2004 NAVHDA Annual Meeting     Madison Wisconsin

The Wisconsin River Chapter hosted the NAVHDA International annual meeting January 30 through February 1, 2004. Thank you to the officers, chapter members and workers with a special thank you to Laura Bennett and Conrad and Laura Richer.  The chapter secured a great location with wonderful facilities, hosted an outstanding banquet (@180 guests in attendance), held three educational seminars, sponsored a welcome reception, hosted two well attended hospitality suites and accomplished all of these with the classic Wisconsin hospitality second to none! 

Friday January 30    Open Discussion with the Executive Council

At 1:30 there was an OPEN discussion with the Executive Council (EC).  Chapter delegates and anyone in attendance could ask any question of interest to the EC.

NAVHDA President Joe Dolejsi opened the session.  Joe noted 2004 marks NAVHDA’s 35th birthday.  Where were you when man first walked on the moon?  And where were you when NAVHDA, Bodo Winterhelt’s adaptation of the German testing system, was established at John and Margaret Kegel’s home in Goodwood, Ontario, Canada?  NAVHDA has come a long way from that first organizational meeting in May of 1969 until January of 2004 when our paid membership topped 4000. 

The first question from the floor came from the owner of a neutered dog concerning the rationale for requiring DNA testing for dogs passing the 2004 Invitational prior to granting the coveted title of Versatile Champion.  The answers were to provide information for the NAVHDA database (similar to the new requirements of other registration organizations), to verify linage and to confirm the purebred status of an individual.  Currently (2004) only dogs that qualify for the VC title or litters produced by artificial insemination are required to have their DNA tested and recorded in NAVHDA’s registry.

Question number two was related to the NAVHDA registration number blank space on the official 2004 entry form.  Members were wondering if ALL dogs run in a NAVHDA event had to be NAVHDA registered?  Bobby Applegate said NO.  People wishing to run a dog may still apply for an event registration number, cost $7.50.  A single NAVHDA registration for a dog is $15.  If you run a dog more than once it pays to register you dog with NAVHDA.  You cannot earn a Master Hunter title form AKC without your dog being AKC registered.  NAVHDA would eventually like to see all dogs run in NAVHDA tests NAVHDA registered.

Question number three.  A member of the Kettle Moraine Chapter asked if NAVHDA would be interested in providing Advanced Handler’s Clinics specifically geared toward the Versatile Championship.  The EC pointed out that less than 2% of the NAVHDA membership qualifies a dog for the Invitational.  The EC felt that the Handler’s Clinics as currently designed provide and educational introduction to the principles and practices of judging the Natural Ability, UPT and the Utility test.  Suggestions to help the first time trainer prepare for the Invitational included: 1. Local chapters could hold Invitational training days. 2. Local chapters sponsoring a training seminar/weekend geared for the Invitational taught buy a professional or individuals who have demonstrated success at training dogs for the various new tasks required of dogs run in the Invitational.

Question number four was a request to have NAVHDA publish the member’s NAVHDA membership number in the directory.  Chapter test secretaries would be able to cross reference data easier.  Your NAVHDA ID number is on your VHD mailing label as well as your NAVHDA renewal form.  The EC will check into the publishing constraints of space and cost.

 Question number five dealt with the NAVHDA registry and the Breeder’s Award requirements.  To qualify for a breeders award a litter must be registered at one time.  Both the owner of the stud dog and the owner of the dam must sign the application prior to submission.  If the owner of the stud dog refuses to sign the application the litter is not eligible for the Breeders Award if all the other testing requirements are met.  If the owner of a NAVHDA registered dam (dual DK registered) breeds to an excellent DK dog, following NAVHDA’s philosophy of breeding the best to the best, but the DK owner refuses to sign the Breeder’s Award application, a possible outstanding litter available for NAVHDA recognition will not be able to qualify for the award.  Many high quality dogs exist outside NAVHDA.  Are we limiting our available gene pool by refusing to allow the breeder to apply for the award?  Discussions included NAVHDA registered dogs and or AKC registered dogs are not allowed to run in DK sponsored events.  We allow DK registered dogs to run in NAVHDA events.  Do we have to change our registration and litter award rule to accommodate the DK anomaly?

Question six.  Should NAVHDA sponsor an Internet chat room?  The moans from the audience provided a resounding NO!

Question seven.  The results of a dog’s test score are printed on excellent quality paper.  Sometimes this record arrives wrinkled or bent in the US mail.  Could a piece of cardboard be placed in the envelope to prevent damage?  Bobby Applegate pointed out the extreme increase in mailing cost due to the additional weight.  Bobby stated that if a damaged report arrives at your home simply request a new one.  Bobby will gladly send you a replacement.  Also if there is any incorrect information on the test record PLEASE send NAVHDA the correct information, the database will be corrected and a new test record issued.

Question eight.  Can local chapters charge different amounts for entry fees for NA, UPT and UT tests to NON-NAVHDA members?  The answer is YES.  The local chapters set their own pricing schedule for entrance to the various tests.  Chapters can increase test fees to NON-NAVHDA members.  This would be another good use of the members ID number on the official test entry form and publication in the directory.

Knowing that there were three motions to be presented and voted on by the chapter delegates on Saturday during the Hall of Delegates meeting Joe Dolejsi presented those in attendance at the open forum with a brief history of securing insurance for NAVHDA.

In 1989 in response to a chapter motion, the delegates in attendance voted 18-0 to direct the EC to secure an insurance policy for NAVHDA.  Trig Kleppinger, Roland Drew, and Dr. Floyd Eberts comprised the search committee.

In 1990 a policy was secured that allocated the policy liability among NAVHDA CHAPTERS.  Each chapter paid $280.

In 1991 a chapter motion was submitted to charge individuals.  The delegates voted 3-8 against this motion.

In 1992 a chapter motion asking for the EC to establish a committee to investigate the equitable sharing of the cost of insurance passed 10-4.  Phil Swain chaired this committee.  At mid-year the committee recommended no change in the policy of charging the chapters for the insurance premium. 

The events of 9/11/2001 caused the entire insurance industry to reevaluate their liability exposure.  NAVHDA, dogs, guns, live ammunition and killing birds presented too much exposure.  Our insurance carrier dropped our coverage. Through the efforts of Roland Drew a new policy was secured.  To secure the same liability coverage as before the premium was greatly inflated by the new carrier keeping in mind the types of exposure we were presenting for coverage.  Currently each North American Chapter pays $558.  Canadian Chapters are not covered.  Members in Canada secure coverage through their hunting license system.  Chapters should plan on the cost of insurance increasing for 2005 to $600.  Roland Drew advises all members of NAVHDA to carry a personal umbrella insurance policy of at least 1 million dollars. 

 This ended the Open discussion with the EC.

At 3:45 the Delegates Meeting was held.  This meeting is open to all NAVHDA members and delegates in attendance.  All ideas and questions pertaining to the three official motions were discussed.  Official Chapter delegates took part in non-binding straw votes on each motion.

Motion #1

Include a space for the test secretaries email address for tests listed in the Versatile Hunting Magazine.

Discussion:  facilitate communication between interested parties and the test secretary.

Reduce the need for repeated phone calls between parties.

Straw vote:  Unanimous in favor supporting the motion.

Motion #2

Modify the Utility Test to include a backing of another dog in a callback type situation.  Prize I Utility dogs would be required to pass the backing test before being declared eligible for the NAVHDA Invitational Test.

Discussion.  Time is a factor with a 6 dog max utility test in one day.  The last two winter meetings were devoted to addressing the many problems associated with the hosting, judging and running of NAVHDA’s Invitational Test.  Many in attendance felt that this was not a viable motion in light of the many suggestions previously made to the EC. 

Straw vote: 1-16 against the motion.

Motion #3

Beginning in 2005, the cost of all NAVHDA liability insurance for NAVHDA sanctioned events including non-owned vehicle liability insurance would be shared in an equitable manner by NAVHDA international members through the international organization.

Discussion:  Small chapters pay a disproportionate share of the entire insurance bill.  Small chapters are folding due to this expense.  International members who are not chapter members do not pay a portion of the insurance liability at all.  How do all NAVHDA members share this monetary burden equally?  One suggestion was to have a prorated insurance premium based on the number of paid members in a chapter. Another suggestion was to charge the individual member as part of his/her yearly dues.

Straw vote: Even 8-8

The Delegates meeting was declared closed at 5:00 pm.

The Welcome Reception and Auction Preview and start of the raffle ticket sales and silent auction began.

The Wisconsin River Chapter hosted a wonderful hospitality room late into the early morning hours.  Many long distance friendships were renewed and new ones made.

Saturday January 31, 2004

The Hall of Delegates meeting ran from 8:00 am until 12:00 noon.

Vice President Bob West opened the meeting with the traditional lighting of the candle.  All were asked to take the next few minutes to silently remember those who have recently passed or might currently need our prayers.  Doug Hume, present at the initial gathering at Kegel’s farmhouse the day NAVHDA was founded, passed away in 2003.

President Joe Dolejsi spoke about the past 35 years of NAVHDA.  We always hear “its for the dogs”.  Well, Joe believes it’s the people.  The friendships that are made through the efforts of the people who train, educate and work on the chapter and international level are the secret to the success of NAVHDA.

Past President Vic Connors spoke of NAVHDA’s strategic plan. 

1.      The new computer system.

2.      The office systems

3.      The financial plan, budgeting and nonprofit status of NAVHDA.

4.      The membership

Vice President BobWest spoke to the strength of NAVHDA, its membership and the strength of the local chapters.

Bob West then asked Marilyn Vetter to join him at the podium to talk about the 2004 Invitational Test to be held at Twin Lakes, Mexico, Missouri.  Be sure to check out the NAVHDA web site for information about the Invitational Test.  Check under Links on the NAVHDA web site and locate the Missouri Uplands Chapter web site.  They have excellent pictures of the water sites available.

The Invitational Test Committee comprised of Chairman Bob West, Marilyn Vetter, Bob Ubbelohde, Bill Jensen, Howard Zimmerman, Dick St. Amant, Kevin Sipple and Jim Moe announced some change in the Invitational Test beginning in 2005 as a result of the focus groups conducted at the national meetings in Denver and Albuquerque.

Effective 2005:

1.      The Invitational test will be held ANNUALLY.

2.      Dogs must qualify the prior calendar year, Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2004.

3.      Entry must be postmarked Jan.1- May 1.

4.      A set maximum number of dogs to be run will be established.  (At this time the max number is not known)

5.      Dogs must be NAVHDA and DNA registered prior to entering the test.

6.      VC may not rerun in a future Invitational Test.

7.      If the maximum number of dogs is reached, ties will be broken by:

a.       Highest prize score based on the first run

b.      Fewest number of tests run to qualify

c.       Random draw.

John Bauman, Treasurer, was absent due to an illness in the family.  Joe Dolejsi summarized John’s report.  The report will be printed in the VHD magazine.  NAVHDA had an income of $341,295, expenses of $336627 for a net income of $4668.  Accurate record keeping is essential in maintaining NAVHDA’s status as a 501C-3 tax-exempt organization.  Please be sure to submit your Chapter’s membership roster and activity log for the year to Secretary Dick St. Amant.  At this time the delegates voted to accept the annual meeting and mid year minutes unanimously.

Jim Moe, Director of Judge Development asked if the members present knew what the director of judge development and a hypodermic needle had in common?  They both can be a pain in your ass.  With that said, Jim announced the appointment of eight new judges: Cheryl Asmus, Steve Brodeur, Alan Fazenbacker, Rick Kildow, Steve Kosmicki, Alain Lebon, Mike Odonnell, and Pat Saunders.  Six new senior judges were appointed: Chris Haeska, Tracy Harmeyer, Mike Melotik, Norm Prima, Emil Rothlisberger and Dave Nodrquist.  Two new clinic leaders were appointed: Terry Petro and Mike Garriott.  Congratulations to all the new appointees.

Howard Zimmerman, Director of Testing, announced that in 2003 NAVHDA sanctioned 256 tests and evaluated 1,803 dogs.  Howard asked the test secretaries in attendance if there were any problems or suggestions for the online application process for either the test sanction itself or the judge request form.  Most secretaries thought the process very efficient.

A much need break in the Hall of Delegates meeting was called.

Marilyn Vetter, Director of Publications, thanked her publication committee for their tireless efforts to publish, on time, twelve excellent issues of The Versatile Hunting Dog magazine a year.  Mary Sargent, Mark and Laura Picard and many others work months ahead to meet the ever-pressing deadlines.  Marilyn reminded members of the current photo contest…please submit your best photos.  Also remember that pictures, and a brief paragraph are always welcomed for cover and spotlight dogs of the month.

Tim Clark, Director of Promotions, informed us that the paid membership for 2003 was 4,035.  Five new chapters were approved in 2003 bringing the US total to 62 chapters with 8 chapters in Canada for a total of 70.  Tim pointed out that the NAVHDA web site now has links to all local chapters that have their own web sites.  Tim expressed his appreciation for the continued support of Purina and Tri-Tronics.

Bobby Applegate, Registrar, quietly stated that there are over 40,000 entries in the registry.  NAVHDA’s newest push will be to have dogs DNA tested for verification and integrity of the databases.

Jim Applegate, Systems Manager, announced the successful implementation of MARS, the Management And Reporting System.  This custom designed, windows-based software package integrated 35 years of NAVHDA data from three outdated DOS databases.  In the future, Jim hopes to be able to burn CD’s that will have the various dog reports available instead of the costly processes of printing and mailing hard copies of purchased reports.

Dick St. Amant, Secretary, informed the membership present that as of July 1, 2004 Life Membership in NAVHDA would rise to $1000.  Starting Jan. 1, 2005 the test-processing fee for each dog run will increase to $8.  Dick noted that the limited registry motion from 2002 that the EC sent to committee did NOT go forward.  Dick was pleased to announce that the redemption rate on Tri-Tronics coupons provided to each chapter sponsoring a test was significantly up in 2003.  Please be creative with the use of these certificates to maximize their redemption.  Tri-Tronics uses this data in helping to establish their rate of sponsorship of NAVHDA. 

President Joe Dolejsi then presided over the formal presentation of the chapter motions to the Hall of Delegates.  Dick St. Amant called roll of those official delegates present and their chapter affiliation.  There were 26 delegates in attendance.

Wayne Darvell of the Minnesota Chapter presented his chapter’s motion #1 to provide a space for the test secretaries email address in the VHD magazine.  This motion passed unanimously with very little discussion.  This request will be forwarded to the Publications committee to check the feasibility of space limitations and added cost to the magazine.

Brent Catura of the North Central Wisconsin Chapter presented his chapter’s motion #2.

This motion asked for UT 1 dogs to be called back, and pass, a backing test prior to being declared eligible for the Invitational Test.  The Motion failed 25-1.

Jeff Turner of the Big Muddy Chapter of NAVHDA presented his chapter’s motion #3.

This motion addressed the equitable sharing of the cost of the NAVHDA liability insurance policy.  This motion was discussed with heartfelt passion on all sides.  Small chapters bear a larger monetary burden than large chapters.  International members who are not chapter members bear no burden.  Collection of the @ $36,000 in a timely manner to pay the premium is important.  Many members expressed how grateful they were that our organization has insurance!  They did not want to loose this protection.

The vote was 13-13, reflective of the intense discussions.  Even though the motion did not pass, the EC, realizing that there are concerns to be addressed will direct the insurance committee to look into ways that the cost of insurance may be more equitably shared.   

The NAVHDA Hall of Delegates meeting was recessed at noon until reconvening at the banquet and awards ceremony commencing at 6:30 pm in the Grand Canyon Hall.

After lunch the membership had a chance to attend two of three educational seminars. 

A local gunsmith explained the process and terminology of fitting a gun to a shooter and then gave some personalized instruction on mounting and swinging the well fit gun.

Another option was learning how to use the latest GPS technology to your best advantage.  Have you ever been lost in the deep grouse woods, how about on a fog bound lake or ocean inlet?  The downloadable topographic software and road maps were incredible. 

Option number three was a presentation on foot ware for the hunter and outdoor enthusiast.  Rocky boots sent a representative to provide you with up to the minute innovations on design, construction, materials and fit. 

The cocktail hour began at 5:30 preceding the banquet and awards ceremony.  Silent auction items were open for bids, raffle tickets were offered for sale on the gun and many other donated items.  After the meal, the Hall of Delegates meeting reconvened.

President Joe Dolejsi had a great many certificates of appreciation to announce for all the various volunteers and the hours of work they donated to NAVHDA in 2003.  Bobby Applegate then presented the NA and UT Breeders Awards to those members present.  Bob West then extinguished the candle and brought to a close the official meeting.  Blaine Carter, from the great state of Maine was introduced as the auctioneer.  Again this year Mr. Carter did a wonderful job helping the host Wisconsin River Chapter raise funds.

At the end of the auction, many banquet revelers adjourned to the hospitality room to continue the fine art of greeting old friends and making new ones. 

Sunday February 1, at 9:00 am Tri-Tronics sponsored a talk given by Dennis Brath of Caden's Kennels.  Dennis, using a home made (professional quality) video of dogs in various stages of training, laid out the program he uses at Caden’s Kennels.

Respectfully submitted,

Chip Bonde, Potomac Chapter of NAVHDA