UKC® NITE HUNTS 2009/2010 OFFICIAL NITE HUNT HONOR RULES
* Denotes rule change made for 2009/2010

In addition to the rules on the scorecard, the Official
2009/2010 UKC Coonhound Rulebook and the most recent Coonhound Advisor columns in COONHOUND BLOODLINES contain additional rules, statements of policies and interpretations of UKC rules pertaining to the conducting of UKC events. All event activities, rules, policy applications and interpretations are subject to the final decision by UKC in its sole judgement and discretion.

*1. One night only. No entries will be accepted after the listed deadline for any reason. All casts must hunt the time indicated in Upcoming Events Listing in COONHOUND BLOODLINES. If a two-night hunt, hunting time MUST be same both nights. Before beginning a hunt, a Time Deadline for completion of hunt will be announced and posted in plain view of all hunters. Time deadline of hunt and return of scorecard to MOH/HD will be indicated on front of all UKC Scorecards. Dogs must be divided into the least number of casts possible in accordance with the Nite Hunt cast breakdown sheet. Dog must open before declared struck or treed. One handler to each dog. Any handler unable to complete hunt must pick up his dog. Judge shall give permission for another handler to complete hunt. All dogs, including Champions, to hunt entire hunt unless scratched. Casts are not to be drawn until after entries close at the listed deadline. Those in entry line at deadline will be entered. Authority of the Judge begins when he is officially designated and receives the scorecard. The authority of the Judge ceases when the scorecard is turned in to the MOH/HD.

2. POINT SYSTEM:

(a) 100 points for dog that opens first; 75 points second; 50 points third; 25 points fourth. If a dog is turned back in on a trail that is being worked, he gets the next available position. If all positions are taken, he gets 25 points. All dogs must be off leash in order for any dog to receive 100 strike points.

(b) 125 points for dog declared treed first; 75 points second; 50 points third; 25 points fourth.

(c) Points may be split for position, when called positions cannot be determined.

*3. POINTS WILL BE PLUS:

(a) When dogs strike and tree and coon is seen: (1) by a non-hunting Judge, or (2) by a majority of the cast when hunting Judge is used. (3) Only one tree is counted even if more than one coon is up the tree.

(b) When dog is declared struck and treed and coon is seen other than in tree, dog declared treed to receive strike and tree points. Dogs not declared treed, strike points only. If dog catches coon, strike points only.

(c) One set of strike points in case of split tree, and each will be counted as separate trees for tree points.

*(d) Dog(s) that are shut out (not struck before first dog is declared treed) must still be declared struck. They are eligible for tree points if they are declared treed within the five minutes. If they are at tree shut out on when judge arrives, strike points are deleted. For all other
situations they are accountable for their strike points.

*4. POINTS WILL BE MINUS:

(a) For running, treeing or molesting off game.

(b) When dogs tree and (1) a non-hunting Judge or (2) a majority of the cast when hunting Judge is used, can plainly see no coon is there.

(c) When dog has been declared treed and dogleaves tree. (If he goes on the trail just his tree pointswill be minus). If dog returns to tree within the five minutes he will receive the next available position on tree, unless all dogs have been declared treed.

(d) If dog declared treed, after five minutes has elapsed no additional dog can be declared treed at that particular tree but if they come in to tree will get minus on track and nothing on tree if coon is seen.

(e) When a dog quits a trail that is being worked and comes in, he will be minused, Judges decision; or if none of the declared struck dogs open within 8 minutes, the strike will be considered finished and minused. However, if the dog goes back on the trail, he will get the next available position. Once a position has been scored 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. He is not to be tied or encouraged to go back.)

(f) After a dog is declared treed, at least one of the dogs declared treed must bark at least once every two minutes until cast arrives at the tree, or be minused. If no dog barks in two minutes, tree declared open.

(g) Dogs treeing, but not declared treed, when Judge arrives, will be minused on tree points on "off" game or slick tree. Points will be determined by next available position in the case of one dog, or split available tree points in the case of two or more dogs. Dogs shut out on strike on slick tree or "off" game will receive minus tree points only.

(h) Dog(s) declared struck and determined to be babbling will be minused their strike points. Babbling is defined as when a dog opens three times or has been struck where no track is evident.

(i) If a handler strikes or trees the wrong dog, the Judge will award points called and minus them. These points will then be open for all dogs.

(j) First offense failure to strike a dog on or before the third bark, after the first minute each time dog(s) is released will result in those points being awarded and minused.

*(k) Any dogs declared treed after five minutes expires and tree is closed; call will be accepted as a split tree. If dog is on closed tree when judge arrives, tree points will be minused. Strike points scored in accordance with 4(d).

5. CIRCLED AND DELETED POINTS

Circle points:

(a) When dog strikes and trees up a tree or a hole in the ground where there could be a coon, yet Judge does not see coon and no off game is seen. (No tree climbing.) NOTE: In case of running coon in hole or place of refuge other than a tree, handler may call dog treed. However, if not called treed, cast may proceed to general area, and track can be considered finished if dogs, by actions either tree barking or otherwise, show to the satisfaction of the Judge, coon to be there. One dog must show end of trail. For dogs declared treed in hole or tile, see Rule 3(b) or 4(c), if applicable.

(b) No dog to receive minus points for coming into tree after Judge arrives unless a coon is seen and the dogs treeing are awarded plus points.

Delete points:

(c) If dogs are trailing when time is out.

(d) If Judge has to call time out in accordance with Rule 8.

(e) No points, not even circled points, will be awarded when dogs return to tree that had previously been scored, cast may go to tree without dogs being declared treed, if majority of cast agree, when hunting Judges are used.

(f) When Judge orders dogs to be called off because of live-stock or nearness to highway, building, etc.

(g) When dog that is shut out comes into tree shut out on.

(h) When dog trees on a tree previously scored.

*6. DOGS WILL BE SCRATCHED:

(a) If a dog has a total of 400 minus points, regardless of how many plus points the dog has.

(b) Fighting or attempting to fight during the authority of the Judge. Dog's name, UKC number and owner's name will be reported to UKC on Nite Hunt report form. No handler will be allowed to scratch his dog to avoid dog from being scratched for fighting. When the aggressive dog is known, scratch the aggressor only. If not known, scratch dogs involved.

(c) 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.

(d) Failing to make any attempt to hunt within any 30 consecutive scorecard minutes.

(e) On second offense if handler fails to strike his dog on or before the third bark, after the first minute, each time dog(s) is released. (This rule is to be rigidly enforced.)

(f) On second offense if handler calls another handler's dog.

(g) If a handler is drinking or if he seems to want to stir up trouble.

(h) Bitches smelling strong enough to attract dogs or a dog that is just bad to bother bitches while other dogs pay them no attention.

(i) If dog is continuously silent on trail.

(j) For delaying completion of cast for one hour after time out is called in accordance with Rule 8.

(k) In Nite Champion and Grand Nite Champion casts, dog is scratched for running, treeing or molesting off game during the authority of the Judge.

(l) For use of any device used to control or locate dog prior to cast completing hunt time. (Locating device may be used during time outs.) Lighted collars are not considered to be a locating device and are allowed.

(m) If handler hollers at or physically abuses the dog.

(n) Club must set an overall time limit and cast will be scratched for violation.

(o) For running or molesting stock. (Only one offense.)

*(p) If handler fails to return to MOH/HD after cast becomes separated.

(q) If handler fails to declare treed a dog obviously treeing (Judge's decision) for a period of five minutes. Dog may be declared treed while five is running but not after the five has expired. Judge must verify dog to be at a tree before it can be scratched.

7. NON-WORKING DOG:

If dog is not working as part of cast and is holding first strike or second strike, etc., all strike points will be open to other dogs after coons have been treed and seen in two separate trees, or one hour of hunting time has elapsed.

8. TIME OUTS:

Judge or majority of cast if hunting Judge is used, may call time out 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 15 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) If dog(s) declared treed, 10 minutes of hunting time may be demanded to search tree, or place of refuge, which is not a time out. No plus points will be awarded if coon is seen after 10 minutes shining time has elapsed.

(g) Time out will be called when dog(s) are trailing and out of hearing distance in different directions.

(h) Dog(s) declared treed, before time out is called, will be scored.

(i) Time out may be called to go from one split tree to another if all dogs are declared treed and more than 15 minutes is required to travel between trees. If dog leaves tree and goes back on track, time in continues.

NOTE: IF time out is called then time is out, and if dog should tree, it would not count except in accordance with 6(k). NO TIME IS TO BE CALLED OUT TO SEARCH A TREE OR WHEN DOGS ARE TIED TO BE LED AWAY FROM A TREE. (THIS IS A PART OF THE HUNT, UNLESS MOVING TO NEW AREA IN ACCORDANCE WITH 8(c).)

9. HANDLERS:

The handler's duties are to know their dog's voice and nature. Also, to advise Judge of any of the dog's peculiarities before hunt begins and to tell Judge when dog opens and when dog trees. It is the handler's responsibility to check time and score before signing scorecard. If dog is scratched (or leaves cast for any reason), hunt time used, other dogs' scores and handler's signature must be recorded on scorecard.

*10. JUDGES:

The Judges are picked by the sponsors because they believe them to be honest and capable of keeping score just as it is given to them by handlers. They will show no favors to any dog or hunter and will inform handlers of score and time recorded, if requested. Club will have the option of Hunting or Non-hunting Judges on all casts for each division. Non-hunting Judge may be assigned to any cast at the discretion of MOH/HD and/or club officials. If hunting Judge scratches his dog he can continue to judge the cast as a hunting Judge, or pass the card to another member
of the cast. Remaining cast members, though scratched, retain all voting privileges. If only one cast member remains, member must return to MOH/HD for a Non-hunting Judge to complete cast. Deadline may be extended if necessary for the cast involved.

*11. HANDLERS AND JUDGES:

No trees to be climbed or cut. No coon to be killed. Where dogs split up Judge will go with handler to the dog that trees first. If a split tree is obvious (Judge's decision), split tree must be declared. Separate time must be kept on each tree unless all dogs are declared treed. Permission will be given for other handlers to go to their dogs on split tree; otherwise cast must remain together unless time out is called. Split tree cannot be shined until Judge arrives. After five minutes, first dog's tree may be checked and that dog kept on leash until tree is scored, then he must be turned loose with other dogs that are opening on trail and will receive 25 points credit or discredit as deserved, or next available position. However, if dog(s) are already treed, handlers have the option to release dog(s) so long as at least one dog is still out trailing. No credit allowed for dog brought to tree. All handlers must stay with Judge at all times unless given permission by Judge to leave. Judge will be first to arrive at tree. Judge must maintain pace attainable by all members of cast. Scorecards to be carried by Judge (or non-hunting scorekeeper if all cast members agree) and must be scored in plain view of all. If there is a question in the woods, refer to Rule #18. Situations not questioned and notated at the time Judge's decision is made, will not be considered.

*12. MASTER OF HOUNDS (MOH) / HUNT DIRECTOR (HD): MOH will hear each viewpoint and have last say. Remember, handler may state his case plainly, but if unreasonable, his dog may be scratched by Master of Hounds, Judge or Panel. Scorecards must be finished in the woods and no changes later except where a question arises and is noted in the woods. MOH/HD must be at the clubhouse at all times. All scores must be posted after the posted deadline or when all scorecards are in possession of the MOH/HD. MOH cannot enter a dog in a UKC Licensed Nite Hunt where he or she is serving as MOH. Their dogs cannot be entered by a handler.

*13. SCORECARDS: Scorecards must be finished in the woods and signed by each handler or his dog will be scratched. A scorecard may be signed still with the right of protest. (Changes can only be made by the MOH. Math errors may be corrected by HD). This rule must be strictly adhered to. Club Secretary must keep scorecards and make them available to contestants or UKC for one year.

14. 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 #19) the handler is to go with the Judge and members of that cast to the club to present question. For
MOH format events, the Master of Hounds will make a decision based upon the statement of the case provided by the handler, Judge and other members of the cast. For HD format events, the question goes directly to the panel. No complaints will be considered after a period of thirty
(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 MOH/panel, a Formal Complaint may be made by any owner or handler of a UKC registered dog entered in the UKC Licensed Nite Hunt. If a Formal Complaint is made, request a UKC Formal Complaint form from the MOH/HD and fill it out. It must be turned in with a fee of $20 (MOH format only) to the MOH/HD not later than thirty (30) minutes after the posted time of deadline for return of scorecards.

This complaint procedure does NOT apply to situations arising under Rule #19 that deals with intimidating, threatening, or injuring a Hunter, Judge, MOH/HD, Club Official or a UKC Representative. Also, this complaint procedure does NOT apply to alleged irregularity or violation of rules of the United Kennel Club that occur other than during a hunt; an example of such irregularity or violation would be an improper registration and/or transfer of ownership and as to this type of irregularity or violation you should directly contact United Kennel Club, Inc., which will thereafter deal with such situations on a case-by-case basis pursuant to its inherent powers.

15. WINNERS:

(a) A dog must have a total score of plus points, and be a cast winner, before they can receive Championship Points.

(b) The ten high point cast winners from different casts will be judged the first ten winners.

16. 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 tree points; if still a tie, dog that has the most plus strike points; if still a tie, dog that has the most circled tree points; if still a tie, dog that has the most circled strike points. If still a tie, dogs involved will hunt in one-hour intervals until tie is broken, or flip a coin if all parties agree.

17. GENERAL INFORMATION:

When a dog is declared treed, Judge is not to let anyone go to the tree and start shining in less than five minutes, unless all dogs have been declared treed. This is a courtesy to other handlers and also to see that a dog will hold his tree. If at all possible, be at the tree within five (5) minutes. If handlers are so far from tree that it will take more than five minutes to get to tree, they are to start walking toward tree, but stopping all along to let other handlers see if their dog is treeing. Judge is not to let any handler keep holding him away from tree just to let dog get to tree after five minutes are up. Dog must hold the tree for five minutes, unless all dogs in cast are declared treed. If one dog in cast, or one dog remaining in cast, dog must hold tree for five minutes. Dogs declared treed within hunting time, are eligible for scoring. When hunting time is up, cast can go directly to tree. Dogs at tree must be leashed. Judges are not to let hunters call dogs off a trail without counting those points minus. No encouragement or discouragement of any kind to dogs. Dog should not be minused tree points if he comes back a short distance to meet handler if dog goes back in and trees satisfactorily. Judge should be informed of such peculiarities before hunt. No squalling nor any action deemed to be interfering with dog(s) to be done during the first seven minutes of shining time unless all dogs declared struck are at tree and leashed. Individual holding first tree controls shining of tree for first two minutes. No scoring aids to be used other than light or mechanical squallers. Two spectators per handler will be allowed on all casts. Spectators may not shine tree. Handler's dog(s) will be scratched for rule violations by their spectators. ALL HUNTERS, JUDGES, AND/OR GUIDES MUST BE DRAWN PUBLICLY FOR THEIR CAST. Owners having multiple entries will have dogs drawn to separate casts if possible.

*18. (a) The decision of a non-hunting Judge may only be questioned in the field at the time the decision is made. The non-hunting Judge's decision cannot be overturned in the field by a majority vote of cast members. It will be scored with a question mark (?) and reviewed by the MOH/panel. A decision made by a non-hunting Judge may only be overturned by the MOH/panel.

(b) The following procedure must 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 that remain with the cast at that time.

*4. Each handler must vote or their dog will be scratched. It takes a majority vote to overturn judge's decision. Any handler that is not satisfied with the outcome retains the right to place a question mark (?) on the card and present his question to the MOH/panel. For HD format events, $20 must be deposited with HD before the panel will hear the question.

*19. Any person intimidating, threatening, or injuring a hunter, Judge, MOH/HD, Club Official or UKC Representative will be subject to sanctions under the Inherent Rights and Powers of the UKC 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.

*20. Any person caught using any device used to control or locate dog during hunting time, will be barred indefinitely. GPS locating device may be turned in the on position during hunting time but only if transmitter is left in vehicle. Transmitters for electronic training collars must be left in vehicle and may not be used by handler or spectators until dog wearing device is scratched and all other dogs are recovered for re-casting. (For time out periods see rule 6(l).) Lighted collars are not considered to be a locating device and are allowed.