Big Sky Kennels
Big Sky Kennels operates a private gun dog training ranch 10 miles outside Grand Forks, North Dakota, in Rye township. They've been refining their approach since the 1980s—John Staley has worked with game birds since 1977, developing expertise in waterfowl and upland bird hunting across the great pl...
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Big Sky Kennels operates a private gun dog training ranch 10 miles outside Grand Forks, North Dakota, in Rye township. They've been refining their approach since the 1980s—John Staley has worked with game birds since 1977, developing expertise in waterfowl and upland bird hunting across the great plains.
- •Puppy Conditioning (8-16 weeks old)
- •Started Gun Dog Training (foundation level)
- •Intermediate Gun Dog Training
- •Finished Gun Dog Training
- •Advanced Finished Gun Dog Training
- •Dog Boarding
- •Puppy Sales (bred or from partner breeders)
- •Already-Trained Dog Sales
The ranch is designed specifically for dog training across multiple terrain types. They raise their own chukars, quails, and ducks for live prey training—not relying on wild birds or suppliers. The property includes natural upland cover and water holes, with remote-activated mechanical throwers for systematic training phases.
John Staley — Founder with 45+ years bird hunting experience. Master of finding game, timing, stalking with flushers, and reading wind conditions. Active in spaniel field trial community.
Sarah Hill — John's daughter, specializes in puppy conditioning (8-16 weeks). Runs Big Sky's Minnesota facility and competes in hunting tests.
Nick Walters — Award-winning handler and trainer at the North Dakota facility. Regular competitor in regional hunting tests.
"The best started gun dogs begin with excellent breeding"
Big Sky partners with two specific breeders:
- •Oahe Kennels (Menoken, ND) — Since 1984. Breeds Cocker, Springer, and Lab puppies. All dogs selected for temperament, soundness, retrieving ability, and drive.
- •Diamond J British Labs (New London, MN) — Imported field trial champion Labradors. Bloodlines include Field Trial Champions (FTC), Field Trial Winners (FTW), and International FTC titled in the UK.
They'll accept dogs from other breeders, but recommend these two based on decades of successful dog development.
Success measured by repeat customers returning year after year. Award-winning training group known throughout the region for both training quality and handler results at hunting tests.