ABOUT SEMI NAVHDA
MISSION
The NORTH AMERICAN VERSATILE HUNTING DOG ASSOCIATION is a legally recognized nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to foster, promote and improve the versatile hunting dog breeds in North America; to conserve game by using well trained reliable hunting dogs before and after the shot; and to aid in the prevention of cruelty to animals by discouraging non-selective and uncontrolled breeding, which produces unwanted and uncared for dogs.
HISTORY
In 1977, the first NAVHDA Chapter was established in Michigan. The chapter is located in Kalamazoo and named themselves Michigan NAVHDA.
As the organization gained momentum in the sporting dog world, it became evident that a second Michigan chapter was needed. So, in 1984, one of the Michigan chapter members, David Helser, and a few others formed the Southeastern Michigan Chapter in Highland MI.
The chapter ran its first tests in 1985. They held 3 tests that year, each being a single-day test. These are just some examples of how things have changed over the years; the tests included mostly entries that were not registered with NAVHDA and were referred to as “event” dogs. A Longhaired Dachshund ran in a Utility test and 11 dogs ran in one day. (2 NA’s & 9 UT’s.) Unfortunately, the Dachshund received a 0 in pointing). The last test of the year was held in December which could be tricky with Michigan weather.
That same year, NAVHDA International had 1100 members, 255 registered dogs, and 12 different breeds (GWP’s were the most popular).
Although we have been unable to locate formal chapter information for that year, the earliest data we have is from 1996. SEMI NAVHDA had 50 members, held 15 training days (at Highland and another location referred to as Smith Creek), and held 2 tests running 16 dogs. Between 1996 and 2016, our chapter had anywhere from 29 members (in 1998) to 89 members (in 2016).
Fast-forward to 2024, our chapter continues to train and test in Highland, MI. We have close to 200 members, approximately 70 (+/-) training days, and typically run 10 tests per year.
SEMI NAVHDA’s membership is made up of a mix of experienced and novice handlers; always willing to welcome a new face and lend a hand. We promote the “we’ll help you and you can help us” way of training, as we are all here to broaden our knowledge and experience of training and improve the hunting skills of our dogs.
We’re happy you’re here to check out our website and we hope you can join us at the Highland Recreation Area to learn more about our chapter and experience the SEMI NAVHDA Chapter.
