Since the introduction of the Hunter Level, the BOD has received comments that additional tests should be added to this level. The primary shortcoming has been that the current 30 points are insufficient to adequately test the skills of retrievers at this level. Often, one bad mark has potentially disqualified dogs making it difficult to attain the 24 points required to qualify.
Therefore, the BOD has approved the following additions, starting July 1, 2025, to the Hunter Level to expand the number of points available for assessing retrievers at this level and fall in line with the original intent of the Hunter Level to bridge the gap between Started and Intermediate.
The current Hunter Level serves to bridge that gap by introducing multiple marks (land and water) and trailing in addition to an increased level of obedience, delivery, and line manners. The proposed additions will require dogs to complete single retrieves (one land and one water) at the current Intermediate distances. Each mark will be run as a single test worth 10 points bringing the total number of tests to 5 and the total points available for Hunter to 50. They are as follows:
- A single land marked retrieve a minimum of 75 yards and maximum of 100 yards.
- A single water marked retrieve a minimum of 50 yards and maximum of 75 yards.
- If the single marks are run from the same point of origin as the double marking tests, they must be at least 45 degrees off the closest previous mark(s) and may not be run between the double marked retrieves.
Therefore, the Hunter Testing level will now be comprised of 5 tests each worth 10 points for a total of 50 Points (40 points are required for qualification). All other requirements as designated in the applicable sections of the NAHRA Book of Regulations for Testing of Hunting Retrievers – 01 January 2018, will apply as written.
- Double land marked retrieve - Maximum distance not to exceed 75 yards.
- Single land marked retrieve – Minimum 75 yards and Maximum not to exceed 100 yards.
- Double water marked retrieve - Maximum distance not to exceed 50 yards.
- Single water marked retrieve – Minimum 50 yards and Maximum not to exceed 75 yards.
- A trailing test – 30-50 yards
Judging Guidelines and Notes
- The single and double marking tests are scored as separate tests.
- The single marking test may be combined in a series with the double marking test. This may allow for better time and logistics management, However, where possible, judges are encouraged to provide additional separation between these tests to remove as much potential influence of previous marks as possible. That is, if judges have the space to do so, move the single mark as far off the double marks as is possible.
- It is required that least 45 degrees of separation is maintained between all marks
- A dog cannot be disqualified for returning to an old fall from a previous test. That is, if while running the single marking test, a dog returns to one of the double marks, it is not disqualified as that was a separate test. The same is true in reverse, a dog returning to the fall area of a single mark during the double marking series is also not disqualified. That is why it will be incumbent upon judges to maintain as much separation from these two tests as possible (at least 45 degrees between all marks.
- The BOD recognizes that logistics may play a factor in setting up combined tests (double marked retrieve test and the single marked retrieve test) so judges should consider this in preparation.
These changes will not appear in the current NAHRA Book of Regulations for Testing of Hunting Retrievers – 01 January 2018. Therefore, judges and all participants are encouraged to print this document and keep it as an addendum to the referenced regulations. The following additions will be added to the appropriate sections of the regulations upon the next printing.
SECTION 4: HUNTER FIELD TEST
Par. 1. The Hunter Level Field Test will consist of five (5) tests, which will include the following: a double marked land retrieve; a single marked land retrieve; a double marked water retrieve; a single marked water retrieve; and a trailing test.
Par. 2. The purpose of the Hunter Field Test is to bridge the gap between the Started and Intermediate Retriever levels. This is the level of performance where teamwork becomes an increasingly important quality in the handler and their dog. At a level just below Intermediate, the expectation of this level is a retriever that can meet many of the basic needs of the hunter as well as stay within the NAHRA concept of a conservation tool.
Par. 3. A dog will be steady at the point of origin. (For marks, the point of origin is the point at which the dog is located at the time the first bird becomes visible.)
1. A dog may be brought to the point of origin on lead but must be off lead before signaling ready. (How the dog is brought to the line is at the discretion of the handler. Judges may not require otherwise.)
2. Moderate commands will be allowed to steady a dog at the point of origin.
3. A dog will not be touched or patted at the point of origin.
4. A controlled break will not fail a dog, but it must be considered a fault. (As soon as the dog leaves the point of origin and manifests the intent to make the retrieve without being so ordered, it must be stopped. If a dog is immediately brought under control, it will be considered a minor infraction. Repeated evidence of this fault may be considered serious and, in the opinion of the judges, an eliminating factor.)
Par. 4. A dog will deliver all birds to hand. (The dog shall return to the handler without delay.)
Par. 5. A dog may be handled on marked retrieves with voice/whistle/hand signals, if, in the opinion of the handler, the dog cannot find or has missed the mark. (The dog is being tested for its marking ability and memory, not handling; however, a crisp cast is preferable to a long hunt. Repeated evidence of lack of memory, marking ability or lack of control may be grounds for elimination.)
Par. 6. A dog may be cast from the point of origin only once. (If the attempt is unsuccessful, the judges must fail the dog unless, in the judge's opinion, the dog exhibits confusion at the point of origin, in which case the judges may allow a recast. After a second unsuccessful attempt, the judges must fail the dog. (see Chap II, Sec 1, Par 19 for more information on “recasts” and “no-goes”)
Par. 7. The handler may be required to handle (but not carry) an empty shotgun with both hands on the firearm and in the firing position.
Par. 8. Tests for this event will be held in appropriate cover on land and water.
- Maximum test distance on land for double marked retrieves will not exceed 75 yards.
- Maximum test distance on land for the single marked retrieve will be a minimum of 75 yards and a maximum of 100 yards.
- Maximum test distance on water double marked retrieves will not exceed 50 yards.
- Maximum test distance on water for the single marked retrieve will be a minimum of 50 yards and a maximum of 75 yards.
- Minimum degree of separation for double marks will be no less than 45 degrees.
- If tests are combined in a series, the minimum degree of separation between the double marking test and the single marking test will also be no less than 45-degrees of separation.
Par. 9. At this level, it is NAHRA’s intent to test the dog’s ability to perform introductory multiple marks and extended single marks. Concepts that require a higher level of training are prohibited. Likewise, the intent of Item 3 in Par 8 (above) is to keep the presentation of marks at the introductory level and prevent the use of complex concepts (e.g., in-line or tight marks), reducing the number of skill concepts required to meet the standard.
Par. 10. Tests for this event will consist of double marked retrieves on both land and water. Additionally, extended single marks on both land and water will be used.
- For a double marked retrieve, both birds must be down before the dog is released to retrieve.
- Triple marks will not be used.
- Dogs will not be required to honor another dog.
- Simultaneous falls of birds will not be used.
- Judges cannot determine the order and sequence (“selection”) of the retrieves.
- Dogs will not be placed at a point of origin at a distance from the handler.
- The trailing test will not be used off marks.
- Out-of-order flyers are strongly discouraged at this level.
Par. 11. No diversions of any kind will be utilized. (Again, it is the intent of this level to test the introductory multiple marking skills of retrievers. More diverse hunting situations will be added at the higher levels of testing. The amount of control that a handler possesses at this level is a step below the Intermediate.)
Par. 11. Walkups to simulate jump shooting will not be used at this level. (Because the dogs may be brought to line on lead, this test is not appropriate.)
Par. 12. Blind retrieves will not be used in this event. (This is the largest difference between the Hunter and the Intermediate levels. The standard at the Hunter Level is by design lower than the expectation of the Intermediate dog. The intent is to reduce the total number of skills a dog must master before reaching the Intermediate Level.)
Par. 13. No upland hunting test will be used at this level.
Par. 14. A trailing test will be used.
- The dog will be required to trail, locate a bird and deliver it to hand.
- The dog will be scored on its natural ability and the use of its nose to locate and follow the trail.
- It does not matter in what manner the dog follows the trail. The dog may stay precisely on the trail with nose down, or close quarter back and forth across the trail with head up, or run a few yards downwind of the trail with his head held high. It is the intent of this test to have a dog indicate scent, follow the trail and locate the bird in a natural hunting manner.
- A dog may be urged to hunt by moderate voice or whistle commands.
- Judges may restrict entry of the handlers into the area of the trail.
- Hand signals are inappropriate and may not be used other than to put the dog onto the beginning of the trail.
- Dogs must be required to trail a minimum distance of 30 yards and will not exceed 50 yards. (Judges are urged to create a trail that simulates a realistic scenario and not to simply go through the motions with a straight-line drag.)
SECTION 4: HUNTER FIELD TEST
Par. 1. This level of testing was developed to bridge the gap between the Started and Intermediate categories. Because it is likely that this dog will soon accompany his owner on the hunt, it is also intended to produce a dog that can fulfill some of the basic needs of the hunter.
Par. 2. In many hunting situations, a dog that can remain quiet and steady, complete a basic double retrieve, extended single retrieves, and trail and recover a crippled bird is a valuable conservation tool. Therefore, judges should focus their evaluation on this dog’s ability to remain steady and under control sufficient to mark and complete an introductory double and not interfere with the hunt. The dog should show focus and memory sufficient to complete the retrieves in an efficient manner and deliver all birds to hand without delay.
Par. 3. It is the intent of the Hunter category to produce dogs with a strong obedience foundation in simulated hunting conditions and provide sound marking abilities in varying conditions. Judges should use varying cover types and terrain in constructing marks, not the complex concepts expected in Intermediate and Senior. These dogs will likely be tested for the first time without restraint so the obedience training they receive will play heavily into their ability to and focus and complete the retrieves.
Par. 4. This dog should enter and work any cover or obstacle presented. This dog should display a good nose in locating and recovering crippled game. They should perform all tasks with intent and purpose and show strong desire in doing it. These dogs, as determined by the judges, will be those that show great potential to move up in the program.
Par. 5. The Hunter category has a possible 50 points in its 5 testing areas. The maximum score would be 50 points and a minimum of 40 points to qualify.
