Here is the list of our current 2025 training and test dates. These dates are always subject to change so check your email for updates.
2025 Informational Kickoff Meeting
February 22, 2025 at 10:00AM
Birchwood Grill
7515 125th Ave
Kenosha, WI 53142
2025 Training Dates and Schedule
March 8
Whoa Seminar
March 22
Lecture on Aims and Rules, hands on obedience, and whoa class
April 19
NA Track
UT Duck Drag
May 3
NA Water Intro
UT Duck Search
June 14
NA Field
UT Field
July 5
NA Field
UT Steady by Blind Sequence by Water (Long Retrieve)
August 9
All levels review
NA is for young dogs, looking to test in the Natural Ability (NA) test
UT is for experienced dogs, and dogs preparing to test in Utility or Utility Prep (UT/UPT)
All training days are Saturdays (except where noted). All training sessions will start out with Obedience drills.
Test Dates
Spring test is May 17-18th 2025
Fall test is September 27-28th 2025
Testing with Northern Illinois NAVHDA
A test entry form must be completed in full prior to submitting. This includes the owner, handler, and dogs NAVHDA registration number, that information can be found online under membership rooster (login required) for the owner/handler and here for dog. Contact Alyssa at ninavhdatestsecretary@gmail.com with specific questions. Click here to access the member portal and complete a test entry form.
Test Entry Fees:
NA - $125
GDT - $150
UT - $200
Payment accepted via check or Zelle @ ninavhdatreasurer@gmail.com
Waiting List Policy:
Once the test is full, all further entries will be added to the waiting list. Payment is only required for the first 2 spots on the waiting list, the test secretary will notify you once you submit your form if payment is required. If a spot does not open up for you then you will be fully refunded. We encourage all who are interested to get on the waiting list, a spot may open up for you.
*Waiting list priority is given to chapter members
Refund Policy:
A full refund will be issued if your spot is filled at least one week before the test, after that no refund will be issued.
We train at Richard Bong State Recreation Area located at 26313 Burlington Rd, Kansasville, WI 53139 . The Department of Natural Resources requires a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker on all motor vehicles. You can park at the far west side of the runway.
You will also need a dog training permit, runway pass, and bird tags. All of these can be found at the main office, which is typically open during traditional business hours. It is your responsibility to understand and abide by the laws, rules, and policies of the Bong State Rec Area when training. Please be advised that the game wardens do make regular visits to enforce rules and do write tickets, as hunters and users of the public land we should always set a positive example.
Click here to see an overview of Richard Bong State Rec Area, and here for a map highlighting test parking and restrooms.
Please plan to arrive on time and start promptly. If you ordered birds please pick those up. We will then start training with basic obedience work, heeling and “whoa”, as this is an essential foundation for all other training. After that we will break up into groups to work on specific training. Go into each training with a specific plan and goal for the day.
Things to remember:
Here is a partial list of the equipment used at various stages of training, please note this list is only to act as a guide and is subject to change.
For handler
For dog
Click here for a to printable gear list
Walk behind other handlers and their dogs. This is a good way to see different training techniques. This is a learning experience for many people, we understand this might be completely new to you. Please do not hesitate to ask questions, it's likely someone else has the same question. We are here to help and our goal is to help people become better dog handlers and trainers. Please be proactive in helping at training days; if you have never planted birds, let someone know and we will be happy to show you.
We hold two tests a year, one in May and one in September at Richard Bong State Rec Area.
The tests are a compiled of NA(Natural Ability), UPT (Utility Preparatory Test), and UT (Utility Test) dogs. Click here for the NAVHDA test entry form located within the member portal.
We are always looking for volunteers to help with the test. It’s a great idea to help with a test if you have never run a dog in the test before, you will not only learn about the different portions of the tests but you will also see how others have trained and are able to handle their dogs.
Please contact the Test Director or Test Secretary for more information on volunteering. Their information is included in the "Contact Us" tab.
Below are a list of frequently asked questions.
Q: What size check cord is best for training?
A: One that is approximately 20' with significant diameter and stiffness. One tip is to soak a new check cord in muddy water and allow it to dry, that is the stiffness you will want to avoid hang-ups in the field.