All about Retriever Club of Alaska

Facilities & Grounds

The RCA utilizes several premier locations across Alaska to simulate diverse hunting and trialing environments:

• Point MacKenzie: Primarily used for spring hunt tests and field trials, offering vast acreage for land and water marks.

• Portage & Turnagain Pass: Known for challenging terrain and "big water" scenarios, these grounds are often used for summer field trials.

• Boyd’s Bison Farm (Palmer): Often hosts hunt tests in coordination with other gun dog associations.

• Birchwood Shooting Park: Frequently used for club social events and "5-Stand" shooting competitions to help handlers sharpen their marksmanship.

Services & Training

The club provides structured programs for various skill levels:

• Spring Training Classes: Typically beginning in late January, these sessions range from Started Classes (basic obedience and Junior Hunt Test prep) to Transition Training (advanced drills for dogs moving toward senior-level work).

• AKC Licensed Events: The RCA hosts multiple AKC Field Trials and Hunt Tests throughout the summer season (May–August), providing a venue for dogs to earn official titles.

• Mentorship & Networking: Members gain access to a network of experienced trainers, specialized field equipment, and a community of enthusiasts who share knowledge on waterfowl and upland bird conservation.