Please read ALL of the information on this page.
Registration is OPEN and the process begins at the bottom of this page.
Natural Ability, Gun Dog Test and Utility Test
3 days Mixed Testing
Test Dates: August 8-10, 2025
(Friday - Sunday)
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Please Note - cell coverage is very sparse in the Helmville area. Do not rely on email, text or cell communications to provide up-to-date changes during test. The Test Secretary/Coordinator will have the most current information available. The nearest reliable internet access is at the Copper Queen in Helmville. Stop in and enjoy a cold beverage while you log-on.
Our club utilizes more than one location for testing in the Helmville area. The test location will be covered in the information you receive from the Test Secretary/Coordinator. However, depending on multiple factors, the exact location of the test may change from one Helmville location to another, which are only a few miles apart.
If you are not certain where your test day is being held, please be sure to connect with the either the Test Secretary/Coordinator the day before your test.
Locations:
Helmville Rodeo Grounds
1. From US HWY 271, turn west on to Ovando Helmville Rd, head west for 0.4 miles. The Rodeo Grounds will be on your right (north).
Gravelly Property
Coming from Helmville or the Helmville Rodeo Grounds:
1. From US HWY 271, turn left (west) on to Ovando Helmville Rd, continue west for 9.9 miles.
2. Turn right (east) onto Brown’s Lake Rd and continue for 2.2 mi. The testing grounds will be on the left (north) side of the road.
PLEASE, even though the road through the field may have deep ruts, we ask that you stay in the established tracks.
Coming from Ovando:
1. Exit US HWY 200 onto Pine Street, continue on Pine Street and head south onto Central Ave.
2. Central Ave. merges with the Ovando Helmville Rd.
3. Continue on the Ovando Helmville Rd. for 6.5 miles.
4. Turn left (east) onto Brown’s Lake Rd. and continue for 2.2 mi. The testing grounds will be on the left (north) side of the road.
PLEASE, even though the road through the field may have deep ruts, we ask that you stay in the established tracks.
Geary Brothers Property
Coming from Helmville or the Helmville Rodeo Grounds:
1. From US HWY 271, turn west on to Ovando Helmville Rd, continue west for 8.8 miles.
2. Turn left onto Newman Potter Rd and continue for 1.2 miles.
Coming from Ovando:
1. Exit US HWY 200 onto Pine Street, continue on Pine Street and head south onto Central Ave.
2. Central Ave. merges with the Ovando Helmville Rd. 3. Continue on the Ovando Helmville Rd. for 7.6 miles. 2. Turn right onto Newman Potter Rd and continue for 1.2 miles.
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Watch for exact details from the Test Secretary, but on the day that your dog is running, please be at the test site 30 minutes before the stated start time to get yourself situated and ready for the instructions of the day.
You and your 4 legged partner will be expected to be there for entire day. Please have a stake out chain or crate/kennel for your dog and be aware of your surroundings and your dog's activity at all times.
It's a great idea to bring a lawn chair, or two, and don't forget your sunscreen! There is little to no shade at this location.
Kids are welcome! We love to see kids learning and enjoying themselves at events like this. Please be sure they are well supervised and are aware of the boundaries of the testing area.
Lunch will be served on the grounds daily and is complimentary for handlers and volunteers. Others are asked to provide a donation with value depending on the food served.
The Chapter usually serves one group dinner throughout the test weekend. This is a great opportunity to connect, discuss training and handling tips, meet the Judges, and socialize. Fee is by donation depending on the meal served.
August test contacts:
Test Secretary: Rachel Willard
phone number (970)397-8229
Test Coordinator: Andrew Willard
phone number (970)631-4593
Patience with our availability is appreciated. We are all volunteers doing our best to be available or answer questions in the evenings, 7-9 pm Mountain Time.
Current Big Sky Chapter members receive the benefit of early notification as to when tests will open for registration (two weeks prior to test registration becoming available to all general NAVHDA International members). Tests almost always fill quickly and have waiting lists.
Steps to register for this test:
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Review the NAVHDA Test Entry Form here, and gather your details prior to filling out the electronic registration.
*Note that we will allow some grace on the NAVHDA Dog Registration Number .
If you do not have all the information, you can still complete the electronic registration.
If you have questions about this number, contact your breeder or NAVHDA International at (847) 253-6488 as they manage the registry.
The NAVHDA Registry Database is a wealth of searchable reference information.
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You must have a NAVHDA international membership to register for this test. You can sign up here for a NAVHDA International Membership. This is mandatory for both the Handler and Owner.
If you are a NAVHDA International Member, but do not recall your membership number, you can look-up here: NAVHDA Member Roster
We would love if everyone was a Big Sky Chapter member too, but not required. -
See the requirements of working handlers here to determine if you are willing to be a working handler for a lower test registration fee.
A working handler is someone who volunteers to help out during their testing weekend for at least one FULL day of the event that is not the day they are testing a dog. To qualify for this lower fee, you must designate ahead of the test which day you will be volunteering and based on a list of tasks, what you are able to complete. A list of tasks will be shared ahead of the event by the test day coordinator.
Other volunteer contributions can be submitted to be considered by the Board for this lower test fee.
Refund Policy - due to the rising costs of testing and to ensure that we fill the test, all fees for testing paid are non-refundable once submitted unless one of the two following conditions are met.
1. The test is full and a replacement dog is available to take the spot; or
2. If the dog is found to be medically unfit as documented by a note from a veterinarian.
Spots for the test will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. You will not be held a spot until payment and a complete registration is provided.
Your spot is not secured until you receive an email from the test secretary confirming your registration is completed.