Western Colorado Hunting Retriever Club (WCHRC)

Western Colorado Hunting Retriever Club (WCHRC) "A Fun Place To Test Your Dog In Realistic Hunting Tests" - HRC ("HRC"). HRC maintains its common sense, hunting realism in testing Hunting retrievers. in 1994.

THE HUNTING RETRIEVER CLUB - AN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION

The Preamble of the Hunting Retriever Club, Inc. Constitution states its primary purpose to be: "...the betterment of Hunting Retrievers as a whole and to influence the breeding and training of a better and finer Hunting Retriever; to provide hunters and Hunting Retrievers a series of actual Hunting tests in a controlled system and fu

rnish an ongoing educational program for the Hunters, for their training, experience, and sporting competition. Further, it is the purpose of this Association to support and protect the inherent rights of its members to own, hunt, bear arms, to promote the breed and type of dog of their choice and promote complimentary conservation and management of game birds and wildlife species commonly pursued by the members of the Hunting Retriever Club, Inc." "Conceived by Hunters for Hunters" is both the philosophy and reality of the Hunting Retriever Club, Inc. A Non-Profit, totally volunteer organization with the exception of an Administrative Secretary, HRC is democratically governed by a Board of Directors and an elected Executive Committee. Formed in 1984, the HRC boasts active membership of 8,500+ with 132 Clubs in 36 States and 2 Provinces. Membership in HRC is open to all persons regardless of age, race, religion, creed or national origin. The HRC is a family-oriented organization offering outdoor fun and fellowship to its participants. Participation by women and children is strongly encouraged and a wholesome atmosphere is maintained at all times. While most HRC members own retrieving breeds, participation in events is open to other versatile hunting dog breeds that can do the work. HRC is affiliated with the United Kennel Club, Inc., Kalamazoo, MI, who carries the registry for the HRC. The UKC offers 5 coveted titles to the HRC program: Started Hunting Retriever (SHR); Hunting Retriever (HR); Hunting Retriever Champion (HRCH); Grand Hunting Retriever Champion (GRHRCH); and Upland Hunter (UH). In keeping with the philosophy of HRC, titles earned are awarded as a prefix to the dogs name on its pedigree as opposed to a suffix to the name. The United Kennel Club, Inc., established in 1898, is the second largest all breed dog registry in the United States, registers over 250,000 dogs each year and licenses 10,000 challenging, fun, relaxed, family-oriented events annually. There are five ability-based (not age) categories that the dogs may enter in the HRC Tests: Started, Seasoned, Finished, Grand and Upland. Unlike field trials, these are not competitive 1st, 2nd and 3rd place events, but tests where all dogs are judged pass/fail against a "Hunting Standard". These are events that are great fun where everyone can root for the other person’s dog and help each other with their training. The judges must be experienced Hunters and must pass HRC administered tests, apprentice as judges, have gun safety training, attend judging seminars, have handled and passed a dog in the category that they are judging and meet other HRC requirements. Good ‘Hunting-oriented’ judges are the key to having tests with Hunting realism. The tests are directly related to hunting the retriever in the field for waterfowl and upland game. Unlike field trials, the bird throwers and guns in the field are not exposed and dressed in white, but are hidden as in real hunting situations and dressed in appropriate hunting clothing.. The Handler must wear camouflaged or other hunting attire. Gallery members must also wear appropriate camouflaged or other hunting attire due to creating distractions for the working dog. In the three upper levels, the Handler handles the shotgun (firing blanks), and works his/her dog from a blind or perhaps a boat, and may be required to quarter the dog in a pheasant or quail field. Seasoned, Finished and Grand dog Handlers must direct their dogs to birds the dog did not see fall (a blind). HRC stresses actual ‘Hunting realism’ and ‘gun safety’ in the hunting tests. The Grand Hunting Tests are held twice a year and are open only to those retrievers that have attained their Hunting Retriever Championship title. While there are over 4,500 Hunting Retriever Champions, there are only 333 Grand Hunting Retriever Champions (GRHRCH). These Grand tests are considered the ‘Retrievers Super-bowl’. In 1996, a new Upland Hunt Test program was added to the HRC/UKC hunting program. The Upland test consists of a simulated walk-up with a subsequent quartering or tracking test. The Upland dog is required to honor another dog, be steady to wing and shot and will be presented with a minimum of two birds to flush in the quartering test. Successful completion of each test earns the dog ten points. Upon attainment of 40 points an Upland Hunter (UH) title is awarded. Members of local clubs typically get together to train, conduct Club business, hear presentations, hold fun hunts and Licensed Hunt Tests. Most clubs have training grounds for their members. HRC success comes from active members. Most local clubs have newsletters that help keep members informed and in touch, while the national HRC publishes an excellent bimonthly publication, HUNTING RETRIEVER MAGAZINE. This magazine keeps members up to date on upcoming HRC events and news, results of licensed hunts, includes training articles by nationally known columnists, regional information, products updates and much more. The substantial membership of HRC are devout outdoorsmen, women and young people. 17% of HRC members are under 30 years of age, 38% are age 30-40, and 45% are over 40. This diverse membership includes responsible hunting individuals from all walks of life, including a brain surgeon, FBI Special Agent, NASA Engineer, Lawyers, Secretaries, Housewives, Ministers, Garage attendants, Students, etc. As a group, 53% of HRC members have graduated from college or have advanced degrees, and 85% have some college or higher. We strongly encourage family participation. The HRC is a magnificent organization that helps to teach discipline, responsibility, hard work and accomplishment to our young people in the out of doors - away from the television set!

98% of the members of HRC own dogs. 37% own more than three dogs. As the dogs associated in this program are by the vast majority, trained and handled by their owners, they are more than just hunting dogs, but companions and members of the family. No expense is spared when it comes to the health and well being of these special family members. More than 68% of HRC members spend $250 or more in veterinarian bills each year. The buying power of the HRC membership is vast. 53% of HRC members have incomes of $50,000+ per year. As with any hobby, our hunters enjoy having the latest and best hunting gear not only for themselves but also for their dogs, for actual hunting and also for being properly attired and equipped for the Hunting tests. HRC Clubs hold over 200 licensed Hunt Tests each year with an average of 73 retrievers and 182 persons participating per event. Of these participants, 66% are male; 34% are female and 10% will be under the age of 18. On average, each of HRC’s over 6,000 members spends 7.3 days per year at a Licensed Hunt Test. 65% of HRC members drive over 1,000 miles per year to hunt or attend hunt tests. In addition to hosting hunt Tests, Hunting Retriever Club, Inc. established the HRC Foundation, Inc. Under the direction of the Foundation President and its Board of Directors, which is comprised of HRC members, it awards annual grants and educational scholarships. The sizable grants are primarily awarded to worthwhile animal health research projects at various universities and colleges. Some recipients of the grants are: Comparative Oncology Unit and the Animal Tumor Center of the Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, Colorado, Dr. Stephen J. Withrow, DVM, Chief, Clinical Oncology Service; University of Wisconsin, Veterinary Teaching Hospital Cancer Tumor Research Program, Madison, Wisconsin; Louisiana State University, Companion Animal Fund, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Auburn University Labrador Retriever Muscular Dystrophy Fund, Auburn, Alabama.

Western Colorado HRC would like to thank our 2024 Hunt Test sponsors again!  We greatly appreciate your support!American...
08/12/2024

Western Colorado HRC would like to thank our 2024 Hunt Test sponsors again! We greatly appreciate your support!

American Family Insurance - Jeff Crandell

High Desert Retrievers - Bill Schaefer

Summit Resort Group

I.B.E.W. - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Hidden Springs Labradors - Edna Schenck

Riverbend Equipment - Ron Johnson

LFM Lyttle's Fleet Maintenance - Gary Lyttle

Wm. Rattliff and Associates

Grand View Animal Hospital - Dr. Terlouw

Elevation Now - Dr. Nick Secrist

Coyote Ridge Ranch - Jane Evans Cornelius

The Rehab Vets - Dr. Tracie Grubb

Nelson and Rondo the Flat Coats

07/25/2024

The fine folks at Flatlander Kennels are in the final stages of a preparing for a mid-week HRC test on August 20 & 21. Look for registration to open on Hunt Secretary around August 6/7.

2024 Hunt Test (photos provided by Jake Wertz)
07/24/2024

2024 Hunt Test (photos provided by Jake Wertz)

Congratulations to Lee Riciputi & HRCH Bear Creeks A Rio Runs Through It SH ("Rio") on earning Rio's Hunting Retriever C...
07/24/2024

Congratulations to Lee Riciputi & HRCH Bear Creeks A Rio Runs Through It SH ("Rio") on earning Rio's Hunting Retriever Champion title! Great work! (Video & Photos provided by Jake Wertz)

07/22/2024

Congrats on the Seasoned Titles gang! Dick Severin & Wren, Luke Huttenhower & Oakley, and Danelle Chamberlain & Peanut (thanks for the video Jake Wertz)

07/18/2024

Elkhorn Valley HRC's Hunt Test opens tonight, July 17, 2024 at 7:00 PM Central Time on Huntsecretary.com. Please join us August 24 and 25, 2024 in Norfolk and Pierce Nebraska!

2024 Hunt Test sites up on the Grand Mesa (pending judge's approval) (hardcopies of the maps will be available at check-...
07/12/2024

2024 Hunt Test sites up on the Grand Mesa (pending judge's approval) (hardcopies of the maps will be available at check-in) - see you Saturday at 7am (sharp) at the Mesa Top Trail parking area for check-in!

Not bad!  Can't wait to get up on the Grand Mesa!  See you soon! 🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆
07/11/2024

Not bad! Can't wait to get up on the Grand Mesa! See you soon! 🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆

Don’t leave home without it🦟🦟
07/11/2024

Don’t leave home without it🦟🦟

***HUNT TEST INFORMATION***For those attending our Hunt Test this Saturday and Sunday (7/13-7/14), check-in both days wi...
07/09/2024

***HUNT TEST INFORMATION***

For those attending our Hunt Test this Saturday and Sunday (7/13-7/14), check-in both days will be at 7:00am (sharp) at the Mesa Top Trail parking area up in the Grand Mesa National Forest (search: Mesa Top trail head on Google Maps)

Pin:

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸***HUNT TEST*** - Saturday & Sunday, July 13 & 14 - Grand Mesa National Forest - we still have p...
07/04/2024

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

***HUNT TEST*** - Saturday & Sunday, July 13 & 14 - Grand Mesa National Forest - we still have plenty of openings in all categories (Finished, Seasoned, and Started) - if you would like to participate, please DM the Club and we will get you entered

***TRAINING DAY*** - Sunday, July 7 - 9am - Grand Mesa National Forest - meet at the Mesa Top Trail parking area

Have a fun & safe day!

Not bad!
06/30/2024

Not bad!

***REMINDERS***TRAINING DAY - tomorrow (Sun., 6/30) - 9am (sharp) - Grand Mesa National Forest - meet at the Mesa Top Tr...
06/30/2024

***REMINDERS***

TRAINING DAY - tomorrow (Sun., 6/30) - 9am (sharp) - Grand Mesa National Forest - meet at the Mesa Top Trail parking area

HUNT TEST - July 13-14 - advanced entries for WCHRC's hunt test close on Tuesday, July 2 at 10pm (MDT) (3 days!) - get signed up ASAP at Hunt Secretary .com - it should be an awesome (& cool) weekend!

Members of Western Colorado HRC will be holding training sessions on the Grand Mesa each Sunday until the Club's annual ...
06/18/2024

Members of Western Colorado HRC will be holding training sessions on the Grand Mesa each Sunday until the Club's annual hunt test on July 13 & 14 (training dates: 6/23, 6/30 and 7/7).

These trainings are open to all Club members, individuals looking to become members, and anyone signed up to our Hunt Test.

Meet at the Mesa Top Trail parking area at 9am (sharp) each Sunday (see maps). The weather should be beautiful!

Finally, we still have plenty of room in all stakes if you wish to participate in our Hunt Test (7/13 & 7/14). Bring your dog (or, a trailer of dogs), cool off, take in the Grand Mesa, have fun, and bring home some ribbons.

Sign up ASAP at Hunt Secretary .com!

***BREAKING NEWS***2024 HUNT TEST - Western Colorado HRC will open its hunt test for entries from all participants this ...
06/04/2024

***BREAKING NEWS***

2024 HUNT TEST - Western Colorado HRC will open its hunt test for entries from all participants this evening (Tuesday, 6/4) at 7:00pm (Mountain time).

Get signed up early and often at Hunt Secretary .com.

We look forward to seeing you July 13 & 14 up in the Grand Mesa National Forest!

***2024 HUNT TEST***Western Colorado HRC will begin accepting entries for our 2024 Summer Hunt Test on Tuesday, June 4 a...
05/28/2024

***2024 HUNT TEST***

Western Colorado HRC will begin accepting entries for our 2024 Summer Hunt Test on Tuesday, June 4 at 7pm (MDT) (note: Tuesday, 5/28 for members/judges with entry codes).

Please sign up early and often at Hunt Secretary .com. See you up on the Grand Mesa on July 13 & 14!

A little extra moisture for the hunt test grounds.  Entries for our hunt test will open soon!
05/22/2024

A little extra moisture for the hunt test grounds. Entries for our hunt test will open soon!

Some mid-May fluffing 🌨️

05/20/2024

LAST CALL!!!! LAST CALL!!!!

Our Preliminary hunt test closes tonight 9:59PM (LOCAL MDT)

We currently have a finished spot still available for Saturday and a few finished spots for Sunday. We also have plenty of Seasoned and Started spots available!

REMINDER!!
WE WILL BE ACCEPTING WALK-UP ENTRIES!! Only for stakes with room still available.
To sign up for UTAHs first HRC test visit www.huntsecretary.com

Photo credit: Steve Earley

09/10/2020

Check-out this great event and fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Rifle, CO. It sounds like a lot of fun - and, it is all for a good cause. Get your team signed up soon!

1st Annual Rifle Rotary Clay Shoot! October 10, 2020!

Address

Grand Junction, CO
81501

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