Retriever hunt tests
A retriever hunt test is a weekend event where a dog retrieves birds in a setting that copies a real hunt, and judges score the work against a written standard. The pages below cover the AKC levels, the HRC system, test day and the California club calendar.
- 4.9 12 Google reviews
- Training since 2002
- Qualified at an AKC Master National
All pages in this section
AKC Junior Hunter
Junior Hunter is the first level of the AKC retriever hunting test. The dog retrieves single marked birds on land and water and delivers to hand, and AKC lists four...
Hunt testsAKC Senior Hunter
Senior Hunter is the second level of the AKC retriever hunting test, written SH after a dog's name. It builds on Junior with more marks, blind retrieves and tighter...
Hunt testsAKC Master Hunter
Master Hunter is the highest level of the AKC retriever hunting test, written MH after a dog's name. The Master National is AKC's yearly national hunting test for...
Hunt testsHRC hunt tests: Started, Seasoned, Finished
HRC is the Hunting Retriever Club, which runs its tests under the United Kennel Club. Its tests run in four levels, Started, Seasoned, Finished and Grand, and a dog...
Hunt testsAKC vs HRC hunt tests
AKC and HRC both test retrievers on realistic hunting work, but they use different levels, titles and scoring. AKC has Junior, Senior and Master Hunter, and HRC has...
Hunt testsHunt test day: what to expect and bring
A hunt test weekend starts with a handlers' meeting, then each dog runs its retrieves in turn while other handlers wait nearby. Bring your entry confirmation, water...
Hunt testsCalifornia hunt test calendar
California has dozens of clubs that host hunt tests and field trials, from Corning and Suisun City to Imperial County. Dates change each season, so check AKC Event...
Hunt tests are a friendly way to measure a hunting dog against a standard, and many owners enter one to give the season's training a goal. Richard runs dogs and assists clients at local weekend AKC retriever hunt tests, and he has run and qualified at an AKC Master National. Hunt test preparation is part of his Basic and Advanced Waterfowl programs and his lessons, not a separate program. Each page cites the organization that writes the rules.
Where to start
New to the sport? Read AKC Junior Hunter first, then the test day guide. If you are weighing the two big organizations, AKC vs HRC lays them side by side.
Sources (2)
- American Kennel Club: akc.org/sports/retrievers/hunting-tests/join/ (checked October 27, 2026)
- Ducks Unlimited: ducks.org/hunting/retriever-training/retrievers-a-beginners-guide-to-hunt-tests (checked October 27, 2026)
Your trainer
Richard Gebhart has trained dogs professionally since 2002, learned the Rex Carr method for Retriever Basics under Billy Sargenti, and has run and qualified at an AKC Master National.
Meet RichardRelated
Where Richard trains
Hastings Island Hunting Preserve, 7758 Hastings Island Rd, near Rio Vista in Solano County. Call before you drive out.
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Richard books by phone. Call, text, or leave your details and he will call you back.
(530) 341-4496- 4.9 12 Google reviews
- Training since 2002