2025 Field Day

Related pages:

Field Day Gen’l Info
Flushing Dog Program
sign up for field Day

Saturday September 13, 2025
9 am – 2:30 pm
Rebel Ridge Farms in Elkton, MD

MSDA’s Annual Field Day — a FUN day of field work for beginner bird dogs — will be Saturday September 13 at Rebel Ridge Farms in Elkton, MD.  

Click the “Gen’l Info” button at the top of this page for more about Field Day and to see photos from previous years. Scroll down this page to see details of our plans for September 13th.

Here are some quick links to Field Day topics:

Flushing * Pointing * Retrieving * Work-On-Your-Own * Potluck Lunch Buffet * Event T-shirts * Other info * How to Sign Up * Changes & Refunds * Comments from Previous Years * Contact Us * Places to Stay and to Eat (PDF)

A big Thank-You to our generous sponsors who help make Field Day even more fun and educational!

Steve & Betsy Surprenant

Steve Roth

FIELD DAY SCHEDULE AND OVERVIEW

The overall schedule for the day will be as follows:
8:00-9:00 Check in at clubhouse
9:00-11:30 Field training
11:30-12:30 Lunch break – potluck buffet
12:30-2:30 Field training
2:30-4:00 Volunteer time in the fields including live fire. Clean-up and departure.

The clubhouse will be open all day, and we will be continuing our Field Day tradition of a sumptuous lunch buffet. Everyone is asked to bring a potluck dish to share.

You do not need to be a club member to attend Field Day. Like most other MSDA events, it is open to all dog lovers.

Activities are aimed at gun dog breeds who are interested in bird hunting, hunt tests, and field trials, but there are no breed or age restrictions.

Field Day is targeted at beginners and teaching the basics of field work. We welcome everyone from true beginner dogs (who have never met a bird or done any field training) to those with field experience who want to work on fundamentals. Please feel free to contact one of the committee members, listed at the very bottom of this page, if you have questions.

There will be no live fire (i.e., shotguns) during the 9 am – 2:30 pm training hours at Field Day so that we may welcome even dogs who have no experience with gunfire. Starters pistols may be used in some locations during the day.

After 2:30 pm, some of our experienced handlers who have been working hard all day as volunteers will be hunting in the fields and at the ponds with their own dogs. Everyone is welcome to stay and watch these teams, but live fire (i.e., shotguns) will be used so late afternoon is not a time for potentially gun-shy dogs to remain on site.

Fees for attending Field Day are $15 per registration (for up to four dogs), plus $40 for each dog participating in training. Birds are included in the per-dog fee. Discounts may be available to very experienced handlers who are MSDA members and who want to work entirely on their own.

Rebel Ridge Farms is a private property located in northeastern Maryland and has:

  • 250+ acres of specially-managed sporting dog training areas connected by a driveway that runs the length of the property
  • Eight major field areas, up to 1,000 feet long
  • Four large ponds and several smaller ones
  • Property edged by large trees and dense cover
  • Parking adjacent to each of the fields and ponds

Many photos and an aerial tour of the property are available on the Rebel Ridge Farms website.

Field Day registration is online only, here. Registration is required and closes on Sunday, September 7th.

FIELD TRAINING ACTIVITIES:

There are three major training groups and you will be asked to pick one when you register for Field Day. Which should you join? If your dog is a pointer or a setter, go for the Pointing Group! If your dog is a spaniel, Flushing is a good place to start. If your dog is a retriever, you probably want to start your field training in the Retrieving Group. There are exceptions: it’s not uncommon for retrieving breeds to start out, or move on to, learning flushing skills and we sometimes have people sign up their pointing or spaniel breed for the Retrieving Group, so these are only guidelines. If you’re unsure, email Pamela via Pamela@mdsportingdog.org (and include your phone number) for help deciding.

Training Activities for Flushing Breeds:

Join the Flushing Group for a variety of hands-on activities designed to introduce and guide handler/dog teams through the fundamentals of upland hunting. Whether you’re new to the sport or expanding your dog’s skillset, this event offers something for everyone.

Multiple locations (stations) will be set up within the Flushing Group’s area of fields and ponds so that everyone can keep busy throughout the day. We are planning the following core activities:

  • Introduction to birds: Give your dog a chance to explore live birds – we’ll have pigeons and chukars (a kind of partridge) – and observe their natural interest in sight, scent and chase. This is a gentle way to spark curiosity and excitement.
  • Quartering: Learn the basics of “quartering” (methodically searching a field to find birds), including range and pattern. We’ll provide breed-specific style sheets that explain how each breed works the field differently. Handlers will gain insights on how to support their dog’s instinctive movements.
  • Retrieving:
    • On Land – We’ll assess your dog’s current retrieving ability, then offer tailored tips to reinforce a reliable retrieve.
    • In Water – Introduce your dog to water in a safe, confidence-building environment that supports strong water retrieves.
  • Intro to Gunfire: Discover safe techniques to prevent gun-shyness in dogs. Starting with playful noise desensitization using paper bags and background clacking of a 2×4, we’ll progress to starter pistols based on each dog’s comfort level.

Additional activities may include:

  • Intro to Fetch: Learn the basics of fetch and recognize how everyday play at home may already be laying a strong foundation. While an e-collar will be present for demonstration purposes and questions, it will not be used on participant dogs. We strongly advise that e-collars only be introduced under the supervision of a qualified professional trainer.
  • Field Obedience: Explore the role of obedience in the field, with tips on improving communication and teamwork during upland activities.

Don’t have access to birds or open fields? No worries – we’ve prepared a handout featuring practical exercises you can do at home. These ideas come directly from experienced handlers and help keep training momentum going between field sessions.

Kate Ostrowski (KOstrowski@mdsportingdog.org) is leading the training activities targeted at flushing breeds.

Training Activities for Pointing Breeds:

In the Pointing Group, activities will focus on heeling, quartering (methodically searching a field to find birds), and bird work drills. Dogs may participate as a group in each drill on a check cord (long rope attached to your dog), and will have the opportunity to also have an introduction to backing (honoring another dog’s point) as participants in these drills. If interested and ready, your dog can be introduced to a cap gun.

The day is intended to introduce beginner dogs to field work, and enable you to take the skills learned and continue training your dog at home. These skills ideally should be practiced on a daily basis for your dog to be successful in the field.

For work with birds, we will be using pigeons and quail.

Sally Eck, Pointer@mdsportingdog.org, is leading the training activities targeted at pointing breeds.

Training Activities for Retrieving Breeds:

The Retrieving Group will set up multiple locations (stations) at their field and pond area so that everyone can rotate through these and stay busy all day. Depending on the number of dogs registered, everyone may start at Station 1 and move through the stations in groups of 4 or more at a time.

With each station, the dogs will build the foundational skills toward successfully completing the final station consisting of single marked retrieves. For work with birds, we will be using ducks and pigeons.

We’re planning four stations for morning work on land:

  • Station 1 – Foundation Skills:
    • Intro to line manners and holding blinds (on lead)
    • Intro to sit on whistle
    • Clockwork
  • Station 2 – Intro to Blind Retrieves (lining games):
    • Three bowls game. Beginning blind retrieves. “Back”
    • Placeboard as destination game
    • Around the clock game
  • Station 3 – Intro to Double and Triple Retrieves:
    • Building memory game
  • Station 4 – Putting It All Together — Dog to the Line!
    • Simple setup of single marks in field bumpers, birds or personal toys

In the afternoon, we’ll have:

  • Station 5 – What about Water? (activities to be run simultaneously):
    • Singles on water
    • Intro to birds
    • Intro to sit on whistle
    • Blind retrieve on water

Participants will answer a short questionnaire so that trainers understand their level of experience, if any, with birds, bumpers, placeboards, collar conditioning and force (or inductive) fetch.

Everyone should bring the HIGHEST value treat they have for their dog and an item (toy or other) that the dog WILL retrieve (something that can be thrown a distance). If you have been training with a placeboard, please bring that along, and if your dog retrieves bumpers please bring one of your own.

Leading up to Field Day, we encourage you to continue to work on the sit-stay command as well as recall (e.g., “come” or “here”). If you haven’t already, you may want to introduce a placeboard or mat.

At the end of the day, we will distribute handouts describing all of the drills done during the day so that you can continue your field training at home.

The Retrieving Group will be led by Sherry Seibel and Francine Kaplan. If you have any questions about the group, please contact Sherry via President@mdsportingdog.org.

Work on Your Own (“WOYO”):

While nearly all activities happening during the day will have volunteers providing help and mentoring, we are planning to reserve one pond and an adjacent field for very experienced handlers who are MSDA members to Work On Your Own. No birds will be provided at these locations, there will be no organized activity, and no live fire is permitted. We need to emphasize that this is only for very experienced handlers. Stated bluntly, if you’re not absolutely sure you belong in this category, you don’t.

To attend Field Day as WOYO-only with substantially reduced fees, contact Pamela DeSmidt via Pamela@mdsportingdog.org for more information about the Work-On-Your-Own option and to obtain the required passcode.

Very experienced handler-dog teams who are volunteering at Field Day also are welcome to stop by these designated locations and train on their own for a while.

POTLUCK LUNCH BUFFET

The Field Day Lunch Buffet is back! To make it successful, each registration is asked to contribute a potluck dish: a protein/entree, side dish/salad, or dessert. Desserts are the most popular, whether homemade or bakery goods, but we also need fruits, veggies and salads and, the one most people are reluctant to sign up for: a protein/entree. Don’t know what to bring? A large container of tuna salad or chicken salad, or a big box of chicken tenders (purchased the day before at KFC, Popeye’s, or similar and then chilled) are always much appreciated. If you can’t bring a dish, but still want to enjoy the buffet, the registration form also provides the option of paying $10 per person.

We will have one extension cord connected to a single outlet to keep crock pots, etc going. There’s also very limited space in a refrigerator to keep food chilled until lunchtime. Please deliver all dishes to the clubhouse before 11 am, so that lunch is ready for everyone on time.

2025 EVENT T-SHIRTS

We are again offering Field Day t-shirts! We are planning to have screen printed Gildan t-shirts in a choice of Safety (Blaze) Orange or Military Green. The green is usually all cotton; the orange is more likely to be a blend. Available sizes are Adult Small, Medium, Large, XLarge, XXL, and 3XL. (The sizes are supposed to be men’s/unisex. Some people say they run true to size; others have commented that they run small. So, if you really can’t decide on a size, maybe choose the larger option?) The price is still $20 each, except the XXL is $22 and the 3XL is $24. The 2025 design is shown below. (Click on either picture to enlarge.)

You order t-shirts when you register for Field Day, and they will be waiting for you when you arrive at the event. Because the shirts are custom-printed, the deadline for ordering, and paying for, shirts is Wednesday, August 27, which is earlier than the overall Field Day registration deadline. After August 27, there will be no refunds for pre-ordered t-shirts.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This event will be held rain or shine!

It’s important to bring shade for your dog to rest and plenty of cold water to drink in the field. The perimeter of the property is forested and there is intermittent shade along the edges of fields and in the parking areas near the clubhouse. However, many cars (and people and dogs) will be spending time in unshaded areas. Dogs are not permitted in the clubhouse.

Dogs should wear a secure buckle or other collar to which a lead can be attached. When walking around the property or waiting for your turn at an activity, dogs should be on a 4′-6′ lead. Dogs are encouraged to bring a favorite toy or bumper to get them started, and to practice with, on land and in the water and handlers should have high-value treats. Long leads will be provided by trainers and will be used for any dogs who do not have a reliable recall. Handlers should wear sturdy boots or shoes since you will be out with your potentially very excited dog on uneven terrain in the fields.

If you are already utilizing an e-collar in your field work, you are welcome to use it at Field Day, but training will not specifically include e-collars.

Birds will be provided as appropriate to the dog’s skill level and the activity. Birds are included in the registration fee.

Photography is welcome at Field Day! Bring your cameras or your smartphones and feel free to snap away as long as you don’t get in the way of the training activities. If you get some good photos, please share them on the MSDA private Facebook group or send them to Pamela (Pamela@mdsportingdog.org) for posting on our website or Flickr page or in the monthly newsletter.

Owners and handlers are reminded that they are responsible for their own dog’s actions and that good sportsmanship is expected at all times. If dogs (or humans!) exhibit inappropriate behavior or aggression, you will be directed to leave Field Day immediately and may be excluded from future MSDA activities. Such decisions are made by the event committee members.

Bitches in season may attend Field Day (at your own risk, obviously) though they may be run last for some activities and you should be sure to let the training group leader know about this.

For safety reasons, blaze orange clothing (not just a hat) is the fashionable choice for many upland hunting activities. Blaze orange (or fluorescent pink in Maryland and some other states) is required in fields with live fire. (Note, however, that there will not be live fire at Rebel Ridge until after 2:30 pm on Field Day.) In addition to the pre-ordered event t-shirts available in safety orange, we will have a very limited number of plain orange short-sleeve t-shirts available for purchase ($5 cash or check) at the clubhouse.

Everyone (trainers, gunners, handlers, guests, adults, kids) is required to provide a signed MSDA liability release. Most of you have already signed this with your membership application or when attending another MSDA activity. (Remember – you don’t need to be a club member to attend Field Day.) If we have your form on file, you do not need to sign again. If not, please download it and/or we’ll email the link after you register. They’ll also be available at the clubhouse when you check in.

No horses at this event.

HOW TO SIGN UP

Online registration is available at https://mdsportingdog.org/field-day-registration/. Registration closes Sunday night, September 7th, or earlier if the day fills up. You must pre-register: Field Day does not accommodate on-site registration.

Online payment is required to complete your registration. Cash and checks are not accepted.

Field Day committee members review registrations as they come in and will follow up if there are any questions. We also will send out a long email on Wednesday morning, September 10th with detailed directions, reminders about what to bring and any last minute updates.

Changes, Cancellations, Waitlists and Refunds:

If you need to change or cancel your registration, contact the Field Days Co-Chair, Pamela DeSmidt, at Pamela@mdsportingdog.org . You may cancel for any reason through Sunday, September 7 and receive a full refund, with the following exceptions:

  • The $15 registration fee is not refundable
  • T-shirt orders are only refundable if canceled by Wednesday, August 27.

There will be no refunds of any kind after September 7th.

We think we have enough capacity to accommodate everyone at Field Day this year but, if one or more of the training groups fill up, we may close registration early and/or switch to accepting only unpaid waitlist registrations.

COMMENTS FROM PREVIOUS ATTENDEES

We (and our dogs) had a blast!!!

This was a wonderful day!! I can’t thank you all enough for sharing your knowledge, skills and love for these amazing breeds. I want to do it again!

This was our first “Field Day” and we will definitely do it again!

When you’re not sure who is having more fun: you or your dog.

What a fun time and awesome training opportunity… A great training day spent with great friends!

Had a great time at our first Field Day. Thanks to all the volunteers.

Great instructors, great location, had a wonderful time.

QUESTIONS?

The Field Day Committee members, with general areas of responsibility, are listed below. Feel free to contact any of them with your questions.

PLACES TO STAY AND TO EAT (a PDF)

Please do NOT contact Rebel Ridge for advice on where to stay and/or eat.