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| Ethan and Nigel Waterton look on from the gallery, as judges confer. |
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Thanks to all who jumped in to make for a successful 2 weeks in the Big Hole Valley. Curtis Fry put on an outstanding Handlers Clinic for 18 NAVHDA members including 2 youth recipients from the Kirsten Rieser Scholarship Fund. Training week was active, followed by four days of Natural Ability, Utility Prep and Utility Testing. Congratulations and thanks to all handlers and dogs for their participation and enthusiasm.
The Test Series was smooth and seamless, as a result of the tireless and well-organized efforts of Test Coordinators Anne Roberts and Phil Jacob. NAVHDA Judges Travis Miller, Sheryl Tepp and Bob Farris put in countless miles over the 4 day series, and we are all appreciative of their commitment to NAVHDA. Too many volunteers to name made the weekend a great success. The generosity of the Geim Ranch and Hershey Ranch, for access to their grounds is once again greatly appreciated - it is truly a privilege to test and train on one of the most beautiful places on the planet. A huge thanks to Jane and Ken Wigen for preparation of the grounds and "wiring up" food and lodging for Judges and the Community Center for the Handlers Clinic.
Special thanks also to Snowghost Ranch - Whitefish, DJBar Ranch - Belgrade, Spruce Creek Farm - Billings and "Angus and Emmet's Ranch" - East Helena, for training, testing, judge lodging, and "snake break" opportunities throughout the year.
PAY IT FORWARD:
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| Jade Miller, 16 of Carter Montana, hangs markers on a fence as part of a project to reduce "fence strikes" near sage grouse leks. |
Bruce Waage, NRCS in Billings traveled to the Big Hole and led a group of Montana Sharptail Chapter volunteers in a fence marking project. The goal is to reduce "fence strikes" by sage grouse. The project will be ongoing for the chapter, as there are countless miles of fence on DNRC and Forest Service lands in the Big Hole that are prime sage grouse habitat. Our focus will be on "leks" and expand out from there. A lek is the spring courtship grounds where hundreds of birds will gather and males strut and display their unique plumage. After breeding, the birds then spread ubiquitously throughout the proper habitat to nest and live the remainder of the year. We will be working with the "Sage Grouse Initiative" to continue the project, and submit an article to both "The Versatile Hunting Dog" and "Pheasants Forever Journal". The project is a great opportunity to learn, teach, and partner with several groups such as FWP, DNRC, USFS, SGI, NRCS, and local ranchers, just to name a few. A great write-up and photos about our project can be found here:
http://www.sagegrouseinitiative.com/hunting-dog-group-helps-montana-sage-grouse-unique-double-marking-project-prevent-fence-collisions/
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| Bridget Nielsen with GSP Raven and gunners Ken and Elton after the field portion of the Utility Test. Judges confer in the background. |
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| Judges Travis Miller and Sheryl Tepp confer, as Apprentice Leslie Lowe tallies her score card. |
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| Hannah Ryan and Rye start off on the Field portion of the NA test with the judges, gunner and gallery. |
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| Handler Trevor Ferguson and Senior Judge Travis Miller approach as Madison holds a solid point. |
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| Sprig holds down the fort for Jehnet at "Camp Wirehair" |
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| Ethan and Travis move in on a Deacon point. |
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| Ken moving cattle next to the Pheasant Tracking field after the last Track was run. |
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| Ken moving Bulls........ An entirely different perspective on "Temperament Testing" |
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| Loaded up and ready to go. Fast Eddy makes one last run through camp at Doolittle Creek. | |
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Raffle Winners:
Dogtra Collar: Brian Riggs
Quill Jig: Bob Miller
Jacket: James Warren
Cap: Gary Tabbert
Thanks for a great year everybody. Have a productive, safe and fun hunting season - it is just around the corner.