In the Field

Here is the list of our current 2023 training and test dates. These dates are always subject to change so check your email for updates.

Training Newsletters

Training Dates and Schedule 

March 18  

• NA - obedience and field work UT - obedience and field work 

April 8 

• NA - obedience and tracking UT - obedience and duck drag

May TBD 

• NA - water introduction UT - duck search 

June 17 

• NA - field work UT - long retrieve (land)

July 29 

• NA - tracking UT - long retrieve (water)

August 11 

• NA/UT - review

September 2 

• NA/UT - 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)

Test Dates

Spring test is May 20-21, 2023

Fall test is September 30- October 1, 2023

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.

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.