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:
Friday-Sunday, January 24-26 (State Fairgrounds, Timonium MD). MSDA will have a booth at the World of Pets Expo in Timonium MD. This is a great family event.
Saturday, January 25 (McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville MD) Flushing Dog Training Day – Skill Building Group.
Saturday-Sunday, January 25-26 (Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship MD). All-Breed Dog Shows sponsored by the Carroll Kennel Club. Entries are via Jim Rau Dog Shows; entries closed 1/8.
Saturday, February 1 (Mason Dixon Game Farm, Glen Rock PA). Mid-Atlantic Hunting Spaniel Club Fun Grouse Trial. Event starts 8 am; registration opens 7 am. $50 entry fee for Puppy; $65 for Open and Gundog. Potluck lunch.
Thursday, February 13. MSDA Board Meeting. All MSDA members are welcome to attend and participate. Meetings are held via Zoom, starting at 7:30 pm. Contact the Secretary, Melissa McMunn, via Secretary@mdsportingdog.org for more information.
Saturday-Sunday, February 15-16 (Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship MD). All-Breed Dog Shows sponsored by the Maryland Kennel Club. Entries are via InfoDog.com; entries close 1/29.
Saturday, February 22 ((McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville MD) Flushing Dog Training Day – Skill Building Group, AND
Saturday, February 22 (Mt. Ararat Farms, Port Deposit MD) Flushing Dog Training Day – Advanced Work Group
Friday-Sunday, February 28 – March 2 (Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship MD). MSDA’s annual “Spring Event“, including three days of dog shows, Bird Instinct Clinics and AKC Fetch testing. The Premium List is now available and entries are open at InfoDog (MB-F). Entries will close on February 12.
Saturday, March 8 (Mt. Ararat Farms, Port Deposit MD) Flushing Dog Training Day – Advanced Work Group.
Thursday, March 13 @ 7:30 pm (Virtual) MSDA Annual Membership Meeting. All MSDA members are encouraged to attend and participate. Members receive meeting notices and much more information via email. Contact the Secretary, Melissa McMunn, via Secretary@mdsportingdog.org if you have any questions or would like to add something to the agenda.
Saturday-Sunday, April 12-13 (Mt. Ararat Farms, Port Deposit MD). MSDA’s Spring Hunt Test Weekend. Two BIG days of AKC Spaniel Hunt Tests. Premium and entries will be via HuntSecretary.com. Entries will open January 28.
Saturday, September 13 (Rebel Ridge Farms, Elkton MD). MSDA’s Annual Field Day. This is a FUN field training day for all bird dogs and handlers. Great for beginners!
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.