STATE COLLEGE — On Saturday, the Ruffed Grouse Society saw 45 members of the community attend their Future Hunters and Handlers (FHH) Clinic at Lion Country Supply in Port Matilda.

The FHH Clinic was managed by volunteers from the Ridge Country and Upland Bird Hunt Chapters of the RGS working together to offer this unique opportunity for dogs and dog caretakers. The day was split into five available options: grouse and woodcock habitat identification, bird dog basics describing the gear, breeds and what to expect that first year, a talk with veterinarian expert Dr. Andrea Loar, Medical Director of CPVets, grouse gear, an introduction to GPS and an advanced course that included demonstrations, questions and answers for experienced dog handlers.

“Without a doubt, we felt good about our first effort to offer this type of training for bird dog owners down here in central Pennsylvania,” said Johnathan Sliski, leader of the Ridge Country Chapter, “and we thank volunteers from the Upland Bird Hunt Chapter for helping us reach out to central Pennsylvania dog handlers.”