Training Weekend at Orme, AZ

We’re looking forward to getting back out into the field for our March training session. We’ll be meeting up at the Orme, AZ training grounds on March 21 – 22, 2026.

It should be a great weekend of dog work and camaraderie. Here is what you need to know:

• Mornings
  • 8:00 AM: We’ll kick things off each morning with a quick 15-minute mandatory safety meeting. We want to make sure everyone stays safe while we’re working the dogs.
  • Field Location: Orme/Dugas Road, Cordes Junction Area Orme Field Location
    
• Training Event: Introduction to Force Fetch
  
  • Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026 
  • Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM 
  • Location: In the field
  • Instructor: Lance Vernam (Senior Judge)
  • Details: 
    Join us for a free clinic on Force Fetch Training. Lance will conduct live demonstrations with our dogs. Please bring a chair.
  • Preparation:
    Before attending, please purchase and read the "NAVHDA Green Book" (The Training and Care of the Versatile Hunting Dog), specifically the section on Force Fetch. No registration is required.
  • How to Join: 
    This event is only open to current GCC NAVHDA members. No registration is required! Just show up ready to learn. Please remember to bring a chair so you can sit back and take notes comfortably.

• Afternoons 
  • Between 1:00pm - 3:00pm depending on when the field work is wrapped up then we move to the water 
  • Water Location: Orme Pond, Cordes Junction Area: Orme Pond Location
    
    
• Bird Pick-up
  For those who ordered birds, they’ll be ready for you at the grounds between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
  • Carriers: Please remember to bring your bird carriers along so we can get your birds settled in quickly.
  • Unclaimed Birds: If you can’t make the morning window, please let us know. Any birds left over may be sold as extras at the end of the day, and we’d hate for you to miss out on what you ordered.
    
    
• Camping & Socializing
  There’s plenty of space to camp around the grounds for anyone wanting to stay the weekend. It’s always a good time to sit around, talk dogs, and relax. 
  
  
• Training Weekend Potluck! 🍀
  We are hosting a "Pub Grub" Style Potluck on Saturday after the water portion of training is done!
  How to join in:
  • Bring a dish to share: Please bring something "pub-friendly" (sausage rolls, sliders, cheese & crackers, pickled veggies, or rustic breads work perfectly!).
  • Sign-up: To ensure we have a good variety and aren't just eating 20 bags of chips, please comment on the facebook post in the event with what you plan to bring!
    
    
• Reminders: 
  • Please be sure to pick up all your trash and dispose of your dead birds properly in the garbage.
  • All dogs must be leashed, staked out, or kenneled at all times when not actively at a training station. For the safety of everyone, please keep walkways and galley areas clear of any and all loose dogs.
  • Please do not run your dog over more than 3 birds at a time to allow more people to use the field.
  • Dog friendly Hotels are available at Cordes Junction and Prescott Valley. 
  • Please see the list of recommended training supplies to get you started (not all is needed at first!).
    
    
• Rules and Regulations: 
  • A NAVHDA National Membership is required to become a member of our Grand Canyon NAVHDA Chapter. NATIONAL NAVHDA Membership Application
  • ONLYbreak-open Shotguns are permitted per NAVHDA regulations. 
    • Firearm Safety: If you are handling a shotgun, please ensure the action remains open at all times when you are not actively engaging a target. This applies both before and after the shot.
  • Orange clothing or a hat must be worn to enter training fields where live shooting is occurring.
  • Non-members of our Chapter and NAVHDA National, need to complete a “NAVHDA Release Agreement Form” for every NAVHDA sponsored event they attend.
  • Just a reminder- if your Field Training License from AZ Game and Fish Dept. has expired, do not forget to renew it. Training License
  • No smoking is allowed except inside a vehicle or in a building.

Looking forward to seeing everyone and their dogs out there.

If you have any questions, please reach out to gccnavhda@gmail.com for assistance. Please do not reply to this email, as it is not monitored.