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Since 2017, MSDA has been holding an annual “Field Day”. Usually held in late spring at Rebel Ridge Farms in Elkton MD, it may shift to fall for 2025. It’s designed to be a FUN day of field work.
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. Though activities are targeted at Sporting Group dogs who are interested in hunting, hunt tests, and field trials, Field Day welcomes all “birdy” dogs. Past participants have included dogs of more than 30 different breeds.
Field Day is focused mainly on activities for beginners, though participants range through all levels, including master hunters. Many beginners who first met a bird at the MSDA Bird Instinct Clinics attend Field Day as an additional step in getting acquainted with field training and hunt tests. For others, it’s an annual destination event for sporting dogs that are not otherwise getting out to go hunting. Very experienced handlers also have the option to “work on your own” at Field Day for a discounted price.
Admission to Field Day has been $50+ per dog, with discounts for those bringing multiple dogs. However, birds are included in the admission price, and you don’t need to figure out how many or what kind of birds to order for your training day. Instruction is provided by MSDA volunteers who are experienced trainers, hunt testers and judges. Gunners are provided for fields with live fire.
Registration is for the full day and there are many field training, and other, activities. Both land and water work is available. Field Day aims to pay close attention to each dog’s experience and training needs rather than running all dogs through a standard set of drills. (Larger groups also are broken down by skill level.) Most of the action is in the fields and ponds. However, Field Day is a bit different each year. Past non-field activities included CGC/CGC-A/Trick Dog (TKN) testing, introduction to CPR for dogs, briefings on safe gun handling, a tolling demonstration, gundog scurry, rally try-it, and an opportunity to view a pair of nesting bald eagles (and their eaglets). We use the air-conditioned clubhouse for a sumptuous potluck lunch buffet.
Advance registration is required and is online only. More detailed information is posted on this website, in the newsletter and on our private Facebook group many weeks in advance of the event’s date.
Please direct questions to the Event Co-Chair, Pamela DeSmidt, via Pamela@mdsportingdog.org.