Dogs: The competition consists of two divisions, flusher and pointer. Dogs must be leashed at all times prior to and immediately following runs. Dogs must be leashed immediately when the time expires, no scoring can take place after the time expires except to complete a retrieve. Entries for dogs in heat will be accepted only if placed at the end of the day. If a dog flushes a bird in another competitors field, it will be scored as full points, minus one shell, up to two birds. The dog may be retrieved only with the permission of the judge in the invaded field and possible disqualification may occur. Injuries to dogs will be considered bad luck, and the owners’ responsibility. Electronic collars and beepers 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.

Competitors: Teams consist of two hunters and one dog, and the dog can run twice. Hunters must remain a reasonable distance from each other. (Judges will not score what they cannot see.)

Time Limit: The time limit for this competition is 25 minutes.

Competitor Run Limit: No competitor can be in the field more than 6 runs per day due to scheduling.

Shells: The number of shells allowed is twelve. Six shells per hunter. Each hunter must shoot once on a full bag limit or two shells will be forfeited. Shells cannot be shared between team members. In the instance that a team runs out of shells, the run will cease and be scored as a full run.

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, a dog completely out of control, stomping birds on the ground, or communicating with spectators while in the field.

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, minus one point and a shell from the handler unless otherwise requested. A requested safety may be denied for the following reasons: in the judges 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 relocated in bounds.

Stocking: Teams must remain in blind while their field is being stocked. Failure to do so will result in a disqualification. The first run of the day will have seven bird stocked. Any birds leaving or entering the fields after stockers have left the field will be considered luck of the draw. No birds will be replaced.

Out of bounds: No hunters can hunt out of bounds but the dog can. Birds shot must be retrieved by dog from out of bounds. Birds flushed from inbounds and not shot will not be counted as bagged if caught out of bounds.

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

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 and no appeals will be heard.

No Run Rule: Hunters may not run at any time. Teams will be given one warning the judge may assess a ten-point penalty. Teams will be disqualified for a third offense. Running will be defined as unsafe pace decided by judge.

Scoring: The clock stops only when the last bird is in hand. The time remaining will be rounded up or down to the nearest minute. The team is limited to six finds, six bagged birds and retrieves. Teams have a 60 second grace period to complete retrieves after the time has expired. All disputes in scoring must be resolved prior to hunter’s signing the score sheet. Scorekeeper will call time for any of the following: hunter ceases to hunt, time has expired, the hunter has all birds, the hunter has used his/her limit of shells, and an infraction of any other rule, which would cause the end of the run.

Tie Breakers: Tie breakers will be decided by time remaining, second tie-breaker is dog performance , lastly coin flip.

Bagged Birds: Bagged birds may be counted at end of run. Any birds bagged but not in possession will be considered lost. Points will not be awarded. If time remains, the team will be given time to fill limit.

Flushes: Dogs must flush the bird.

Points: The dog must hold point for three seconds and  you can not whoa the dog to a stop by any method (example: whistle, collar or voice commands including dog name) prior to the three seconds time, then a bird must be produced .

Caught Birds: Dogs must catch or trap the bird.

Multiple Finds: Points for multiple finds will not automatically be given from flushes at a single location . The hunter may elect to shoot the correct number of birds needed and could receive all other points if the dog performs the correct dog work. (Judges discretion is used)

Full Retrieve: To receive credit for a full retrieve, BOTH hunters 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 footstep and can be picked up off of the ground or taken from the dogs’ mouth. Hunters may kneel down to accept the retrieve but may not lay down. Once the hunter moves for any reason, a full retrieve will no longer be awarded.

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