What an incredible three days at the 2026 Fall Carolinas NAVHDA Chapter Test! We had a fantastic weekend filled with beautiful dogs, dedicated handlers, great camaraderie, and plenty of opportunities to watch our versatile hunting dogs do what they do best!
Over the course of our three-day test, we welcomed 21 dogs and their handlers, including:
- 8 Utility Test (UT) dogs
- 5 Gun Dog Test (GDT) dogs
- 8 Natural Ability (NA) puppies
Sunday, October 18 Handlers & Judges: Mike Laconto (Judge), Charlie Davis (Breeze), Jason Thew (Libby), Jeff Rhodes (Senior Judge), Dawn Watkins (Judge), Lee Scripture (Barley & Brook), Cindi Saylor (Mayhem), Blake Lutterel (Hank), Morgan Smith (Belle), John Seal (Juno), and Steve Welch (Ruger)
Saturday, October 17 Handlers & Judges: Mike Laconto (Judge), Carlos Acosta (Heidi), Dawn Watkins (Judge), Robert Murry (Remus), Jeff Rhodes (Senior Judge), Garret Nelson (Drake), Heather Wallace (Juniper), Brian Trei (Walter), and Nathan Matos (Levi)
Friday, October 16 Handlers & Judges: Dawn Watkins (Judge), Stacy Horst (Boris & Igor), Adam Williams (Henry), Lee Scripture (Rye), Bill Snyder (Sadie), Mike Laconto (Judge) and Jeff Rhodes (Senior Judge)
A heartfelt thank you to our three judges, Mike Laconto, Jeff Rhodes, and Dawn Watkins, for dedicating their time, traveling to our chapter, and sharing their knowledge and expertise while evaluating our dogs. We sincerely appreciate your commitment to NAVHDA and the versatile hunting dog community.
We also want to extend a HUGE thank you to our incredible volunteers! From preparing the test grounds and handling birds to coordinating logistics, preparing meals, and keeping everything running smoothly, your hard work and dedication over these three days made this event possible. Our chapter simply could not do what we do without you!
To all the handlers who chose to test with the Carolinas Chapter, thank you! We know how much time, patience, and dedication goes into preparing your dogs for test day, and we appreciate you allowing us to be part of your journey. Regardless of scores or prizes, every handler and dog has something to be proud of.
The weekend was a wonderful reminder of why we love this organization—beautiful dogs showcasing their natural instincts, handlers supporting one another, and a community brought together by a shared passion for versatile hunting dogs.
To everyone who came out to participate, volunteer, judge, or simply support our chapter—THANK YOU! You helped make our 2026 Fall Test a memorable and successful event.
We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2027 for another great year of training, testing, and fellowship!
Until then, we wish you a safe, successful, and memorable hunting season. We hope you have plenty of opportunities to get out in the field and enjoy what it’s all about—hunting alongside your dogs!
Happy Hunting!
A few photos from our 3-21 and 3-22, 2026 NA/UT/GDT tests. If you would like to see all of the photos, please click here.
Mock test, March 2026, Sandhills Gamelands
Training January 2026, Sandhills Gamelands
