Dan Huttunen, 52, is a life long Alaskan. He attended Colorado State University and received a degree from University of Alaska Fairbanks in wildlife biology. He worked for the State in both Nome and Bethel. He began mushing in Bethel in 1983 where he worked with DeeDee Jonrowe. He retired from the State four years ago. Dan says, “I have always been intrigued by mushing and traveling by dog team. Raised with field trial Labrador Retrievers, I have been impressed with the effect that thoughtful selective breeding can have on resulting dogs produced. Since I began mushing, my main focus has been to produce consistent high quality sled dogs. Racing is the ultimate proof of quality and the Iditarod is the ultimate sled dog race. Dan and his wife, Alice, currently live in Knik. Dan is a member of the Knik-Fairview Community Council, and the mat-Su Dog Council. He enjoys flying, mushing and hunting.