A Word from our President....

The Hunting Season is in full swing, the Holidays will be starting this week, and the Dusky HRC will celebrate its 2nd Anniversary as a Club on December 10, 2009.

Looking back over the last two years we had many accomplishments thanks to our members and dedicated Board of Directors.  First and foremost we started to educate ourselves and other dog fanciers/hunters in the Spirit and Philosophies of the UKC/HRC here in the state of Oregon.  We also established a platform allowing individuals to train throughout the year with professionals, peers, and newcomers focusing on both the Hunt Test and Hunting environments.  In addition, we set the standards for Safety and Family participation.

We completed a Fund Raiser, by Hosting a National Duck Dog Challenge, which led to the first step toward funding our first Hunt Test. 

Sixteen months after the formation of our Club we had our first Inaugural Hunt Test, and yes it was a learning experience, but it was a SUCCESS.  Feedback from participants indicated that we did it right, especially for our first Hunt Test.  Our use of Medallions in lieu of Rosette Ribbons was a bit hit, our dinner and Raffle were also points of positive discussion among participants.  The outstanding efforts put forth by everyone resulted in a Profit which created a positive Treasury Balance.

These positive events over the past two years have allowed the Dusky HRC to expand its Hunt Test and Training Equipment base.  Our fund raising activities and donations has resulted in the acquisition of the following:

6 Gunners Up Wingers

4 Gun Stands

1 Bumper Boy 8-Shooter

1 Holding Blind

Fiocchi Poppers

Assorted Duck Decoys

Medallions for future Hunt Test Awards

Our Treasury Balance as of November 23, 2009 is $1,467.54.

The new year 2010 will bring three key events for the Dusking Hunting Retriever Club:

1.  Annual Banquet & Election of 2010 through 2012 Officers and Board Members (Timing late Jan. or Feb. 2010)

2.  Eugene Sportsman's Show (Timing Feb. 5 - 7, 2010)

3.  Spring Hunt Test (Timing April 24 - April 25, 2010)

 2010 - 2012 ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The Dusky HRC Constitution (Attached) states that elections will take place every two years, the first step in the election process being the Selection of a Nominating Committee.  In addition, all nominees must be submitted to the Secretary 30-days prior to the election.  The Nominating Committee will contact club members and existing officers to solicit interest in becoming a nominee for President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Web-Master, and Director.  Please let me know if you would like to volunteer to be a member of this committee by Monday December 7, 2009.

Dusky HRC has purchased a 10ft booth at this show running from Feb. 5 through Feb 7.  The booth space has been already expensed, and Toni Bamford will be contacting members to participate in staffing the booth during show hours as well as support for handout and marketing material.  Our objective for participating in this show is to build the Dusky HRC Membership and to Promote the UKC/HRC Movement in the West.  Anyone interested in participating should contact Toni Bamford directly.

Spring Hunt Test

The Hunt Test dates are April 24 and April 25, and the Test Location will be the Zellner Property in Scio, which we have previously used for training.  Tellus Calhoun has volunteered to be our Hunt Test Chairman, and you can expect more information to follow in the near future.

I would like to thank everyone for their support, participation, and donations in establishing the first UKC Hunting Retriever Club in the State of Oregon and look forward to the coming new year.

Please volunteer for the Nominating Committee and Happy Holidays,

P.S.  I almost forgot, all of the good work from everyone, has caused the word to spread and we now have a second HRC Club in Oregon, The Lower Columbia HRC location Deer Island, OR.