Salamonie Reservoir sporting dog event, Aug. 8

Indiana DNR Release:

Hunting with canine companions is a joy many sportsmen treasure. If you’re interested in learning about how to hunt rabbits and squirrels with dogs, attend a workshop at Salamonie Reservoir, Aug. 8.

Jim Heasley of Heasley’s Keystone Kennels, will host seminars on hunting rabbits with beagles, and on hunting squirrels with treeing curs and treeing fiest dogs.

The program begins at 10 a.m. with an introduction to American Kennel Club (AKC) hunting beagles. Heasley plans to deliver a short lecture before performing a field demonstration of beagles running rabbits. He also plans to explain and demonstrate tracking techniques using GPS units attached to dogs’ collars.

After a break for lunch, Don Bonsett takes the stage at 12:30 p.m. to speak about hunting with squirrel dogs. He too, plans to deliver a short lecture, followed by a field demonstration of squirrel dogs.

Jack Hyden of the Indiana Beaglers Alliance and the Indiana Council on Animal Welfare plans to attend to help answer questions about beagling. Randy Church and Kenny Smith―both champion squirrel dog owners― plan to assist with the squirrel dog training portion of the workshop.

Long pants and closed-toe shoes are recommended for field participation. Participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch.

Register before Aug. 5 at (260) 468-2127, or by visiting the Upper Wabash interpretive center, 3691 S. New Holland Road, Andrews, 46702.

There is no fee for this program. Park entrance fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-residents will apply.