in the winter"? Well, let's see. One of the things I teach in the house is "come". I do this with treats for a new puppy. I teach our new paragon his/her name by repeating the name and giving a treat when he comes to me. I work on crate training by saying "kennel" and tossing a tidbit in the kennel. When they go in, I give a treat to them in the box also. Pretty quick when they come in the house they run into the kennel waiting for the treat. Then we start telling them to kennel without throwing a treat inside, only giving the treat when they go in and wait. We also start to give them a treat every other time and start to phase out the treat everytime. I also start my retrieve work in the house, tossing a wadded up sock or toy, if he brings it back I give him all the praise in the world, making he knows that he's the best. I'm just holding him and praising him, then I lift him up and he usually drops what is in his mouth while saying "drop". If he does not give it up, reach back to his flank and the little piece of skin between belly and leg just lift gently while saying "drop". When he does give him a tidbit and more praise. I keep the time short, 3-4 retrieves is plenty. REMEMBER, this is a game! If he does not develop a retrieve, or is slow in picking it up there is NO PRESSURE! If he runs around you with the toy, move the sessions to a hallway, or build a lane by laying some chairs on their side so he has to come by you to get out. If your pup is bigger than the chairs, put a light line on him and gently reel him in, giving him tons of praise before you try to take his toy. You can also start on deep water retrieves using the bathtub, but that is a whole nother chapter and takes a very understanding wife...

The Big Sky NAVHDA group held it's annual meeting on Jan 16th at Perkins restaurant in Missoula to kick off the new year. Attendance was good, with about 20 members showing up. Sheri Garcelon started the meeting calling those in attendance to order. We had no old business to go over. The treasurer reported we had $1283 in the kitty, and that dues were due for the year. We then had elections, and the results are as follows:

President Scott Henry

Vice President Tom Healy

Secretary/Treas Gary Whitman

Test Secretary Leslie Lowe

Director of Training Phil Parsneau

Cooking Director Gerry Good

Board of Directors Dawna Miller, Rae Brown, Randy Bakker,Tom Healy, Scott Henry

Promotional Committee: Dawna Miller, Rae Brown, Greg Curtis

On a personal note I wish to express our gratitude and appreciation from the Big Sky Chapter to our outgoing President/ Test Secretary Sherie Garcelon, Vice President Gerry Good, and their spouses Jerry Garcelon and Terri Good. Without your efforts in the past years the Chapter would not still be here, and we as a chapter know and appreciate all of your hard work and dedication. We Thank You and will strive to continue to grow and prosper as a chapter because of your leadership.

Dates for training days were set and are as follows:

March 13, 27 April 10, 24 May 8, 22 June 12, 26 July 10, 24 Aug 7, 28

Locations will be posted at bigskynavhda.blogspot.com as well as bigskynavhda.com as soon as it is updated. We will be training at several locations in the state, and hopefully will make it easier for people to attend. We will be starting training days at 9:00. We will have birds for sale at the training grounds but will not have any crates to lend, so if you want birds to take home bring a box or crate. We will be selling pigeons for $4.00, chukar for $10.00, and ducks for $10.00. We will also send out a questionnaire pertaining to what you would like to work on at the training days, and will ask those of you interested to fill it out and bring with you on your first training day. Our goal as a chapter is to help you with your training needs, and to work to bring out your hunting partner's full potential as a versatile hunter.

The Big Sky Chapter will be hosting 2 tests this year, one in the spring and one in the fall. The spring test will be held May 29, 30, 31. This will be strictly an NA Test. We will have openings for a total of 30 NA pups, split into three days of testing. We will be holding the test on Dave and Sissy Girtman's grounds in Vaugn, about 12 miles north of Great Falls.
Our fall test will be held on Sept 4, 5, 6. This will be a full test featuring NA, UPT, and Utility. We will be holding this test by Conrad, MT. We are anticipating this will fill early, so if you are considering entering your dog or pup, don't wait till the last minute. We are already getting applications for both tests!

Our entry fees this year are:
NA Chapter Members $125 Non Members $150
UPT Chapter Memebers $150 Non Members $175
UT Chapter Memebers $150 Non Members $175

One more thought on testing, we try to accomadate people that are coming in from out of state, region, and country first in their requests of days to be tested, and fill in the rest with people of a more local nature. We try to work with people, and the test secretary has a busy time ahead. With this in mind, please get your applications with your fees in to Leslie as soon as possible to guarantee your spot in the tests. It is not too early to be thinking about the fall UT test NOW. We will refund your deposit if you withdraw up to thirty days before the test, after that it will be refunded if we can fill the spot, if not your fee will be forfeited.

I will be bringing our newest arrival to the training days starting next month, PM Shocks Most Rikki Tik, (call name Mick) and you can follow what is happening with him. We started with his retrieves in the house, advanced to outside on a sash cord, and he is reliably retrieving anything I toss for him. Again we are keeping the sessions short, and quitting with him wanting more. We have also pulled the flight feathers from a few pigeons and tossed those for him on the sash cord and he is retrieving them back to hand. We are only doing this about once a week, so we don't have any issues with him refusing a bumper, anticipating a live bird. Our next issue is to get him pointing his birds and not just jumping in and grabbing them, so stay tuned....

Hopefully we'll see you soon,
Scotty

Greetings from Whitefish

Hello everyone! I think this blog is a great idea for all of us to keep in touch, share ideas, pictures, etc. I hope we get many of our members to become active in blogging, and in our chapter as a whole! Thanks Tom for creating this. PS- Is that you holding up that gigantic bale???? Wohoo!

Lisa

Please keep in mind, this blog is "Unofficial Information" until people have had a chance to proof all of the links, dates, prices, etc. Please feel free to comment with emails to: bigskynavhda@gmail.com - THANK YOU!!!