GUN DOG RULES


1. Bird Field 40 to 60 acres with water and good bird cover. The bird field needs to be marked with definite boundaries and appropriate NO SHOOTING & SAFETY Zones.

2. Number of birds to be released shall be six (6) game birds for the first brace and five (5) game birds for each brace thereafter.

3. Bird handlers must wear gloves. All birds killed must be given to the judge to be kept and counted.

4. Gunner must use 7.5, 8, or 9 shot shells. No more than 2 shots may be taken at a pointed bird.

5. Brace duration shall be 30 minutes.

6. Dog handlers and/or shooters must remain behind blind while birds are being released for their brace. Handler has the option to check the bird bag before and after the planting of the birds in the field. This is done to assure that the proper amount of birds is being used for each brace. Therefore, a check and balance to eliminate human error.

7. All trials will have two judges and a field marshal.

8. Judges will not be permitted to enter their dog in trials they are JUDGING, regardless of who may handle their dog.

9. All participants must sign the official score card validating accuracy prior to posting by field marshal.

10. All participants must be 16 years of age and have a valid hunting license with a hunter's safety card if born after 1970.

11. Ties for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place shall be decided by the dog which has the quickest find from the start of the brace. The judge will be responsible for keeping track of the time for each find.

12. Maximum number of persons in bird field shall be limited to six (6) people.

13. No alcoholic beverages or consumption permitted on ground~ Participants who have consumed alcoholic beverages may be required to have a gunner or have dog scratched from trial, as determined by the field marshal.

14. A handler must attempt to hunt this dog competitively for the full 30 minutes or if a dog is off the course for more than 10 minutes then the judge will stop the brace. A bye dog will be selected by the field marshal and will run the remaining time left of the brace.

15. A gunner may Not shoot his gun OFF, except at pointed flushed bird.

16. No dog shall be added to the trial after drawing his been held.

17. If a person enters more than one dog, he will be responsible for making arrangements for second dog to be ready in case of back-to-back braces.

18. Dogs in season shall not be permitted to run in trial.

19. Any participant which is absence at start of his brace will be allowed ten minutes to show or will be automatically disqualified for that brace and brace mate will run with a bye dog. A bye dog must be selected by the field marshal and will receive no score.

20. Entry forms must contain all requested information or entry cannot be accepted.

21. A handler must not abuse or use excessive force towards his dog during a field trial or while on the trial grounds. This will result in an automatic disqualification and potential suspension from further Gun Dog Trials and competition.

22. Courtesy Assistance covers individuals who are disabled or recovering from surgery or rehab. This covers individuals who have doctor's orders because of heart problems, knee or hip problems.

A. Handlers must stay with the trial judge at all times.

B. Handlers must not drive the four-wheeler faster than a fast walking pace.

C. Handlers must get off the four-wheeler at least 100 ft. from the dog (on point) to work his dog or hold dog for a back.

D. Handler must catch his dog and hold him when the time is up. The judge will assist the handler in getting the dog out of the field.

E. Courtesy Assistance must be requested at the time the dog is entered in the field trial. Two club officers must approve the request before the handler is granted approval.

COPYRIGHT 1997