Affiliate Spotlight: High Desert Pointing Dog Club

The High Desert Pointing Dog Club (HDPDC), based in South Central Idaho, was established as a group of hunters who wanted to work and train their pointing dogs during the off season. While training their dogs and helping others learn to do the same is at the core of their group, they also know and embrace the fact that we all need to play a role in building up the next generation of sportsmen and women. 

Each year the HDPDC hosts a pheasant hunt with IDFG for youth in their region who have completed their hunter safety course that year. These kids get the opportunity to go into the field with accomplished bird hunters and well-trained dogs to hunt pheasants, an opportunity that unless born into a family with bird dogs, might not happen. 

Last weekend on October 4th, 10 HDPDC members, their dogs, a couple IDFG staff, and 19 youth hunters took to the field on a slightly wet day and had a fantastic time hunting and learning about pointing dogs. After successfully harvesting a bird, which most kids did, they learned how to field dress it and were able to bring it home to eat. Experiences like these can help get kids hooked on the outdoors, creating future outdoorsmen and women to advocate for the land, water, wildlife, and sporting opportunities we all know and love. 

We appreciate all our affiliates spread throughout the state and if you’re in the Magic Valley and a bird hunter or aspiring to be one, we would highly suggest checking out the High Desert Pointing Dog Club and think about becoming a member!