Dear NAHRA Members and Friends

Spring is in the air, and clubs are holding NAHRA Upland Retriever Tests and Standard Field Tests. Good luck to all the clubs and dogs. Below are a few updates, and all this information is posted on the NAHRA website.

NAHRA Invitational – June 17–20, 2026 | Gettysburg, PA

Any dog with an MHR is invited to the NAHRA Invitational, June 17–20, 2026, in Gettysburg, PA. Entries close May 31st. The Committee is working very hard, and the Event is coming together quite well. We look forward to seeing you there!

Hunter Stake Rule Update

The new Hunter Stake rules were adopted in July 2025. The intent of the Hunter Stake is to provide a transitional step between the Started and Intermediate stakes. The goal of the new rule is to provide an additional opportunity for the dogs to showcase their marking skills at a higher level. The intent of the two single 75–100-yard marks is to include the complexity of an Intermediate mark, in a single mark format. The double consists of two Started marks, demonstrating multiple marking skills. The two singles demonstrate the marking ability required for a more complex scenario.

Note to Judges: In a testing situation where Started and Hunter are combined, it would be easy to simply modify a couple of Started marks to create the distance to meet the minimum requirements. Please consider the intent of the Hunter single marks. We are trying to prepare Hunter dogs for their next level by adding factors of which distance is only one. Also consider cover changes, topography, lighting, and natural distractions when creating the marking scenario. NAHRA has a long history of preparing dogs for real-world hunting situations. Let these marks be a real step towards achieving those goals.

Revised Judges’ Exam & Application

The revised judges’ exam and application are posted on the NAHRA website in the MEMBER’S section. Thank you to Carol Black and the rest of the group that completed this effort. Consider becoming a judge — you can learn a lot to improve your own training by sitting in “the chair.”

NAHRA Board of Directors

Reach out to any NAHRA Board Member with ideas, suggestions, or questions. The Regional Directors are focused on members within their region. They can answer your questions and can help elevate an idea or concern to the national level if necessary. We look forward to hearing from you

•  President – Phil Hines
•  Vice President – Ron Koumaras
•  Secretary – Sue Snow
•  Treasurer – Carol Black
• Member at Large – Joe Grohs
• East Region Representative – Aaron Griebe
• Central Region Representative – Terry Strege
• West Region Representative – Dana Schmidt
• Alaska Region Representative – Vacant

NAHRA Office Closure

The NAHRA office is closed April 10–20. Please plan accordingly for any registration or administrative needs.

Stay Connected

NAHRA is using the ANNOUNCEMENT section of the website for quick updates. Be sure to check back regularly so you don’t miss important news between newsletters.

And NOW a Word from Our Sponsor

We are working with Kinetic on an opportunity to benefit all our participating members. Stay tuned or contact your Regional Rep for more information. 

Tight lines and steady dogs,

Phillip Hines

President, North American Hunting Retriever Association