It was announced in the spring on the Master National Blog that there will not be a property draw for pre-training in or near Paducah. To enable those who need training grounds during travels into Paducah some public, general use properties with topography and vegetation similar to Paducah are identified below along with some information on how to legally access some of these properties.
As a courtesy to the agencies who administer use of these properties, some processes have been established and local contacts have volunteered to organize use. To enhance your experience, we encourage you to utilize the local contacts. If you wish, as an intermediary step, for more information about the process to obtain access to these properties and to understand what to expect about local accommodations, you may contact Adam Andrews, at 502-974-1121.
Poole Knobs WMA, LaVergne, TN (approx. 175 miles southeast of Kevil, KY).
Property contains various sections with both fields and technical retriever training water. This is public property, managed by TWRA.
https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/middle-tennessee-r2/percy-priest-wma.html
Local contact: Scott Chaney
To facilitate the use of this property, trainers can text Scott Chaney at 931-841-2507 prior to arrival. In your text include your name (or group name), the dates you anticipate to use the property, and the size of your party (both the number of people and the number of dogs).
This property is general use and open to all users who possess the appropriate licenses (other users of this property may be present). To maximize opportunity for everyone and coordinate the users, it is preferred to organize activities through Scott Chaney prior to arrival to consolidate groups and assign training locations for mornings and afternoons.
Tennessee regulations require dog trainers to obtain hunting LICENSES / PERMITS to utilize Poole Knobs for training. The use of this property will be monitored by officers of Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and individuals will be ticketed for not following guidelines. See specific guidelines in the link above. Licenses required are:
- Hunting and Fishing Combination
- WMA Small Game OR WMA Small Game and Waterfowl.
ATV use is allowed in designated dog training areas. Use of real birds are allowed. No flyers or live ammunition.
Busch Conservation Area, St. Charles, MO (approx. 200 miles west of Kevil, KY)
Property contains various sections including fields and ponds suitable for retriever training.
https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/4901_0.pdf
https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/august-busch-memorial-conservation-area
Local Contact: Jeannie Greenlee, 314-783-1540
To seek advice regarding training on this property, contact Jeannie. Also, contact Jeannie if you wish to coordinate into groups on this property to minimize impact and maximize training experience.
This property is general use and is managed by Missouri Department of Conservation. General use means there may be other uses utilizing the property for other recreational purposes.
Dog Trainers must obtain the appropriate Missouri Hunting license for training purposes. Visit links for more information. Use of real birds are allowed. Seek local regulations regarding flyers and use of live ammunition. ATV use is currently not allowed without a permit.
Miller-Welch Central KY WMA, Berea, KY (approx. 285 miles east of Kevil, KY)
Owned and managed by KY Department of Fish and Wildlife. Contains various sections including fields and ponds suitable for retriever training. Overall property is general use, some sections are designated for retriever training. Training is allowed Monday, September 16 through Thursday, September 19.
https://app.fw.ky.gov/kfwis/destinations/Miller-Welch_Central_Kentucky_WMA.htm
Local Contact: Russ Bowling, 859-582-5994 (Russ is an employee of KY Fish and Wildlife)
Gates and cables will be closed to designated dog training areas unless pre-arrangements are made; access to most training areas can only be obtained by contacting Russ to arrange for opening gates. ATV use may be allowed by securing proper permits. Ducks may be used on this property. No live ammunition or flyers.
Kentucky Hunting License is required for training (for non-residents, regular Ky hunting license fee is $25 for one day; $65 for 7 day).
