A note about volunteering. If you’re not ready to enter, or if you would like to learn more about sporting dog events, a great way to do that is to volunteer! Whether you’re an old hand or a total newbie, there is always something to do. At a field event, for example, even a complete beginner can carry the basket for the shot birds (“shagging”). You get to walk just behind the judge(s) and get an upfront view of all the action. You could also sign people in or help with lunch. Clubs cannot put on these events without volunteer workers, so please consider contacting the sponsoring club and offering to help out.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Thursday, February 12 @ 7:30 pm (Virtual) MSDA Board Meeting. All MSDA members are welcome to attend and participate. Contact the Secretary, Melissa McMunn, via Secretary@mdsportingdog.org if you are interested.
Saturday-Sunday, February 14-15 (Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship MD). AKC all-breed dog shows sponsored by Maryland Kennel Club. Premium and entries available via Infodog.com.
Saturday, February 21 (York Pointer and Setter Club, Wellsville PA). Conestoga Vizsla Club Hunt Training Day. Options for Intro to Birds, Practice Junior Hunt Test, Practice Senior Hunt Test. More information and sign-ups at https://cvcweb.org/.
Friday-Sunday, February 27-March 1 (Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship MD). MSDA’s “Spring Event” including three days of AKC Sporting Group Dog Shows, Obedience & Rally Trials, Bird Instinct Clinics and much more.
Saturday, February 28 will be the annual joint dinner banquet for Liberty NSDTRC and MSDA members, family and guests. Held on site at Spring Event after group judging is completed.
Saturday-Sunday, March 8-9 (Gaddy Farm, Fairfield SC). AKC Spaniel Hunt Tests sponsored by Wateree Spaniel Club. Premium and entries available via HuntSecretary.
Saturday, March 28 (Mt Ararat Farm, Port Deposit MD). MSDA’s Flushing Dog Training Day – Advanced Work Group.
March-August, monthly starting March 28. (Locations in south-central Pennsylvania and Maryland) MSDA’s Flushing Dog Training Days – Skill Building Working Group. A series consisting of six monthly sessions to help handlers prepare for participation in spaniel hunt tests.
Friday-Sunday, April 3-5 (Washington County Ag Center, Boonsboro MD). AKC all-breed dog shows sponsored by Shawnee Kennel Club (Fri & Sun) and Mason and Dixon Kennel Club (Sat). Premium and entries available via Infodog.com.
Thursday, April 9 @ 7:30 pm (Virtual) MSDA Annual Membership Meeting. All MSDA members are encouraged to attend and participate. More information will be provided to members at a later date.
Saturday-Sunday, April 11-12 (Mt Ararat Farm, Port Deposit MD) MSDA’s Spring AKC Spaniel Hunt Tests. Premium List and and entries are at HuntSecretary.com. Entries are open until Tuesday, 3/31 at 11:59 pm. MSDA’s hunt tests often fill up, so don’t wait until the last minute to enter!
Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19 (Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium MD). AKC all-breed dog shows, obedience and rally trials sponsored by Baltimore County Kennel Club. Premium and entries available via Infodog.com.
Saturday-Sunday, May 30-31 (Mason Dixon Game Outfitters, Pylesville MD). Ronnie Smith Foundation Seminar for pointing breeds.
Monday-Tuesday, June 1-2 (Mason Dixon Game Outfitters, Pylesville MD). Ronnie Smith Intermediate Seminar for pointing breeds.
Saturday-Sunday, October 31 – November 1 (Mt Ararat Farm, Port Deposit MD) MSDA’s Fall AKC Spaniel Hunt Tests. Pending AKC approval, Premium List and much more information will be available via HuntSecretary.com.
Saturday, November 7 (Mt Ararat Farm, Port Deposit MD) MSDA GunDog Challenge. To evaluate the finished flushing gundog in realistic upland and waterfowl hunting scenarios, combining advanced bird work and retrieving skills. Information will be available closer to the event.
Want to see your club’s sporting dog event listed here? Contact Pamela DeSmidt via admin@mdsportingdog.org to be included on this calendar page and in our monthly newsletter. Of course, if you’re a member of Maryland Sporting Dog Association’s Facebook Group, you’re also welcome to share your event information there.
Stay up to date on MSDA activities that interest you by signing up for our e-mail list.