Welcome to NSSDC
The North Star Sled Dog Club, Inc. was founded in the early 1960s by an enterprising group of avid mushers, spearheaded by Mabell Hill, who is often referred to as the "Godmother of Minnesota Mushing." In those early days most Minnesota mushers had teams of Siberian huskies, and many of their weekends were spent at Hill's farm in rural St. Paul. In 1963 this elite group helped stage the first St. Paul Winter Carnival sled dog races.
North Star was formally incorporated by Minnesota state statutes in 1965 with Don Gale as its first president. Since then
it has grown from a membership of around 20 to almost 200.
North Star Sled Dog Club (NSSDC) sanctions several sled dog races during the winter months in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin,
North Dakota, and Manitoba and Ontario in Canada. During the summer months they promote the local Dryland events, including the Byllesby Dryland Classic.
NSSDC is a member of the International Sled Dog Racing Association (ISDRA) and Mushing USA, the United States governing
body of sled dog sports. ISDRA is an international organization which serves to promote sled dog racing and the welfare of
sled dogs.
NSSDC Purpose
The object and purpose of the North Star Sled Club are to promote the sport of sled dog racing and the welfare of the
sled dog and to familiarize the public with the work of the sled dog.
NSSDC Events
NSSDC holds at least three meetings a year: in April, July, and October. The July meeting is usually in conjunction with
the annual summer seminar, and the October meeting is held at a northern Minnesota home where training trails are available
so that members can also participate in a training session and luncheon prior to the meeting. Other special meetings are occasionally
called at the request of the executive committee.
NSSDC Projects and Committees
NSSDC has accomplished many projects over the years. Most recently, it developed a program for kennel certification, called
CHAMP (Canine Health and Maintenance Program).
NSSDC has two standing committees: the RGO Committee (Race Giving Organization Committee), which works with the various
organizations that are hosting races; and the Junior Committee.
NSSDC also has several ad hoc committees, currently including the history, race giving manual, and championship program
committees.
The TUGLINE
Created in 1969 with Joyce Lillie as its first editor, the TUGLINE is the official newspaper of the North Star Sled Dog
Club. It is published six times a year and is issued in January, March, June, August, October, and December. Originally done
on a mimeograph machine, it is now designed on computer and serves to keep members informed about mushing news and views.
mushing without snow
Dryland is a great way to teach a new dog the basics of mushing while having the control of "Dryland" under your feet. Summer is a great time to begin training your yearlings and new leaders. Early morning, late evening or cool days are perfect to get out with the dogs to canicross, scooter or cart. read more here
Fall meeting
Our Fall club meeting and picnic will be held on Octtober 25, 2008 at Rick and Netties in Mahtowa, Mn during the fun run.
The meeting is from 1:00 to ?. Everyone is invited to attend. If you have an interest in the dog powered sports venues please join us! Bring a dish to share, your mushing stories and all your dog powered sports questions. The address is: 2327 County Road 142 Mahtowa, MN 55707
North on 35-W to the Mahtowa exit. (this is next exit after the Barnum exit) At the stop sign turn right onto Cty. Rd. 4 and drive to next stop sign, (which is a T) at Hwy. 61 and turn left. Go about three blocks to first cross road and turn right, back on to Cty. Rd. 4. Follow # 4 for 3.5 miles and turn right on Cty. Rd. 142 and follow it for .9 miles and we are on the left. There will be a turn off at the south corner of the field, before the wind mill to enter the field and parking area.