The Rainier Hunting Retriever Club (RHRC) is located in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. Club members enjoy training and competing with their dogs. Many retriever breeds and skill levels are represented but one thing we hold in common is the love of a well-trained working dog. Visitors as well as participants are welcome at all our events.
The Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet was held on January 31, 2026 at Shawn O’Donnell’s Irish Pub in Everett, WA. Dr. Anders Thoreson, DVM at Klahaya Animal Hospital in Snohomish, WA, our featured speaker, shared valuable information on aspects of dog training and competing in both hot and cold weather.
In addition to electing the 2026 Officers, both dogs and their handlers were recognized for their field accomplishments during 2025. Leighton Harder was awarded the RHRC Member of the Year honor and Misalyn Armstrong received the President’s Award.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rainier Hunting Retriever Club 2026 Spring Hunt Test
AKC Sanctioned Hunt Test for all levels – Junior, Senior, Master
May 16 – 17, 2026
Entries open April 22 and close May 4, 2026 on Entry Express
Snoqualmie Valley Retriever Grounds, Carnation, WA
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Basic and Advanced AKC Judges Seminar – May 15 – 17
Hosted by Marin Retriever Club in California
Basic Seminar – Friday, May 15; Advanced Seminar – Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17
Additional details: www.entryexpress.net under “Seminars”. Classroom work will be at the Holiday Inn Express in nearby Suisun City. CA Field work will be at the CRTA Denverton, CA property. This promises to be a very informative seminar with in-depth discussions on the many rule changes recently announced by AKC.
Bill ran his first AKC and HRC hunt tests in 2010. Watching what these hunting dogs were capable of totally captured his spirit and strengthened his love for dogs. This sport has become a passion since then! Bill, a long time Board member of both Rainier HRC and Cascade HRC, trains and competes with Faith and Maddie his two Master/Finished level labs. He has competed in every Master National event since 2012 and has qualified nine times.
Liz participated in her first hunt test with her chocolate Labrador "Hudson" in 2005. She has been a part of the community ever since, active in hunt tests and judging at all levels. A long time member of RHRC, she has held positions on the Board, chaired and volunteered for annual events and hunt tests. She currently runs "Vincent" and "Oliver" at Master level and "McCormick" is her upcoming star!
Misalyn has been captivated with Hunt Tests since 1996. She enjoys training, competing and judging dogs. She appreciates the camaraderie amongst other competitors in the sport. She trains, competes and loves her two girls (dogs) Harlee and Ellee.
Lee has been hooked on the hunt test game since 2005. Currently he has two dogs that he competes with, Zen and Otto. Lee has learned that no matter what happens during the day, there is always room to sprinkle in some fun. He is a certified CPA.