Liz Gibson – Director
Region IV Representative
P.O. Box 194, Underwood, WA. 98651
My name is Liz Gibson, and I am honored to have been elected to serve as Director for Region IV on the Master National Board. I look forward to working with fellow board members and volunteers, giving back to the sport and community that have been part of my life for so many years.
I was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, and moved to the Pacific Northwest more than 40 years ago. I now live above the scenic Columbia Gorge with my husband, Mark, and our two chocolate Labradors, Oliver and McCormick, along with plenty of wildlife, turkeys, grouse, deer, and the occasional elk herd. My love of the outdoors and a (surprise!) gift from my mother—my first field dog, Hudson—introduced me to the hunt test world and its family, which have remained a huge part of my life for more than 20 years.
My involvement in AKC hunt tests began in 2003, when I joined a local training group and started training Hudson. As we worked toward his Junior and Senior titles, I learned how much this sport asks of both dog and handler: patience, dedication, humility, and teamwork, along with an immense appreciation for the abilities of a working retriever.
I have attended and supported the Master Nationals for the past six years. During that time, two of our boys—Vincent and Oliver—earned four plates between them, accomplishments of which I am tremendously proud. Oliver and I competed in the Master Amateur in 2023 and 2026, and we are looking forward to going again in 2027. McCormick is just beginning his Master-level journey, and watching a young dog gain confidence and joy in his work remains one of the great rewards of this sport.
Over the years, my involvement has grown from training and handling dogs to serving the hunt test community in many roles, including judging at all hunt test levels. I am an active member of our local clubs and have served as vice president, secretary, board member and hunt test chair, wearing just about every hat available during a hunt test event—sometimes all at the same time!
Working at regional and local hunt tests has given me a firsthand appreciation for the planning and volunteer effort behind each event, and a chance to experience it from both sides—as a handler and as someone helping bring it together.
This year, I also had the honor of judging the 2026 Master Nationals, an experience I enjoyed immensely. It deepened my judging experience and gave me greater insight into what it takes to organize and run the annual national event. I look forward to bringing those experiences to my work with the board, giving back to our community and helping make future events rewarding for everyone.
All the best,
Liz Gibson