Register for Upcoming Events
2026 Annual Chapter Meeting
When: February 28th from 10am -12
Where: The Copper Queen, Helmville, MT
Cost: Free
Our 2026 Annual Chapter meeting will be held February 28th from 10am -12 at the Copper Queen in Helmville. All members are encouraged to attend to receive updates from the board and learn about upcoming 2026 chapter happenings.
A virtual attendance option will be available for those who are unable to attend in person. This option is included in the registration link.
Members planning to attend in person are asked to complete the registration RSVP so that lunch arrangements can be made with the Copper Queen. Lunch will be provided by the chapter; however, donations are always appreciated.
The meeting will also include a report on board election results and the outcomes of the amended bylaws.
2026 Chapter Board Candidates
Rachel Willard
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My passion for dog training started early—at six years old, I attended a puppy class with our family’s Shih Tzu and from that moment on, I was hooked. I grew up studying breeds, training methods, and the partnership between dogs and handlers, and that lifelong interest eventually led me to versatile hunting dogs.
Today, my husband and I spend more than 40 days each season hunting across Montana’s prairies, forests, and mountains with our Pudelpointer, Sage, and German Wirehaired Pointer, Basil. While we enjoy both waterfowl and upland hunting, upland birds are my favorite, especially the variety Montana offers—from pheasants and huns to chukar and grouse.
I’ve been an active member of the Big Sky Chapter for four years and have handled three different dogs through the NAVHDA system, running dogs at every test level (NA, GDT, UT, and Invitational) and earning prizes in each. In 2025, my dog Sage and I earned the Versatile Champion title at the NAVHDA Invitational.
Beyond testing, I’m deeply involved in supporting our chapter—volunteering at training days and clinics, serving as test secretary/coordinator, and helping care for chapter birds. I also mentor new hunters and handlers through HerUpland camps, and with a background as a physical therapist, I bring patience, clear communication, and a teaching mindset to everything I do.
As a board member, I’m excited to help grow member engagement, organize quality training opportunities, and support a welcoming, knowledgeable community for all handlers. The community and mentorship I’ve found through NAVHDA have shaped me as a handler and hunter, and I’m excited to give back and help others grow in the same way.
Amanda Ponti
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Hello, I’d like to be considered for the board. Below please find my Bio and photo. Please let me know if anything additional is required.
My name is Amanda Ponti, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered for a position on the Board of Directors for Big Sky NAVHDA. I have previously served on several nonprofit boards and bring a strong background in governance, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. Professionally, I work as a project manager, where I specialize in building structure, managing timelines, and helping teams execute effectively.
I have been training and running versatile hunting dogs since 2018 and am an avid dog trainer of both my own dogs and others’, with a strong focus on thoughtful, ethical development of working dogs. I am actively involved in the NAVHDA community as a NAVHDA judge. In addition, I am a passionate hunter who spends the majority of my weekends durning bird season chasing birds across multiple states, which keeps me deeply connected to the practical, real-world application of the NAVHDA system. I would be honored to contribute both my professional skill set and hands-on experience to the continued success of Big Sky NAVHDA.
William Bastian
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The Chapter would like to note that William stepped up and filled a vacant spot on our board in 2025.
I have been training versatile hunting dogs professionally for the past 21 years. For the last 18 years, I have served as a Senior AKC Hunt Test Judge and have also been a judge for AKC and American Field field trials. Additionally, I am currently in my fourth year as a NAVHDA judge and serve on the NAVHDA International Promotions Committee.
My journey with NAVHDA began in 2010 when I handled my first utility dog. I was fortunate to qualify that dog for the NAVHDA Invitational in my first year. NAVHDA has played significant role in my life, as I have run hundreds of dogs through the system. I continue learn and deepen my understanding of the NAVHDA experience.
I have actively participated in six different chapters across the country as a board member taking on various roles, including president and vice president. I truly enjoy volunteering and working with chapter members, sharing the knowledge I have gained to assist them on their NAVHDA journeys. I am a life member of Big Sky and am happy to call it my home chapter. I look forward to contributing to its continued growth!
Member Notice: Proposed Bylaw Amendments — Please Review
The Board of Directors is providing the attached redlined bylaws for member review. These proposed amendments are intended to clarify board and member roles, incorporate items previously adopted as club policy, and align dates more closely with current club operating practices.
Due to the nature of the redlined document, some formatting inconsistencies may be present. If approved by membership, the final bylaws will be fully formatted and published in clean copy.
Members are encouraged to review the proposed amendments and submit any questions prior to the vote. Voting on these amendments will open in mid-February in advance of the annual meeting.
Requesting a Special Event
If you would like to request the support or affiliation of the Big Sky NAVHDA Chapter for a 'Special Event or Seminar' please complete this form. Special Seminars & Events are defined as: Any event or activity associated with the Big Sky NAVHDA Chapter outside the normal scope of training days, tests, business meetings, or board meetings. The term 'Associated' would include, but be limited to: financial sponsorship, equipment usage, branding, landowner communications, email list, etc.
The Big Sky NAVHDA Chapter has adopted the policy that members will be notified directly and allowed a minimum of 2 weeks
to sign up as priority. Non-members will be allowed to register but may not be guaranteed a spot until the 2 week wait period
is completed.