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2008/2009 Official UKC® Hunting Beagle Honor Rules
*Denotes rule change for 2008/2009
*1. All casts must hunt the complete hunting time designated for cast. All casts will be 120 minutes with the exception of some elimination style casts and winners packs where the host club designates a one hour cast. Hunting time must be accurately recorded so Master of Hounds can confirm hunting time. Before beginning a hunt, a time deadline for returning of scorecards will be announced and posted in plain view of all hunters. Time to return scorecards to Master of Hounds will be indicated on front of all scorecards. Dogs to be drawn into the fewest casts possible, using four dog casts. Casts are not to be drawn until after entries close at the advertised entry deadline. Those in entry line at deadline will be entered. Casts to be run on wild rabbit only. Wild rabbit is defined as a rabbit that is NATIVE to the immediate area. All points accumulated on non
native rabbits will be deleted. This rule is to be rigidly enforced.
2. POINT SYSTEM:
a. 100 points for dog that opens and is declared struck first, 75 points second, 50 points third, 25 points fourth. If a dog is turned back in on a track, he gets next available position. If all positions are taken, he gets 25 points.
b. After rabbit has been completely circled and seen by a cast member or non-hunting Judge, first dog to trail through the line to receive 100 points, 85 second, 70 third, 55 fourth.
c. All dogs struck are to be minused 20 points at each check. First dog to recover the check to be awarded 20 points. No additional points for second, third or fourth dog. (A check is defined as a temporary loss, where none of the declared struck dogs open for a period of one minute.) Start time immediately after last bark.
d. Points, including recovery points, may be split in cases where positions cannot be determined.
3. POINTS WILL BE PLUS:
a. When the non-hunting Judge, or majority of cast if hunting Judge is used, are present as Judge scores dogs on speed and drive at point rabbit was seen by a Judge or cast member (after completion of circle).
b. If dog(s) catch rabbit, dogs receive Strike and Check points only.
c. One set of points where two or more rabbits are seen on the same line.
d. One set of strike points. In case of split tracks, score first track (one time) and recover dog(s) so they may be turned in to dog(s) running split track. However, if rabbit on split track is seen while attempting to score the first track, it may be scored (one time) and then dog(s) must be turned in on the split track. Dog(s) turned in on split track gets next available position. If all positions are taken, dog(s) get 25 points.
e. On Strike, when rabbit is jumped and seen by non-hunting Judge or majority of cast if hunting Judge is used, but goes to a hole or place of refuge before completion of circle (cast must make an attempt to locate hole. Majority of cast decision in hunting Judge situation or non-hunting Judges decision).
f. On strike, if dogs are trailing a rabbit that has been seen by the majority of cast or the nonhunting Judge when time runs out.
*4. POINTS WILL BE MINUS:
a. If reasonable forward progress is not made within any three-minute period. (Reasonable forward progress is defined as a track that is runable by the majority of the pack or when it is obvious to the majority of the cast members that a dog or dogs have recovered the track to a runable state).
b. When it is visually evident by the majority of the cast or a non-hunting judge that dog(s) quits a trail that is being worked, he will be minused. Or, if none of the declared struck dogs open for a period of three minutes, the track will be considered lost and minused. However, if dog(s) goes back on the track, he will get the next available position. (Once a position has been minused, it becomes available again. However, a dog cannot be “struck in” over a dog’s position that is being held.) If all positions are taken, dog will receive 25 points for going back, but these points will be minused every time he comes out. Dog is not to be tied or encouraged to go back..
c. Each dog declared struck to be minused 20 points at each “check,” but will earn 20 points back if he is the first to recover the loss. Only the first dog to recover the loss will receive the 20 points.
d. When majority of dogs are struck in on a track, and all dogs on a particular track are minused simultaneously in accordance with rule 4 (a) or 4(b), draw a line through the original strike points and minus each dog 50 points. Otherwise, dogs are responsible for their called positions.
*e. When handler strikes the wrong dog, they are to receive the called position minus. After minus, position becomes available. For second offense see rule 6(n).
5. POINTS WILL BE CIRCLED:
Circle points will count neither for, nor against, dog except when ties are to be broken.
a. In case of running into a hole or place of refuge, a rabbit that has not been seen by the majority of cast or the non-hunting Judge (cast must make an attempt to locate hole, majority of cast or non-hunting Judges decision).
b. If dog(s) are trailing when hunting time is finished.
c. If Judge has to call time out because of nearness to livestock, building, highway, etc.
6. DOGS WILL BE SCRATCHED:
a. Fighting or attempting to fight during the authority of the Judge. Dog’s name, UKC registration number, and owner’s name will be reported to UKC on the Official Hunt Report form. No handler will be allowed to scratch their dog to avoid being scratched for fighting. When the aggressive dog is known, scratch the aggressor only. If not known, scratch dogs involved. (Attempting to fight is defined as follows: when dog(s) are interfering with other dog(s) during the authority of the Judge by aggressive behavior.)
b. After the first three minutes of the hunt, for failing to make any attempt to hunt within any continuous five minutes of the hunt.
c. If handler fails to strike his dog on or before the third bark, after the first three minutes of the hunt. (This rule is to be rigidly enforced.)
d. For running or molesting stock.
e. If a handler is drinking, or if he seems to want to stir up trouble.
f. Bitches smelling strong enough to attract dogs, or a dog that is just bad to bother bitches while other dogs pay them no attention.
g. If dog is continuously silent on trail.
h. For delaying completion of cast for 30 minutes after time out is called in accordance with rule 7.
i. For running game other than rabbit, even if time is out. Off game does not have to be seen.
j. For use of any device used to control or locate dog prior to cast completing hunting time. (Locating device may be used during time outs.) Training device transmitter must be left in vehicle.
k. If handler hollers at or physically abuses the dog.
l. After the first three minutes of the hunt, any dog that leaves the handler two times babbling, willbe scratched. Babbling is defined as when a dog opens three times, or has been struck, where no track is evident.
m. Club must set an overall time to return scorecards and cast will be scratched for violation.
n. On second offense, if handler calls another handler’s dog.
o. Casts hunting over or under designated hunting time will be scratched.
p. For backtracking on second offense.
q. For “rough-running,” “cutting,” or “slashing” on track on second offense. (This rule to be rigidly enforced.)
r. When dog(s) quits a trail that is being worked, on second offense, provided remaining dog(s) circles and scores its rabbit.
s. If dog accumulates 300 minus points regardless of how many plus points the dog has.
t. Any person caught using any device used to control or locate dog during hunting time, will be scratched. Multiple infractions will be subject to disciplinary action by United Kennel Club, Inc. not limited to barring from one year to life from registering dogs and participating in UKC events. Device may be used if dog (s) wearing the device is scratched and all other dog (s) are recovered for recasting. (for time out periods, see rule 6(j).)
*7. TIME OUTS:
Judge or majority of cast if hunting Judge is used may call time out and circle any unscored strike points in accordance with the following:
a. When dogs are getting on highway, trail onto posted land or trail into a place where there is danger to dogs or hunters.
b. When other hunters get too close. If dogs get with another group of dogs.
*c. If new ground must be found to finish cast and more than 10 minutes is required or have to move to new area by vehicle, call time out immediately.
d. In case of accident or sickness.
e. If cast becomes lost.
f. When dog(s) are trailing and out of hearing distance in different directions.
8. HANDLERS:
One handler to each dog. The handlers duty is to know their dog’s voice and nature. Also to advise the Judge of any of the dog’s peculiarities before the hunt begins. They must tell the Judge when the dog opens on strike. It is the handler’s responsibility to check time and score before signing scorecard. No holes or places of refuge to be disturbed. No rabbits or other game to be killed. Handler is not allowed to call dog in unless instructed by the Judge. Judge will give permission to call in dog to keep pack hunting in the same vicinity. Handlers may give no verbal or hand commands to dog without Judge’s permission. All handlers must stay with Judge at all times unless given permission by Judge to leave. Judges to keep handlers and spectators at a distance so as not to interfere with dogs. Any handler unable to complete hunt must pick up their dog. Judge shall give permission for another handler to complete hunt. Spectators will be allowed on all casts. Handler’s dog(s) will be scratched for rule violations by their spectators. No encouragement or discouragement of any kind to dogs.
9. JUDGE:
The Judges are picked by the sponsors because they believe them to be honest and capable of keeping score as it is given them by handlers. Authority of Judge begins when he/she is officially designated and receives the scorecard. The authority of the Judge ceases when the scorecard is turned in to the Master of Hounds. They will show no favors to any dog or hunter and will inform handlers of score and time recorded, if requested. If hunting Judge scratches his dog, he can continue to judge the cast as a hunting Judge, or pass card to another member of the cast. Non-hunting Judge may be assigned to any cast at the discretion of Master of Hounds and/or club officials. Scorecard to be carried by Judge and must be scored by Judge in plain view of all. If there is a question, score with question mark (?) and consult the Hunting and Non-hunting Judge Clarification found in rule 16. Situations not questioned and notated in the field at the time Judge’s decision is made will not be considered. A non-hunting Judge is in complete authority of the cast. They can score all situations without the cast members present.
10. MASTER OF HOUNDS:
Up to two Master of Hounds will be appointed by the host club and be in charge of the hunt. Master of Hounds will not work together on one category (Registered, HBCH and GRHBCH) nor will they work together when hearing questions. Each will be responsible for a different category. If an individuals dog is eliminated in the registered (morning) portion of the event he may serve as the Master of Hounds for the Registered Winners Pack, HBCH and GRHBCH. As long as a dog registered to their name is still competing in the event, they may not serve as Master of Hounds. If an individual is only entering a Hunting Beagle Champion or Grand Hunting Beagle Champion, they may serve as the first round Registered Master of Hounds. If club chooses to run all Registered, Champions and Grands at the same time, only one Master of Hounds may be utilized. UKC strongly urges clubs to utilize one Master of Hounds that does not have a dog entered in the event. A Master of Hounds must be at the clubhouse at all times. The Master of Hounds will hear each viewpoint and have last say. Remember, a handler may state his case plainly, but if unreasonable, his dog may be scratched by Master of Hounds. All scores must be posted after the posted deadline or when all scorecards are in possession of the Master of Hounds.
11. SCORECARDS:
Scorecards must be finished in the field and signed by each handler or his dog will be scratched and no changes to be made later, except where a question arises and is noted in the field. A scorecard may be signed still with the right of protest. (Changes can only be made by the Master of Hounds.) This rule must be strictly adhered to. Club secretary must keep scorecards and make them available to contestants or UKC for one year.
12. COMPLAINTS:
In the event that a situation occurs during a UKC licensed event involving any question concerning the rules of United Kennel Club (other than a violation specifically covered by Rule 17), the handler is to go with the Judge and members of that cast to the Master of Hounds as soon as the cast is over and state their case. The Master of Hounds will make a final decision based upon the statement of the case provided by the handler, Judge, and other members of the cast. No questions will be considered by the Master of Hounds after a period of 30 minutes has elapsed from the time that the scorecard has been turned in. If the matter has not been satisfactorily resolved by the decision of the Master of Hounds, a formal complaint may be filed by any owner or handler of a UKC registered dog entered in the UKC licensed event. If a formal complaint is made, request a UKC formal complaint form from the Master of Hounds and fill it out. It must be turned into the Master of Hounds not later than 30 minutes after the posted time of deadline for return of scorecards. This complaint procedure does NOT apply to alleged scorecard falsifications or other such irregularities. In these cases request a Misconduct form from the Master of Hounds.
13. WINNERS:
a. The top four Registered cast winners with plus points will advance to the Winner’s Pack. Dog must be present when Winner’s Pack is assembled. See rulebook for procedure for placing dogs in an elimination style hunt.
b. The Registered Winner’s Pack will hunt for one or two hours; club option, and will be judged by one or two non-hunting Judges. (Length of Winner’s Pack must be posted prior to entry deadline.) See rulebook for hunt times in an elimination style hunt
c. A total of ten Registered places will be awarded for championship points. First through tenth places to be determined; first, by order of finish in the Winners Pack. Next by high point cast winners not advancing to the Winners Pack. With the exception of the Winners Pack, all dogs earning
championship points must have a total score of plus points, and win their cast. No Winners Pack for champion and grand champion casts except in elimination style hunts. See rulebook for procedure to place dogs in an elimination style hunt. No Championship points will be awarded to any dog that withdraws from or is intentionally scratched from a Winners Pack. No Exceptions! No dogs shall move up in placement because of a Winners Pack dog not receiving championship points.
14. TIES:
All ties to be broken for UKC points. Dog will win out over other dog; dog that has the least number of minus points; if still a tie, dog that has the most plus strike points; if still a tie, dog that has the most plus speed/drive points; if still a tie, dog that has the most recovery points; if still a tie, dog that has the most circled strike points; if still a tie, dogs will hunt in one-hour intervals until tie is broken or flip a coin if all parties agree.
15. GENERAL INFORMATION:
a. Search and Jump: Dogs to be freely cast and walked in the general direction of the hunt. No hunting in enclosures except in Registered Winner’s Pack. Dogs to be declared struck and recorded according to their called positions upon opening. Dog must open before being declared struck Judge will instruct handlers to call in dog(s) when necessary to keep cast hunting together. Dog(s), not handlers or Judges, to search for and jump rabbit. In case of handlers inadvertently jumping rabbit, hounds may be released on track for split strike points. It is a majority of cast decision to split points if the rabbit is seen by the majority of cast. If the rabbit is not seen by the majority of the cast it must be a unanimous decision to split points
b. Speed and Drive: Dogs to pursue rabbit as fast as scenting conditions allow, but must exhibit good line control. Dog(s) observed to be “running rough,” “cutting,” or “slashing” on track will be scratched on second offense. Rough Running is defined as attempting to run the front of the pack faster than scenting conditions allow or without regard for the actual line. Routinely overshooting turns leading pack mates astray. Cutting is defined as attempting to run the front by leaving the trail to head off pack mates or avoiding heavy cover and other obstacles. Slashing is defined as running in a hit or miss fashion as a result of gambling and without regard for the actual line. Judge to score dogs on speed and drive as rabbit is circled and seen by a cast member. Dogs to be scored as they trail through the line at the approximate location that rabbit is seen. It must be obvious that a dog is NOT trailing in order to deny the dog on Speed and Drive. At time rabbit is seen, Judge or majority of cast if hunting Judge is used, must decide whether to allow dog(s) to continue on trail or pick up dog(s) in order to find new ground or another rabbit. Speed and drive points are awarded in order that dogs pass, splitting points when positions cannot be determined. After first dog has been scored on Speed and Drive, there is a one minute time limit to score remaining dogs on that line. Dog(s) must be open on the majority of circle being scored
in order to be scored. If allowed to continue on trail, score initial strike points and each time rabbit is circled and seen, score speed and drive only. Speed and drive may be scored three (3) times only on the same rabbit. If loss occurs before completion of any additional circle, each dog declared struck to be scored 50 minus points in the losses/recoveries column. However, in case of split tracks, see rule 3(d). Otherwise, no dog(s) to be called off a trail without those points being minused.
c. Losses and Recoveries: At point where dogs lose trail and become quiet, Judge to start clock on dogs. After one minute has elapsed without any dog opening, all struck dogs to be considered at a loss (check) and minused 20 points. In case of split tracks, times to be kept separately for checks on each track. First dog to open honestly, resulting in reasonable forward progress to be awarded 20 points for recovering the loss. Additional dogs opening after first dog, to receive no “recovery” points. If no dog opens within three minutes, track to be considered finished and that particular track must be minused. In case of running rabbit in hole or place of refuge, see rule 3 (e) or rule 5 (a).
d. Additional Information: ALL HUNTERS, JUDGES AND/OR GUIDES MUST BE DRAWN PUBLICLY FOR THEIR CASTS. Dogs will compete in one class regardless of size or sex. However, dogs measuring over 15 inches may not be run. All dogs (except permanently measured dogs) must be measured the day of the event before entering. Owners having multiple entries will be drawn to separate casts if possible.
16. HUNTING AND NON-HUNTING JUDGES RULE CLARIFICATION.
Hunting or non-hunting Judges may be used on all casts including Champions or Grands. The only exception is the Registered Winner’s Pack, which must be judged by one or two non-hunting Judges. Unless otherwise specially noted in the Upcoming Events listing, all casts will be judged by hunting Judges. The host club has the right to assign a non-hunting Judge to any cast. It is not acceptable to use some of each unless a nonhunting Judge is assigned by the host club or Master of Hounds. One or the other type must be used on all casts in a category. Casts which are in violation will be scratched.
In casts with a hunting Judge in which only one dog is left in cast, other cast members are encouraged to stay with cast. If a hunting Judge scratches his dog, he may continue to Judge the cast as a hunting Judge, or pass the card to another member of the cast.
The decision of a non-hunting Judge may be questioned in the field at the time the decision is made. It will be scored with a question mark and taken to the Master of Hounds. The non-hunting Judge’s decision cannot be overturned in the field by a majority vote of cast members.
The following procedure should be followed when using hunting Judges on a cast regardless of category:
1. The host club must designate a hunting Judge for each cast from the entries received.
2. The Hunting Judge has complete authority and will be responsible for scoring all situations.
3. Should a situation arise where a handler questions a call that was made, or a call that should have been made but wasn’t, that handler may ask to have his question voted on by all cast members remaining with the cast.
4. Majority of cast rules. Each handler must vote or their dog will be scratched. If majority decision is not reached, leave the call as it was scored by the Judge, place a “question mark” (?) on the card, and check with the Master of Hounds. Any handler that is not satisfied with the majority of
cast decision retains the right to place a “question mark” (?) on the card and present his question to the Master of Hounds.
5. If this procedure is not followed, question will not be considered by the Master of Hounds.
17. Any person intimidating, threatening or injuring a hunter, Judge, Master of Hounds, club official, or UKC representative:
a. Will be suspended for one year up to life from participating in any way (including, but not limited to owner, handler, back-up handler, Judge, uide, spectator, Master of Hounds) in any UKC licensed event; and
b. Shall be disqualified from having any of their dogs receive any Championship points for one year up to life; and
c. Shall be barred from registering any dogs in their name with UKC for one year up to life. Details and procedures for handling this situation are available from UKC However, UKC reserves unto itself, in its sole judgment and discretion, the right to take such action and impose such sanctions as it deems appropriate.
Copyright © 2008
by United Kennel Club, Inc. All Rights Reserved
UNITED KENNEL CLUB, INC.
Beagle Field Operations
100 E Kilgore Rd • Kalamazoo MI 49002-5584
(ALL LICENSES for UKC LICENSED Events shall be
granted or withheld in the sole discretion of United
Kennel Club, Inc.)
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