Granite State Gun Dogs LLC is a full-time training and boarding facility in Cornish, NH run by Derek Antonioni. The operation focuses on versatile hunting dogs with access to 200+ acres of training fields, ponds, and numerous grouse and woodcock coverts across the North Woods of New Hampshire and th...
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Full description and what we offer
Granite State Gun Dogs LLC is a full-time training and boarding facility in Cornish, NH run by Derek Antonioni. The operation focuses on versatile hunting dogs with access to 200+ acres of training fields, ponds, and numerous grouse and woodcock coverts across the North Woods of New Hampshire and the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.
They accommodate: - Upland pointing dog breeds - Flushing dogs - Retrievers - Blood tracking dogs - Companion house pets (obedience)
Their own breeding program focuses on German Wirehaired Pointers—versatile dogs capable of handling upland, waterfowl, and retriever work.
Gun Dog Foundation (8 weeks, $400/week) Includes bird and gun introduction plus basic obedience. For upland dogs: develops bird drive, retrieve drive, hunting pattern, tracking intro, field handling, and cover experience. For waterfowl dogs: retrieve drive, marking, blind manners, boat exposure, water intro, duck calls and decoys.
Bird and Gun Introduction (3 weeks, $400/week) Gradual positive bird exposure overlaid with gunfire progression from .22 acorn crimps to 12-gauge hunting loads. Prevents gun shyness—critical foundation work done right the first time.
Intermediate & Advanced Programs (8-12 weeks, $400/week) Whoa breaking, steady to wing and shot, honor other dogs' points and retrieves, trained retrieve program. Requires basic hunting background and age/experience thresholds.
Summer Wild Bird Camp (10 weeks, $3,600) Runs June 29 through September 7. Dogs work wild grouse and woodcock in productive local covers plus frequent trips to NH's North Woods and Vermont's NEK. First-year dogs start with obedience and bird work before season. Older dogs condition through swimming and roading while developing steadiness on wild birds.
Pre-Season Tune-Up (2-4 weeks, $400/week) Late August into September conditioning, steadiness work, roading, and wild bird runs to prime dogs for opening day.
$40 per night. Every dog gets its own heated/air-conditioned 4x6 or 4x4 run with raised bed, group outdoor run, and socialization. All boarding dogs must have current flea/tick preventative, heartworm medication, DAPP, rabies, bordetella, and leptospirosis vaccines. Vet records required before drop-off.
Owner philosophy: train the dog AND the owner so handlers can maintain progress after going home.
Granite State Gun Dogs guides upland hunts in NH's North Woods and Vermont's NEK, tailored to hunter ability and goals.
| Hunt Length | 1 Gun | 2 Guns |
|---|---|---|
| Half Day (4 hrs) | $250 | $300 |
| Full Day (8 hrs) | $400 | $450 |
Half-day includes drinks and snacks. Full-day includes drinks and field lunch. 50% non-refundable deposit at booking (refundable if cancelled 60+ days prior). Valid hunting license required; HIP permit for woodcock. Break-open shotguns (over-under or side-by-side) mandatory for safety—rentals available if needed.
Recommended Setup: - 20 or 28 gauge lightweight O/U or S×S - 7½ shot for woodcock and grouse (6 shot for late-season longer shots) - Open chokes: Skeet/Skeet or Skeet/Improved Cylinder - Quality waterproof boots (Xtratuf, Lacrosse, Muck, or supportive hiking boots) - Brush pants, long sleeves, gloves - Blaze orange hat and vest - Rain gear
All training and boarding dogs must have: - Flea and tick preventative - Heartworm medication - DAPP vaccines - Rabies - Bordetella vaccine (kennel cough) - Leptospirosis vaccine
Vet records forwarded to [email protected] before drop-off. Special diet food must be provided in plastic vault containers.
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