Train With Keystone

The Keystone Chapter holds training days roughly every other week, March through August.  Training dates may be subject to change. Please check Training Schedule before registering. 

A typical training day will go something like this:

• Arrive at or before designated start time - training prior to July 1st will begin at 8:00 AM, training after July 1st will begin at 7:00 AM
• Check in and collect your bird order, band any game birds - ducks, pheasants, quail - ordered as they are taken into your possession
• Setup equipment - bird tent, water setup, traps and electronics, etc.
• Morning announcements - Training Director will go over the day's schedule/running order
• Commence field and water work
• Training concludes when last dog completes its run
• Tear down and load trailer

Please come prepared. Our Checklist for Training Days can be very helpful. We strongly encourage you to arrive early to give your dog/s a chance to get out of the vehicles and to get yourself organized. The Training Director will prepare running orders in an attempt to give all dogs their time in the field and at the water. Regardless of running order or experience level, ALL MEMBERS are expected to volunteer to help out wherever possible.  Please plan to stay until the end of the training day. 

• Pre-register for each training day
• Wear blaze orange - required for all participants (hat and vest/shirt)
• Help out - setup, tear down, plant birds, etc. (see Training Day Roles for examples of how you can get involved)
• Return any chapter equipment to its proper place in the trailer
• Keep your dog/s leashed or in a kennel when not actively engaged in training activities
• Band any game birds - ducks, pheasants, quail - in your possession (bands can be purchased from the chapter/trailer)
• Only tapes with water soluble adhesives (i.e. painter's tape) are permitted to wing-tape ducks. Any tape with permanent adhesive (i.e. duct tape, electrical tape, etc.) is strictly forbidden from being used at any Keystone event. 
• Conceal dead birds from open view until disposed of properly
• Dispose of all dead birds and trash properly and offsite - leave no trace at any location
• Abide by our Approved Gunner policy (only these individuals are permitted to shoot live rounds)
• Follow all PA Game Commission Rules and Regulations
• Maintain active membership in NAVHDA International
• Maintain active membership in the Keystone Chapter

• Ask how you can help (see Training Day Roles for examples of how you can get involved)
• If you're receiving help, return the favor
• All dogs must be leashed or crated in the parking and gathering area/s
• Leave dog/s crated or tethered by your vehicle during morning meeting
• Offer shells to your gunner/s
• Your dog is your responsibility, watch your dog
• Your birds (dead or alive) are your responsibility
• Do not discard dead birds or leave trash at any Keystone training location
• Conceal all dead birds from view of general public
• Do not permit your dog to approach another dog without permission
• Plan to stay the entire day
• Address disruptive dogs - do not permit excessive barking/whining
• Always ask a handler if you may observe or walk along during their training session
• Do not take your dog/s to an area where another handler is participating in a training session

• Training day birds must be ordered AND paid for in advance through our Training Registration Form.
• Check in at the bird tent to confirm your bird order and have bird bands ready for any game birds - ducks, pheasants, quail - ordered.
• Bring a crate to collect your birds at the start of the training day.
• The chapter is not responsible for lost or missing birds.
• If you order birds but cannot make it to the training day, you are responsible for coordinating the pickup of your birds or you must forfeit them.
• The chapter cannot hold or house birds. Refunds will not be issued.