The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) is a legally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to fostering, improving, promoting and protecting the versatile hunting dog in North America. Underlying these aims is the desire to serve the interests of game conservation, the prevention of cruelty to animals, and good sportsmanship, by encouraging hunters to use dogs that are well-trained in work before and after the shot, on land and in the water.

Purposes

1. To educate all interested persons in the techniques of training versatile hunting dogs, to conduct tests of versatile hunting dog breeds in North America and maintain records of such tests for all interested persons and to promote selective breeding and population control of versatile hunting dog breeds.
2. To prevent cruelty to animals by the use of properly trained hunting dogs.
3. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall consist of carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and the corporation shall not intervene in any political campaign.
4. The corporation shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, religion, or any legally proscribed classification, in its programs, activities, or employment practices.

This is an independent web site maintained by the Illowa Chapter. The IIllowa Chapter does not and is not authorized to speak or act on behalf of the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, Inc. The accuracy of any statements or information posted on or derived from use of this web site is not verified and may not reasonably be relied upon.

 

Our Chapter includes a variety of versatile breeds from the German Shorthair to the Bracco Italiano, and everything in between.

One of our favorite events for the year is the Youth Pheasant Hunt.

Click for VIDEO

Announcements:  

The 2026 Annual Meeting scheduled for January 24, 2026 at 11:30 AM

See the calendar for details.

6th Annual Jerry Houtekier Youth Pheasant Hunt - October 17, 2026 

The plans are already underway for the 6th Annual Jerry Houtekier Youth Pheasant.  Watch for details and application forms to be posted here and on the caledar.  As always there will be no charge for youth to participate in the great outdoor event.

5th Annual Jerry Houtekier Youth Pheasant Hunt - October 18, 2025

14 Youth received a review of hunting safety and rules followed by gun safety and trapshooting, game identification, hunting dog demonstration and pheasant hunt..

All guns, ammo, blaze orange, eye/ear protection, and food was provided.  

There was NO COST for this program thanks to NAVHDA International, Illowa Chapter NAVHDA, Midwest North NADKC, Louisa County Pheasant & Quail Forever, Tyson Foods, Caseys of Wapello and generous donations from other friends and area sponsors.

http://www.illowanavhda.org/Training/Special-Event-Registration

Event Application           Liability Release Form

 

The 21st Annual Fun Hunt and Trap Shoot a great time was had by all. on ???.

We will host another event in 2026.  Watch for details.   Illowa NAVHDA > Fun Hunt > Annual Fun Hunt Registration Form

 

We Made The Cover - We made the cover of the VHD January 2019 magazine.  

Considering Joining Our Chapter? - If you are a prospective member, we invite and encourage you to join us for a Chapter Training Day. It is the best way to see first hand what our Chapter is all about, and to meet some of our Members. You will also undoubtedly come away from the Day with your training questions answered, as well as a new training tip or technique. Contact us for more information, or Join Today!