Meet the Musher: Dave Walker

Tell us a little about yourself and your kennel.

I’m Married a wonderful woman with most of our six kids grown up. Worked on wildfires, alcohol counselor, and water plant operator-(present) some of my jobs I do. I had Hedlund breed dogs for 25 years. Used to race 200 mile races. Then got out of mushing for 4 years. Now for 5 years I been running a sprint breed Alaskan huskies. They have some border collie in them too. I’m not racing, just trying to keep dog mushing alive in this remote Village.

What introduced you to dog mushing? What was your first experience like?

Seeing my late Dads pictures with his sled dog team and watching the Iditarod. I want to be like Dad.
My first time was scary, lost the team couple times. Dealing with big dog fights.

Running on the Yukon

Describe the dogs on your team. What about them do you enjoy the most?

Majority of my dogs are the sprint breed I mentioned. They are from Ft. Yukon, Alaska. Then I have a Doug Swingley dog, Mitch Seavey dog, Jeff King dog and in Redington dog.
I enjoy seeing the pups mature, and make the team.

What does your training regimen look like? How long are you on the trail with them?

Their training is for mid-distance travel. I fish under the ice with fishnets. I run the dogs to check the fish. Building speed going out and pulling sled load of fish helps build power. Their diet consists of cooked fish, rice, chicken fat, and commercial dog food 30/20.
On the trail 1-2 hours a day.

What do your dogs do in the off season?

We have hot summers so they most lay around during the off season. Fed and lots of water. They dig holes in the ground to get out of the heat and bugs.

What has been your most memorable experience as a dog musher?

Running the Yukon Innoko 200 sled dog race in the full moon at night. Dogs pickup speed at night.

What’s your advice to other mushers?

Find a good mentor and good leaders that will listen to You