In the Field

Here is the list of our current 2024 training and test dates. These dates are always subject to change so check your email for updates.

Training Newsletters

Training Dates and Schedule 

Feb. 17th Kickoff Meeting - Time: 10:00AM 

Location: Birchwood Grill 

7515 125th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53142

Mar 9-10th 

Obedience seminar

March 23rd 

Whoa Seminar

April 20th 

NA Track 

• Handler Requirements: Long & Short lead, e-collar if conditioned, bird bag.
• Dog Requirements: basic recall
• Game required by handler: Live or dead- pheasant, duck, chukar, or chicken
• Chapter Supply: Drag Cord

UT Drag

• Handler Requirements: long & short lead, e-collar, dead game.
• Dog Requirements: Retrieve of dead bird to hand on command, recall
• Game required by handler: One dead duck
• Chapter Supply: One live duck to be reused, drag cord

May 4th

NA Water  

• Hander Requirements: long & short lead, e-collar if using, waders or knee highs
• Dog Requirements: Basic recall
• Game Required by handler: None
• Chapter Supply: Bumpers

UT Duck Search

• Handler Requirements: short lead, waders or knee highs, 12ga poppers, game bag
• Dog Requirements: Strong recall, must retrieve dead and live ducks to hand from water
• Game Required by handler: at least 2 dead ducks
• Chapter Supply: Kayak, gun, blanks, release traps

June 15th

NA Field

• Handler Requirements: long & short lead, e-collar if using, game bag, live ammo
• Dog Requirements: Basic recall
• Game required by Handler: 3 game birds or Pigeon
• Chapter Supply: Gunners, kick traps, launchers, blank pistol

UT Field

• Handler Requirements: Long & short lead, e-collar, game bag, live ammo
• Dog Requirement: able to whoa on command, retrieve of game to hand
• Game required by Handler: 3 game birds or Pigeon
• Chapter Supply: Gunners, kick traps, launchers, blank pistol

July 27th 

NA Field

• Handler Requirements: long & short lead, e-collar if using, game bag, live ammo
• Dog Requirements: Basic recall
• Game required by Handler: 3 game birds or Pigeon
• Chapter Supply: Gunners, kick traps, launchers, blank pistol

UT Steady by Blind Sequence by Water (Long Retrieve)

• Handler Requirements: short lead, e-collar, 12ga poppers, waders or knee highs, game bag
• Dog Requirements: Must be able to retrieve dead and live duck to hand from water, strong recall
• Game required by Handler: at least 1 dead duck
• Chapter Supply: Blind, winger, gun

August 15th (Thursday) 

All levels review

September 6th (Friday)

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 18-19th 2024

Fall test is September 28-29th 2024

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 here under membership rooster for the owner/handler and here for dog. Contact Alyssa at  ninavhdatestsecretary@gmail.com with specific questions. Click here for the current test entry form.

Test Entry Fees:

NA Test Entry Fee - $125

UPT/UT Test Entry Fee - $175

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:

• Dogs and puppies must be kenneled or on lead, we prefer dogs are not stakeout
• Blaze orange hat at a minimum required at all times
• All released birds must be tagged
• If your dog is in heat, please inform training director as it may affect the order in which your dog is run. 

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 

• Blaze orange hat-Blaze orange vest with pockets (for dead birds & water)
• Whistle
• sunscreen/bug spray
• rain gear
• waders/muck boots
• bird bag/crate-bird tags
• water
• break open shotgun and shells (steel for shooting over water)

 For dog

• crate
• water and bowl (squeeze bottle for out in the field)
• Collar with ID tag
• leash/check cord
• bumpers
• E-collar if you use one

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.

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.