Failure to adhere to this provision could result in a handler s suspension from further BHU events until resolved.

Transcription

1 BHU TRIAL FORMATS AND GENERAL RULE INFORMATION 1. REGISTRATION 2. QUALIFYING EVENTS 3. STATE CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS 4. PHEASANTS FOREVER EVENT 5. NATIONALS 6. HIGH HONOR 7. CHAMPION POINTS 8. TRIAL STANDARDS 9. RUN ORDERS 1. REGISTRATIONS: - All registrations will be done online at Deposits BHU will be waving all deposits associated with trial entries for the 2018 season. If a handler enters an event and is a no show to the event without prior, reasonable notification* to the trial host, the handler will be responsible for a bird fee to the trial host not to exceed $30 per run entered. Failure to adhere to this provision could result in a handler s suspension from further BHU events until resolved. *Reasonable notification will be a time period not to exceed 3 days (can be less per trial host) and will be set by the trial host when posting his event. - Completed registrations will be posted online. The dogs that sign up after an event is full will be placed on standby. If other dogs drop out before the day of the event, the standby dogs will be added to the run order. - Signups must be submitted by the Wednesday before the event. After Wednesday, it is up to the trial host s discretion if additional dogs will be admitted. - All entries will be shut off on the Wednesday before the event at midnight. - If you need to cancel your run, you must do so at least 5 days in advance. 2. QUALIFYING EVENTS: - Events are held throughout the year at various locations. - Any dog may be entered, regardless of breed. There are no required membership fees entries per class will be a full trial - Pointing and Flushing divisions may be offered

2 - Amateur and Open classes may be offered. Any dog may compete in the open Class. Dogs which do not have a AC or FC on their BHU title in said division, can compete in the Amateur Class. - A Handler may run a maximum of 4 times per day per class. - A dog may run twice in each class if trial is not full. ( 25 DOGS/FIELD) (Any run signed up the day of trial after the first run has begun cannot play for Championship points or bump any dog out of a placement. The dog will be awarded only High Honor points and will not affect any other dog s points. Dog may receive only one set of points per trial.) - One event per day counts for season points (see High Honor and Champion points rules) - A dog participating twice in a trial will receive High Honor and Champion points only for that dog s best placement in a trial. (see HH and Champion points rules) - Entry deadline for each trial is noon Tuesday prior to trial date at published fee. A $20 fee will be added for late entries. Entry s may or may not be accepted after Thursday at 6 pm prior to trial date, per trial host s decision. - Each event must be posted on the BHU website 30 days prior to trial date. - Trial host may cancel divisions on Thursday at 6pm prior to trial date if required numbers of dogs needed to receive champion points are not signed up. ( 5 dogs in amateur flushing and pointing, 8 dogs in open flushing and pointing) (Trials held with less than minimum dogs required will only earn HH points, not champion points.) - Trial host may offer a dual sanction field if less than 25 dogs are signed up in a class (amateur and open) and 25 or less dogs/field. Trial host may run all dogs in one field and offer dual sanctioning to Amateur dogs ($20 extra/run). The Amateur dog will receive two scores and set of points, one for an Amateur run and one for an Open run. Example: 10 dogs are signed up in open pointing, 5 dogs are signed up in amateur pointing for total of 15 dogs. Three (3) of the 5 amateur dog handler s elect to dual sanction. There would then be 13 open runs and 5 Amateur runs. Handler cannot run back to back and dogs in heat must run last. (See run order rules for additional info). - Any dog, any breed may be entered in a division. - Any other divisions or formats offered by trial host will not be recognized by BHU, but may be offered for fun or payout (Hunter, run off, one bird quick point, etc.) - Option pot may be offered in the open divisions. - Awards will be given by trial host, number of dogs needed to receive awards 5-9 dogs( 1st place only) (1stand 2nd ) 15+ (1st,2nd,3rd )

3 - There will be a 30 minute period for review of scores immediately following the last run of a division after which scores are final. Once awards are handed out at the event, all results are final. This includes all scores and placements. 3. STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: All State Championships trial hosts and the National Finals will provide chukar as the bird of choice. If chukar are unavailable to the trial host, BHU will be notified and will make the decision to cancel or move the event to a different date and time when chukar are available, or BHU will provide birds (chukar) from another source if possible at the trial hosts expense. - 1st and 2nd place dogs are automatically invited to the current trial season s National Championship trial. - Two runs combined score determines State Champion and placements. - A Handler may run a maximum of 4 times per day per division. - Dog may be entered to run only once per division entries per class will be a full trial - High Honor and Champion points will be awarded. (HH points will be awarded for field A, field B, and Overall.) Champion points will be awarded only for overall score (no minimum number of dogs required to receive champion points). (see HH and Champion points rules) - Any dog, any breed may be entered in any division. - (SC) title will be awarded to CKC pedigree. - Awards will be given to 1st-3rd placements. 4. PHEASANTS FOREVER EVENT - Event will be held at posted location - HH and Championship points will be awarded (see HH and Champion points rules) - Flushing and Pointing divisions offered - Handler may run in the same field a maximum of 4 times per day per division - 25 entries per class will be a full trial - Amateur, Open, Ladies, Doubles and Youth classes may be offered - Open (any dog can run) - Amateur (dog must meet BHU amateur qualifications and dog cannot be a champion in any recognized trial circuit, the top three finishers will be checked)(amateur BHU champions of the current trial season may compete)

4 - Ladies (may run any dog) - Youth ( Must be under the age of 17 as of January 1 of current Trial season and may run any dog) - Open Doubles: any combination of handler(s) and dogs may be used - Dog may be entered in any division for which it qualifies up to two times( if trial is not full) - PFC (Open winner) PFAC (Amateur winner) titles will be given on CKC pedigrees. - Trophies and great prizes will be awarded (class must have 10 or more dogs) - Random draw run order 5. NATIONALS - Ladies, Youth, Expert, Puppy, Doubles, Open, and Amateur may be offered in both Flushing and Pointing, 1 Qualifying event run by handler/dog team required to participate in current trial season. - Handler may run in the same field a maximum of 4 times per day per division. - Open Qualifiers: 1st and 2nd place finishers in State Championships the top 25 HH Point dogs (ending Jan 1st ) - Amateur Qualifiers: 1st and 2nd place finishers in State Championships and the top 25 HH Point dogs. (ending Jan 1st) Any new Amateur Champions of current trial season is also automatically qualified for nationals. - Expert: Handler must be 60 or older as of Jan 1st of current trial season (Pointers and Flushing dogs compete together if there is less than 3 handlers in each division) OR an Expert Dog is a dog that is 9 years old or older as of Jan 1st of current trial season. You can compete in Expert if you are over 60 OR your dog is over 9. - Puppy (dog must be under the age of one as of January 1st of current trial season) - Open classes will receive yearly payout ($1000 total payout- $500 to 1st, $300 to 2nd, and $200 to 3rd), trophies, and National Field Champion Title. - Amateur classes will receive trophies and National Amateur Champion Title. - Puppy class will receive trophies and National Puppy Champion. - Anyone can run a qualified dog. Substitute handlers may be utilized. Run order will be random draw. National placements will be determined by the 3 day combined scores.

5 6. HIGH HONOR - Open entrants play for yearly payout ($800 to first place dog), trophy, and Open High Honor Title. - Amateur entrants play for a trophy and an AHH TITLE HIGH HONOR (HH) POINTS: One point will be awarded for each dog that places below given dog in a trial. Dogs running twice receive HH points for only the highest placement in the event. - Trial season begins Jan 1st and ends Dec 31st - The dog with the most HH points during the season will be recognized as the High Honor Dog at the awards reception Saturday night 7. CHAMPION POINTS CHAMPION POINTS: Points will stay for a lifetime with the dog. If you run your dog twice in an event, only one placement will be awarded per class. When your dog becomes a BHU amateur champion (AC) it must move into the open class; however the dog can still run in the Amateur Nationals and PF Event of current trial season. A dog must earn 20 total points in order to receive an Amateur Champion status, including at least 2 first place finishes (5 points for first, 3 points for second, 1 point for third). Trial must have at least 5 dogs in amateur pointing and flushing and 8 in open pointing and flushing to receive champion points.. Contact BHU within a week after becoming a Champion. or call Dog will receive BHU titles -Handlers that have dogs that get an AC or FC will be given a choice of selected items in recognition of their title. -In the event that any specific dog begins the year as Amateur, it can remain running in Amateur for that year including Nationals regardless of any Championships the dog may acquire in either the Amateur or Open divisions during that same year. -In the event that a dog acquires a Amateur or Open Championship during that said year, the dog will be required to run in and be restricted to the dog s appropriate Open division the following year. -In the event that a dog is being run in both the Amateur and Open divisions at the National Finals and by circumstance wins the Open NFC, the dog will be restricted to the Open division from that point forward regardless of whether it has a Amateur Championship at that point in time.

6 8. TRIAL STANDARDS Run Times -All singles runs will be a maximum of 15 minutes in length (doubles 20) unless it is deemed to be in the best interest of the dogs to shorten run times to no less than 10 minutes in length because of climate conditions(i.e. excessive heat) or in extreme circumstances, time constraints. It is always the handlers responsibility to know the limitations of their dogs during adverse climate conditions regardless of run time limits. - Judges and bird planters cannot run in the same field they have worked in on the same day - Bird planter must completely plant a division and class in which they started. Enter and Exit the field in same manner, put birds down with consistency (loose or hard, either/or, but the same all day). - Bird planter must use bird planter s sheet(or cards) found on the rules page and understand how to use it. - Bird planter will not replace residual birds they may have pushed out of the field while planting - Trial must be posted on website 30 days before trial - Every trial must have a good blind that ensures handlers cannot see field - One extra bird will be planted for first run per field.( in the back of field) If changing divisions or class in same field an extra bird or flush of the field will not be performed, the field will be considered ready for use. - Results must be displayed at trial field within two runs after said run is completed. - Awards will be given by trial host. To receive awards, 1st will be awarded for 5-9 participants, 1st & 2nd for entrants, and 1st, 2nd, 3rd for 15 or more. - Every trial host must have competitor s complete entry form data. - Must have proper licenses, per state regulations. - After awards have been presented at the trial, all results are final. This includes scores and placements. 9. RUN ORDERS Qualifying Event: - Run order will be random draw. -Run order may be adjusted to prevent handlers from running back to back. They may be modified during the trial to complete the trial. - If at any time a handler is to run back to back a 5 min flush of the field will be performed by 2-4 dogs( dogs and handlers performing flush must have completed their runs in said field.

7 - Heat dogs will be ran last (any dogs caught running in the run order that is in heat will be subject to DQ). Heat dogs must not be in the blind at any time. A heat dog running in the field is not cause for a rerun. Dual Sanction. Run order will go Amateur Only dogs first (Random Draw), then Dual Sanction Dogs (Random Draw), then Open Only dogs (Random Draw) Pheasant Forever Event - Random Draw for all fields - Heat dogs will be ran last (any dogs caught running in the run order that is in heat will be subject to DQ) Heat dogs must not be in the blind at any time. A heat dog running in the field is not cause for a rerun. - Handler will be redrawn if drawn back to back, if this is 100% unavoidable a 5 min flush of the field will be performed by 2-4 dogs (dogs and handlers performing flush must have completed their runs in said field).

8 POINTING RULES Events will consist of one 10 to 15 minute run (20 min doubles) decide upon by host and dictated by time restraints or weather conditions. 3-bird plant (Quail, chucker, pheasant, or any consistent combination)). Scoring Example: A 6-second Point = 15pts 3 full points X 15 = 45 points A Full Retrieve = 15pts 3 full retrieves X 15 = 45 points A Partial Retrieve = 5pts 0 partial retrieve X 0 = 0 TOTAL = 90 points Trapped Bird: Any bird touched by the dog which has not been shot at (Exception: Safety on dog.) Both a trapped bird and a safety bird will have one shell deducted and count as a retrieved bird. Any pulled shot taken to prevent a trap being called may result in DQ or trap being awarded (determined by judge) Dead Bird: A dead bird found in the field will be awarded credit according to work performed. All steps must be taken as if bird was alive to receive credit. Handler has the option to take the points or reject the points received on a bird determined by judge to be dead, not due to the dog or handler in field. (bird must include a wing, leg, head, and breast). The handler must notify the judge immediately upon actions taken. Safety: A safety may be called by the Judge or the Handler. -A safety will be awarded if taking a shot might cause harm to any person, dog, automobile, building, or deemed, in anyway by either the Judge or the Handler to be dangerous. -Everyone is encouraged, prior to runs, to try to identify any and all areas that might be a cause to call a safety. Credit will be awarded for points denied after the safety was called. - After safety is called dog must be recalled and touched on head or bird taken from mouth by handler before resuming the hunt. (Handler must stay stationary during process or a partial retrieve will be awarded. If time runs out before the handler can

9 call the dog back and touch it on the head, the retrieve will not be awarded. This is to mimic a full retrieve and full retrieve rules apply. -The safety bird cannot be scored on again during the same run. The Handler will be charged 1 shell (the same as if the handler shot the bird). Safety may be called on second shot.( two shells will be awarded as used) -You may work the bird after the bird has landed, but no points will be awarded. The dog may retrieve the bird but no additional points will be awarded. If the dog produces a bird in a 10 yard radius where the safety bird landed, the dog must produce an additional bird in the area to receive credit. (Safety bird may be taken out during run (no points will be awarded or taken away, no shell will be used). (You may ask judge permission to take out safety bird immediately after safety has been called if bird presents a guaranteed safe shot, no shell use will be added to score sheet will be used) If this action is taking without judges permission DQ or loss of shell may apply - If the safety bird is the final bird retrieved, time stops when the handler has the dog under control at handler s side and not advancing to hunt (if dog advances to hunt time will resume). (Handler must stay stationary where safety was called) - If, at any time, the gun is pointed at the Judge, the Handler will be warned and may be disqualified at the Judge s discretion. -Dogs flushing birds out of gun range is not grounds to call a safety. -Bird must fly 10 continuous yards before a safety will granted. All birds handled by dog less than 10 yards from flush trap rules will apply -In the event that three (3) safeties are awarded in any one run, a one (1) minute time penalty (60 sec) will be added to the total time of the run. Any unsafe shot will be DQ from the event and possible ban from BHU. Safety on the Dog: May be called by the Judge or the Handler. The bird has to be flying and traveled at least 10 continuous yards and be dangerously close to the dog. All retrieve points will be awarded once the dog has been recalled and touched on the head. If at any time the handler moves, a partial retrieve will be awarded. All birds handled by dog less than 10 yards from flush trap rules will apply Judge s decision is final. Pulled Shot: At no time will a handler purposely discharge a firearm off to one side of a dog or bird to avoid a caught bird being ruled a trapped bird. Non-performing bird: After a dog has established a 6 second point, a handler may request judge s ruling that a bird not willing to flush or a poor flying bird be

10 deemed a non-performing bird. Hunter must make two gentle attempts to flush the bird. With the judges approval the bird must be picked up without being harmed by handler, thrown, and shot to receive points. Birds stomped, kicked or harmed on purpose will result in a DQ. Running birds are considered a bad break and if caught by dog, result in a trapped bird. (Dogs catching non-performing birds will be deemed a trap). Shells: Amateur / Hunter/Ladies/Youth: 1) 5 shells may be used. 2) Shells have no point value. 3) After the 5 th shell is used the hunter will be allowed to retrieve the last bird acted on until time expires (if judge determines bird not to be the last bird acted on, no bag bird points will be awarded) 4) If less than 3 birds have been retrieved, time will stop and run will be considered a full run.. Exp :( If you have used your 5 th shell and have your dog leashed up at 3:56 min. your time will be scored FULL). 5) Any time there is a retrieve point awarded a shell must be used (Safety and Caught birds where actual firing of a firearm is not necessary). 6) If 6 shells are used the run will be a DQ. Open: Each shell used after three will result in 3min. added to your over all run time. Ex: If you use 4 shells to accomplish three retrieved birds and your run time is 4:02 the extra shell used will make your finale run time 7:02. Shell time penalties may exceed total time aloud in field. Ex: You perform three retrieved birds using 5 shells, have your dog held by the collar and call time at 17:25 in a field with a 20 min. time limit. Your overall time will be 17:25+6 min. of shell penalties = Total run time of 23:25 min. 3) After the 5 th shell is used the hunter will be allowed to retrieve the last bird acted on until time expires (if judge determines bird not to be the last bird acted on, no retrieve points will be awarded) 4) If less than 3 birds have been retrieved, time will stop and run will be considered a full run. Ex: If you have used your 5 th shell and have your dog leashed up at 3:56 min. your time will be scored FULL. 5) Any time there is a retrieve point awarded a shell must be used (Safety and Caught birds where actual firing of a firearm is not necessary). 6) If 6 shells are used run will be DQ.

11 Shell sizes: 12 gauge is limited to 2 ¾ inch sizes 9 to 6s for quail and chuckar. 9 to 5s for pheasant. 20 gauge is limited to 2 ¾ or 3 inch sizes 9 to 5s for quail, chuckar and pheasant. Ties: In the event of a tie the first tie breaker will be based on total time of the run or runs such as in state tourneys or nationals. The second tie breaker will be based on the total time of first bird as in state tourneys or nationals. Time: 1) Time stops when third bird is retrieved (the handler has the bird in hand and the dog has ceased hunting, under control at handlers side) (Anytime the dog advances to hunt, time will resume) 2) If a Safety occurs on the final bird, time stops when the dog has ceased hunting, under control at handler s side (Anytime the dog advances to hunt, time will resume) (If at any time your dog is not under immediate control after time is called, time will resume until dog is under control. Ask the judge to help in handling firearm if needed). (After run is completed, unload firearm before exiting field). 3) The Dog shall be placed on a lead and walked out of the field. (If at any time your dog is not on a lead walking out of field your time will start again, birds bumped while trying to control dog will not be replaced) (Severe instances could result in a DQ). 4) If a handler calls their run early, time will be scored as full, and a five minute flush of field will be performed in an attempt to move any left-over birds up to 3 from the previous plant. (If one bird has been move before time is called, the field flush will only move up to 2 birds in the allotted time. Two birds moved, field flush 1 bird). The field flush will not intentionally move more birds than required to account for the previous plant.(handler s and dog s performing flush must have completed their run or not have been scheduled to run in field to be flushed). Point: Dog points, handler calls point, dog remains stationary (dog cannot advance) for 6 seconds. If the dog advances, the judge will stop the count and indicate no point established. When the dog stops (reestablishes a point) the handler can then call point and a new 6 second count will start. Handler CANNOT MANIPULATE THEIR DOG INTO A POINT( whoa, easy, whistle, etc.) After 6 seconds the dog can be reinforced on point! (Open Division: E-Collar Transmitter cannot be in handler s hand until judge calls good point). If using an E-Collar, the transmitter must be with the handler at all times. If at any time any of these rules are violated the handler will be asked to relocate his/her dog until point is re-established on dog s own ability.

12 Handler can only touch dog on top of head to relocate or to praise after a retrieve (any other physical touching via pushing with legs or hands, moving with hands will result in loss of point and handler must attempt to harvest bird) Exception: All points will be awarded if the handler calls point but after 2 or more seconds on point the bird flushes if dog has not moved and the handler did not influence the bird to flush. The judge will call out if the 2 seconds has passed and the bird is legal to shoot. The handler is still required to shoot the bird to get credit for the retrieve and retrieved bird. Exception applies only on the initial point that handler called. Amateur: After a handler has called point, they may reinforce a point at any time. NO point will be awarded if the handler calls point and the dog advances before a 6 second point has been established, causing the bird to flush. NO point will be awarded if the handler flushes the bird before the 6-second count is complete. If a flushed bird lands in the field, the dog may work the bird with no time delay. The dog will be required to establish 6-second point before the bird can be shot. The 2 sec. Exception will not apply on this bird. Bird Flushed by Judge: Birds bumped by judge which have flown greater than 10yards from the flush will be scored as full credit with 30 sec added to dogs total run time. (Birds flushed within 10 yards must be hunted and birds that land past 10 yards will be marked the same as safety birds (see safety bird rules) Full Retrieve: The dog picks up the bird and brings it to the handler; the handler takes the bird from the dog s mouth and places in game bag. The bird can not be picked up off of the ground, but can be picked up off ground in Amateur. The handler may pivot on one foot but can not take a step after the shot. Only three birds are allowed to be retrieved (between full and partial retrieves). To receive retrieve points you must have a bird in the bag with the only expectation being a safety bird. No birds are allowed in game bag before run and birds will be counted after run. If time was stopped and three birds, less safety birds were not accounted for after run, your time will begin were it stopped and you will be allowed to hunt for your third bird. (At no time can you pick a bird up of the ground even if you drop the bird (open class). (If a dog stops and points a bird during the retrieve, full credit for the retrieve

13 on the first bird will be given if a second bird is produced. You must find and bag first bird to hand from the location of the second retrieved bird and retrieve) Competitor s whose dog is steady to wing and shot may move to release dog by touch on head, establishing a new stationary position. Partial retrieve will be scored if dog releases prematurely to handlers release by touching on head. No bird is considered non- retrievable. Partial Retrieve: Partial retrieve will be awarded if The handler takes a step after the shot and bags the bird acted on. If bird lands in bounds it will be marked like a safety bird (see safety bird rule) In the open division, the handler fails to take bird out of dog s mouth or picks the bird up off ground bagging a bird. All handlers must make at least a 1 minute attempt to retrieve all downed birds. In the open division, the handler may not throw any objects to aid in locating a downed bird. In the amateur division, only natural objects found in the field may be thrown. Ex: rocks, sticks, etc picked up from the ground at the retrieving site. Retrieved bird: A bird is considered a retrieved bird is when the bird is dead and placed in the handler s game bag to be carried out of the field. This excludes all safety and trapped birds. All cripples will be killed before being placed into the game bag. No cripples should be carried out of the field. One shell will be counted as used per every retrieved bird. No birds are allowed in game bag before run and birds may be counted after run. Bags may be randomly checked by judges before or after the run. Firearm Safety: The only time a firearm may be discharged is in the field is while safely attempting to shoot a legal game bird, or in an area previously designed for such. No gun will be loaded outside of the field to be hunted. No gun will be laid on ground loaded.( Break action guns must be broke open, all other guns, actions must be locked open.) All handlers must hunt with gun in upright position. No bird will be shot on ground or out of tree. No gun will be off safety until safety attempting to harvest a bird. A gun malfunction in the field is not a reason for a re-run or stoppage of time. Any of these rule violations will result in a DQ. No Running Rule: Running is not allowed. The first time will result in a warning; the second time will result in disqualification.

14 Out of Bounds: 1) Handler can only go out of bounds to regain control of dog. If Handler goes out of bounds the hunter will relinquish his gun to the judge. Any birds flushed back inbounds will considered dead for brace and treated like a marked safety bird landing inbounds) (See safety bird rule) 2) Dog may hunt out of bounds, point or retrieve game and receive full credit. (As long as handler stays in bounds) 3) Dog cannot hunt gallery area or a other field that is in use or has been in use on the same day (handler will be asked to call their dog out of such areas) WARNING (Interference in another field rules may apply) Reruns: Reruns will be allowed with the approval of the Judge and the Host. Interference in the field by another dog: Run will not stop. Either the Judge or the Host may determine that a re-run is needed. A rerun will be given at the expense of the interfering dog s owner (price will not include sanction fee s). If a rerun is awarded, the team receiving the rerun will only be awarded the rerun score. (If interfering dog did not take a bird out or bump a bird in a other field a rerun will not be awarded). 1) THE JUDGE S RULING IS FINAL. Only the contestant, involved persons, field marshal, or club host will discuss any ruling prior to the JUDGE final ruling. 2) No interference or harassment of the Bird Planter or Judges will be allowed. 3) BHU, the club host, and/or the judge reserve the right to disqualify any person or persons for any violation. Anyone in an event field must wear an orange vest and orange hat at all times. Unsportsmanlike conduct will result in a warning and/or disqualification at the discretion of the Judge or the Host. Examples: (i) intentionally flushing a bird towards the gallery, judge, or other unsafe area; (ii) abuse of the safety rule; (iii) abuse of a dog; (iv) abuse of the Judge, bird planter, Host, any other Handler, or spectators.

15 FLUSHING RULES Events will consist of one 10 to 15 minute run (20 min doubles) decide upon by host and dictated by time restraints or weather conditions. 3-bird plant (Quail, chucker, pheasant, or any consistent combination)). Scoring A Flush is worth 15 pts Each shell used over three adds 3minutess to your run (in Open Class only) shells do not count in Amateur. (5 shells maximum) A Full Retrieve is worth 15 pts A Partial Retrieve is worth 5pts Shells: Amateur / Hunter/Ladies/Youth: 1) 5 shells may be used. 2) Shells have no point value. 3) After the 5 th shell is used the team will be allowed to retrieve the last bird acted on until time expires (if judge determines bird not to be the last bird acted on, no bag bird points will be awarded) 4) If less than 3 birds have been bagged, time will stop and run will be considered a full run. Ex: (If you have used your 5 th shell and have your dog leashed up at 3:56 min. your time will be scored FULL). 5) Any time there is a retrieve point awarded a shell must be used (Safety and Caught birds where actual firing of a firearm is not necessary). 6) If 6 shells are used run will be DQ. Open: Each shell used after three will result in 3min. added to your over all run time. Ex: (If you use 4 shells to accomplish three bagged birds and your run time is 4:02 the extra shell used will make your finale run time 7:02). Shell time penalties may exceed total time aloud in field. Ex: (You perform three bagged birds using 5 shells, have your dog held by the collar and call time at 17:25 in a field with a 20 min. time limit. Your overall time will be 17:25+6 min. of shell penalties = Total run time of 23:25 min).

16 3) After the 5 th shell is used the team will be allowed to retrieve the last bird acted on until time expires (if judge determines bird not to be the last bird acted on, no bag bird points will be awarded) 4) If less than 3 birds have been bagged, time will stop and run will be considered a full run. Ex: (If you have used your 5 th shell and have your dog leashed up at 3:56 min. your time will be scored FULL). 5) Any time there is a retrieve point awarded a shell must be used (Safety and Caught birds where actual firing of a firearm is not necessary). 6) If 6 shells are used run will be DQ. Shell sizes: 12 gauge shells are limited to 2¾ inch sizes 9 to 6 s for quail and chuckar. 9 to 5 s for pheasant. 20 gauge shells are limited to 2¾ or 3 inch sizes 9 to 5 s for quail, chuckar and pheasant. Ties: Ties will be determined (i) first by total minutes and seconds used; and (ii) second by first bird time. If the tie is not broken Dual placements will be awarded or if awards of runoff may be performed if awards of great value are present Time: 1) Time stops when third bird is retrieved (the handler has the bird in hand and the dog has ceased hunting, under control at handlers side) (Anytime the dog advances to hunt, time will resume) 2) If a Safety occurs on the final bird, time stops when the dog has ceased hunting, under control at handler s side (Anytime the dog advances to hunt, time will resume) (Handler must remain stationary where safety was called) (If at anytime your dog is not under immediate control after time is called, time will resume until dog is under control. Ask the judge to help in handling firearm if needed) (After run is completed, unload firearm before exiting field). 3) The Dog shall be placed on a lead and walked out of the field. (If at anytime your dog is not on a lead walking out of field your time will start again, birds bumped while trying to control dog will not be replaced) (Severe instances could result in a DQ). 4) If a handler calls their run early, time will be scored as full, and a five minute flush of field will be performed in an attempt to move any left-over birds up to 3 from the previous plant. (If one bird has been move before time is called, the field flush will only move up to 2 birds in the allotted time. Two birds moved, field flush 1 bird). The field flush will not intentionally move more birds than required

17 to account for the previous plant.(handler s and dog s performing flush must have completed their run or not have been scheduled to run in field to be flushed). Flush: Three different ways to receive flush points -The dog must catch the bird -Bird must have taken flight in field being hunted (must witnessed by judge to receive credit). -Dog influences the flush or trap of a bird out of bounds (bird cannot be produced from another event field or gallery area) Birds accidentally flushed by handler may be acted on and receive credit for the flush. Any bird flushed by dog, handler or judge may be hunted with no time delay and points awarded for actions. Bird Flushed by Judge: Birds bumped by judge which have flown greater than 10yards from the flush will be scored as full credit with 30 sec added to dogs total run time. (Birds flushed within 10 yards must be hunted and birds that land past 10 yards will be marked the same as safety birds (see safety bird rules) Dead Bird: A dead bird will be awarded credit according to work performed. All steps must be taken as if bird was alive to receive credit. Handler has the option to take the points or reject the points received on a bird determined by judge to be dead, not due to the dog or handler in field. Handler must notify the judge immediately upon action. (Dead bird must include a wing, leg, head, and breast) Handler can only touch dog on top of head to relocate, release or praise after a retrieve (any other physical touching via pushing with legs or hands, moving with hands will result in loss of flush and handler must attempt to harvest bird)

18 Full Retrieve: The dog picks up the bird and brings it to the handler; the handler takes the bird from the dog s mouth and places in game bag. The bird cannot be picked up off of the ground, but can be picked up off ground in Amateur. The handler may pivot on one foot but cannot take a step after the shot. Only three birds are allowed to be retrieved (between full and partial retrieves). To receive retrieve points you must have a bird in the bag with the only expectation being a safety bird. (All birds are considered retrievable; at no time will points be awarded for birds in trees, over fences, anything) No birds are allowed in game bag before run and birds may be counted after run. Judges may randomly check game bags before or after the run. If time was stopped and three birds, less safety birds were not accounted for after run, your time will begin were it stopped and you will be allowed to hunt for your third bird. (At no time can you pick a bird up of the ground even if you drop the bird (open class)). (If a dog stops and flushes a bird during the retrieve, full credit for the retrieve on the first bird will be given if a second bird is produced, you must find and bag first bird). Competitor s whose dog is steady to wing and shot may move to release dog by touch on head, establishing a new stationary position. Partial retrieve will be scored if dog releases prematurely to handlers release by touching on head. Partial Retrieve: Partial retrieve will be awarded if The handler takes a step after the shot and bags the bird acted on. If bird lands in bounds it will be marked like a safety bird (see safety bird rule) In the open, the handler fails to take bird out of dog s mouth or picks the bird up off ground bagging a bird. In the open division, the handler may not throw any objects to aid in locating a downed bird. In the amateur division, only natural objects found in the field that are picked up in the field at your stationary position may be thrown. Ex: rocks, sticks, etc picked up from the ground at the retrieving site. Safety: A safety may be called by the Judge or the Handler. -A safety will be awarded if taking a shot might cause harm to any person, dog, automobile, building, or deemed, in anyway by either the Judge or the Handler to be dangerous. -Everyone is encouraged, prior to runs, to try to identify any and all areas that might be a cause to call a safety. Credit will be awarded for points denied after the safety was called.

19 - After safety is called, dog must be recalled and touched on head or bird taken from mouth by handler before resuming the hunt. (Handler must stay stationary during process or a partial will be awarded). -The safety bird cannot be scored on again during the same run. The Handler will be charged 1 shell (the same as if the handler shot the bird). Safety may be called on the second shot. (Two shells will be awarded as used) -You may work the bird after the bird has landed, but no points will be awarded. The dog may retrieve the bird but no additional points will be awarded. If the dog produces a bird in a 10 yard radius where the safety bird landed, the dog must produce an additional bird in the area to receive credit. (Safety bird may be taken out during run) (no points will be awarded or taken away and no shell will be used) (You may ask judge permission to take out safety bird immediately after safety has been called if bird presents a guaranteed safe shot, no shell use will be added to score sheet will be used) If this action is taking without judges permission DQ or loss of shell may apply - If the safety bird is the final bird bagged, time stops when the handler has the dog under control at handler s side and not advancing to hunt (if dog advances to hunt time will resume). If time runs out before the dog is recalled to the handler and touched on the head, no retrieve points will be awarded. - If, at any time, the gun is pointed at the Judge, the Handler will be warned and may be disqualified at the Judge s discretion. -Bird must fly 10 continuous yards before a safety will granted. All birds handled by dog less than 10 yards from flush trap rules will apply. -In the event that three (3) safeties are awarded in any one run, a one (1) minute time penalty (60 sec) will be added to the total time of the run. Any unsafe shot will be DQ from event and possible banned from BHU. Safety on the Dog: May be called by the Judge or the Handler. The bird has to be flying and traveled at least 10 continuous yards and be dangerously close to the dog. Bagged bird and retrieve points will be awarded. Dogs flushing birds out of gun range (30 yards) is not grounds for issuing a safety. If the 30 yards is disputed, the judge will mark off the distance from the flush to the safety location. Time will continue to run during the mark off. Judge s decision is final.

20 Firearm Safety: The only time a firearm may be discharged is in the field is while safely attempting to shoot a legal game bird, or in an area previously designed for such. No gun will be loaded outside of the field to be hunted. No gun will be laid on ground loaded. (Break action guns must be broke open, all other guns, actions must be locked open.) All handlers must hunt with gun in upright position. No bird will be shot on ground or out of tree. No gun will be off safety until safety attempting to harvest a bird. A gun malfunction in the field is not grounds for a rerun or stoppage of time. Any of these rule violations will result in a DQ. No Running Rule: Running is not allowed. The first time will result in a warning; the second time will result in disqualification. Out of Bounds: 1) Handler can only go out of bounds to regain control of dog. If Handler goes out of bounds the hunter will relinquish his gun to the judge. Any birds flushed back inbounds will be considered dead for brace and treated like a marked safety bird landing inbounds) (See safety bird rule) 2) Dog may hunt or retrieve game out of bounds and receive full credit. (As long as handler stays in bounds) 3) Dog cannot hunt gallery area or another field that is in use or has been in use on the same day (handler will be asked to call their dog out of such areas) WARNING (Interference in another field rules may apply) Reruns: Reruns will be allowed with the approval of the Judge and the Host. Interference in the field by another dog: Run will not stop. Either the Judge or the Host may determine that a re-run is needed. A rerun will be given at the expense of the interfering dog s owner (price will not include sanction fee s). If a rerun is awarded, the team receiving the rerun will only be awarded the rerun score. (If interfering dog did not take a bird out or bump a bird in another field, a rerun will not be awarded). 1) THE JUDGE S RULING IS FINAL. Only the contestant, involved persons, field marshal, or club host will discuss any ruling prior to the JUDGE final ruling. 2) No interference or harassment of the Bird Planter or Judges will be allowed. 3) BHU, the club host, and/or the judge reserve the right to disqualify any person or persons for any violation.

21 Anyone in an event field must wear an orange vest and orange hat at all times. Unsportsmanlike conduct will result in a warning and/or disqualification at the discretion of the Judge or the Host. Examples: (i) intentionally flushing a bird towards the gallery, judge, or other unsafe area; (ii) abuse of the safety rule; (iii) abuse of a dog; (iv) abuse of the Judge, bird planter, Host, any other Handler, or spectators.