National Kennel Club Inc®

An All-Breed Registry Since 1969

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

• Casts shall consist of 3 dogs whenever possible. 2 dog cast to be used when necessary. Casts are drawn after close of entries.
• Senior citizens (55 or older) or physically handicapped may hunt together by dogs weight class whenever possible. Except in special titled hunts.
• Casts for youths (17 years and under) and Ladies only allowed if host the club supplies an adult non-hunting judge.
• A multiple amount of dogs entered by one owner or kennel will not be drawn in same cast whenever possible.
• Dogs will hunt in following weight classes whenever possible. 1^st 25 pounds and under, 2^nd 26 to 40 pounds, 3^rd 41 pounds and over.
• Clubs may choose to award trophies, cash, etc.
• Entries will not be accepted after the deadline, unless waiting in line when deadline expires.
• Clubs may use hunting or non-hunting judges. The Master of Hounds can not hunt nor have a hound in the hunt.

• a) The Judge must keep cast together whenever possible.
• b) The Judge must score dogs in the order they are declared treed. Hunting judge must tie his dog, if declared treed, and score dogs.
• c) The Judge should arrive at tree first.
• d) It is the handler's responsibility to inform the Judge of his dog’s abnormal behavior.
• e) It is the responsibility of each handler to check for correctness before signing the scorecard.
• f) It is the responsibility of owner or handler to notify the entry taker of multiple entries.

• a) Tree points awarded shall be: 1^st 125, 2^nd 75, 3^rd 50.
• b) The Majority of the cast or non-hunting judge must see the squirrel (2 persons in either a 2-dog or a 3-dog cast.)
• c) Dogs declared treed may receive plus points if squirrel is seen timbering or on the ground. Even if squirrel goes into den, etc.
• d) When dog (s) are declared treed cast may move at a moderate pace close enough to see dogs working, but must wait 3, minutes after dogs are declared treed, unless all dogs are declared treed or hunt time expires before going to the tree. After 3 minutes tree is closed to other dogs. Dog coming into declared tree after tree is closed will be tied so not to interfere with treed dogs.
• e) Squirrel must be seen in declared tree or tree squirrel could have timbered to, and not over 30 steps from declared tree.
• f) 10 minutes allotted to search tree even when hunt time has expired.
• g) Handler can tree their own dog at their own discretion.
• h) Spilt trees awarded when dogs are declared treed; on separate trees over 30 steps apart or when open space is large enough between trees so squirrel could not have timbered.
• i) If squirrel is caught, and not declared treed before, no points will be awarded.
• j) A dog must bark before it can be declared treed.
• k) Dogs on leash may not be turned loose when another dog is declared treed.
• l) Clapping, vine pulling, etc. will not be allowed unless all dogs are declared treed and/or tied.

• When dog declared treed leaves tree before cast arrives and ties dog.
• When dog (s) are declared treed one dog must bark each 2 minutes until cast arrives within sight of the dogs.
• When dog is declared treed on a tree, that obviously contains no squirrel, not within 30 steps of large tree or that squirrel could not have timbered from.

• When a dog is declared treed on a den, hole, or other tree where squirrel may be hiding.
• When dog (s) returns to previously scored tree and can be seen by the majority of cast or non-hunting judge, go to tree and lead dogs away. If points are recorded draw a line through the points.

• If dog fails to hunt during any consecutive 45-minute period.
  If seen by non-hunting judge or majority of cast chasing domestic animals (first offense).
• If dog interferes with other dogs by growling, fighting, face barking, smelling females, or any other way.
• If dog becomes lost and delays cast for 1 hour (while timeout is called).
• If handler encourages, discourages or hits his dog. (This will be strictly enforced.)
• If dog has accumulated 450 minus points.
• If handler is drinking, taking non prescribed or illegal drugs or abusive in any way.
• If handler, owner, or spectator conducts themselves in an unsportsmanlike manner.
• If scorecard is returned after deadline.
• If cast fails to hunt the full 2 or 3 hours as advertised by club.
• If dog is seen by majority of cast or non-hunting judge running game other than tree game (second offense).
• No female dog will be allowed to hunt if dog is in any cycle of heat.

VII. OFF GAME - No dog is to receive plus or minus points for treeing, holing, or catching off game such as raccoon, cat, opossum, ground hog, etc. (normally classed as tree game). Just draw a line through score if any recorded.

VIII. TIME OUT- A time out may be called by majority of cast or non-hunting judge at any time desired unless dog is declared treed.

• Should be completed and signed in woods. If there is a question of a judge's decision, place a "?" on the scorecard.
• Protests - complaints must be made within 20 minutes after cast reaches clubhouse.
• The Master of Hound’s decision is final.

X. TIES shall be broken in the following manner:

• Dog with least minus points.
• Dog with most plussed first trees.
• Dog with most circle points.
• If there is still a tie, the Master of Hound’s will toss a coin with the handler calling.

XI. CHEATING – If a Club learns cheating has occurred all dogs involved will be scratched and no points given. (Exception – the member that reports the cheating within 20 minutes.) The NKC must be notified of this action.

Champion: To qualify as Squirrel Champion, a dog must have 100 champion points with a first place. Points awarded are: 1^st-40, 2^nd-35, 3^rd-30, 4^th-25, 5^th-20, 6^th-& 7^th-15, 8^th & 9^th-10, 10^th-5. Cast winners to place ahead of dogs not winning cast. NKC championship points awarded on plus points only.

Grand Champion: To qualify as a Grand Squirrel Champion, a dog must win five (5) champion hunts with plus points. Only one dog is given a champion win per hunt. (Unless the hunt is a State or Special Title Hunt) If only one champion dog is entered, the club must furnish a non-hunting judge.

Super Grand Champion: To qualify as a Super Grand Squirrel Champion, a dog must have eight (8) Grand Champion Hunt wins with plus points. To receive a grand champion win, the dog must hunt with other squirrel grand champions and be the highest scoring, plus points, cast winner or hunt alone with a non hunting judge and have the most plus points of all other dogs entered into the hunt.

 The Club has the authority to refuse entry of any dog without current NKC paperwork or any dog, owner, or handler that has caused trouble at a previous hunt.  Any handler or owner how physically or verbally abuses any person associated with the hunt, or dogs that have been reported for fighting 3 times will be barred from all NKC events for a period of 1 year to life.  The Club must send a report to the NKC office within 10 days.

Any Cur or Feist type squirrel registered with NKC may hunt unless the dog, owner or handler had been barred for previous misconduct. Dogs that are not NKC registered, may be registered at the hunt and receive points.

• Advertise hunt in "FULL CRY" (Exception- 1st event when time does not permit. Local advertisement is accepted.)
• Advertise dual hunts as to how points will be awarded.
• State in advertisement if hunt is open to:

1. All NKC registered squirrel dogs.
2. Cur and Feist type dogs only.
3. A specific breed of dog such as: Stephens Cur, Leopard Cur, etc.

• State if special titled hunt (State, World, etc.) where all dogs compete for same title and hunt together in their weight class whenever possible.
• Post deadlines and furnish judges.
• Send report to NKC as stated in VI c. fighting XI & XII.

No Training (Shock) or Dummy Collars Allowed, but a dog may be equipped with a tracking collar under the following conditions:

• The receiver must be in a carrying case kept in the vehicle.
• The owner or handler may use only after hunt is completed or handler or judge scratches the dog.

XVII. FEES:

Hunt only $20.00 Hunt and other events (treeing contest, bench show etc) $25.00 and $2.00 for each dog entered into an event.

XVIII. FILING REPORTS:

Hunt Reports must be mailed to NKC within 10 working days. After 10 days a $10.00 penalty is assessed.

XIX. DUAL SANCTIONED EVENTS:

No other dog events licensed by other registries may be held the same day or weekend NKC licensed hunts or events are scheduled, except hunts or events by the Breed Association of a single breed. Clubs violating this rule may forfeit the right to sponsor any NKC events at the discretion of NKC.

1. All Cast Must hunt for 3 hours, or 2 hours as advertised.

2. Cast shall consist of 3 dogs, or as near as permitted by entry, with one handler each. 2-dog cast to be used when necessary. Club must furnish non-hunting judge for 2-dog cast.

3. Scorekeepers are to be appointed by the sponsoring club.

4. No cast to receive points that return to clubhouse after deadline.

5. Senior citizens cast, 55 or older, or physically handicapped, may hunt separately except in special title hunts where all dogs must be drawn out together

6. Club may choose to award trophies, cash etc.

7. After the first 3 minutes of the hunt, the handler must claim his dog when it opens on or before the 3^rd bark or the handler will be scratched for not calling his dog.

1. Strike points shall be awarded as 100, 75, and 50, in that order. Dog will be declared struck on or before 3^rd bark whether on trail or tree.

2. Tree pints shall be awarded as 100, 75, and50, in that order. Only 10 minutes are allowed to search tree.

3. Plus points to be awarded if a non-hunting judge sees the coon. If using a hunting judge, the majority of the cast must see the coon.

4. When dog is declared treed, other dogs have 5 minutes to reach the tree.

5. Split trees shall be considered as one coon on strike points but separate tree points will be awarded.

6. When a coon is seen in the tree, other than one treed upon, the tree limbs must touch (or vines, dead limb, etc.) before plus points can be awarded. In case coon has crossed to a joining tree, dogs declared treed will receive both plus strike and tree points. Dogs not declared treed, and at the tree, will receive minus strike points.

7. Coon seen in hole, tile, etc. will be both plus strike and tree points for dogs declared treed. Plus strike only for dogs not declared treed.

1. Off game- no dog to receive plus or minus points for treeing, holing or catching off game such as cat, opossum, groundhog, squirrel, etc. (normally classed as tree game). Just draw a line through score if any recorded.

2. A track shall be declared ended if no dog barks for a period of ten minutes. In hilly terrain it may be necessary to go to the top of the hill if dogs went out of hearing before starting the ten-minute clock.

3. When dog declared treed leaves the tree. (Dog may come out to meet handler.) IF dog starts trailing just its tree points will be minus. If dog returns to tree within 5 minutes, it shall be retreed for the next available position. If all dogs have been declared treed, dog will receive 50 points fro returning to the tree before cast arrives at tree. If dog comes to tree after cast arrives strike points will be minus.

4. When dog trees and it is obvious that no coon is in the tree.

5. When dog quits trail and returns to handler. If he re-enters he will be given the available points and minused each time he comes back.

6. When dog or dogs have been treed, one dog must tree bark at least every two minutes until cast arrives at tree or all dogs treed will be minused. Tree will be declared open.

1. When dog is trailing when time runs out.

2. When dog trees in a hole or den where a coon could be hiding. If dog returns to a hole or tree previously scored, draw a line through the points.

3. Hole rule defined: if dogs indicate by tree barking, scratching, etc., the track to be finished, handlers may tree dogs; however if handlers choose not to tree dogs, judge must allow handler to proceed to hole without treeing dogs. If one dog shows hole, all dogs will be circled. If no dogs shows hole, points will be minused.

4. When any type interference hinders proper completion of hunt, scorekeeper shall call time and circle all dogs.

5. Dogs no to be minused strike points for coming to tree after the five minutes have elapsed unless the dogs declared treed receive either plus or minus points. If tree is circled, all dogs are circled.

1. If dog fails to hunt within any 45-minute period.

2. If dog’s score becomes 450 minus.

3. If dog interferes with other dogs by growling, fighting, face barking, smelling females, or any other way. Scorekeeper shall decide which dog or dogs are at fault. Club must report fighting dogs to NKC.

4. Chasing any domestic stock (first Offense).

5. IF handler is drinking or abusive in any way to impair the success of the hunt.

6. For delay of cast for 1 hour.

7. IF handler shouts encouragement or discouragement or hits dog.

8. After the first 3 minutes of the hunt any dog that leaves the handler babbling will be scratched on the second offense. Babbling means when a dog is released and he opens 3 times where no track is evident.

VI. Time outs to be called by the scorekeeper at any time the men and dogs are in anger, cast becomes lost, new territory is needed and any time he feels that it would be beneficial to the successful completion of the hunt if no dog is trailing or treed.

VII. Scorecards should be filled out in the woods & signed by each handler. Any complaint must be made to the Master of Hound’s within 20 minutes after returning to the clubhouse. The Master of Hound’s decision is final. It is the responsibility of each handler to check for correctness before signing scorecard.

VIII. Ties shall be broken in the following manner: 1^st dog with the least minus points; 2^nd dog with the most plus tree points; 3^rd dog with the most strike plus points; 4^th dog with the most total circle tree points; and 5^th if still a tie the Mater of Hound’s shall toss a coin with handlers chosen alphabetically (last name) to call the toss.

IX. To qualify for Nite Champion a dog must win 100 championship points with one First Place. Points to be awarded in the following manner: 1^st 40, 2^nd 35, 3^rd 30, 4^th 25, 5^th 20, 6^th & 7^th 15, 8^th & 9^th 10, 10^th. Cast winner to place ahead of other score. Plus points only.

X. When dog strikes or trees any game other than a coon, place a line through points.

XI. To qualify for Grand Nite Champion, a dog must have 5 wins in Nite Champion hunts with plus points. Nite Champions and Grand Nite Champions must hunt separately except in special title hunts, such as State, Regional, or World Championships. One or two-dog casts must have non-hunting judges. Three-dogs cast may have either hunting or non-hunting judges as club decides.

XII. Scorekeeper can demand that handlers call their dogs after 3^rd bark. Handler refusing to call dog after second warning will be scratched. Dog will be treed at handler discretion.

XIII. Club has authority to refuse entry of any dog or handler that has caused trouble at a previous hunt. Handler or owner physically or verbally abusing any person associated with hunt will be barred from all NKC events for a period of 1 year to life. (Club must send report to NKC office within 10 days.) Dogs reported for fighting three times will be barred from all NKC events for 1 year to life.

XIV. Any dog registered with the NKC as a CUR or Feist breed, is permitted to hunt.

XV. All NKC cur and/or Feist hunts must be advertised in Full Cry magazine, or no championship points will be awarded.

XVI. Final reports must be mailed to the NKC office within 10 days.

XVII. If after a hunt is completed, the club learns that cheating may have taken place, the club should do the following: 1^st notify NKC by phone within the 10-day period that cheating possibly occurred and that the hunt report will be delayed. 2^nd within two weeks of notifying NKC, the club officers and Board of Directors must have a special meeting and decide to either scratch the cast or to accept the scores. 3^rd NKC must receive the results of the hunt within 6 working days of this meeting.

XVIII. For a dog to get plus or minus strike pints, it must be struck prior to one dog being declared treed unless treeing on separate tree. The strike points must be recorded when the dog opens three times. If treeing on the same tree, the strike points will have a line drawn through them. If treed on a separate tree, the strike points will be plussed, minused, or circled accordingly.

XIX. No training collars or dummy trainers allowed, but dogs may be equipped with a tracking collar under the following conditions: 1^st the receiver must be in a carrying case and left in the vehicle. 2^nd owner or handler may use only after hunt is completed or handler or judge scratches the dog.

XX. Clubs have the option of hunting all size dogs together or dividing entry into sizes: 1^st dogs under 15 inches, 2^nd dogs measuring between 15 and 21 inches; and 3^rd all dogs over 21 inches tall.

I. General Information

1. All cast must hunt full 3 hours, or 2 hours as advertised

2. Casts shall consist of 3 or 4 dogs with one handler each.

3. Scorekeepers are to be appointed by the sponsoring club.

4. No cast to receive points that return to clubhouse after deadline.

5. Senior Citizens cast, 55 or older, may hunt separately, if 3 - or 4 - dog cast, except in special title hunts where all dogs must be drawn out together.

6. Club may choose to award trophies, cash, etc.

7. After the first 3 minutes of the hunt, the handier must claim his dog when it opens on or before the 3rd bark, or the handler will be scratched for not calling his dog.

1. Strike points shall be awarded as 100,75,50, and 25, in that order.

2. Tree points shall be awarded 100,75,50, and 25, in that order (Only 10 minutes allowed to search tree).

3. Plus points are to be awarded if a non-hunting judge sees the coon. If using a hunting judge, the majority of the cast must see the coon.

4. d. When dog is declared treed, other dogs have five minutes to reach tree.

5. Split trees shall be considered as one coon on strike points but separate tree points will be awarded.

6. When coon is seen in tree other than one treed upon; the tree limbs must touch before plus points can be awarded. In case coon has crossed to a joining tree, dogs declared treed will receive both plus strike and tree points. Dogs not declared treed will receive minus strike points.

7. Coon seen in hole, tile, etc., will be both strike and tree points for dog declared treed. Plus strike only for dogs not declared treed.

8. Coon caught on ground will be plus strike only.

1. When dog strikes or trees any game other than coon.

2. When dog opens and fails to tree.

3. A track shall be declared ended if no dog barks for a period of 8 minutes. In hilly terrain, it may be necessary to go to the top of the hill if dogs went out of hearing before starting the 8-minute clock.

4. When dog is declared treed leaves the tree. (Dog may come out to meet handler.) If dog starts trailing just its tree points will be minused. If dog returns to tree within 5 minutes, it shall be retreed for the next available position. If all dogs have been declared treed, dog will receive 25 points for returning to tree before tree is closed.

5. When dog quits trail and returns to handler. If he reenters he will be given 25 points and minused each time he comes back.

6. When dog or dogs have been declared treed, one dog must tree bark at least every two minutes until cast arrives at tree or all dogs treed will be minused. Tree will be declared open.

7. When dog is declared treed and it is obvious that no coon is there (treeing slick).

1. When dog is trailing when time runs out.

2. When dog trees in a hole or den where a coon could be hiding or returns to a hole or tree previously scored.

3. Hole rule defined: If dogs indicate by tree barking, scratching, etc. the track to be finished, handlers may tree dogs; however, if handlers choose not to tree dogs, judge must allow handlers to proceed to hole without treeing dogs. If one dog shows hole, all dogs will be circled. If no dog shows hole, points will be minused.

4. When any type interference hinders proper completion of hunt. Scorekeeper shall call time and circle all dogs.

5. Dogs not to be minused strike points for coming to tree after the five minutes have elapsed unless the dogs declared treed receive either plus or minus points. If tree is circled, all dogs are circled.

1. If dog fails to hunt within any 30-minute period.

2. If dog scores 300 minus points regardless of plus or circle points.

3. If dog interferes with other dogs by growling, fighting, face barking, smelling females or any other way. Scorekeeper shall decide which dog or dogs are at fault. Club must report to NKC.

4. Chasing any domestic stock (first offense).

5. If handler is drinking or abusive in any way to impair the success of the hunt.

6. If dog fails to open on trail (2nd offense when coon is seen).

7. Nite Champion or Grand Nite Champion dogs will be scratched for running or treeing off game.

8. For delay of cast for 1 hour.

9. If handler shouts encouragement or discouragement or hits dog.

10. After the first 3 minutes of the hunt any dog that leaves the handler babbling will be scratched on the 2nd offense. Babbling means when a dog is released and he opens 3 times where no track is evident.

VI. Time Outs to be called by the scorekeeper at any time men and dogs are in danger, cast becomes lost, new territory is needed, and anytime he feels that it would be beneficial to the successful completion of the hunt if no dog is trailing or treed.

VII. Scorecards should be filled out in the woods, and signed by each handler. Any complaint must be made to the Master of Hounds, within 20 minutes after returning to the clubhouse. The Master of Hounds' decision is final.

VIII. Ties shall be broken in the following manner: 1^st Dog with the least minus points; 2^nd Dog with the most plus tree points; 3^rd Dog with the most strike plus points; 4^th Dog with the most total circled tree points; and 5^th If still a tie the Master of Hounds shall toss a coin with handlers chosen alphabetically (last name) to call the toss.

IX. To qualify for Nite Champion a dog must win 100 Championship points and one First Place. Points to be awarded in the following manner: 1st 40, 2nd 35, 3rd 30, 4th 25, 5th 20, 6th & 7th 15, and 8th & 9th 10, and 10^th. Cast winners to place ahead of other score. Plus points only, cast winners with plus points only will receive Championship points.

X. To qualify for Grand Nite Champion, a dog must have 5 wins in Nite Champion hunts with plus points. Nite Champions and Grand Nite Champions must hunt separately except in special title hunts, such as State, Regional, or World Championships. One - or two-dog casts must have non-hunting judges. Three - or four-dog casts may have either hunting or non-hunting judges as club decides.

XI. Scorekeeper can demand that handlers call their dogs after 3rd bark. Handlers refusing to call dog after second warning will be scratched. Dogs found treeing off game but not called by handler will be minus. Dogs found treeing coon but not called treed by handler will be circled.

XII. Clubs have the authority to refuse entry of any dog or handler that has caused trouble at any previous event. Handlers or owners physically or verbally abusing judges, other handlers, club officers, or anyone associated with an NKC event shall be scratched and a report sent to NKC Any dog scratched three times for fighting will be barred from all NKC events for a period of 3 years to life, at the discretion of NKC Persons scratched three times for verbal abuse will be barred from all NKC events for three years to life. Persons physically striking or threatening anyone at an NKC event with a gun or other weapon will be barred from all NKC events from 3 years to life for first offense, at discretion of NKC

XIII. Any open trailing dog, of tree dog breeds, is permitted to hunt. If registered he shall hunt in the registered hunt. If unregistered the dog must hunt as grade. Encourage all eligible dogs to be registered.

XIV. All NKC night hunts must be advertised in at least one coonhound magazine, or no championship points will be awarded.

XV. Final reports must be mailed to this office within 10 days, with $2.00 for each NKC dog entered.

XVI. If after a hunt is completed, the club learns that cheating may have taken place, the club should do the following: A. Notify NKC by phone within the 10-day period that cheating possibly occurred and that the hunt report will be delayed. B. Within two weeks of notifying NKC, the club officers and Board of Directors must have a special meeting and decide to either scratch the cast or to accept the scores. C. NKC must receive the results of the hunt within 6 working days of this meeting.

XVII For a dog to get plus or minus strike points, it must be struck prior to one dog being declared treed unless treeing on a separate tree. The strike points must be recorded when the dog opens three times. If treeing on the same tree, the strike points will be circled. If treed on a separate tree, the strike points will be plussed, minused, or circled accordingly.

XVIII. Dogs may be equipped with a tracking collar under the following conditions: Owner or handler may use tracking collar anytime after time-out has been called. If used during time-in dog will be scratched.

XIX. In split trees, score 1st tree as part of hunt. Call time out and score other tree or trees.

XX. Master of Hounds must stay at clubhouse, and may not have a dog in hunt.

XXI. When tree is scored or track is finished scorekeeper must announce points given to each dog, before dogs are re-cast.

XXII: To qualify for Super Grand Nite Champion, a dog must have 5 Grand Nite Champion wins with competition or be highest scoring dog of hunt. Plus points only.

 NKC Money Hunt Rules

General Information:

1. All casts must hunt two (2) hours or until cast winner is determined. (Major Hunts)

1. Casts must hunt one (1) hour. ($15.00)

2. Casts must hunt two (2) hours. (Open Events)

2. Scorekeepers are to be appointed by the sponsoring club and/or NKC.

3. Scorecards should be filled out in the woods, signed by each handler and judge. Any questions should be placed on the scorecard at time of incident. Then finish hunt and return to club for three man panel decision. (Panel decision will be final)

4. To bring a question back to a panel, handler must give the Judge $50.00 or IOU for major hunts; $25.00 or IOU for open hunts.

5. A cast should not return to clubhouse to have a question heard until hunt time is complete, unless question pertains to dog or handler being scratched from the cast.

6. After one (1) minute of each turnout, the handler must call his/her dog when it opens on or before third bark. If dog fails to continue track the first time, dog will be minused; second time will be minused and warned; third time will be scratched.

7. Ten minute rule: Any dog barking in same place for period of ten (10) minutes will be scratched unless called treed. If it is obvious that dog is barking treed in same place and dog should pause for more than two (2) minutes or leave area and return, a new ten (10) minute rule will be applied. At this time, handler to be advised of new time unless called treed. If handler fails to call dog treed, handler will be scratched.

8. For a dog to get plus or minus strike points, it must be struck prior to one dog being declared treed, unless treeing on a separate tree. The strike points must be recorded when the dog opens on or before the third bark. If treeing on the same tree, the strike points will be deleted. If treed on a separate tree, the strike points will be plus, minus, or deleted accordingly.

9. Dog may wear tracking collar during hunt, handler may take transmitter to the woods. However, transmitter may not be used until time out is called. If found using transmitter device during time in, handler will be scratched and disciplinary action taken.

10. J. Dog may wear electronic training collar; however, transmitter must be left in the vehicle.

11. Ties will be broken in the following manner:

1.      Dog with most plus tree points

2.      Dog with most plus strike points.

3.      Dog with most total circle points.

4.      Dog with most circle tree points.

5.      Dog with least minus points.

6.      If still tied, dogs tied will continue the cast until tie is broken. (No time outs)

12. When decision on scoring dogs is made, on each individual occasion, it must be announced to the handlers by the Judge.

13. To qualify for Nite Champion, you must earn $500.00; Grand Nite Champion, earn $2,000.00; Super Grand Nite Champion, earn $8,000.00. All earnings count, except calcuttas and added purses.

14. The handler with the most to gain on the tree will be allowed to shine the tree for two (2) minutes alone. Then all handlers may shine. After a total of five (5) minutes shining time, handlers may blow coon squaller for remainder of shining time.

15. If dogs are split treed, you score in most convenient order. You may call time out in between split trees to save hunting time, if all dogs are treed. Use eight (8) minute rule to shine each tree.

16. Non-working dog: Dog who has no tree points, (circle or plus) can't place over dog who has circle or plus tree points.

17. (Spectators allowed on open events only) No spectators allowed on major hunts.

Scoring Of Plus Points:

1. Strike points awarded: 100, 75, 50, 25  in that order.

2.  Tree points awarded: 100, 75, 50, 25  in that order.

3. Dogs called treed:

1.      Second tree closed after first dog treed one (1) minute.

2.      Third tree closed after first dog treed two (2) minutes.

3.      After two (2) minutes all dogs treed will receive 25 points.

4.   Plus points will be awarded if non-hunting Judge sees coon. (Major Hunts)

5.   Plus points will be awarded if coon seen by majority of cast. (Open Hunts)

6.   Split trees shall be considered as one (1) strike, but separate tree points.

7. Coon seen in hole, tile, etc. will be both plus strike and tree points for dogs declared treed. Plus strike points only for dogs not called treed. Coon caught on ground will be plus strike points only.

Scoring Of Points Minus:

1. When dog strikes or trees any off game.

2. A track will be declared ended if no dog barks for six (6) minute period after declared struck.

3. C. When dog is declared treed leaves tree. If dog returns to tree within five (5) minutes dog will be re-treed for next available position.

4. When dog quits trail and returns to handler. If he/she is restruck, he/she will receive twenty-five (25) strike points.

5. When dog or dogs have been declared treed, one (1) dog must bark at least every two (2) minutes.

6. When dog is declared treed and it is obvious that no coon is there. Then minus strike and tree points.

Scoring Of Points Circled:

1. When dog is struck and treed where coon could be, but is not found.

Points Will Be Deleted:

1. When dog returns to tree previously scored.

2. When dogs are trailing after hunt is over.

3. When time out must be called.

1.      Time out to be called by Judge (On Major Hunts)

2.      Time out to be called by majority of cast (On Open Hunts)

4. D. Any dog coming into a off-game tree after the cast arrives will receive deleted strike points.

Dogs Shall Be Scratched:

1. Any dog handled three (3) times on same tree will be scratched.

2. B. If dog fails to hunt within any fifteen (15) minute period. A dog must be gone five (5) minutes to be considered hunting. The handler has the right to walk in the direction the guide wishes. If dog is not gone a full five (5) minutes, the fifteen (15) minutes will continue to run each time in and out.

3. C. If dogs caught fighting, first offense - scratched. If dog interferes with dogs by growling, face barking, riding females, etc., first offense - warning, second offense - scratched.

4. D. Chasing any domestic stock. (First offense)

5. E. If handler is drinking or abusive in any way to impair the success of the hunt.

6. F. Time out should be a maximum of one (1) hour. Handler must have dog ready to re-cast by end of one (1) hour or be scratched. G. If handler encourages or discourages dog.

NKC LICENSED TREEING CONTEST

 As dogs are entered put information on the NKC Treeing Contest Entry Form. Be sure to list NKC numbers for all dogs. If a dog is registered at the event, you place "applied" where number is listed.

 The club appoints 1 person to conduct the Treeing Contest. This person will choose a timer and 2 counters. Club will announce before the start of the contest if 30 seconds or 60 seconds time limits are chosen. The circle for treeing contest is 25 ft.  Each dog's barks will be recorded during the time agreed upon. The top five dogs will be placed 1 through 5 on the Entry Form.  

 100 points, including a 1st place, will make dog a Tree Champion., 5 Tree Champion  wins will make a dog a Grand  Tree Champion, and 5 Grand Tree Champion  wins will make a dog a Super Grand Tree Champion. 

To get a win toward Grand Tree Champion, a Tree Champion dog must score higher than any other Champion participating. If only one Tree Champion is entered, he must have more barks than any of the registered entries to get his Tree Champion Win.  

Highest scoring Grand Tree Champion will get win toward Super Grand Tree Champion. If only one Grand Tree Champion is entered, he must have more barks than any of the Tree Champions to get his Grand Tree Champion win (If no Grand Tree Champion. is entered, the dog must have more barks than any of the registered entries to get his win.)

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