Pinoakhuntingretrieverclub Wildapricot

Pin Oak Hunting Retriever Club is one of 132 HRC clubs across the US and Canada. Based in the Little Rock area, the club brings together hunters and trainers serious about developing working retrievers through proper training, selective breeding, and competition.

The club operates as a family-oriented organization where members work together to train hunting retrievers and prepare them for competition. Here's what's included:

• •Monthly Training Days - Second Saturday of each month, February through September at various training grounds
• •HRC Hunt Tests - Members compete for Started Hunter, Hunting Retriever, Hunting Retriever Champion, Upland Hunter, and Grand Hunting Retriever Champion titles
• •Professional Seminars - Bring in experienced trainers like Tyler Patterson (Maple Ridge Retrievers), Stephen Durrence, Clark Kennington, and Robert Milner
• •Social Events - Christmas parties, awards banquets, fun hunts, chili cook-offs, and family outings

All members must also maintain active HRC Inc. membership (Hunting Retriever Club Inc.).

Pin Oak members train dogs for practical hunting success. Their philosophy centers on understanding what motivates retrievers: food rewards, physical affection (chest rubs, ear scratches, strokes down the backbone), consistent verbal praise, and face time with their handler. The real payoff? Letting the retriever experience the primordial reward of a bird in its mouth—the reason retrievers were bred in the first place.

Tyler Patterson Seminar - February 2026

Held at Two Prairie Retriever Training Grounds in Jacksonville, AR, this weekend seminar focuses on retriever basics and the "Transition" phase of training. Patterson has proven success in both HRC and AKC competitions, including the HRC International Grand and AKC Master National.

• •Team Participation (Handler + Dog): $100 (Pin Oak members), $150 (non-members)
• •Audit Only (Watch & Learn): $25 (Pin Oak members), $50 (non-members)
• •Pin Oak members get priority on team slots; sign-up deadline December 22
• •15 handler/dog teams participate; unlimited auditors welcome
• •Lunch provided Saturday

Teams bring training gear, collar, heeling stick, chair, and notepad. Weather dress required; training structure is unheated.

"Our members are dedicated to the principle use of retrievers as conservation tools and the betterment of retrieving breeds through selective breeding and training programs."

Beyond personal hunting success, Pin Oak members recognize that trained retrievers serve conservation. Proper training improves waterfowl and upland bird management while strengthening the breeds themselves. Their dogs show up at HRC International Grands, Super Retriever Series events, and local club tests across the US and Canada.

Whether you're an experienced trainer with multiple national titles or a first-time dog owner looking to work with your retriever, Pin Oak accepts members at all skill levels. The club operates as a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization.

Join through their website at the "Join Us" section. You'll need to: 1. Select Single or Family membership 2. Also join HRC Inc. (click through from the Pin Oak site) 3. Pay annual membership fee (renews May 1st) 4. Attend monthly training days and events

All retrievers compete under United Kennel Club (UKC) registration. Dogs earn points toward HRC titles at club tests and sanctioned events. Members compete at local events and travel to regional/national competitions.