2026 Big Sky Chapter NAVHDA Testing

This test is FULL. If you would like to be put on the wait list, please contact Test Secretary Rachel Willard.

3 days Mixed Testing

Natural Ability / Gun Dog / Utility Test

Test Dates: August 7 - 9, 2026
(Friday - Sunday)

  • 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.

  • Watch for exact details from the Test Secretary, but on the day that your dog is running, please be at the test site30 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.

August test contacts:
Test Secretary: Rachel Willard 
phone number: (970) 397-8229

Test Coordinator: Mitch Creasy 
phone number: (210) 823-2445

General test questions email

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.

If you have questions about your dog’s NAVHDA 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.

August 7-9, 2026 Mixed Test Helmville, MT

This test is FULL. If you would like to be put on the wait list, please contact Test Secretary Rachel Willard.
970.397.8229 or bigskynavhda406testing@gmail.com.

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). Spots for the test will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. Tests almost always fill quickly and have waiting lists. 

NOTE: You must also be an active NAVHDA International Member to register for our chapter’s tests.

Steps to register for this test:

Step 1: Complete the payment for registration below to hold your spot.

Step 2: Complete the NAVHDA Portal Registration HERE.

Your spot is not confirmed until both of the steps above are completed. Please ensure you complete Step 2 within 24 hours of payment.

Note: If you have a dog without a NAVHDA number, please submit payment to hold your spot, then email the secretary for your test to let them know you are unable to complete registration on the NAVHDA portal so your spot can be held.

  • 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 working owner assignments here to review the requirements for serving as a working owner and qualifying for a reduced test registration fee.

    A working owner is defined as, a chapter member, 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. Working owners are able to utilize 2 reduced fees for a 3 day test and 1 reduced fee for a 2 day test.

    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.