Midwest Tri-State NAVHDA

Midwest Tri-State NAVHDA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization bringing together gun dog owners and training enthusiasts from South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Their focus: helping handlers and their versatile hunting breeds reach their full potential through structured training, testing, and community.

Regular Training Schedule: - Field Training Days - Weekly Saturday sessions from early April through late September - Winter Obedience Classes - Six-week program starting the first Sunday of February at W.H. Lyons Fairgrounds in Sioux Falls, SD. Cost is $10 per dog per week - Advanced Training - Thursday evening sessions May through September for dogs testing in AKC Senior/Master Hunter or NAVHDA Gun Dog/Utility tests

Hunt Tests & Competition: - AKC Pointing Breed Hunt Tests coordinated throughout the training season - NAVHDA tests at three levels: Natural Ability (NA), Gun Dog Test (GDT), and Utility Test (UT) - Special events including Chukar and Pheasant Championships, trap shoots, and club fun days

Member Access & Resources: - Private training grounds available for member use - Training birds for sale: Quail ($10), Pheasant ($22), Ducks ($18), Chukar ($13), Shooter Pigeons ($8) - Land access passes: $175 for regular members, $225 for pro-trainers - Experienced handlers and professional trainers available during training days

Membership Costs: - New Member (Local Club Only): $100/year - New Member (Local Club + International): $165/year - All memberships begin January 1st

Members gain access to: - Weekly training sessions - Monthly club meetings - Special events and championships - Limited access to training grounds - Multiple hunt test opportunities annually - Training bird purchases - Networking with experienced trainers

General inquiries: [email protected]

The six-week winter program (February 1 - March 8, 2026) is structured with separate training levels:

• •Puppy Class (up to 6 months): 1:00-1:30 PM
• •Adult Dog Class (6+ months): 2:00-3:00 PM
• •Advanced Topics: 3:00-4:00 PM (force fetch, e-collar intro, whoa training, tracking, launcher setup)
• •Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluation at final session

• •What to bring: Standard buckle collar, 6' leash, choker or prong collar, treats/clicker, e-collar for off-leash work. Prong collars available for purchase.

• •Membership fees: 30-day refund if dissatisfied
• •Land access fees: 15-day refund if dissatisfied
• •Hunt test registrations: Must cancel 60+ days before event
• •Event registrations: Must cancel 7+ days before event