|
The Spokane Bird Dog Association (SBDA) was founded in 1974 to support members in training their own bird dogs. We're an organization of bird dog enthusiasts who believe that one of the most cherished relationships is between a person and his or her dog. We further believe that hunting is an American Heritage to be enjoyed as much by our grandchildren as by our grandparents. The SBDA is for any bird dog enthusiast. We welcome pointer, flusher and retriever owners alike, as well as individuals who share our interests and values, but may not own a dog at the present time.
We are of the firm belief that the use of a "trained" hunting dog conserves game by bringing all downed game to the hunter's bag. We understand the importance of habitat and therefore are involved in conservation efforts such as building, distributing and maintaining bird feeders and planting habitat for all wildlife populations.
Membership is comprised of people who own pointing and/or retrieving breeds. Many of our members also participate in the following organizations: AKC Field Trials, North American Hunting Retriever Association, Canadian Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, National Shoot to Retrieve Association, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever.
We Invite You To Join Us
Membership :
The cost is $35 per family - per year.
You can download a membership application here. Just fill out the form and mail it in with a check enclosed. The mailing address is on the application.
Activities
Please see the Calendar of Events page for the dates of upcoming events. http://www.spokanebirddog.org/Events/default.aspx
TRAINING DAYS: SBDA typically sponsors one or more training days each year to help retriever owners work with their dogs in an informal setting. These fun and relaxed events are offered by the club for a nominal fee and are typically timed to kick off the spring training season. The club provides support equipment and participants alternate between running their own dogs, and supporting other handlers when they run theirs.
PICNIC (or Fun) TESTS: These events are designed to help handlers and their dogs prepare for the Licensed Field Tests. The SBDA generally sponsors three NAHRA approved "picnic" or "fun" tests each year. These are fun, relaxed events designed to simulate the experience of more formal hunting tests. They're a great learning experience for both dogs and handlers.
FIELD TESTS (NAHRA):
Each year the SBDA sponsors three NAHRA (North American Hunting Retriever) Licensed Field Tests. In these tests, the dogs DO NOT compete against one another (the opposite of a Field Trial), but are judged against a written standard on a Pass/Fail basis. You'll want to stick around after the Tests on Saturday for the Awards Ceremony and a Bar-B-Q supper on the grounds. In order to earn a title in these tests, you must be a member of NAHRA. NAHRA membership information may be found on their webpage http://www.NAHRA.ORG NAHRA rules, guidelines and test dates throughout North America can also be found on the NAHRA site.
NATIONAL SHOOT TO RETRIEVE FIELD TRIALS (NSTRA) :
Generally the SBDA holds a NSTRA Field Trial each Spring, in the May time-frame at Landt Farms and Sporting Clays. This is a pointing dog field trial and there are two trials held on both Saturday and Sunday. The all day events start at 7:00 AM, with a Bar-B-Q lunch on site and an annual salmon dinner for the trialers and judges Saturday evening. For a Membership Application to run your pointing dog with NSTRA trials in the Northwest please click on http://NSTRA.ORG
Other Events
Training Clinics :
The number and focus of Hunting Dog Training Clinics will vary from year to year, but there are generally one or two training sessions conducted. One very popular clinic is the "Handler's Clinic", which offers a supportive environment in which to pick up dog training tips and advice on how to handle a dog during a Field Test as well as opportunities to try different scenarios while being coached.
Annual Awards Dinner :
In the early part of each year, the Annual Awards Dinner is held to celebrate all the hard work and successes of the recently completed season. It's a great time to socialize with other members as well.
To add to the festivities, raffles are held throughout the evening as well as a silent auction.
Club Fun Hunt :
Our annual club fun hunt is a fun competition between members dogs of all hunting breeds. Usually held in the Spring, a pointer could be braced with a flusher or retriever for a 15 minute brace. A field of 32 dogs fills the trial. This is for braggin' rights for the year and a nice trophy is presented at the annual banquet.
Training and Test Grounds:
The SBDA jointly leases with the Spokane Retriever Club (SRC), 320 acres on the Espanola State Land site near Medical Lake WA. This area is the only designated Dog Training Site in Eastern Washington. It's a fabulous place to train bird dogs with great terrain features, various types of cover, and numerous ponds. Locked gates control access to the property so that only SBDA and SRC members may drive into the area. These training grounds are open to members seven days a week, all year round, with the exception of when events are being held.
Fun Shoots :
The SBDA usually holds 2 or 3 membership shoots with local Sporting Clays courses at Winterhawk Ranch and Landt's Sporting Clays per year. Fun shoots offer a great opportunity to hone your shooting skills and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow club members. . |