The North American Hunting Retriever Association (NAHRA) was the original hunt test organization.  It was founded by Richard Wolthers (long time highly respected dog trainer) who believed an event was needed where true hunters and amateurs dog trainers could compete with their retrieving dogs since the field trials had become a place where only professional dog owners and handlers were able to have any degree of success.  The tests were designed to resemble true hunting situations.

NAHRA Retriever Hunt Test Divisions

Started

The started class is for young and inexperienced dogs.  They are asked to pick up single land marks and water marks of less than 50 yards.  Dogs may be restrained at the line with leads and are not required to deliver birds to hand.

Intermediate

The Intermediate class is somewhat more demanding.  The dogs are asked to pick up a double (two marks) both on land and water and a short water blind (a bird that the dog did not see go down).  This is done by way of hand and whistle signals given by the handler).  The final element in this test is a trail in which the dog is required to fallow the scent of a dead bird that has been dragged to a designated location.

An option to the Intermediate stake is called Hunter.  This test is exactly like the Intermediate except there is no water blind.

Senior

The last level is Senior.  Dogs are required to do a triple both on land and water and a water blind.  This test also has an upland series.  Dogs are to quarter in front of their handlers within gun range until they come to a trap containing a bird. The trap is electronically triggered and a shot is fired in the direction of the bird.  The dog is expected to immediately sit. The handler will either command the dog to retrieve the downed bird or return to the handler’s side.  The last remaining element is the trail.

NAHRA Links for additional information

NAHRA RAW

North American Hunting Retriever Club (NAHRA) Mid Atlantic Region homepage