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| Jehnet's GWP Sprig with some water work on the Yellowstone - DJBar Ranch Training Night - Belgrade |
HANDLERS CLINIC:
August 2-3 - led by NAVHDA Senior Judge Curtis Fry
There are still a couple spots available - Please make sure you call Tom to register.
406-212-5767
The cost is $120.00 - More info on Handlers Clinics is available here:
http://www.navhda.org/testing/holding-handler-clinic
This is a phenomenal opportunity and there are only a handful around the country on any given year.
TRAINING CAMP:
Training for Testing and general hunting training is available from August 2-7
We will have pigeons, chukars, ducks and pheasants available.
Training fees are 20.00 for one day or 30.00 for two or more.
Envelopes will be available to keep track of your bird use.
Please RSVP to montanasharptail@gmail.com if you plan on attending any of the training days, what your approximate bird needs may be (if you know) and what you hope to accomplish.
TESTING:
August 8 - UT & UPT - Test is Full
August 9 - UT & NA - Test is Full
August 10 - NA - Test is Full
August 11 - UT and NA (One NA spot is now available)
PAY IT BACK - PAY IT FORWARD - CHAPTER HABITAT AND SERVICE PROJECTS
We hope to take on a couple of different projects throughout the week. On Monday August 4, Bruce Waage, a Sage Grouse Specialist with NRCS will share a presentation and lead the group in a fence marking project on the ranch. There are several leks (Sage grouse courtship areas) on and near the ranch where we train and test. The fence markers have proven very useful in decreasing accidental fatalities sage grouse getting caught in barbed-wire. This will be a great opportunity to both learn and contribute.
Please RSVP to montanasharptail@gmail.com if you want to jump in.
We also hope to take on a service project for the ranch that is a win-win opportunity. A traditional zig-zag wooden fence known as a "worm fence" needs to be built to isolate cattle from a riparian area. The project is a priority for both the ranch and for wildlife. We will have more info forthcoming, but the wood will be procured prior to the training week. More info will be forthcoming on this project.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We will need several folks to "jump in" throughout the event.
Transportation to the Handler Clinic for the leader (August 1) from the Butte Airport
Transportation from the Handler Clinic for the leader (Augst 4) to the Butte Airport
Setting up the Event Tent (18 x 30 - Frame Tent) Friday August 1.
Lunch help (available for 5.00 on the grounds) for the Handlers Clinic and for all 4 days of the Test Series
BBQ Help Friday and Saturday Night of the Test Series (we'll try to go out Sunday night somewhere)
Test Help - Bird Planters, Bird Shuttling, Field Marshals, Gunners, Etc. Anne and Phil will be coordinating volunteers for the Test Series. Email contact will go out to all chapter members.
Bird Care - Throughout the week.
Clean-up - Ongoing and final sweep
Tent - break down. Monday night, August 11 or Tuesday morning August 12.
As of now it looks like we have all judge transportation taken care of for the Test Series.
WISHLIST UPDATE
We've had several generous donations throughout the year which has enabled the chapter to acquire several essential assets. Additionally, the "Snake Avoidance Clinics" have been successful, with more than 100 dogs through and 1600.00 added to the chapter coffers. We've added 4 launchers with remotes, a singleshot 12 gauge, decoys, a dozen bird crates, a canoe and now an 18 x 30 commercial quality "event tent" to the chapter asset list. The event tent stretched our wallet a bit, but the board was in agreement that it was an essential investment for the chapter and will increase opportunities in the future. Any added gifts toward the tent will be deeply appreciated and are tax-deductible.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
We now have more than 100 individual and family memberships, totaling approximately 150 members. We will have an informal "Membership Meeting" on Saturday night August 9th after the test and before dinner at the tent. A brief opportunity to bounce around ideas and look to the future.
RAFFLE UPDATE
We've sold approximately 1/3 of the raffle tickets. (5.00 each or 5 for 20.00) The drawing will be held at the end of the test series. Tickets can be purchased remotely with Visa/MC just by calling Tom:
406-212-5767
More info is available here: http://sharptailraffle.blogspot.com/
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| Keith introducing his new Pudelpointer pup "Gusto" to birds. Snowghost Ranch - Whitefish |