It's a go, the 2nd Annual ACC Field training/fun day at my farm in Virginia (my 1st official act as an RD!) Senior Va. RDs Doug and Pat Puwal have graciously consented to again come up and run a training day here at my farm this year for any/all CBRs and their people in the metro DC area. Mark your calendars with the date of Sunday, Sept. 17 to spend the day here in beautiful downtown Orlean.
We wanted to avoid the extreme summer heat and it was tough to find a date that didnt' conflict with local HTs and early season, hence Sept. date; will also be an ideal "tune up" for those going to Ohio and for anyone who wants a chance to work w/ their dog in a test setting and with real ducks.
Open to anyone w/a CBR whether or not ACC member (but we'll have applications and sponsors onsite for anyone who wants to join).

Last year's was mostly beginner oriented but we had a few advanced dogs that we ran 1st so people could see what a trained dog can do. We will welcome all levels and in fact could use some volunteers for help throwing/shooting and we'll have a set up that can be run as multiples (and i have a great blind field next door!).

There will also be free time so you can practice boat rides with your dog. There 3 ponds here so spouses and signifcant others can bring fishing poles (for sample click HERE)

Save the date: Sun., Sept. 17 at Hope Springs Farm, Orlean (50 mi. SW of Washington D.C., in Blue Ridge Mountains) 8 a.m. til 3.
We're putting together a flyer to send out in August (e-mail me if you want to get one or if you can volunteer). Cost will be $25 donation which will include lunch and costs of poppers/shot, etc. (leftover $$ if any will go into the WD/WDX/WDQ program). Live mallard fliers will be available at cost and yes you can take your duck home with you (brng a cooler!)
Here is a picture of one of the ponds:

Just a reminder that there are a few spaces left. Please email me at blurdgches@verizon.net for flyer. Deadline to order lunches/birds/etc. is Sept. 8th.

Just wanted to thank everyone who came to the 2nd Annual ACC training day at Hope Springs Farm. A big extra "thanks" to all the folks who pitched in and threw birds, shot birds, helped with lunches, etc. Dyane Baldwin gave a great talk on show handling and lots of hands on help during the lunch break.
We are hoping to do it again next year. Special thanks to Julie Reardon for letting us use her beautiful property and all her hard work.