We host training days from April through August at Etna Creek. (See Training Dates Below). We provide some training gear that many cannot afford on their own and generally someone offers to bring training birds for sale. While these training days are not an end-all to your dog training needs, they do provide strategic alignment with where you and your dog may want to be for testing and upcoming hunts. The expertise offered by fellow members cannot be beat!
We also try to facilitate a professional handler to be on-site at least once annually and plan several group events outside of the normal training grounds. These special training events provide a great way to work your dog in an alternate location as well as get-to-know the group in a fun family environment.
IMPORTANT: Dog training in MN that involves the taking of domestic birds, other than pigeons, such as chukar, quail, ducks and pheasants requires a State issued Special Permit to Train Dogs Afield. While we'll apply for this speical permit for Chapter sponsored events, if you plan to train dogs on DNR administered land, or plan to train your dog in MN using live ammunition and/or taking domestic or banded game farm birds, you will need to have this State issued Special Permit to Train Dogs Afield.
We also try to facilitate a professional handler to be on-site at least once annually and plan several group events outside of the normal training grounds. These special training events provide a great way to work your dog in an alternate location as well as get-to-know the group in a fun family environment.
IMPORTANT: Dog training in MN that involves the taking of domestic birds, other than pigeons, such as chukar, quail, ducks and pheasants requires a State issued Special Permit to Train Dogs Afield. While we'll apply for this speical permit for Chapter sponsored events, if you plan to train dogs on DNR administered land, or plan to train your dog in MN using live ammunition and/or taking domestic or banded game farm birds, you will need to have this State issued Special Permit to Train Dogs Afield.
2025 Training Dates
What to bring to a training day?
For The Human(s)
For The Dog(s)
- Blaze Orange apparel (hat, vest, jacket, etc.)
- Shot Gun
- Non-Toxic Shot (#5, #6, #7)
- Lunch, snacks, drinks
- Folding chair(s)
- Tick Spray/Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Clothing for all weather
- Bird bag / carrier
- Garbage bags in which to take birds and/or garbage home
- Optional: Pop-up, Easy-up
For The Dog(s)
- Water and bowl for your dog
- Water bottle for field work
- Check-cord
- Whistle (if you use one)
- Lead, Leashes
- E-Collar (if you use one)
- Crate
- Tie out stake
- Bark Collar (an occasional bark is ok)
Training Rules and Etiquette
We all share a passion for our dogs and the required training process. We are extremely lucky to have the relationships and the resources at our disposal to make this a tradition worthy of coming generations. Think of the devastation we would all experience if this opportunity was taken from us because we neglected to maintain these assets. Our well-being, our relationships and our resources must be take care of at all times and is to be our foremost priority.
Safety First! Please follow these rules at all times.
Politeness matters and others notice.
Most importantly… be appreciative. Lots of work goes into each of these events and many people go above and beyond for the betterment of the rest of us. Knowledgeable people come to help who already have trained dogs. People bring birds for those who don't have a place to raise or keep them. The club provides gear that many cannot afford. Take time to thank those around you to help make it happen. Appreciation goes a long way.
Safety First! Please follow these rules at all times.
- Blaze Orange is required in the field at all times. Do not go into the training fields without ample blaze orange.
- A break open shotgun (Single Shot, Over/Under or Double Barrel) is required in the field. Carry the gun in the open position until a dog is on point as a visible indication of safety to others.
- Know your target and what is beyond.
- Visible sky ensures birds are above our dogs.
- If in doubt, don't take the shot. We never want to disappoint our four legged friends, but a pellet in our two-legged or four-legged friends is NOT acceptable.
- Do not discharge a firearm towards the parking area.
- Maintain muzzle control
- Do not sweep people or animals.
- Do not discharge too close to people or unannounced.
Politeness matters and others notice.
- Dogs should be on a lead and must be under control at all times when not performing a drill.
- Run your dog(s) ahead of training. (Not during)
- Please do not let your dogs 'greet' people or their vehicles in the parking area off lead.
- Puppies are usually given their own area to play. Be careful when allowing puppies 'mingling' with older dogs as they are not always friendly.
- Police your refuse.
- Dispose of your dog(s) excrement where others will not accidentally 'find' it.
- Check around your vehicle before you leave to make sure all garbage is collected.
- Your dead birds are yours and yours alone. Please make sure you take them with you for proper disposal.
- Tread Lightly.
- The grounds are often muddy, drive slow and use 4x4 if you have it.
- If in doubt walk in; do not muck things up. We will lose the grounds.
- Stay on the road and parking area. Do not drive into the fields or other perceived trails.
- Be respective and cognitive of others and their unique needs and circumstances.
- Everyone is at a different stage of dog training and ability.
- Not everyone has the same access to resources and tools.
- There is more than one way to skin a cat -- seek first to understand and then to be understood.
- Dive in and lend a hand
- If you don't know how to do something, ask and someone will help.
- If you see someone needs help, ask and they will generally accept.
- Go the extra mile, these friendships open doors and last a long time.
- Make sure the experts get a chance to train too!
- Help plant birds!
Most importantly… be appreciative. Lots of work goes into each of these events and many people go above and beyond for the betterment of the rest of us. Knowledgeable people come to help who already have trained dogs. People bring birds for those who don't have a place to raise or keep them. The club provides gear that many cannot afford. Take time to thank those around you to help make it happen. Appreciation goes a long way.