The Kettle Moraine Chapter of NAVHDA has an incredibly rich history behind it. We are honored and challenged to carry forward the tradition that was set by the founding members. This Chapter was established on April 13, 1995 and these early founding members are some of the most recognized people in NAVHDA today. The principal reason the Chapter was founded, was due directly to the growth NAVHDA was experiencing during the early to mid 1990’s. At that time, it was becoming increasingly more difficult to train and test versatile hunting dogs in Wisconsin. This challenge was recognized by a highly focused core group of individuals that decided to form a new NAVHDA Chapter in South East Wisconsin.

This group of individuals included the likes of Jim “Doc” Rieser, Mike Kindler, Clyde Vetter, Pete Brenneman, Dennis Brath and Gary Hanson. The Chapter grew incredibly fast, due largely to the outstanding facilities provided by Dennis Brath and Gary Hanson (owners of Cadens Kennels). This gave the Kettle Moraine Chapter a great advantage to run efficient and large tests from the start. Cadens provided lodging for judges on site, three great meals daily, well groomed fields and a nice water area for NA dogs. Fresh, well-kept birds were available each day. This ready-made facility greatly reduced the work the chapter members needed to do. We soon ran 2-day double tests and then expanded to 3-day double tests with as many as 3 different testing weekends in the summer. At one point, we held a one-day double test and 2 days of triple tests (56 dogs tested that weekend). The chapter soon gained international recognition for the quality and productivity of our tests. The KM Chapter owes a lot of gratitude to Dennis Brath and Gary Hanson for our 10-year relationship.

Growing pains developed with over 100 members wanting more availability to train. At the same time, Caden’s business was also growing, so training time was limited at their facility. This resulted in the Chapter acquiring leased land on the Weigand Farm in 2005. This is where we currently hold our training and testing events. The facilities are very impressive and include multiple groomed fields, an excellent pond for marked retrieves, bird pens that are stocked for members to purchase and a very nice clubhouse. We also utilize the state dog training grounds that include the Dundee water area and the fields on County Highway U. We are very fortunate to have facilities like these, so come join us for a “grass roots” experience with friendly people with a passion to achieve excellence. We look forward to seeing you.

About NAVHDA

The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association is a 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 nonselective and uncontrolled breeding, which produces unwanted and uncared for dogs. The Kettle Moraine Chapter of NAVHDA is dedicated to the above goal. We hold numerous training days throughout the year. In addition, the chapter hosts NAVHDA sanctioned Natural Ability, Utility Preparatory and Utility Tests, as well as other social events that are of interest to our membership.

For more information about NAVHDA, click on the logo below: