About Pacific Northwest NAVHDA

The Pacific Northwest NAVHDA chapter is a regional chapter of NAVHDA International. We are located in western Washington state with members in neighboring Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia. We are dedicated to training and developing our pointing dogs to be excellent hunting companions. All are welcome, regardless of background or experience level.

Interested in learning more? Contact us to find out how to get involved.

Meet our Executive Board

President: Rob Gebhart

Rob has been a member of NAVHDA and the PNW Chapter since 2012. He began big game and waterfowl hunting in high school; at one point he was unable to find a couple wounded ducks (not having a dog at the time) and decided to stop waterfowl hunting because of that experience. Years later, Rob decided to get a bird dog and after extensive research, chose a versatile breed. The rest is history! Rob is married with two children and three grandchildren. When not chasing chukar, calling ducks or helping other handlers with their dogs, Rob is a Captain with the Chehalis Fire Department.
Vice President: Joe Wapenski

Joe got started duck hunting in 2015 and was soon hooked on all things bird hunting and bird dogs. His first versatile dog, a Deutsch Langhaar, taught him a lot about training as they worked together to pass the NAVHDA Invitational in 2021, making her just the second Deutsch Langhaar to do so. Joe enjoys all of the small game hunting opportunities available in Washington but his favorite activity is following his two dogs across open ridges in pursuit of chukar and Huns.
Secretary: Cam Ochiltree

Cam and his wife Becca have two kids and two German Wirehaired Pointers. Cam's had dogs in his life since he was a kid, but he didn't get his start upland hunting until he went with some friends from work 20 years ago. After learning how challenging it can be to train a bird dog in the city without the support of a community, he got back into the game and got involved with NAVHDA five years ago with his first GWP, Kobi. He's made some great friends and hunting partners and learned a lot in that short time; now he has transitioned from being a consumer of training support to looking for ways to give back and support this community.
Treasurer: Rebecca Kirkpatrick

Rebecca began hunting as an adult and found a great community with NAVHDA. Her lifelong experience with dogs led her to German Shorthaired Pointers and versatile hunting dogs. She grew up watching her father occasionally bird hunt with flushing dogs, but hadn’t participated herself until a few years ago. Being outside working in partnership with her dogs to bring home dinner is a fulfilling endeavor. She can be found most weekends hunting with her four dogs or training in the off season. Rebecca is passionate about connecting new hunters with opportunities to experience the joy of a strong bond with their dogs.