Welcome to the Southern Tier Chapter of NY NAVHDA. Our long established chapter is one of the most highly recognized in all of NAVHDA in regards to quality of training, testing and comradity of members.

Highlights from this issue:

• Upcoming training dates and test
• Extra training day at Grady Nash's w/directions
• Handler clinic progress
• Chapter fashion apparel
• Fall test - Still accepting entries!

By Garrick Otero (Photo by Rob Drieslein)

There’s good news and bad news about ruffed grouse in New York, “depending on how you look at it,” according to Megan Skrip, a graduate student at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Skrip studied the bird’s population for her recently completed master’s thesis. She attempted to learn why their numbers have declined 75 percent from the 1960s to the present. “They are the second-most-popular game bird in New York State, wild turkey being the most popular,” Skrip said. Some people think that popularity is at least partly responsible for the sharp drop in the bird’s numbers.

Regional Training Seminars

• Rick Smith Foundation Seminars
• Al Burkhart Clinic

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Rick Smith Foundation Seminar - If you're looking for a better relationship with your dog, both at home and in the field, you've come to the right place. From puppyhood through the basics of being a bird dog, all the basic skills you and your dog will need can be found here. You will be trained to train your dog. You'll work with the Command Lead, check cord, and whoa post, as well as the chain, and your dog will have numerous opportunities to work birds

The Chapter tent is being repaired and cleaned and will be available for rent to chapter members in good standing for $100/ weekend.(Except the test dates May 17-18 and Sept 20-21). For non-members the tent is available for $150/weekend.  This is a real bargain for those of you planning receptions, graduation or family reunions this year. Please contact Scott for availability (607) 427-9502 or HiddenFenceNY@aol.com