At the Minnesota State Pheasant Championship and other NATHA tournaments you can receive BOTH NATHA and NUCS points for competing
Women or Juniors (young hunters under 18) can choose the partner of their choice and compete in Mixed Doubles Class
Amateur Class -
NATHA Amateur Rules
OPEN Class - NUCS Rules
Professional Class - NATHA Professional Rules
Mixed
Doubles!
Women or
Juniors (young hunters under 18) can choose the partner of their choice and compete
in Mixed Doubles Class
A competitor can compete in both Professional and the OPEN Class, if they
choose!
If you choose to compete in the Amateur Class, you or your dog cannot
compete in the Professional Class Doubles at that tournament.
Dogs will be allowed to compete in up to 4 classes per tournament, and as often
as twice per event, per day. (Maximum 8)
A safety will be awarded on the dog, when a safe shot is not possible.
| NATHA Classes |
Rules |
Format |
Dog Type |
| Professional Doubles |
NATHA Professional |
one run |
Pointer
& Flusher |
| Open Doubles |
NUCS |
one
run |
Pointer & Flusher |
| Amateur Doubles |
NATHA Amateur |
one run |
Pointer
& Flusher |
| Top Gun |
NATHA Professional |
one run |
Pointer
& Flusher |
| Open Singles |
NUCS |
two
run combo |
Pointer & Flusher |
| Top Gun 50 |
NATHA Professional |
one
run |
Pointer & Flusher |
| Top Gun 60 |
NATHA Professional |
one
run |
Pointer & Flusher |
| Puppy |
NATHA Professional |
one run |
Pointer
& Flusher |
| Mixed Doubles |
NATHA Amateur |
one
run |
Pointer & Flusher |
| Juniors |
NATHA Amateur |
one run |
Pointer
& Flusher |
| Senior Dog (over 8) |
NATHA Professional |
one run |
Pointer
& Flusher |
Point system
60
pts Shots
Not Taken
200 pts Birds
Harvested
75 pts Finds
45 pts Retrieves
1 pt every second
remaining
Restrictions to competition
A
dog may only be entered twice in the same division per day, maximum four
divisions per day and a maximum of 8 runs per day. A player must be changed to
enter again in any division. There are no crossovers from Amateur Class to
Professional Class allowed, in the same tournament.
Competition specific rules
TOP GUN: Limited
to 8 shells, 20-minute event, 4 Birds. This is a one hunter and one dog format
event; it includes Juniors, Women, Top Gun Over 50, Top Gun Over 60 and
Professional Top Gun
. If a pointing dog goes on point in a normal out of bounds, the hunter may go
out of bounds with his gun and the judge, flush the bird and shoot it. The bird
must be flushed in a safe direction before a shot may be taken. An unsafe flush
out of bounds will receive only a find in the scoring.
. NATHA
In the Top gun class only, the same team may compete twice (hunter and dog), if
the hunter chooses. All prizes, money and trophies offered in that competition
shall be earned from either run, if appropriate. However, the runs must be on
different days, unless the competition takes place on one day only. No NATHA
Dog Points will be awarded for any placements or victories if the hunter elects
to run the same team twice. All Dog Points will be moved down, to the
appropriate team.
OPEN CLASS
The OPEN Class will be run under NUCS rules; so points awarded will be
recognized by both NATHA and NUCS for qualification toward the OPEN Class Top
Dog award and NUCS Nationals.
[Official page
for NUCS Rules, click here]
PROFESSIONAL
CLASS (Limited to 12 Shells) 25 Minute event - 6 Birds or as the promoter
determines
. Competition for two hunters, one dog. Dogs of all ages are permitted.
. Each Hunter is limited to 6 shells each, with a total of 12 shots combined
for the entire team.
. Unlimited amount of entries are permitted. Contestants must change 1 element
of the team (hunter or dog change) and pay another entry fee. Except no dog may
run more than 2 times in any one class per day.
PUPPY (Limited to 12 Shells) 25 Minute event - 6 Birds
. Same requirements as Professional Class event apply except for the following:
The dog must be under the age of 2 years as of January 1st of any new year.
Proof of age is required by the participant or known by the tournament official
(appropriate documentation should be available if requested by the official).
AMATEUR
CLASS (Limited to 12 Shells), 20 Minute event - 4 Birds or as the promoter
determines
. Hunter or dog may not participate in a Professional Doubles event when
competing in the Amateur Class at the event
Competition rules
1. Trespass Area / Internal Boundary Buffer Zone
a) Trespass Area (leaves Club property)
Hunters or dogs
may not trespass under any circumstances, except injury. If a pointing dog
inadvertently goes on point in a trespass area, permission to retrieve the dog
needs to be given by an official before leaving club property. Under no
circumstances will a bird be allowed to be harvested in a trespass area.
Hunters who leave club property with permission of an official may not carry a
firearm when retrieving the dog.
b) Internal Boundary Buffer Zone
Marked out of
bounds by the tournament official, this creates a safe buffer zone inside the
club property. Reasons for this include protection of club neighbor property,
buildings, or other competition areas. These zones are not intended to be
hunted and therefore no hunter will be allowed to shoot inside a buffer zone
(exception: Top Gun Pointer event - see Top Gun Specific Rules)
Specific rules regarding the buffer zone include:
. A dog may only
enter the buffer zone in hot pursuit of a bird.
. A find or retrieve may be awarded only if the bird is shot by the hunter
inside the hunting field. (Exception Top Gun Pointer)
. Retrieves must be to the inside of the hunting field in order for retrieve
points to be awarded.
. Trapped birds in a buffer zone are treated as a normal trapped bird. The
retrieve must be to the inside of the hunting field.
. Hunters may enter the buffer zone only with the intent to flush a pointed or
worked bird (this must be confirmed and approved by the judge before the hunter
enters the buffer zone). The flushing hunter's firearm may not be carried into
the buffer zone when attempting to flush the bird (exception: Top Gun Pointer
event - see Top Gun Specific Rules).
. No safeties will be awarded to competitors for birds that flush into another
competition hunting field and no shots may be taken. Only the find points will
be awarded for the dog work.
. A hunter may enter the buffer zone to retrieve a dead bird, but only with the
judge's permission. The judge will grant permission provided the retrieve does
not interfere with an adjoining field's competition.
Important Note: In the case of the last bird, the clock does not stop until the
bird touches the hunter's hand. The hunter must be in bounds to stop the clock.
2. Dogs leaving fields
. When a dog leaves its designated hunting field and moves into another active
competition field, it is the responsibility of the handler with his voice,
whistle, or electric training collar to regain control of the dog. If the dog
flushes a bird in another competitor's field, full points shall be awarded to
the competitor in that field for the bird. No points will be awarded to the
hunting team that lost control and the clock will continue running.
. If the hunter cannot gain control of the dog, he can leave his gun and
physically go into the field only with permission of the judge in the invaded
field, and lead or carry the dog out of the field
3. Stocking
. Stocking shall include six (6) birds for professional, Open doubles and
puppy, and four (4) birds for Open Singles, Amateur and Top Gun runs, excluding
the first run wherein eight (8) birds will be released for a professional run
and puppy run. A total of five (5) birds will be released for Top Gun and Open
first runs.
. Birds shall be placed at random by stockers (See Instructions for Stockers).
. When placing a bird in the field, if the bird flies away upon setting, it
should be replaced. If the flyaway takes place after all stockers have returned
and while the competitors have been removed from the containment area, but not
yet begun their run, the bird should be replaced.
. If a bird flies into the field while stockers are stocking, it is considered
good luck.
. If in the course of setting the fields, the stockers flush a bird that flies
away, the bird shall be replaced. If a team coming out flushes a bird purposely
or accidentally, the judge may rule:
Purposeful - The team will be fined 200 points, and the bird shall be replaced.
The bird replaced should be placed somewhere other than where the bird was
flushed.
Accidental - It shall be considered bad luck.
. Following all competitions, all dogs should be brought to lead, and the team
should promptly leave the field.
4. Spectators on the Set
. The managing tournament official shall determine whether or not spectators
can observe the set, but under no circumstances can competitors view their own
set. Containment areas should be developed for the hunters while their set is
taking place. (
U.S.
Open Rule: No one may watch the set)
. There will be no communication of any type between the spectators and
competitors regarding sets.
. Tournament officials may determine whether or not hunters can watch the run
proceeding. (
U.S.
Open Rule: Hunters will not watch the run proceeding)
. It is the responsibility of the managing tournament official to consistently
monitor rules for their events.
5. Ammunition
. Hunters may use all gauges of shotguns 12 gauge or smaller while competing,
but no shells larger than 2 3/4".
. If a bird is shot by an illegal shell, it shall not count in the point total
for the team. The judge will warn the hunter of the violation. Should the
hunter continue using the illegal shell(s) after the warning, the hunter will
be disqualified by the judge.
. If a hunter runs out of shells, he may not exchange with the other hunter. If
both hunters run out of shells, the run is considered completed. Time will be
stopped and the hunters will exit the field. No points will be awarded for time
remaining on the clock when the run is scored.
6. Non Bird
. Bird points will be awarded for the species of a particular tournament. When
another bird is accidentally shot, the shell will count and be deducted, but no
finds or retrieves will be awarded. If a fur-bearing animal (i.e.: skunk or
raccoon) is engaged by the dog, with the permission of the judge and if legal
with the state, a hunter may dispatch the fur-bearer from the field and the
clock will continue to run. No shell will be charged. There will be no reruns
or interference. In the event a dead bird is found it may be awarded points
(see Dead bird).
7. Trapping
. A bird may be trapped by a dog. For Pointing dogs, the team trapping the bird
will be allowed one trap per run without penalty, all additional traps will be
assessed a 30-point penalty (pointer class only.) A hunter, of the captain's
choice, will be deducted one (1) shell.
. A bird may not be trapped by a hunter unless the hunter is assisting the bird
into the air with the intent of shooting. Hunters should not stump birds or
kick them with the intent to harm. This will result in loss of bird points. The
hunter may assist a bird to fly (throwing it up in the air) so a shot may be
taken.
. Trapped bird by the dog will constitute a penalty of 30 points in the pointer
class only. Hunter may reach in to throw the bird to prevent the dog from
trapping or have the option of releasing the bird from the dog to take a shot.
8. Gun Malfunctions
. A gun malfunction by either teammate shall be considered bad luck. It is the
option of the individual to leave the field and return with another gun of
legal gauge, and the clock will continue to run. The hunter has to leave the
field himself, and cannot appoint someone else to leave or enter the field in
his place.
9. Dog in Heat
. The promoter may accept dog in heat entries provided they are placed at the
end of the day so as not to affect other teams' competition.
10. Dog Injured
. If a dog is injured and unable to continue its competition prior to
harvesting fifty percent (50%) of the birds in the field, the judge shall take
an independent dog in the field and harvest down to equivalent of 2 the birds
in the field prior to the stocking.
11. Dead Bird Found in Field
. When a dog traps a bird, there must be an adequate demonstration of life for
the judge to rule a trap. If in the judge's estimation there is no life, it
will be counted as a dead bird. Dead birds are awarded 45 points provided it is
the type of bird being hunted in the existing tournament. Dead birds are
defined as consisting of the entire, intact carcass. Wings or body parts do not
constitute a dead bird.
12. Birds Entering the Field
. When a bird enters the field, it may be found, harvested, and retrieved as if
that bird were set for that competitive run. In the event a staff error creates
an unfair advantage, an official ruling may require removal of birds from the
field (ex. a bird crate overturns during or after stacking and additional birds
escape into the field thus creating an unfair advantage).
13. Disqualification
. A hunter may receive a run disqualification for any of the following reasons:
1. Shooting more than the allowed limit. Violating the no-trespass rule.
2. Ignoring the judges ruling and warnings concerning buffer zone usage.
3. Continually disregarding judge warnings concerning competition rules.
4. Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
. A hunter may receive an event disqualification (extremely serious) for
continually abusing event officials after being appropriately warned (see
Sportsmanship for complete details of the results of an event
disqualification).
. When a hunter is disqualified, the judge should encourage the team to
continue and remove birds from the field. Should the team not continue to hunt,
the judge and/or stockers should make their best effort to flush down to fifty
percent (50%) of the originally set birds.
. Hunters who receive a run disqualification are not entitled to reimbursement
of their entry fees, and reruns are not permitted. In addition, scores will not
be posted and prizes will not be awarded.
14. Bird Parts
. Whenever bird parts are found in the field, it is the judges' or stockers'
responsibility to remove them. Hunters should never drop or leave bird parts in
the field. If they do, they will receive a warning. Competitors who continue to
drop or leave bird parts in the field after they have been warned will be fined
100 points per offense.
15. Find - Awarded 75 points
. A point or flush where, in the judges' opinion, the dog, through its action
or behavior, was working the bird, or the judge believes the bird was produced
due to actions of the dog. Pointers must establish and hold a point for two (2)
seconds in order to achieve a find. There will be one "bump" exception per run
to this rule, which applies to whatever bird or birds were found. There will be
no second find on the same bird unless the judge has reason to believe that it
may be a different bird. Only proven birds may be awarded find points. There is
a maximum of two extra finds per run.
. Out of bounds finds are only awarded if the bird is shot by an inbounds
hunter or trapped, except in Top Gun Pointer [see rule "Top Gun"].
16. Bird Count
. The clock will be stopped when the proper number of birds is harvested for
the event. Judges should count birds while still in the field to determine that
the competition is complete. If the proper number of birds is not proven to be
harvested, time will immediately resume and continue until either the final
bird/s are harvested or the clock runs out of time.
. Competition is complete when the final bird touches the hunter's hand and the
judge witnesses it. The hunter must be inbounds.
. When a competitor and judge agree that there is serious confusion regarding
bird count or rules interpretation, a brief time-out may be taken. During a
time-out period, the dog must be on lead (the clock will not stop until it is).
Both competitors must be together with the judge. The only items discussed must
be controversial issues, and time resumes immediately following the discussion.
17. Safety
. A safety less a find will be awarded if a judge or authorized photographer
accidentally flushes a bird.
. A competitor may request a safety when he feels that there is the probability
of harm to the building, vehicle, dog, gallery, or judge. The judge must
immediately respond. When a safety is granted, full points for find and
retrieve shall be awarded, and a shell shall be deducted. There are no
competitor safeties.
. No safeties will be awarded in a buffer/zone (see Trespass Area / Internal
Boundary Buffer Zone).
. If either hunter fires a shot after the safety is called, none of the
additional shots are deducted from either hunter. The judge's ruling is the overriding
call and therefore precedence is held.
. If a safety is called on a last bird of the run the clock will be stopped at
the time the safety is declared.
. A safety will be awarded on the dog, when a safe shot is not possible.
18. Retrieve - Awarded 45 points
. Retrieve points will be granted when a dog picks up the bird and proceeds
toward the hunter. This also applies to trapped birds. Specific rules
concerning a fully-qualified retrieve include:
1. There is no designated handler. All retrieves must be proved for points. The
hunter should not move from his/her shooting position and the dog must deliver
to hand within the pivot point of the hunter. [See Section 4]
2. A trapped bird qualifies for a full retrieve when the dog returns a fully
qualified retrieve.
3. Retrieve must be to the hand of any hunter.
4. Once shots are taken and the bird is hit, one hunter must remain at their
location when the shot was taken. The judge will mark the position and warn the
hunter to return to it if they have moved. Either hunter may guide a dog to an
unmarked bird but one must remain in the original position, or in singles
competition return to the original position.
5. The dog must retrieve the bird and return to the handling hunter.
6. The hunter may pivot on one foot only in a full 360-degree circle. Should
the hunter wish to entice the dog to complete the retrieve, he/she may proceed
backwards or at a right angle (90 degrees) to the dog's current position. It is
not acceptable to use the enticement to improve ones position in the field for
their next bird. Once movement has been made by the handling hunter, no forward
movement may occur (the pivot point is now the current position of the hunter).
The judge will warn the hunter of loss of full retrieve if compliance to this
is not made.
7. The dog must place the bird firmly in the hand of the handling hunter. A
bird dropped within the pivotal circle of the hunter will not be considered a
full retrieve. A bird firmly in the hand is one that is off the ground and securely
placed in the hand of the hunter.
8. During the course of the retrieve, the other hunter is not allowed to
physically aid the dog, other than to help by calling to the dog to locate the
bird.
9. The handling hunter may use an electric training collar during the retrieve.
Leads or other physical means will not be allowed.
The
judge will warn the hunter(s) if the dog is not fulfilling the requirements of
a retrieve.
19. Injured Hunter
. When a hunter is injured in the field, it is the option of the team for one
individual to choose to continue, unless the judge determines that time must
stop and all focus must be on the injured participant. In this event, the run
will be considered suspended and the tournament handled as if there were a
disqualification (suspended on scoreboard).
20. Training Aids
. Bells, Beeper collars, and Electric training collars are permissible. The
managing tournament official can determine whether or not live training collars
may be used in an event (U.S. Open Rule: training collars may be used).
21. Sportsmanship
. All competitors are required to adhere to the rules of good sportsmanship.
Intimidation motives or abusive behavior towards any tournament staff members
(spectator security, stockers, judges, etc.) will not be tolerated. Competitors
who do not comply with this requirement will receive a warning which will be
summarily communicated to the managing tournament official. Only two warnings
will be permitted per competitor. Competitors who receive more than two warnings
will suffer disqualification of all performed runs. The competitor will then no
longer be permitted to compete for the duration of the tournament.
22. Firearms Safety
. All competitors are required to practice safe firearms handling before,
during, and after their competitive runs. Firearms should be unloaded with
actions open previous to entering a field and returned to a similar state when
the run is completed. Should a competitor be operating in an unsafe manner with
their firearm while in the field, the judge will issue a warning to correct the
behavior. Should the behavior not be corrected, the run will be assessed a 100
point penalty. Further unsafe behavior will result in a warning with an
automatic penalty assessment
MEMBERSHIP AND FEES
The
sanctioning fee is $5.00 per run on any run in any class, for all runs where
both members of a doubles team or the person running singles is a current
member of NATHA. The sanctioning fee for non-members is $10 per run. All
memberships expire April 1, 2008; memberships can be purchased from NATHA
directly or from a NATHA sanctioned tournament operator for only $30.00. NUCS
sanctioning fees are $15.00.
The tournament operator will be given flexibility as to the length of run of
the competition and may choose to have a maximum length of 25 minutes or 20
minutes, provided the maximum is the same for all competitors in a class.
Top Dog Showdown
The
U.S. OPEN Top Dog Showdown, following the U.S. OPEN, will include six (6)
Pointers and six (6) Flushers in double competition, winner take all, for "Dog
of the Year". The entries will be the top two (2) placements in the U.S. OPEN
and the next four (4) top point gainers from the entire NATHA season of
competition. Top Dog points will be from all Professional Classes, Top Gun, Top
Gun 50 and Top Gun 60 only, including the U.S. OPEN. The order of play will be
by drawing. Any competitor unwilling to comply with the special rules of the
"Top Dog Showdown" will be discreetly replaced by the next most eligible team.
The winners of the Showdown will receive "The Cup", with one cup for Pointers,
one cup for Flushers, and equal prize money to both classes.
Points of Note:
Showdown rules will be NATHA doubles rules
No one dog can compete more than once
No hunter can compete in more than one class
NATHA reserves the right for the competition to be delayed up to 24 hours due
to weather or unsuitable conditions
Competitors may be required to wear certain clothing or signage from the event
sponsors
Competitors may be required to wear cameras or recording devices in the course
of the competition
Competitors agree to release the full usage of their names, images, or likeness
for the purpose of broadcast or print of any other media to be determined by
NATHA or its designee.