june 2012 newsletter - Yankee Chapter of NAVHDA

june
from our President...
It’s been a great spring. The dry conditions in April and May have been great for our nesting birds. I’m sure
those wood duck boxes we worked so hard on in March are full to the brim with wee ones. Raven, Tera and
I played with the migrating woodcock in early April. Tera even pointed a turkey! Donnie and Betty Blackman
reported lots of grouse on the roads up north. Jason Carter and Sara saw plenty of turkeys last Saturday while
hunting, but the grass was too high to determine their sex. Dick Dilley says everywhere he tries to do water
work he’s greeted by a curious young family of geese. It’s a great time of year.
Dresden Clinic 6/2: Dick Dilley and Bob Brey have been working on the fields of Dresden to keep up with their
rapid growth. They report things are ready to go for this weekend and the test. Remember, even though it’s
called a pre-test clinic all are welcome and all will get to train! Those testing will be run first so thanks for your
patience.
Our clinics this spring have been well attended. We are seeing many new faces and, as you will read, we are
welcoming new members every month. Please, never hesitate to offer to help at any of our events as there is
always a job to be done. If you see someone looking a bit lost at the clinic please offer them help or a direction.
Our test is full with still a few on the waiting list. We have 5 UTs and 11 NAs to test. If you can offer
some time on test weekend contact Jason Wade asap to let him know. We’ll be holding our regular
raffle and also raffling of the Fausti shotgun donated by Terry Wilson and Ugly Dog. We will also
auction off the beautiful signed, numbered and Remarque print by David Footer. He’s a well known
Maine artist who so generously gave the chapter two prints.
I look forward to seeing you all in the next few weeks,
-- Patti
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
James & Charlene Daniels, Augusta, ME
William Collins, Saugerties, NY
Jim Gardiner, Damariscotta, ME
Justin Goulet, Island Pond, VT
Nick & Susan Mace, Southport, ME
Gene Torvend, Shelburne, VT
WATCH THE WEB!
Keep an eye on the Yankee Chapter website. Besides all the valuable info like the calendar of events, test sites, forms, first aid, membership details, etc., the photo gallery is full of great shots, many of
which haven’t been in the newsletters.
When you click on “Newsletters,” you’ll find more than just the past
few issues of the Barking Dog Express. Other Yankee Chapter publications are posted there as well.
www.yankeenavhda.org
...not your normal chapter
In this issue: Maine Youth Fish & Game Association, Clinic Photos, Event Info, Puppy Feeding Advice, Grouse & Woodcock
Sprink Outlook, Member News, Keeping Cool, AKC Field Trial Report, and Much More!
Page 1
THANK YOU
to the following
contributors to the
Kenny King / Bob Bisson Fund:
member news and photos
James &Charlene Daniels
Jim Gardiner
Tom Caffyn reports that Karen has
started a new job, he’s about to complete a EMT course, and they sold
their house last fall. They’ve purchased eight acres on the Kennebec
and have poured the foundation for
their new house. “So, as always, no
boredom here, at the moment pretty
much on the fly sunup to sundown.”
Both Sage and Ginger have had some
very tough times physically, but Ginger’s doing well and Sage’s “wild spirit
and character” are helping her cope
with her arthritis and ACL problems.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Sigbot ‘Bodo’
Winterhelt! Bodo, one of the founders of NAVHDA and co-author of the
“Green Book” training manual, turned
86 in May. That great-looking pudelpointer (above) is Bodo’s “White Lie.”
Yankee members Paul and Joan von
Hardenburg just completed an article
on Bodo Winterhelt’s history, titled “Bodo’s Background,” covering the events
that contributed to his commitment to
the promotion of the versatile breeds in
North America. You can read the article
on the Yankee Chapter website. Click
on “Newsletters.”
Paul Brouha
LAST CALL !
Still a few gun tickets left!
2012 YANKEE CHAPTER
GUN RAFFLE
We’re planning on pulling the winning
ticket on test weekend, so there’s still
time to get your ticket -- or get more
tickets! The 28-gauge Fausti sideby-side donated by Terry Wilson is a
super light gun with an English stock,
28” barrel, and full set of choke tubes.
It’s built on a true 28-gauge frame and
retails for $2000. Only150 tickets will
be sold at $20 per ticket. For tickets or
more information contact Patti Carter:
mmkennels@myfairpoint.net
Ella Carter demonstrated her unicycling skills at the Memorial Day parade
in Brunswick. Ella and the Woodside
One Wheelers will be traveling to
Washington, DC to participate in the
Independence day parade on July 4th.
For more info, check out their website:
sites.google.com/site/woodsideonewheelers/
For Bob Brey’s birthday May 22nd,
Debbie surprised him with a 5-hour
guided fly fishing trip in Rangeley on
the Magolloway River. Rain had been
forecast but it held off until the ride
home. They like to think Bob had
someone special watching over him
that day. Bob caught a nice salmon,
his first ever on a fly rod and a beauti- Just back from wintering in Florida,
ful native brook trout. He was using his Don and Judie Bayle’s GSP Reload
set about the neighborhood to say
new “Silver Ghost” fly rod.
hello, catching up on the local gossip
with this moose.
TURKEY TIME
Blaine Carter
Terry Wilson
Alison England
congratulations!
Page 2
Mark Morneau
Coming very soon.... !
PRE-TEST CLINIC, JUNE 2, DRESDEN, ME
The Green Point Wildlife Management Area
will be the site for the Pre-Test Training Clinic
on June 2nd and for test weekend. The clinic
starts at 9 am. At noon a BBQ lunch will be
served. We’d appreciate it if you could bring a
side dish, salad or dessert to donate.
Please make sure to bring plenty of water for
your dog (s) and some form of shade (tarps/
tents) as there is none at the site. Don’t forget
the bug spray! Ticks are really bad at both
the field and water locations. If you have any
questions, please call our Director of Training,
Blaine Carter, at 207-725-8229.
At the end of the day, leftover birds will be sold
as is and at cost. Note: Not all birds will be
available at all clinics.
Remember, you must have a proagation
license to transport live gamebirds.
The name of this clinic always brings questions
as to who can come. Everyone is welcome!
Those testing the following week will get first
dibs in the field and at the water, but all are
welcome to attend and do some training.
SPRING TEST JUNE 9-10, DRESDEN, ME
Spring Test weekend is coming up! Help is always needed to make things run
smoothly. Working a test also gives you a better idea of what goes on and what
to expect. If you’d like to volunteer to sell raffle tickets, plant birds, set up the
tent, be a go-fer, help with lunch, etc., please contact Jason Wade at jmw12@
yahoo.com.
The test will begin at 7 a.m. sharp each day. Handlers should be at the test
grounds no later than 6:30 to provide enough time to park, “air” their dog,
BREATHE, and find the donuts and coffee before meeting with the judging team.
BIRD PRICES
Bird prices for the Dresden
clinics are as follows:
Quail $8
Chukar $10
Pheasant $14
Duck $14
There may be a limit of two
quail and one chukar per dog.
Directions to Dresden training & testing grounds:
Here are directions to the Green
Point Wildlife Management Area:
Take I-295 to Exit 43. Go east on
Route 197 through Richmond.
Turn right onto Route 128. Go
1 mile. Grounds are on the right
side.Watch for signs.
IF YOU’RE USING A GPS OR
NAV SYSTEM, PUT IN 250
RIVER ROAD, DRESDEN.
THE TRAINING AND TESTING GROUNDS ARE RIGHT
ACROSS THE STREET.
More information about our
training sites is available on our
website: www.yankeenavhda.
org.
Don’t forget to bring lots of water for both you and your dog(s). You should also
bring a tarp or tent to provide shade or cover from rain. We never know what the
weather will be.
Saturday and Sunday, our grill will be up and running as usual, sizzling with hot
dogs, hamburgers and anything else we can dig up. Donations of salads, side
dishes and desserts are greatly appreciated! It’s a long busy day -- handlers,
judges and volunteers get mighty hungry.
SUPER RAFFLE! We’ll be holding a Super Raffle at lunchtime on Saturday.
We welcome any and all donations. Anything goes! We will also be pulling the
ticket on the Fausti gun raffle AND auctioning off a beautiful fish print donated
by award winning painter and sculpter David Footer. The raffle funds are used to
offset clinic costs, such as shotgun shells, port-a-potties, training equipment, etc.
We extend a big “thank you” to everyone who contributes and who buys raffle
tickets!
To get revved up for the weekend, the Carters have invited everyone to their
house for a lasagna dinner on Friday night. 6:00 at 33 Simpson’s Point Road in
Brunswick. After the test on Saturday, there will be a No Host Dinner at Joshua’s
Tavern at 123 Maine Street in Brunswick. We’ll have a section reserved. Come
help the testing handlers relax and share their stories of the day.
We hope many Chapter members will come out and support everyone who’s
testing. It’s a guaranteed fun weekend!
Page 3
Don’t forget your bug spray!
May 19th Training Clinic
Photos by Patti Carter and Nancy Anisfield.
Check out our website for more.
Page 4
Vermont Clinic
The Yankee Chapter team put on a terrific clinic in Vermont for NAVHDA members and non-NAVHDA hunting dog owners. Twenty-three handlers and their
dogs were put through their paces in obedience, pointing, steadiness, tracking,
searching and retrieving. No one could complain about the muddy grounds after the skies brightened with afternoon sunshine. Clinic hosts Terry Wilson and
Nancy Anisfield thank all the Yankee volunteers for their energy, expertise and
enthusiasm. (Note: Ask us about the winged hamburger retrieving contest…)
Here are a few comments received from participants:
“Thank you so much for hosting the training day yesterday! Ella seems to have
passed a milestone in her training just from the work we did in one day. Blaine
was a little scary for her, but she held up well and we learned so much from
him.” – Robyn and Steve Leffler
“Thanks for hosting the training day and especially inviting Parker and I to participate. I enjoyed the experience of meeting all the participants and NAVHDA
trainers. The stories and advice given will go a long way to insuring that upland
birds continue to get educated by Parker and I on avoiding people with shotguns and dogs!” -- Rich Jung
“I just wanted to say a few things about the great learning experience for our
dog and ourselves that took place on Saturday. After attending, we have to
come to realize how much we enjoyed everything and how many wonderful
people we meet who share all the common interests with a pointing dog. Most
of all you got our chaser - bumper dog Aspen to point! When I left there, I
felt like we completed something yet know we still have so far to go. Thanks
again.
-- Justin & Ashley Goulet
Flygirl at the AKC Field Trial – by Betty Blackman
Flygirl and I did an American Kennel Club field trial test on April 28th at the Kennebunk Plains Wildlife Management Area in Kennebunk, Maine. My friend Debbie York had
never seen field trials before, so I invited her to watch. She was fascinated by the dogs she
could see working the birds. She had the misconception that these dogs were perfect on
how they worked the birds. I couldn’t help but chuckle. I said, “Oh no, they make mistakes.”
Eleanor the English setter was running in the brace with Flygirl, but Fly was the only
Llewellin setter there. We were the last brace of the senior-level dogs. Flygirl and Eleanor
ran well together, but Fly ran really big. I couldn’t see her half the time, but she listened well
to my whistle, and I only had to call out to her a few times. She pointed her first bird, then the
judges told me to flush the bird. Well, that young chukar wouldn’t flush! As I was chasing it
around a small tree, it almost ran into Flygirl. I kept watching Fly hoping she wouldn’t break,
and she didn’t -- she held point. Then the chukar decided it would run down a road into the
brush. I was told to shoot at the bird with the blank gun, then go back to my dog and walk her
without a leash past where the chukar had run into the brush. Flygirl walked at heel calmly
past the chukar’s entry into the brush without incident, but her eyes were some big!
Our brace continued, with Eleanor and Fly crossing each other back and forth, both
doing a good job. Eleanor pointed another chukar. Flygirl ran around a little, then backed.
The judge said he needed to see another backing by Fly… When Eleanor pointed the second time, Flygirl blinked the dog pointing, then ran over its bird trying to flush it! The judge
said, “Handler call your dog.” I did, and Flygirl came happily to me, now disqualified, but the
judges let me continue to find Fly’s second bird. Fly found it, but relocated three times before
she got a solid point because of the wind blowing so hard. She pointed that bird 40 yards
away!
We might have gotten disqualified but I was some proud of my little Flygirl. She did
everything I asked of her except backing…. We didn’t qualify this day, but I was very happy
with my dog. Sometimes it’s not about getting the best score, it’s about your dog doing its
best. And she did.
Page 5
CRANKY YANKEES
This column offers advice by Nick Racioppi and Jason Carter about Maine’s hunting laws and regulations.
The Cranky Yankee’s are not lawyers. They give their best interpretation of often complex laws. Is there a
hunting regulation you don’t understand? A situation in the field you weren’t sure how to handle? Send the
Cranky Yankees an email and let them look into it for you
Jason: jcarter@rsu1.org Nick: feathersfins@comcast.net
Our Cranky Yankee column is wearing off on our members. Please share with us any stories you
have of our youth members making ethical decisions while out hunting.
Betty Blackman proudly reports her grandson Landon went turkey hunting on his own one morning
and allowed the ethics his grandmother instilled in him lead him away from an unethical shot. Four toms aligned themselves for Landon, however he wouldn’t take the shot because he couldn’t get a clear shot of just one, so he let the four
toms go. A true test of Landon’s character and hunting ethics. We are all very proud to say, YOU PASSED! Now its your
turn to pass along these valuable lessons to others.
Some thoughts on feeding puppies...
When recently asked for advice on what to feed puppies relative to their activity
levels, Terry Dew, D.V.M., M.S., DACVS, passed along this advice: “Large breed
growth [food] is a lower protein, lower energy diet designed to best allow muscle
and bone growth to be synchronous and not facilitate predisposed genetic issue (hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, CCL). It is not designed to be a diet for an
athlete. Puppies should not be trained (pushed) by extremes of activity while
growing (roading, exercising to fatigue); this activity just allows muscles to stop
being able to support joints and thereby overloads ligaments. Trying to get glucosamine levels from diet is difficult, much better off just using a supplement like
Glycoflex. So Large breed growth [food] until our dogs are 14-16 months of age,
then maintenance or performance diet depending on level of work.”
excerpted from the Forest Action Network (F.A.N.) Newsletter ~ Spring 2012
by Andy Weik, RGS Regional Biologist
All winter I had a nagging question about how “the winter that wasn’t” would affect grouse – would the lack of thermal and
hiding cover typically provided by deep powder snow be compensated for by more food available for grouse at ground
level, and so less time spent vulnerable to hawks and owls while feeding among the tree tops? We’ll never know for sure,
but one thing I do know is I’ve heard plenty of drumming activity this spring, and I’ve heard from many of you who’ve also
noticed the apparent abundance of grouse this spring.
The mild conditions and lack of snow cover across the North allowed woodcock to return to their summer haunts earlier
than usual. Woodcock were singing in some parts of New England in February, and on average I’d estimate they were
about three weeks ahead of schedule. In fact, it seems some hardy resident woodcock in coastal portions of southern
New England never left for the wintering grounds in the South this year.
Displaying timberdoodles seem at least as abundant this spring as usual, although we’ll have to wait for confirmation
(or refutation) of this until summer when the results of the annual woodcock singing ground survey are published in the
annual woodcock status report put out by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The early spring allowed woodcock to nest
substantially earlier than normal. Whereas peak of the woodcock hatch across the Northeast tends to be in May, there
have been many reports this year of nearly full size woodcock chicks in late April – keeping in mind that the young are full
size and independent of the hen at about four weeks. As they say in some areas along the north end of the I-95 corridor:
that’s wicked early!
Weather conditions this spring have been fairly favorable for nesting by woodcock, grouse, and other ground nesters
– generally free of prolonged cold,wet weather. One exception was a week of cold snowy weather in April in the Adirondacks (NY) and probably a few other high elevation areas. Dan McAuley, woodcock researcher from Maine with U.S.G.S.
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center noted that most radio-marked female woodcock nesting in the Adirondacks lost their
nests during that time; it’s likely those birds will attempt a second nesting effort. From Dan’s earlier research at Moosehorn
National Wildlife Refuge in Maine we know that a high proportion of woodcock hens that lose a clutch of eggs to predation, disturbance, foul weather, etc., or even suffer the complete loss of a brood of young chicks, will attempt to nest again
in the same season.
Page 6
Bubba Day Seminar: MAINE’S YOUTH FISH AND GAME ASSOCIATION
by Matt Dunlap, Notes by Remillie Norsworthy
Presentation #3 of the packed-full 2012 Yankee Bubba Day was provided by Matt Dunlap of Old Town, former
Maine Secretary of State and current candidate for the U. S. Senate. He took time from his busy campaign schedule to
inform us about a project near-and-dear to his heart, Maine’s Youth Fish and Game Association project at Pickerel Pond.
The focus of the group and the facility is the education and hands-on experience of Maine’s youth in all aspects of enjoying the Maine outdoors.
Matt outlined the history of the idea, beginning in 2001, reporting how the project seemed to propel itself into existence. Within a year, the area around Pickerel Pond was leased by International Paper to the Association for $1/year, a
donor provided materials for a building, another gave materials for the foundation, and yet another donated the well. Then
the U. S. Army built a shooting range for the facility. Then a propane generator was donated. Then came docks, canoes…
to the point that donations actually had to be turned away, as the facility was complete and has been in use now for 10
years.
No child is turned away from membership, and youth aged 7-15 can join the association for just $1.00. The group
has a youth board as an advisory body. This junior group actively fundraises annually by selling wristbands or other items
to generate money to buy a lifetime sporting license to be drawn for a youth in the organization.
The senior members and sponsors hold fundraisers and solicit donations to sponsor 2 major events each year:
The ice-fishing event of January or February typically sees 300 kids on the ice; the conservation summer camps service
roughly 75 youth per week. The facility is open year-round to kids and their families; youth under age 16 can fish there for
free with a 2-fish limit. Local guides contribute youth hunts for drawings. The group sponsors youth deer, waterfowl and
turkey days.
The summer conservation camps are managed for an ideal of 10 or fewer participants per counselor. Day camps
for ages 7-11 cost $75 per week; overnight camps for ages 12-15 run $125 per week. Within the 75-student limitation, the
group would like to ensure that any youth who wishes to participate can do so; scholarships are available.
Maine’s Youth Fish & Game Association Fishing Derby
Keeping Cool
Keeping cool means a lot more than fighting nerves on test day. In the summer and early fall, hot weather can be dangerous for your dog. Keep in mind that other than when there is an early morning dew, the temperature down at the dog’s
running level, close to the ground, is much hotter than up at our breathing level. If the air temperature around us is 80
degrees, by afternoon, in thick, hot grass, it could be over 100 degrees where the dogs are.
Solutions for keeping dogs cool range from the obvious, like putting kennels in the shade of your truck to the creative, like
packing beef or chicken bouillon ice cubes in your cooler. Always bring plenty of water -- gallon jugs in the truck, squirt
bottles in your vest or a waist belt holder. Dogs that don’t like to drink while working will probably like water in which Rehydrate tablets have been dissolved, giving it a beefy smell and the benefit of electrolyte replacement. Pouring water over
your dog before heading into the field risks creating a sauna effect. Wait until the field work is done. Also keep in mind that
immersing an over-heated dog in ice is never recommended.
After the field work, don’t underestimate the value of a good ditch
puddle. As long as a big puddle or pothole seems to have a bit of
movement (so it’s not too stagnant and magnet for Giardia intestinalis),
letting your dog take a dip -- or lay down in it -- is probably the quickest
cooling method. Signs of overheating:
-- aggravated panting
-- heavy salivation
-- dark red gums
-- poor coordination
You can test of dehydration by pinching a roll of skin on the back of your dog’s neck. If it “sticks” up, he or she might need
hydration. Flush the dog’s mouth with cool water, remove saliva, give small drinks of water, and if possible, immerse in
cool water.
Page 7
misc.
A hard-working Yankee Chapter handler and dog demonstrate their skill on the training table.
Sorry, Kegga. Even if your new
owner owns a brewery, beer is
not on the menu for puppies!
Not-Your-Normal Corporate Sponsor !
Page 8
YANKEE CHAPTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 2
Pre-test Clinic Green Point Wildlife Management Area, Dresden, ME
June 9 & 10
Testing Green Point Wildlife Management Area, Dresden, ME
July 13, 14 & 15 Spinoni Only Days Bowdoinham Wildlife Management Area
July 21
summer water clinic location and details TBA
August 4
Dean Croxford Memorial Shoot Varney’s Clay Sports, Richmond, ME
August 25
Pre-test Clinic
Bowdoinham WIldlife Management Area
September 7, 8 & 9 Testing
Bowdoinham Wildlife Management Area
January 6, 2013 Yankee Chapter Annual Meeting
January 25-27, 2013
NAVHDA Annual Meeting
Zion, Illinois
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONTACT INFO
President
Patti Carter
33 Simpson’s Point Road, Brunswick, ME 04011
mmkennels@myfairpoint.net
Vice Pres
Nancy Anisfield
1067 Silver Street, Hinesburg, VT 05461 anisfield@gmavt.net
Secretary
Nick Racioppi
55 Hedge Bridge Road, Woolwich, ME 04579 feathersfins@comcast.net
Treasurer
Cindy Tracy
37 Eider Lane, Topsham, ME 04086 trac4fam@comcast.net
Director of Testing: Jason Wade
Director of Judge Development: Dave Trahan
Director of Gunning: Matt Lorello
Delegate at Large: Bill Tracy
Director of Communications: Judie Bayles
Test Secretary: Margo Maloney
Director of Training: Blaine Carter
Director of Grounds: Dick Dilley
NAME DAT DAWG!
Identify this canine: The first person
to figure out who the featured canine
is wins a Yankee Chapter pin. (Bonus
points if you can figure out what this
dog is trying to say!) Email your best
guess to anisfield@gmavt.net.
Last month’s winner was Jason Carter
who correctly identified the back end
of Terry Wilson’s young GWP, Rudder.
207-725-8229
802-482-2561
207-442-7252
207-725-4562
Change of address or email
address? Don’t forget to let us
know! Send any changes to Judie at judiebay@comcast.net or
Nancy at anisfield@gmavt.net.
Check out this
beautiful photo of
grouse eggs -- a
nest of 10 -- taken
by Lee Hodgkins.
Barking Dog Guidelines
Litter Ads - 1/4 page max size
free for members
$15 / month non-members
Business Card Ads $25 /year members
$35 / year non-members
Display Ads - 1/4 page max size
$35 / year members
$50 / non-members
Story submissions -350-500 words max!
Page 9
Got a boat, gun, trailer or something you’d like to sell? Send me
the info in an email -- 50 words
max, including price and phone.
Make sure you get it to me by
the Monday of the last full week
in the month.
anisfield@gmavt.net
New Alpha 32 caliber gauge starter pistol (see photo below)
with leather holster and case. The Z-MAC zinc-aluminum frame
with a rust resistant blued finish and the high strength heat-treated steel parts promise trouble free usage. Bright orange grips;
six shot swing out cylinder. Value $250.00. Will sell for $175.00.
Contact Patti Carter, 207-725-8229, mmkennels@myfairpoint.
net.
Easy Loader two-dog kennel (see photo above), excellent
condition, welded wire doors, high density polymer, 33 pounds,
fits full size pick up. Dimensions 21 high x 49 wide x 23.5 deep.
New 260.00. Selling for $150.00. Call Blaine Carter 207-7258229.
SS Shamrock 4 Kennel Dog Topper for a full size truck.
Comes with fans and a ladder. The kennel is in excellent condition. Owner wants $1,500 for it. Contact Nick Racioppi, 207442-7252, feathersfins@comcast.net.
Page 10
Those Merrymeeting dogs sure know how to keep cool!
Page 11