Ottawa Valley NAVHDA

09/27/2026

Edit: Jack let me know that there was a error in the first set of numbers. They have been updated below:

Here come the stats for this year's Invitational. Thank you, Jack Hague . I couldn't share his post directly as it was in a group and you know...FB rules...

"2026 INVITATIONAL is over. NUMBERS PLEASE!
First shout out to whoever in NAVHDA promptly posts the scores. Small clinch Saturday night but it was corrected immediately…
There were 75 dogs tested; 47 males 28 females; 27GSP’s; 15GWP’s; 13PP; 6WPG’s; 4 VI; 4 SM; 1LM; 1PS; 1WM; 1EB; 2BS.
Just 15 dogs were successful in passing making a 19% pass rate, significantly down from 2025 at 38% and 2024 at 46%.... The big obstacles as in past were the Blind Retrieve with 48% and Backing with 68% of the dogs passing. Retrieving numbers took a drop this year with 81% getting passing grades where previous passing grades were over 93%.
Congratulations to all; pass / fail; just getting there is an accomplishment and the additional training has made you and your dog better. Many thankyou’s to the many volunteers, judges and administration again for a great event."

09/25/2026

It looked like some tough conditions today in New Mexico. Only 8 out of 27 dogs passed to become VCs. It wasn't to be today for Martha and Valor ❤️. Thank you all for the kind thoughts sent her way.

Now it's time to immerse ourselves into hunting season. Godspeed, stay safe, and have a great time!

09/23/2026

It starts tomorrow. Follow along at NAVHDA International We heard from Martha this morning that it has been raining for several days there. Send some positive thoughts for dry weather tomorrow 🌞

09/21/2026

This little one is all grown up and will run the Invitational this week. Wishing Valor and Martha the best!

09/21/2026

Our condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace Delmar.

The world is a better place because of the life lived by Delmar Smith. His smile and wisdom can never be replaced, but if we try living by his mantra “leave dog tails wagging, horse ears pricked and people smiling” we can continue his legacy. Rest in peace, cowboy.

09/10/2026

As the hunting season is upon us and one more NAVHDA test remains, may you all travel safely to and from your destinations, may your dogs, yourself, and your hunting partners be free from injury or illness, and may you find success in your adventures 🪶🐾🙏

08/31/2026

(I have gotten a bit behind in posting, my apologies)

There have been great things happening in the chapter as we bring the 2026 training and testing season to a close.

First...
A great big THANK YOU to all of the folks that made the test weekend happen. Too many to mention but we couldn't do it without you.

Second...
Congratulations to all of the handlers and their dogs. Some were ecstatic, some were disappointed, all should be proud for putting yourself out there. I did not receive scores but the attached photos in the comments show the prize results (according to Tamara).

Third...
We have a WINNER. Damien Pittman won the Final Rise hunting vest. Chapter president Matt Pomeroy presents in the video below

Lastly...
Cheers to a great training season and if you're are headed that way may your hunting season be safe and successful 🐾

P. S. Keep an eye out for our annual get together usually in December.

08/17/2026

Your last chance to buy tickets will be at the test this weekend! Look for Ralph!

Raffle tickets now on sale!

Look for tickets at each of our training days!

08/13/2026

⚠️I know it's long but please read to the end.⚠️

🦆🐕 Volunteer's Needed! Our last test of the year, in Lanark, is fast approaching on Aug 22/23rd and in order to ensure our Club is again successful in holding such an event, we will need volunteers. Your help is critical so please lend us a hand. Like last year, we have a full test week end with UT, GDT, & NAs.

Location
Lanark, ON 🇨🇦

We will need volunteers in all aspects of test support such as the following:
bird management, bird planting,
gunning, marshals for the field,
tracking, drags, water sequences,
people to put out and clean up after coffee and meals,
a dedicated person to support and assist the judges,
site preparation and cleanup after the test.

If you haven't already volunteered and are able, please drop Tamara a note and/or fill in the form found here: https://ovnavhda.org/index.php/help-test-run/ , Tamara MacLaren, the test secretary, at [email protected] ASAP