Yankee Golden Retriever Club

Wednesday Field Training Group

Delaney WMA in Stow, MA

"Conor"

Owned by Linda Coe

Photo Credit: Donna Kelliher

REGISTRATION OPENS ON APRIL 1, 2025

This informal field training group meets weekly on Wednesdays at the Delaney WMA in Stow MA. Training runs from April 30 through November 19, 2025.

Attendance is open to all full Yankee members, and to this year’s participants in the Yankee field classes. Each handler may train one or two dogs. Puppies are welcome.

This is not a class. Some of the more experienced members will assist in organizing the training sessions, which can include drills and setups for both working certificates and hunt tests. All who attend are expected to participate in the process of designing the setups and take a turn working the various jobs. You can always modify any setup for your dog’s level of training. This is a supportive group and we want all the handlers and dogs to succeed.

Participants should bring appropriate equipment, including a radio, ear protection, duck call, chair, white coat, bumpers and/or ducks. It’s helpful to have starter pistols, decoys, blinds, and wingers, so please bring these items to training if you have them.

This informal field training group meets weekly on Wednesdays at the Delaney WMA in Stow MA. Training runs from the beginning of May through the third week in November.

Attendance is open to all full Yankee members, and to this year’s participants in the Yankee field classes. Each handler may train one or two dogs. Puppies are welcome.

This is not a class. All who attend are expected to participate in the smooth running of the group and take a turn working the various jobs. It is anticipated that some of the more experienced members will rotate planning and organizing the training sessions, which will include drills and setups for both working certificates and hunt tests.

Newer handlers are welcome, as are all questions. Every opinion is important! All participants should feel free to request or suggest drills, help plan setups, and are free to modify the exercises for their dog’s level of training. This is a supportive group and we want all the handlers and dogs to succeed.

Participants should bring appropriate equipment, including chair, white coat, radio, ear protection, duck call, bumpers and/or ducks. It’s helpful to have starter pistols, decoys, blinds and a winger, so please indicate if you can bring any of these items when needed.

"Twizy"

Owned by Roseann Mandell

Photo Credit: Doreen Palmer

Other things to know:

Start times will vary, depending on the weather and the available daylight, but we will try to have both a morning session and an afternoon session through September if there are enough participants.
Everyone is free to attend either session any week to accommodate their preferences and schedule.
Participating members develop and manage the functional aspects of the group. Everyone will be involved in setting up equipment and should have all their items ready when going to work a gun station.
Group email will be used for updating participants on weekly training plans.
The opportunity for water work is limited, but there are 5 or 6 different areas for land work.
Keep access gate closed.
Vehicles must stay on existing roadways and observe the 10 mph speed limit at all times.
Dogs must be leashed except when working. You must pick up after your dog and carry out any waste.
Registration fees cover the cost of the MASSWILDLIFE permits for use of the property.
Training may be canceled if there are thunderstorms.
The public will also be using the area. Be respectful and courteous. When passing bicyclists and pedestrians on the roadways, slow your vehicle and leave plenty of space.

Register below: Pay-as-you-go is available. Registration and payment options will be open throughout the entire season. There is cell service at Delaney for online registration/payment by mobile phone.

Full season*
April 30 - Nov 19 Fee: $90 (All 30 sessions)

Calendar month Fee: $25

Drop-in, one day** Fee: $10

*No refunds. In the event of serious illness or injury, field sub-committee will determine exceptions on a case by case basis. Administrative fee of $15 and pro-rated refund will apply. The decision of the committee is final.

**Drop in: Register to start getting the weekly email updates. You can register and pay for a drop-in date prior to or on the day of training. Online payment only. No cash or checks accepted.

REGISTRATION OPENS ON APRIL 1, 2025

click box below to register:

Wednesday Field Training Group