Rules & Guidelines That apply to all divisions

  • All dogs must be registered with the National Kennel Club in order to participate in a National Upland Classic Event. The NUCS Number must be given when entering an event.  If your dog is not NUCS registered, it can be registered on site but must be done before the event begins.

  • You (handler/owenr) must be a current member of NUCS and in good standing with the NKC/NUCS to participate in NUCS events.

  • GPS Collars will not be allowed in the field.  This includes cell phones with GPS enabled apps and GPS enabled watches.  Beeper collars and training collars are allowed.

  • In both Open Flushing  and Pointing there will be no flank collars allowed, neck collars only.  Amateur dogs will be allowed to use flank collars as long at it is not abused.

  • There will be no entries accepted for an Event Until 60 Days before the event is to begin regardless of when the event is posted on the site (example event will begin April 1st no entries will be accepted before Feb. 1st)

  • For anyone entering an event, if you pull out of an event in less than 2 weeks prior to the beginning of the event, you will owe the person or persons putting on the event, for the cost of the birds. Runs will not count from that point until fees are paid.

  • If a judge bumps a bird from the field (it must leave the field) full points including the shot bird will be awarded.

  • Any event holder that is sending in false reports of events that have not been run will face a lifelong ban from the National Upland Classic. Any contestant that accepts false results from an event will face indefinite suspension and possible lifetime ban.

Amateur Division

Amateur Division will be 1 hunter, and 1 dog, on a 20-minute time limit with a 3-bird set of any mixture, totaling 3. There will be an Amateur Finals at the National Finals Event; you must stay an Amateur for the full year to qualify for the finals. If at any time in the year your Amateur dog runs in an open event, it will no longer be considered an Amateur.

Amateur Dogs cannot be older than 2 years of age for the start of a new year (January 1st) effective January 1st 2017.  The dog can turn 2 during the year and still finish the year in the Amateur Division, but the start of the next year (January 1st) the dog must go to the open class.

Fees: The fees will be $65.00 for a quail run, $75.00 for a chuckar run, $85.00 for a pheasant run, and $70.00 for a mixture of any three birds. There will be no paybacks in the Amateur Division. Plaques, ribbons or certificates will be awarded for the top three winners. Pointing Amateurs and Flushing Amateurs will not run against each other. They may use the same field, but are two divisions.

Championship points will be awarded for top 3 placements.  If you enter your dog twice and place twice in the top 3 you will only get the points for the highest placement (example: your amateur dog places 1st & 3rd the dog will only get points for the 1st place.  The 3rd place points goes unclaimed.) Championship Points are awarded 5 points for a 1st place win, 3 points for 2nd place and 1 point for a 3rd place.  Champion titles are awarded after every 20 points with at least 2 wins.  We allow the Amateurs to bring in up to 10 points including 1 win from other associations, toward their championships; these points must be verified by the association that they have been won in.

 

If you enter a dog twice it must run the second run in a different field.  If  you run in the same field only your first run will count.  The second run will be thrown out.  If you run in 2 fields your highest scored run goes toward placements

There must be four or more dogs entered into an event to award champion points for the 1st 2nd and 3rd    placements. If there are three dogs or less the only champion points that will be awarded will be for the 1st place dog.

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Youth Division


There will be no age limit on the dog in this division. The youth can run any dog as long as he/she is the only one that runs that dog for the year.  On January 1st that dog is declared a youth dog for the entire year.  If at any time during the year the said dog runs in an open, doubles or amateur event, it will no longer be eligible to run in the youth division for that year.

The age limit on the Youth is 15 years of age on January 1st; they can turn 15 during the year and still compete in the Youth Division until February 1st of the next year.  They must have a Hunter Education Card to compete.

 They will run in the same fields as the regular Amateurs do and under the same format and rules, but will be competing against other youth only.  This will carry thru to the National Finals where they will compete with the Amateur dogs but will only be against youth.  Prizes or Scholarships will be awarded for the winner at the Nationals.  They must compete in at least 4 events to qualify for the Nationals, and a parent cannot take the dog to a trial and run for the youth to qualify if for the Nationals. 

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NUCS Singles Rules

1. All Dogs: The competition consists of two divisions, flusher and pointer. Dogs, regardless of ability, shall be placed in the division which is standard for the breed. During the run, dogs may not be restrained for any reason that gives them an unfair advantage. Dogs must be leashed at all times prior to and immediately following runs. Dogs must be leashed immediately when time expires, no scoring can take place after time expires. Dogs in heat entries will be accepted only if placed at the end of the day. If a dog flushes a bird in another competitor’s field, full points will be awarded to the hunter in that field. The dog may be retrieved only with the permission of the judge in the invaded field. Injuries to dogs will be considered bad luck, and the owner’s responsibility. Electronic collars and beeper collars are allowed; no check cords. Each dog may have two qualifying runs, but only 1 finals run. They must be signed up for both runs prior to the start of the competition. No refunds will be given to second runs paid for but not used.

Additional Rules:

A.    You cannot give a command to bring your dog to a point. If the dog makes physical contact with a bird before the point is made, there will not be points awarded for a point on that bird.

B.    Two (2) bonus points will be awarded for each bird shot. No bonus points will be awarded for a "shot bird" on a Safety. You will be awarded full points less the shot bird bonus. There will be no more than the standard set for the event awarded. Birds that are caught or trapped will not be awarded the bonus points. You may not take the bird from a dog and throw it up and shoot, for the bonus point, once the bird is in your hand you are no longer eligible for the bonus point. Birds that are shot at, but not hit well, and the dog retrieves it, will be awarded the bonus points.

C.    In all Flushing Divisions there will be one point awarded for each bird shot for a total of three points per run.  The bird must be shot from the flush.  You cannot take the bird from the dog and throw it up for the shot bird.  If the dog catches the bird and it gets away from the dog, on its way to the handler, you can shoot it for the one point. Once the dog presents the bird to the handler and the bird touches the handler’s hand for the retrieve, the shot bird is no longer allowed.  

2. Competitors: Teams consist of one hunter and one dog. Shells will be limited to 3 more than the standard bird set. Standard bird sets will be 3 pheasants, 3 chuckar or 3 quail, or a mixture of these 3, depending on the tournament. Time limit for each event will be 20 minutes. Hunters must register at the club house prior to their first run each day. All birds must be carried by the hunter and not dropped in the field. Birds will be counted in the field at the end of each run to ensure correct count. Competitors will be placed in order of draw. Request for day will be considered.

3. Disqualification: 
A hunter may be disqualified for the following: shooting a bird on the ground; shooting more than the allowed limit; shooting a non-designated species; unsafe or reckless use of a firearm; being under the influence of alcohol or drugs; abusing the officials; excessive use of electronic collars; mistreatment of a dog; poor sportsmanship; restraining a pointing dog while it's on point; a dog completely out of control; stomping birds on the ground, running in the field, communicating with spectators while in the field or throwing unused shell or dead birds in or out of bounds..

4. Guns: 
All guns must be 12 gauge or smaller. No shells over 2 3/4 inch. A gun malfunction shall be considered bad luck. It is the option of the hunter to get another gun, but they cannot appoint someone else to enter the field in their place. Shells may not be given or shared with a partner. In the instance where a hunter runs out of his/her allotted shells the hunt will be immediately ended and scored as is, with the remaining time being forfeited and no credit given.

5. Safety: 
Hunters are responsible for safe use of firearms at all times and are required to wear at least one article of orange clothing. A safety may be requested in the event of an obstruction such as a judge, vehicle, or building. A bird for which a safety has been awarded shall be scored in full and a shell forfeited. A requested safety may be denied for the following reasons: in the judge’s opinion a hunter has a clear shot and fails to take it; the bird was shot at before or after the safety was requested; or the bird relocated in bounds. If a competitor calls a safety on a bird and that bird relocates in bounds, only the dog work will be awarded points (for the point and flush).  If the bird leaves the boundaries of the field, full points less the short bird will be awarded.  If your dog or dogs lose contact with the bird, you can score another point or flush on the same bird.  If the judges have any question on the bird relocating inbounds full points will be awarded.  When a safety is called and the bird leaves the field and can no longer be hunted the dog must be brought back to the handler within arm’s length, you do not have to touch the dog but must able to if so desired.  This will happen on all birds thru the run.  The clock does not stop for your first bird in the bag until this happens (1st tie breaker) and the handler must have dog back to them before clock stops on final bird

6. Stocking: 
Hunters must remain in blind while their field is being stocked. Failure to do so will result in a disqualification. Fields will not be stocked without an on-deck team. All birds will be handled by wings or legs and set by hand into cover. Any birds leaving or entering fields after stockers have left the field will be considered luck of the draw. No birds will be replanted. If a bird is flushed from the field after the run is over by a judge or competitor, that bird must be replaced in the same area it was moved from.

7. Birds left in the field: First run in a field will have 1 more bird than the standard placed in field. All birds left in the field will be considered luck of the draw as fields will not be flushed after each run.

8. Out of bounds: Dogs can be sent out of bounds. Birds may be located by the dog out of bounds and full credit will be given for bird work done by the dog out of bounds. Retrieves count only if bird is brought back to the hunter in bounds. Hunters in the flushing division may only go out of bounds to assist in a retrieve. If a dog goes out of bounds and points a bird, the dog may flush the bird only after pointing for 3 seconds, so the hunter may remain in bounds and shoot the bird. Judge must see the bird to award points or flush.  If a hunter leaves the boundaries, he/she must leave his or her firearm in bounds. A bird resulting from a bird pointed/flushed out of bounds can only be shot by a hunter who is in bounds.

9. Spectators: Spectators shall be limited to designated areas only. No vehicles will be allowed in the area other than those absolutely necessary. Spectators are not allowed to communicate with competitors in any way. Communication between competitors and spectators will be considered poor sportsmanship and be reason for disqualification.

10. Judges: In any situation not specifically covered under the rules, the judge will be allowed to use common sense to arrive at a decision. Judges' decisions are final, no appeals will be heard. Judges can run in an event, but if at all possible, run in the opposite division they are judging.  If a club does not have enough judges to do this, the Judge that is running in said field should not be in the field at least 3 runs before his run in said field, or should have already run in said field.

11. No run rule: Hunters may not run at any time. The hunter will be asked to slow down by the judge, the next time is a disqualification.  

12. Ties: Ties for money placement, all funds awarded for that placement will be split between dogs if it is for their first or highest placement. A dog can only place in the money bracket once. Tiebreakers will be decided according to the time remaining and then the time the first bird is retrieved to hand.

13. Weather: In the case of bad weather, such as lightning, hail, etc. all runs will be pulled from the fields until it is safe to return. If your run is interrupted, you will start up again with the time that was remaining when you first stopped. If a run is questionable to finish due to darkness, it should not be started and will be run the next morning. If the run has started and it is unable to be finished, the run will begin with the time that was remaining from the previous day and will continue with the number of birds that were bagged. No additional birds will be planted at the start of the run.

14. Scoring: Clock stops only when the last bird is in hand. Time remaining will be rounded up or down to the nearest minute. If seconds are 30 or more, you round up; 29 or lower you round down. No more finds, qualified points, birds, or retrieves shall be scored than the number of birds in the standard set. No scoring shall be awarded after time expires. No scoring shall be awarded for work on non-designated species. Birds must be palatable. Birds destroyed by dog or hunter shall be assessed a 10-point penalty. In the case of a multiple find, flush, point or covey rise, scoring will be limited to 3 birds, finds, qualified points, retrieves, etc. Top qualifying score & championship round score will be added together to determine winner. Once the handler signs his name to the official score sheet after the run, there will be absolutely no changes made to the scoring. All disputes in scoring must be resolved prior to the handler and the judge signing the score sheet.

15. Birds:

A.    A bird bumped by a judge or cameraman that comes down in bounds will be hunted as if the bird flew on its own. If a bird bumped by a judge or cameraman that goes out of bounds, full points will be awarded except for shot bird bonus.

B.    No points for shot bird if score keeper bumps bird with out a shot or dead bird found in field.

C.    If a dead bird is found in the field and is still warm, the judge will award full points. If the bird is found dead and is cold, no points will be awarded. All birds found dead MUST be inspected by the judge.

D.    If on the way to or from a retrieve a dog goes on point, the hunter may leave his first spot to go to the dog, flush and shoot the second bird. The dog can retrieve both birds for full points. But if there is no bird produced at the second spot, he will be awarded a partial retrieve for the first bird.

Flushers:
Birds in bag: 25 points
Find: 15 points
Full Retrieve: 15 points
Partial Retrieve: 5 points
Shells remaining: 10 points
Minutes remaining: 3 points
Seconds remaining: Tie Breaker
Time bagged 1st bird: Tie Breaker
Each Bird Shot:1 Point 

Pointers:
Birds in bag: 25 points
Full Retrieve: 15 points
Partial Retrieve: 5 points
Qualified Point: 15 points
Shells remaining: 10 points
Minutes remaining: 3 points
Seconds remaining: Tie Breaker
Time bagged 1st bird: Tie Breaker
Each Bird Shot: 2 Points

Entry Deadline: Unless an entry deadline is posted, all entries must be called into the event holder at least 5 days before the event (No Exceptions) effective January 1st 2020.  Cash payback to top finishers amounts depend on number of entrants.  To maintain the quality that our competitors expect, entries are restricted to the first sixty entries received in each division.

 Official Definitions

Bird in bag: 25 points will be awarded for each bird, up to the number of birds in the standard set, that is bagged during the run and in possession at the time of the in the field count at the end of each run. Any birds bagged but not in possession during the in the field count will be considered lost, and therefore, points will not be awarded. If time remains on the clock, hunters will be given an opportunity to “fill their limit”.

Find: In the flushing division, a find will be awarded when the dog traps, catches or in the judge’s opinion causes a bird to take flight. In the case of a trap or catch, a shell will be forfeited, this applies to both divisions.

Full Retrieve: 
To receive credit for a full retrieve, the hunter must remain stationary after the shot. They will be allowed one pivot foot but must not advance or retreat. Retrieves must be within a pivot foot step and can be picked up off of the ground or taken from the dog's mouth. Hunters may kneel down to accept the retrieve but may not lie down. Once the hunter moves for any reason, a full retrieve can no longer be awarded.

Partial Retrieve: 
A partial retrieve will be awarded when a full retrieve cannot be awarded and the dog finds the bird, picks it up and makes an attempt to bring it to the handler.

Qualified Point: 
To be awarded a qualified point the dog must hold point for a minimum of 3 seconds, determined by the judge only. Also, the point must result in a bird that takes flight, unless in the judge’s opinion the bird is deemed unable to fly. After the 3-second minimum has been met, the handler must attempt to flush the bird, ahead of the dog, before the dog will be awarded any points. The key is the bird must be produced to the air for the gun.

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NUCS Doubles Rules:

1. All Dogs: The competition consists of two divisions, flusher and pointer. Dogs, regardless of ability, shall be placed in the division which is standard for the breed. During the run, dogs may not be restrained for any reason that gives them an unfair advantage. Dogs must be leashed at all times prior to and immediately following runs. Dogs must be leashed immediately when time expires, no scoring can take place after time expires. Dogs in heat entries will be accepted only if placed at the end of the day. If a dog flushes a bird in another competitor’s field, full points will be awarded to the team in that field. The dog may be retrieved only with the permission of the judge in the invaded field. Injuries to dogs will be considered bad luck, and the owner’s responsibility. Electronic collars and beeper collars are allowed, no check cords. Dogs may have up to two entries per competition, but must be signed up for both runs prior to the start of the competition. No refunds will be given to second runs paid for but not used.

Additional Rules:

  1. You cannot give a command to bring your dog to a point. If the dog makes physical contact with a bird before the point is made, there will not be points awarded for a point on that bird.
  2. Two (2) bonus points will be awarded for each bird shot. No bonus points will be awarded for a "shot bird" on a Safety. You will be awarded full points less the shot bird bonus. There will be no more than the standard set for the event awarded. Birds that are caught or trapped will not be awarded the bonus points. You may not take the bird from a dog and throw it up and shoot, for the bonus point, once the bird is in your hand you are no longer eligible for the bonus point. Birds that are shot at, but not hit well, and the dog retrieves it, will be awarded the bonus points.
  3. In all Flushing Divisions there will be one point awarded for each bird shot for a total of three points per run.  The bird must be shot from the flush.  You cannot take the bird from the dog and throw it up for the shot bird.  If the dog catches the bird and it gets away from the dog, on its way to the handler, you can shoot it for the one point.  Once the dog presents the bird to the handler and the bird touches the handler’s hand for the retrieve, the shot bird is no longer allowed.

2. Competitors: Teams consist of two hunters and two dogs in the Flushing Division; two hunters and two dogs in the Pointing Division. Hunters must remain within 30 yards of one another at all times. Shells will be limited to one less than the standard bird set per hunter. Standard bird sets will be 6 birds in combination, depending on the tournament. Time limit for each event will be 30 minutes. Teams must register at the club house prior to their first run each day. All birds must be carried by the hunters and not dropped in the field. Birds will be counted in the field at the end of each run to ensure correct count. Competitors will be placed in order of draw. Requests for day will be considered.

3. Disqualification: Teams may be disqualified for the following: Shooting a bird on the ground, shooting more than the allowed limit, shooting a non-designated species, unsafe or reckless use of a firearm, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, abusing the officials, excessive use of electronic collars, mistreatment of a dog, poor sportsmanship, restraining a pointing dog while it’s on point, a dog completely out of control, stomping birds on the ground, running in the field, communicating with spectators while in the field or throwing unused shell or dead birds in or out of bounds.

4. Guns: All guns must be 12 gauge or smaller. No shells over 2 3/4 inch. A gun malfunction shall be considered bad luck. It is the option of the hunter to get another gun, but they cannot appoint someone else to enter the field in their place. Shells may not be given or shared with a partner. In the instance where a team runs out of its allotted shells the hunt will be immediately ended and scored as it, with the remaining time being forfeited and no credit given.

5. Safety: Hunters are responsible for safe use of firearms at all times and are required to wear at least one article of orange clothing. A safety may be requested in the event of an obstruction such as a judge, vehicle, or building. A bird for which a safety has been awarded shall be scored in full and a shell forfeited. A requested safety may be denied for the following reasons: In the judge’s opinion, one team member has a clear shot and fails to take it, the bird was shot at before or after the safety was requested, or the bird relocates in bounds. If a competitor calls a safety on a bird and that bird relocates in bounds, only the dog work will be awarded points (for the point and flush).  If the bird leaves the boundaries of the field, full points less the short bird will be awarded.  If your dog or dogs lose contact with the bird, you can score another point or flush on the same bird.  If the judges have any question on the bird relocating inbounds full points will be awarded.  When a safety is called and the bird leaves the field and can no longer be hunted the dog must be brought back to the handler within arm’s length, you do not have to touch the dog but must able to if so desired.  This will happen on all birds thru the run.  The clock does not stop for your first bird in the bag until this happens (1st tie breaker) and the handler must have dog back to them before clock stops on final bird

6. Stocking: Teams must remain in blind while their field is being stocked. Failure to do so will result in a disqualification. Fields will not be stocked without an on-deck team. All birds will be handled by wings or legs and set by hand into cover. Any birds leaving or entering fields after stockers have left the field will be considered luck of the draw. No birds will be replaced. If a bird is flushed from the field after the run is over by a judge or competitor, that bird must be replaced in the same area it was moved from.

7. Birds left in the field: First run in a field will have 2 more birds than the standard placed in field. All birds left in the field will be considered luck of the draw.

8. Out of bounds: Dogs can be sent out of bounds. Birds may be located by the dog out of bounds and full credit will be given for bird work done by the dog out of bounds. Retrieves count only if bird is brought back to hunters in bounds. Hunters in the flushing division may go out of bounds only to assist in a retrieve. In the pointing division, one of the hunters may leave the field boundaries, but only to attempt to flush a pointed bird or to pick up a dead bird being pointed by the dog. In this instance the hunter leaving the boundaries must leave his or her firearm in bounds. The bird resulting from a bird pointed/flushed out of bounds can only be shot by the hunter/hunters that remain in bounds.

9. Spectators: Spectators shall be limited to designated areas only. No vehicle will be allowed in the area other than those absolutely necessary. Spectators are not allowed to communicate with competitors in any way. Communication between competitors and spectators will be considered poor sportsmanship and be reason for disqualification.

10. Judges: In any situation not specifically covered under the rules, the judge will be allowed to use common sense to arrive at a decision. Judges' decisions are final, no appeals will be heard. Judges can run in an event, but if at all possible, run in the opposite division they are judging.  If a club does not have enough judges to do this, the Judge that is running in said field should not be in the field at least 3 runs before his run in said field, or should have already run in said field.

11. No run rule:  Hunters may not run at any time. The hunter will be asked to slow down by the judge, the next time is a Disqualification.

12. Ties: Ties for money placement, all funds awarded for that placement will be split between dogs if it is for their first or highest placement. A dog can only place in the money bracket twice. Tiebreakers will be decided according to the time remaining and then the time the first bird is retrieved to hand.

13. Weather: In the case of bad weather, such as lightning, hail, etc. all runs will be pulled from the fields until it is safe to return. If your run is interrupted, you will start up again with the time that was remaining when you first stopped. If a run is questionable to finish due to darkness, it does not start and will run the next morning. If the run has started and it is unable to be finished, the run will begin with the time that was remaining from the previous day and will continue with the number of birds that were bagged. No additional birds will be planted at the start of the run.

14. Scoring: Clock stops only when the last bird is in hand. Time remaining will be rounded up or down to the nearest minute. If seconds are 30 or more, you round up; 29 or lower you round down. No more finds, qualified points, birds, or retrieves shall be scored than then number of birds in the standard set. No scoring shall be awarded after time expires. No scoring shall be awarded for work on non-designated species. Birds must be palatable. Birds destroyed by dog or hunter shall be assessed a 10-point penalty. In the case of a multiple find, flush, point or covey rise, scoring will be for the actual number of bird finds, qualified points, retrieves, etc. Once the handler signs his /her name to the official score sheet after the run, there will be absolutely no changes made to the scoring. All disputes in scoring must be resolved prior to the handler and the judge signing the score sheet.

15. Birds:

A.    A bird bumped by a judge or cameraman that comes down in bounds will be hunted as if the bird flew on its own. If a bird bumped by a judge or cameraman that goes out of bounds, full points will be awarded except for shot bird bonus.

B.    No points for shot bird is score keeper bumps bird without a shot or dead bird found in field.

C.     If a dead bird is found in the field and is still warm, the judge will award full points. If the bird is found dead and is cold, no points will be awarded. All birds found dead MUST be inspected by the judge.

D.    If on the way to or from a retrieve a dog goes on point, the hunter may leave his first spot to go to the dog, flush and shoot the second bird. The dog can retrieve both birds for full points. But if there is no bird produced at the second spot, he will be awarded a partial retrieve for the first bird.

Flushers:
Birds in bag: 25 points
Find: 15 points
Full Retrieve: 15 points
Partial Retrieve: 5 points
Shells remaining: 10 points
Minutes remaining: 3 points
Seconds remaining: Tie Breaker
Time bagged 1st bird: Tie Breaker
Each Bird Shot: 1 Point
Honor Retrieve: 2 Points

Pointers:
Birds in bag: 25 points
Full Retrieve: 15 points
Partial Retrieve: 5 points
Qualified Point: 15 points
Qualified Back:  10 points
Shells remaining: 10 points
Minutes remaining: 3 points
Seconds remaining: Tie Breaker
Time bagged 1st bird: Tie Breaker
Each Bird Shot: 2 Point

Entry Deadline: Unless an entry deadline is posted, all entries must be called into the event holder at least 5 days before the event (No Exceptions) effective January 1st 2020.  Cash payback to top finishers amounts depend on number of entrants.  To maintain the quality that our competitors expect, entries are restricted to the first sixty entries received in each division.

Flushing Dogs - Honor Retrieve

  1. Honor Retrieve is when the dog that flushes the bird makes the retrieve without interference from the other dog in the field. If both dogs are in the area of the flush and the Judge cannot decide which dog has flushed the bird, the Honor Retrieve will be awarded to either dog. Two points will be awarded for each Honor Retrieve with a total of six (6) per run.
  2. Handlers must be within 30 yards of each other. This will be enforced much more than with One Dog Doubles.                    
  3. In the case of more than one bird flushing at a time: if both dogs go for the same bird, no Honor Retrieve will be awarded; if one dog goes for one bird and the second dog for the other bird, both will be awarded for Honor Retrieve.  Teamwork is what we are looking for. A handler can handle a dog in for the Honor Retrieve as long as the dog that is set up for the retrieve makes the retrieve without interference from the other dog.
  4. Each dog can enter two (2) times, but does not have to enter with the same dog or teammate.                                                           
  5. All other Doubles rules apply.

 Pointing Dogs - Backs

  1. Dog must hold back for three (3) seconds and cannot be given a command to come to a stop. Once the Back has been established, the dog can reset or move. The bird has to be produced for the Back to count, and 10 points will be awarded for each Back, with a total of six (6) per run.
  2. Handlers must be within 30 yards of each other. This rule will be enforced much more than with One Dog Doubles. The handler can handle a dog in for the Back, but cannot give a command, by voice or by hand, to stop the dog. Collars cannot be used to stop the dog for the Back. Once the dog has come to a stop, the collar can be used to enforce the Back, but only after the dog has stopped.
  3. Each dog can enter two (2) times, but must not enter with the same dog.
  4. All other Doubles rules apply.

 

When and if both dogs are on point at the same time, at no time are the handlers to be more than 30 yards apart, so if both dogs are on point handlers can go  to one dog, kick that bird up and retrieve it and bring dog in for a back on the second dog.  If a bird is produces at the second dog there will be no back for the first dogs’ bird. If no bird is produced by the second dog there will be no back for the first dog.   If the second dog flushes the bird or the bird gests up on its own the back will be awarded to the first dog.

Official Definitions

Bird in bag: 25 points will be awarded for each bird, up to the number of birds in the standard set, that is bagged during the run and in possession at the time of the in the field count at the end of each run. Any birds bagged but not in possession during the in the field count will be considered lost, and therefore, points will not be awarded. If time remains on the clock, hunters will be given an opportunity to “fill their limit”.

Find: In the flushing division, a find will be awarded when the dog traps, catches or in the judge’s opinion causes a bird to take flight. In the case of a trap or catch, a shell will be forfeited, this applies to both divisions.

Full Retrieve: 
To receive credit for a full retrieve, the hunter must remain stationary after the shot. They will be allowed one pivot foot but must not advance or retreat. Retrieves must be within a pivot foot step and can be picked up off of the ground or taken from the dog's mouth. Hunters may kneel down to accept the retrieve but may not lie down. Once the hunter moves for any reason, a full retrieve can no longer be awarded.

Partial Retrieve: 
A partial retrieve will be awarded when a full retrieve cannot be awarded and the dog finds the bird, picks it up and makes an attempt to bring it to the handler.

Qualified Point: 
To be awarded a qualified point the dog must hold point for a minimum of 3 seconds, determined by the judge only. Also, the point must result in a bird that takes flight, unless in the judge’s opinion the bird is deemed unable to fly. After the 3-second minimum has been met, the handler must attempt to flush the bird, ahead of the dog, before the dog will be awarded any points. The key is the bird must be produced to the air for the gun.

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Entry Fees

NUCS Membership Fee:

A.    Single Membership $30.00 or Single Lifetime Membership $250.00.  

B.    Family of 2 Membership $50.00 or Family of 2 Lifetime Membership $350.00

C.    Family of 3 Membership $60.00 or Family of 3 Lifetime membership $450.00

You can 1 free trial run without a membership; however, Entry Fee must be paid by dog owner to have any additional runs that year.  

Double’s Entry Fee:

Money-Double Entry fee is $180.00 per team. 
Non money-Double entry fee is $125.00 per team

Singles Entry Fee:

Money Hunt Entry Fee:
$105.00 per Quail run
$115.00 for Chuckar run
$125.00 for Pheasant run
$120.00 for Mixture
$75.00 for Championship Round

Non-Money Hunt Entry Fee:
$85.00 for Quail
$95.00 for Chuckar
$105.00 for Pheasant
$100.00 for Mixture
$50.00 for Championship Round

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Championship Points

Championship points will be awarded for top 3 placements.  If you enter your dog twice and place twice in the top 3 you will only get the points for the highest placement (example: your amateur dog places 1st & 3rd the dog will only get points for the 1st place.  The 3rd place points goes unclaimed.)

Championship Points are awarded 5 points for a 1st place win, 3 points for 2nd place and 1 point for a 3rd place.  Champion titles are awarded after every 20 points with at least 2 wins.  We allow the Amateurs to bring in up to 10 points including 1 win from other associations, toward their championships; these points must be verified by the association that they have been won in.

There must be four or more different dogs entered into an amateur event to award champion points for the 1st 2nd and 3rd placements. If there are three dogs or less the only champion points that will be awarded will be for the 1st place dog.

There must be five or more teams dogs entered into double events to award champion points for the 1st 2nd and 3rd placements. If there are four or less teams of dogs the only champion points that will be awarded will be for the 1st place dog.

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High Point Dog

In the Pointing & Flushing Singles Doubles & Amateur Division we will award 2 points to the last place dog increasing by 2 points each placement. The points will be based on the 6 highest scores through the qualifying year. The National Finals score will be added to the total score for the High Point Dog of the year.  To win the high Point Dog, there must be at least one-1st place win.

In the case of a dog being entered in an event 2 times: The highest placement will be awarded points for High Point Dog. The lower placement stands, but no points will be awarded for High Point Dog.

Example:  5 dogs in the event; the 4th and 1st place dog is the same dog, points will go like this—5th place 2 pts., 4th place 0 pts., 3rd place 6 pts., 2nd place 8 pts., 1st place 10 pts.

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