After many years hosting retriever hunting tests in other parts of South Carolina, the Palmetto Retriever Club (PRC) is bringing their spring hunt tests back to Kershaw County. Starting today at 8:30 a.m. through Thursday at 5:30 p.m., handlers with 180 entries will be required to run three series of tests in order to qualify. Each series consists of land test, water test and land-water test. Dogs tested include Labrador and Golden retrievers, among others.

In a press release issued by the Camden-Kershaw County Tourism Partnership, PRC President Clay Hasty, a Camden native, said the spring hunt tests will be conducted on the grounds of Canvasback Kennel, 827 Gary Road, and at King’s Ransom Kennels, 699 Seegars Mill Road, both just south of the I-20 corridor in the county’s Spring Hill area. The public is invited free of charge to come out and watch the test events.

“Bring your lawn chairs and join the spectator’s gallery to enjoy watching these skilled dogs. We will have delicious barbeque on site, so come and plan to stay the day,” Hasty.

During retriever hunting tests, judges score dogs on their natural ability to mark and remember a fall, on their hunting style, perseverance and courage. They are also scored on learned abilities such as steadiness, control, response and delivery.

Bringing the retriever tests back to the area has been a longtime goal of Hasty’s, an AKC Master Hunt Test judge, and pro dog trainer at Seegars Mill Kennels in Camden.

“It’s something I have been trying to bring about,” Hasty said. “I’ve lived in Camden all my life, and we used to host many retriever hunt tests here. With this upcoming mid-week Master retriever hunt test, we want to showcase our sites and potentially book many more hunt tests right here in Camden on weekends, as well as mid-week.”

The retriever hunt testing events each day are free. The public is invited to attend.