ANNUAL MEETING, TRAINING AND TESTING UPDATE AND MORE.....

Sharptail Country, Central Montana........Otis (Griffon), on point.  Dixie (Brittany), backing.

Thank you to all who have brought your membership dues up to-date.  The season is coming together well with lots of folks planning on attending the Training and Annual Meeting in Three Forks.  A huge thanks to everyone who has chipped in on "The Wishlist," as we have received a very generous donation from Bishop Company and Keith and Debbie McCormick to purchase the 18 x 30 event tent for the chapter.  We also have received gifts toward a "Pop-up Dog" and a "Sit-on-Top" kayak.

Given the fact that the Gallatin Valley Pheasants Forever Banquet is on Saturday night, March 28, we will hold our Annual Business Meeting at 1:00 pm, after lunch.  For anyone interested in attending the PF Banquet, more information can be found here: GVPF Banquet

Schedule for the Training Event is as follows:

Thursday March 26
10:00 am - Set up Tent, Bird Pen and Training Stations (Need Volunteers)
1:00 pm to Dusk - General Training - from pups to finishing dogs

Friday, March 27
9:00 am - Noon - General Training
1:00 pm - Dusk - General Training
3:00 pm - 5:00 "Trained Retrieve" Seminar - In the Tent
6:00 pm - Continued "Trained Retrieve"

Saturday, March 28
9:00 am - Noon - General Training
9:00 am - Natural Ability Seminar - Understanding the Test and how to prepare. - In the Tent
11:00 am - Natural Ability "Track" Training 
1:00 pm - Annual Membership Meeting - Everyone Welcome - In the Tent
2:30 pm - Dusk - General Training

Sunday, March 29
9:00 am - Noon - General Training
9:00 am - Noon - Utility Seminar - Understanding the Test and Training for it.
Noon: Pack-up and head out

There will be plenty of opportunity for everyone and their dogs.  As we've always promoted, folks usually learn more by either helping other folks, or observing other dogs and handlers.  Please jump in and help to make the weekend happen.

TESTING DATES
All of our Testing Dates have been approved by NAVHDA.  The following opportunities are now available for registration:

June 6 & 7 - Whitefish, MT - Natural Ability (NA), Utility Prep (UPT), and Utility (UT)
August 7, 8 & 9 - Wisdom, MT - Natural Ability (NA), Utility Prep (UPT), and Utility (UT)

Test Fees Are:
NA - $125.00
UPT - $165.00
UT - $165.00

For more information on Testing, including a link to a "Fillable" Test Entry Form - Follow this link:
NAVHDA Test Info

For specific info related to testing with the Montana Sharptail Chapter - Follow this link:
Testing with the Sharptail Chapter

Test Entries are not official until a completed Test Entry form, along with full payment are received by the Test Secretary.  Test Entries and inquires can be sent to: mtsharptailtest@gmail.com (PLEASE NOTE - This is a different email address from the general chapter email address..... It is for Test Entries and Inquiries only)
Payment may be made over the phone with Visa.
Entries, along with check or money order for entry can be sent to:

Test Secretary
Montana Sharptail NAVHDA
PO Box 5255
Whitefish, MT  59937

Get your entries in early........ Tests fill quickly.

A full schedule of available tests around North America can be found here: NAVHDA TEST SCHEDULE

CHAPTER TRAILER DAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 11 
(Whitefish or Bigfork - Location yet to be determined)
Join Keith and Tom for a day of organizing the trailer - building shelves for Jackets, Shirts, Caps, Training Supplies, Cooking Supplies, etc........ Stay tuned and please chime in via email or phone if you can help.
montanasharptail@gmail.com  406-212-5767

CHAPTER SERVICE PROJECTS

 



Once again, the Montana Sharptail Chapter is looking to get involved with Habitat and Ranch Service Projects.  We plan on another "Fence-Marking" day in the Big Hole, in addition to potentially getting involved in Sage Grouse
Radio-collar projects....... Stay tuned as we learn more.



TRAINING LOCATIONS AROUND THE STATE
One of the priorities for the Annual Meeting will be to identify local groups and locations for training on a regular basis around the state.  Insurance certificates have been issued to the chapter for all of last years training and testing grounds.

HOTELS, CAMPING, ETC.
As stated in the previous newsletter, rustic camping will be available at the training grounds.  If you have a camper and the weather looks like it might be rainy, you might be better off at the Headwaters campground, as the road into the training grounds is a true "gumbo road"........  A great hotel option, very close to the training grounds is at the "Fort Three Forks Motel."  More info can be found here: Fort Three Forks

Hope to see you all in Three Forks!