NAVHDA creates a new hunt test adding the Gun Dog Test (GDT) to its lineup of possible titles. NAVHDA has been working with its judging and testing committee as well as all its current judges to develop a rebranding of the UPT. As of February 1, 2025 the UPT was replaced with the new very similar Gun Dog Test (GDT) title. NAVHDA wanted to create a test that was more in the middle between NA and UT that would be utilized by more members and hopefully get more members to test dogs at levels beyond the NA level. This test is a more natural steppingstone title between these two tests.

The key differences between the new GDT and UPT is that in the GDT the duck search portion of the test was removed. In the retrieve of duck scenario they have added decoys and the scoring of retrieves in this test has been carefully defined. One thing identified was the need for live ducks and that many NAVHDA members were not hardcore duck hunters and wanted a test that would show the dog could make a simple retrieve of a jump shot duck or pheasant that ended up in the water without training for the duck search. Some breeds don’t naturally just jump in the water and do a duck search and some members live in places where they must travel long distances to get to wetlands appropriate for duck search training. NAVHDA is very excited to introduce this new test and help its membership reach their goals.

The daily run order will be adjusted with dogs which are currently/or recently in-heat following all other dogs, especially males.

Additionally, you will need to park, camp, and air your dog well away from established groups and always, have your in season dog on leash.

Finally, please be conscious of the wind. We want all dogs to have the highest opportunity at success and don't need the boys any more distracted.

Your test coordinator will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding appropriate camping, airing, pre-testing necessities you may have.

Muddy Dog Ranch
311 Wilson Rd, Great Falls, MT 59040

Please Note - cell coverage is very sparse in the Wilson Rd 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.

Directions:
1. From Great Falls, head North on the Old Havre HWY
2. Turn left onto 15th St/US-87 N.
3. In 0.1 mi. turn left onto Bootlegger Trail.
4. In 6.4 mi. turn left onto Wilson Road (portions unpaved).
5. In 3.18 mi. Vinyard Rd will be on your left. Continue 0.1 mi. and Muddy Dog Ranch is on your right.
6. Enter using the second, west most, driveway.
NOTE: If you reach Stuckey Rd you've gone about 2.7 miles too far.

Lots of people camp at the testing grounds, and it's nice to be on site.  There are no hook ups for campers. There is an outhouse and an unpressurized  spigot of potable water.  This is private property, and we request that you are  extra considerate and respectful of the grounds! Cell service is spotty. 

If you are pulling a travel trailer/RV please keep in mind that possibly many other campers will need to fit in the allotted space and park accordingly.

There are a few snakes that have been spotted on these grounds mostly Garter and Bull snakes, however Rattle Snakes have been present in the past. The only other potential hazards are a few barbed wire fences, gopher holes, and the road.

Local Veterinarian: In the event your dog requires medical attention we recommend: Big Sky Animal Medical Center, Great Falls, MT They are staffed 24/7 for emergencies Regular office hours are 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon-Fri, and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat. 406-761-8387 Address: 5101 N. Star Blvd., Great Falls, MT 59405.

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 - Kleinschmidt Lake

NOTE: Cell service is limited, so scout your route and plan ahead!

1. From Hwy 200, turn south onto Kleinschmidt Road (46.996463, -113.028077). 

2. Continue straight until you reach a 90° turn (46.991076, -113.028110). 

3. Pass through the gate– the gate is locked, except for on training and test days. Leave the gate as you found it. 

4. Drive approximately 1.3 miles to the parking/meeting area.

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.

Find detailed information about the NAVHDA Testing System here.

We provide an accurate, complete performance evaluation on each dog tested.

Valid, meaningful tests for versatile hunting dogs must be conducted in an environment that reflects actual hunting conditions, and they must test the important qualities of a good versatile dog. Judges must be knowledgeable, consistent and objective, and all testing and evaluation should reflect the extent to which dogs are productive hunting companions. NAVHDA tests have been designed with these requirements in mind. In addition, our database provides an accurate, searchable, and complete performance evaluation on each dog tested.

If a spot opens up, the Test Secretary will reach out via email to those waitlisted. We understand that you may have made other plans for testing or the test weekend. Please respond as quickly as possible, whether you want the spot or not, as we will need to reach out to the next person on our list. Generally, you will have less than 48 hours to respond before we move on to the next person on our list.

Read the complete booklet here.

This must read resource provides a reference guide for owners, handlers and judges of versatile hunting dogs in preparing for and participating in North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association tests.

Learn more about NAVHDA Youth Programs

NAVHDA encourages family participation in our organization. To that end, we are offering educational and testing opportunities for youth (under 19 year old).

Test days are both exciting and sometimes can be overwhelming if you’ve never participated before.

Test weekends are typically 2-3 days depending on the number of dogs that have been registered. However, you will be assigned to one particular day. Tests fill up fast so if you think you may want to participate get on the list as soon as possible. Fees are non-refundable 30 days or less from the test date.

Come early. Typically you will be notified in advance what day your dog will run if the test goes for multiple days. Often the test secretary and the judges will have an early meeting to tell you the order your dog will run and give you instructions regarding how the test will be conducted. Pay close attention to running order and make sure that your dog is ready for their turn.

Once your turn comes, you'll be assigned a judge to help you through the test. He/she will guide you through the various parts of the test, Don't be afraid to ask questions They are there to help. Make sure that you carry a lead and plenty of water for your dog. Summer test days get warm so having plenty of water is a must. Once your dog has completed an event, you'll be asked to put your dog on lead and leave the field. Do this as quickly and efficiently as possible. Dogs that are running all over the test grounds without discipline take time away from others. Try to be as considerate as possible.

During the test you'll see the judges conferring often. This is normal.

They'll often confer after your dog has run to give a score for that part of the test. At the end of the day the judges will meet in a separate area to tally the scores for the day. Once they've tallied the scores they'll bring all of the owners together to announce the scores for each dog. Be polite and encourage all of your fellow owners. Remember, this isn't a contest. it is a way to understand how well your dog is doing and support other members and their dogs.

We CANNOT operate these tests without an army of awesome volunteers. Read about the different roles and their expectations here.