Montana Sharptail Members,
The Chapter's first training is just a couple weeks away! We are looking forward to seeing many members in Three Forks!
Please RSVP to montanasharptail@gmail.com if you plan on attending. If you have an idea of your bird needs, please let us know ahead of time. We will have chukars and pigeons available. If you are not sure of your bird needs, just let us know you are coming, for how many days, and what your situation is (e.g. "1 - 10 month old pup running NA this summer - or - "young pup for bird and gun intro", etc.).
Schedule for the Training Event is as follows:
Wednesday April 19
10:00 am - Set up Tent, Bird Pen and Training Stations (Need Volunteers)
1:00 pm to Dusk - Training assistance for advanced dog work
Thursday April 20
9:00 am - noon - General Training - from pups to finishing dogs
1:00 pm to Dusk - General Training - from pups to finishing dogs
Friday, April 21
9:00 am - Noon - General Training - Concurrent NA and UT sessions
1:00 pm - Dusk - General Training - Concurrent NA and UT sessions
Saturday, April 22
9:30 am - 10:00 am - Board Meeting - Any members interested in joining the board welcome
10:00 am - Noon -Annual Membership Meeting - Everyone Welcome - In the Tent
9:00 am - Natural Ability Seminar - Understanding the Test and how to prepare
1:00 pm - Natural Ability "Track" Training
9:00 am - Dusk - General Training - Concurrent NA and UT sessions
6:00 pm - Group dinner at the tent (cost share)
Sunday, April 23
9:00 am - 2:00 pm - General Training
11:00 am - noon - Utility Seminar - Understanding the Test and Training for it.
2:00 pm: 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.
Protocol / Training Day Etiquette:
One article of Blaze Orange (cap or vest) is required in the "Live Fire" field. "Break-Open" shotguns are required for live fire as well.
(Pistol Blanks are used in the puppy field)
Although training days are great opportunities for socialization of pups with other dogs, please make sure if your dog is not running it is kept on a leash, in a crate or on a chain-out. Keeping a young dog in a vehicle without means for containment can be a very bad idea, as their enthusiasm for the surrounding environment can be detrimental to the interior of your vehicle, and potentially dangerous to the dog. There is no water available at the parking site, so bring plenty of drinking water for both you and the dog(s).
If your pup has not been conditioned to gun shot, please notify the trainers and take percussions to keep your pup away from the live fire training fields.
Training Fees:
$20.00 for one day / $15.00 for subsequent days
Pigeons: $5.00
Chukars: $13.50
We are able to take cash, check or credit card payments. There will be new hats, jackets and other various wearable swag.
Directions to the site:
Exit 274 off of Interstate 90 and head North. Turn West (left) off of Hwy 12/US 287 on to Wheatland Road. (This is just past the Wheat Montana Cafe). From Helena Townsend on 12/287 - Turn West (right) onto Wheatland Road (If you get to the Wheat Montana Cafe or the Interstate, you went too far.
Follow Arrows and Signs for the German Shorthair Pointer Club or NAVHDA. It is a few miles back to the site. Park near the Quanset hut.
Primitive camping will be available at the training site with a portapottie. Hotels are available in Three Forks about 15 minute drive from the grounds.
The training grounds are on private property please be sure to thank the land owner. Continued use depends on all of us showing respect by keeping the property clean.
We are all volunteers making this happen so do not hesitate to jump in with a helping hand.
Feel free to contact me with questions.
Train on! John 406-628-2881