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Michael 2023
Michael Burtnick
33 YEAR OLD YUKON QUEST MUSHER
Experience:
Rookie - YQ 250
Nationality:
Canadian
From:
Mendenhall, Yukon
Occupation(s):
Engineer

Kennel Info

Kennel Name:
Keystone Sled Dogs
Kennel Name Origination:

Keystone after our home province of Manitoba, and because the dogs are such a central part of our lives.

Breeds:
Alaskan husky
# of Dogs in Kennel:
16

Musher Q & A

How many years have you been running dogs?
10+
How did you get started running dogs?

Discovery Channel's coverage of the 2008 Iditarod, and then we were hooked.

How did your dogs get their names?/ How do you choose names?

We don't really have themes; the names just come to us as we see the dogs' personalities develop.

Why did you enter the Yukon Quest? What are your goals for the race?

We couldn't be more excited to travel this historic trail and aim to finish with all our dogs happy and healthy.

What do you love most about running sled dogs?

The relationship with the dogs and being out on the land.

Tell us about your dogs, particularly some stories or facts about dogs running this year's race

Unexpected wheel dog Darvis, four years old, stepped up and led us home to finish the Canadian Challenge last season, but not before stopping the whole team to take a big poop about 500 metres from the finish line. Needless to say, very hilarious he held it that long!

What music do you listen to on the trail?

The sound of dogs' pitter-patter and runners on the snow.

Share a quick story about one of your indispensable handlers

My daughter Audrey (and wife Abigail) handled for the team last season at just three months old. She even took care of the chewed brakeline the morning of the race in LaRonge, Sask., when it was -25 C out!

List your recent sled dog races and/or best performances:
  • 2022 Canadian Challenge 100

Sponsors

Gull Harbour Marina