  
Wisconsin Championship Hunting Series
2007-2008 Rules & Regulations
last updated: 8/15/2007
The rules of the Wisconsin Championship Hunting Series are currently under review. They will be posted as soon as they are available. Thank you for your patience.
Tournaments, Divisions, Entries, Payback, and Prizes
[back to contents]
- The Wisconsin Championship Hunting Series (WCHS) consists of eight regular season tournaments at four different host clubs plus the Invitational tournament at the end of the season. Each of the four clubs will host two separate tournaments; one on Saturday and one on Sunday. All tournaments will be organized and run under the Premier Bird Hunting Tournaments (PBHT) of Wisconsin, Inc., a non-profit organization that serves to promote upland bird hunting. The following events will be a part of the WCHS.
- Wolf River Event - Saturday, October 6, 2007
- Wolf River Event - Sunday, October 7, 2007
- Magnolia Game Farm Event - Saturday, January 5, 2008
- Magnolia Game Farm Event - Saturday, January 6, 2008
- Little Creek Lodge Event - Saturday, January 19, 2008
- Little Creek Lodge Event - Sunday, January 20, 2008
- Whispering Emerald Ridge Event - Saturday, February 15, 2008
- Whispering Emerald Ridge Event - Sunday, February 16, 2008
- Invitational - Saturday and Sunday, April 5-6, 2008
- Divisions -
- There are eight divisions, divided by flusher and pointer including Amateur, Doubles, Puppy, and Singles. These divisions will be held at all regular season tournaments and the Invitational.
- There are five specialty divisions, divided by flusher and pointer including Ladies, Legendary 8, Masters, Mixed Doubles, and Youth. These divisions will be showcased, one at each regular season tournament. These divisions will also be held at the Invitational.
- There will be one competitor and one bird dog in the Amateur, Ladies, Legendary 8, Masters, Singles, and Youth divisions and two in the Mixed Doubles, Puppy, and Doubles divisions.
- Entries -
- Entry limitations are listed below.
- Amateur division - A competitor may not enter more than two times per tournament/day. A dog may not enter more than two times per tournament/day.
- Doubles division - A competitor (handler or partner) may not enter more than four times per tournament/day. A dog may not enter more than two times per tournament/day.
- Ladies division - A competitor may not enter more than two times per tournament/day. A dog may not enter more than two times per tournament/day.
- Legendary 8 division - A competitor may not enter more than two times per tournament/day. A dog may not enter more than two times per tournament/day. A Legendary 8 dog will be defined as a dog eight years and over as of the start of the season.
- Masters division - A competitor may not enter more than two times per tournament/day. A dog may not enter more than two times per tournament/day. A master competitor will be defined as a competitor 50 years and older.
- Mixed Doubles division - A team may not enter more than two times per tournament/day. A dog may not enter more than two times per tournament/day. A team must consist of one male and one female competitor.
- Puppy division - A competitor may not enter more than two times per tournament/day. A dog may not enter more than two times per tournament/day. A puppy will be defined as a dog two years and under as of the end of the season, specifically May 1.
- Singles division - A competitor may not enter more than four times per tournament/day. A dog may not enter more than four times per tournament/day. A competitor and dog team may not enter more than two times. An "A" and "B" field will be available and competitors/entries will be distributed accordingly.
- Youth division - A competitor may not enter more than two times per tournament/day. A dog may not enter more than two times per tournament/day. A youth competitor will be defined as a competitor 12-18 years of age. Youth hunters may be asked to show proof of hunter's safety certification.
- Entry fees are listed below. All entry costs include the following: general run cost (club/field usage, birds, traveling bird setters, scorekeepers, ribbons/trophies, etc.), $10.00 toward Dog of the Year (for Amateur, Doubles, Puppy, and Singles only), and NBDCA sanctioning fee. Payback is OPTIONAL and will be an additional $50.00 in the Doubles and Puppy and $25.00 in the Singles. Optional payback will be available for the Doubles, Puppy, and Singles divisions only.
- Amateur division - $85.00
- Doubles division - $125.00
- Ladies division - $75.00
- Legendary 8 division - $75.00
- Masters division - $75.00
- Mixed Doubles division - $105.00
- Puppy division - $115.00
- Singles division - $105.00
- Youth division - $75.00
- Payback -
- The Dog of the Year payback, $10.00 per entry, is included in the entry fee for the Amateur, Doubles, Puppy, and Singles divisions.
- Payback is optional and will be an additional $50.00 in the Doubles and Puppy and $25.00 in the Singles. Optional payback will be available for the Doubles, Puppy, and Singles divisions only. All optional paybacks must be declared before the start of the tournament.
- Payback money will be split 50%-30%-20%. All money collected for each division stays with that division.
- Prizes -
- Ribbons will be awarded to the top three places for all divisions in each regular season tournament.
- Trophies will be awarded to the top three places for all divisions in the Invitational tournament and for specified Dog of the Year division (see Dog of the Year).
- Each tournament may have additional sponsor money/prizes to be used for additional payback, door prizes, participation prizes, or novelty prizes.
[back to contents]
Reserving Entries and Run Scheduling
[back to contents]
- To be eligible to have your dog(s) scheduled for competition, all entries with the hunter(s) and dog name(s) must be called or sent in as of the deadlines listed below.
- Wolf River Events - Saturday, September 29, 2007
- Magnolia Game Farm Events - Saturday, December 29, 2007
- Little Creek Lodge Events - Saturday, January 12, 2008
- Whispering Emerald Ridge Events - Saturday, February 9, 2008
- Invitational - Saturday, March 29, 2008
- Players may request the day they wish to compete. There are a limited number of entries available per division per day per event.
- Run times will be randomly drawn with special attention given to proper spacing in order to give a dog rest between runs.
- Once run times have been established, no changes may be made unless an emergency should arise (i.e., in heat dog, extenuating personal circumstance) or scheduling conflict has been made by the event organizers.
- Entries may be added after the closing dates if run times are available and no conflicts will be created.
[back to contents]
Pre-Run Requirements
[back to contents]
- All competitors must arrive at the host club, check in, and give full payment at least 45 minutes prior to their first run.
- Competitors may be escorted to their field or asked to report to a staging area. If so, arrive at the host club or staging area 10 minutes prior to the run. Otherwise, competitors must arrive at the field check-in area 10 minutes prior to the run.
- Competitors will not be allowed to watch the run preceding nor the stocking of their run.
- Guns may be 12 gauge or smaller, no shells over 2 3/4”. No shot larger than #5.
[back to contents]
Dogs
[back to contents]
- Dog owners (not the WCHS, PBHT of Wisconsin, host clubs, event employees and volunteers, and Series and event sponsors) assume 100% liability for actions of their dogs.
- Dogs shall be leashed at all times other than during runs or while in a designated exercise area.
- All dogs will be entered in the division that is the standard for the breed.
- Dogs in heat will not be accepted for entry unless placed last in the day.
- A dog competing in the Puppy division must be under the age of 24 months as of May 1 for that season.
[back to contents]
Safety & Sportsmanship Rules
[back to contents]
- Good sportsmanship is required at all times.
- Competitors, spectators, and their vehicles may be limited to designated areas only.
- Competitors must not communicate with the spectators while in the field.
- Firearm safety -
- Hunters (not the WCHS, PBHT of Wisconsin, host clubs, event employees and volunteers, and Series and event sponsors) are responsible for the safe use of firearms at all times.
- Guns will remain cased at all times, except during runs.
- Competitors must wear blaze orange clothing.
- Eye protection is required for all competitors and spectators in or near competition fields. NO EXCEPTIONS! Refusal to wear eye protection may result in disqualification and the individual(s) may be required to leave the property for the remainder of the tournament without refund of entry fees.
- Hunters may not run with firearms, loaded or unloaded, at any time. NO EXCEPTIONS! Teams will be given one warning for running, after which, at the scorekeeper’s discretion, a 3-point penalty will be assessed on the second infraction. The third occurrence will result in disqualification. Scorekeepers may regulate the speed at which hunters may walk as field conditions may dictate. Not running means one foot on the ground at all times.
- Harvesting birds -
- Upon physical examination of a shot bird, scorekeepers may assess 3 penalty points without discussion or appeal, for any bird shot at close range that is caused to explode.
- All competitors are responsible for maintaining a positive public image. Harvested birds shall either be deposited in designated collection areas or transported to and from fields in a concealed manner. If birds are field dressed, all remains must be disposed of in proper containers.
- Competitors may be disqualified from a run, event, or the entire series due to delinquent behavior. Examples of delinquent behavior are listed below. The effect of disqualification on other teams shall be considered luck of the draw.
- careless use of firearms
- abusing a dog
- abusing event officials and/or employees
- dishonest play/failure to obey rules
- shooting any bird on the ground
- stomping or “drop kicking” birds
- improper disposal of harvested birds/remains
- shooting more than the allowed limit of birds
- an out of control dog that is out of bounds
- failure to arrive on-time thus avoiding scheduled run time (exception: the delay was due to delays in another competition field directly affecting that competitor)
[back to contents]
Setting of Birds
[back to contents]
- All sets in Doubles division will be six chukar partridge. Puppy and Mixed Doubles will be four chukar. Amateur, Ladies, Legendary 8, Masters, Singles, and Youth divisions will be three chukar.
- Birds will be randomly set no closer than 50 feet from the edge of the competition field. The distance of the closest and the farthest birds from the starting gate will be the same for all competitors.
- First run of the day in all divisions will receive 1 extra bird per field.
- Fields will not be stocked without an on deck competitor(s).
- Any bird leaving the field after stockers have left the field shall be considered luck of the draw and will not be replaced.
- Birds accidentally released from crates or by stockers that land in bounds shall be considered part of the “set”.
- Birds entering the field from out of bounds during the run shall be legal game and considered luck of the draw.
- In the event a bird is bumped out of the field by a stocker, an additional bird will be planted to replace the bumped bird. Replacement birds will be set as quickly as possible in the approximate location of the bumped bird.
- If the run begins before the scorekeeper is notified of bumped bird(s) out of the field, the run shall stand as scored, and a re-run will not be allowed.
[back to contents]
Competition Afield
[back to contents]
- Electronic training collars will be permitted in all divisions. Abusive use of training collars may result in disqualification.
- Boundaries -
- Hunters and dogs may go out of bounds at the scorekeeper’s discretion provided they stay on club property and will not be permitted to hunt in other competitor’s fields.
- In the case of two-competitor divisions, birds may be found and retrieved with full credit for find and bird, but hunters cannot shoot their guns while out of bounds.
- In the case of one-competitor divisions and with the scorekeeper's permission, birds pointed out of bounds may be flushed, shot, and retrieved to in bounds for retrieve points.
- Retrieve points shall be awarded only if the dog brings the bird back to the hunter in bounds. In the case of the last bird, the clock does not stop until the retrieve is received in bounds.
- Any bird flushed out of bounds that is shot from in bounds is a legal bird.
- Shells are not interchangeable between hunters. Once the total amount of shells allotted for the run have been used, the run shall stop and full time shall be assessed. The hunter(s) must leash the dog and leave the field immediately. The effect of the run finishing early on the next run(s) shall be considered luck of the draw.
- Find points -
- Flushers
- 15 points shall be awarded when, in the scorekeeper’s opinion, the bird was trapped or caused to take flight by any action of the dog or by a hunter in close proximity to a dog making game.
- One additional half point will be awarded for a shot bird.
- Pointers
- 15 points shall be awarded, when, in the scorekeeper’s opinion, the dog establishes point (fixed feet) for five seconds and a bird is flushed by a competitor or flushes on its own. If, in the scorekeeper's opinion, the dog advances by way of taking a step(s) before the five seconds have been counted, the five second count may be restarted when the dog again establishes point.
- 10 points shall be deducted, when, in the scorekeeper's opinion, the dog "traps" or "catches" the bird after a 15 point find has been awarded. A "trapped" or "caught" bird is considered a bird in the dog's mouth, even if the dog releases the bird allowing the competitor to shoot the bird.
- A “whoa” or other command to point a bird found by competitors, but not by the dog, is not a find.
- In the scorekeeper's opinion, if the competitor makes a honest attempt to gently foot flush the bird three times and it does not fly, it can be considered a non-performing bird with no penalty.
- The maximum number of finds shall not exceed the number of birds in the set.
- Retrieves/Partial Retrieves
- 12 points will be awarded for each full retrieve up to the established quota.
- 8 points will be awarded for each partial retrieve. A partial retrieve is defined as the dog finding and picking up the bird, and making an attempt to bring the bird to the handler.
- To receive full retrieve points, a competitor, and his/her partner, must keep one foot stationary after a bird is shot, or once the dog is released to retrieve.
- A competitor may kneel down but not lay down to retrieve a bird.
- A competitor may not physically assist a dog (outside the one-step distance limit) in a retrieve and receive full points.
- Objects thrown to direct a dog toward a downed bird shall be limited to objects naturally found in that particular field (i.e. snow, dirt, small stones, etc).
- A competitor may not use any objects (a stick, gun, jacket, etc.) to reach a bird dropped past the single-step distance limit.
- If the time limit has elapsed and a bird has been shot, the hunter has a thirty second grace period to complete the retrieve. If the retrieve is not completed within the allotted time limit, no points will be awarded for a bagged bird or a retrieve.
- In the event of a shot bird dropped or crash lands in another competitor’s field, the retrieve will be allowed at the scorekeeper’s discretion.
- If a pointing dog goes on point or a flushing dog gets birdie while making a retrieve, the dog handler and shooter may move to flush the second bird with no penalty on the first bird. However, he must use the second flush as a stationary position for both birds, and if no bird is produced (seen by the scorekeepers) the first bird can be scored as no more than a partial retrieve.
- A gun malfunction by either teammate shall be considered bad luck. It is the option of the individual to get another gun, and the hunter cannot appoint someone else to leave or enter the field in his/her place. The remaining gun may be shared.
- Should an errant dog from another field enter the legal field after the clock has started, all birds flushed out of the field shall be scored in full at the time of the flush. In the event a bird flushed out of the legal field is the last bird for that run, the clock shall stop and a 2-point penalty shall be assessed. If the errant dog flushes more birds that what would end the run, those birds will be replaced on the next run that day. If an errant dog enters the field before the clock starts, only those birds flushed out of the field shall be replaced.
- Should a scorekeeper cause a bird to flush during the course of the run, the bird shall be scored as a “Safety Bird” (see Calling a Safety) and all points shall be awarded in full with a shell taken from the competitor. If a competitor shoots at a bird flushed by a scorekeeper, the safety is “off”, and points shall be awarded as earned. Note: If the dog was not making game at the time of the flush, and a shot is fired, find points shall not be awarded.
- Birds must show life at the beginning of the find to be scored in any way.
- In situations not specifically covered under the rules, the scorekeeper will be allowed to use common sense to arrive at a decision. Scorekeeper's decisions can be appealed to the Field Marshal(s) only after the run has been completed. The Field Marshal(s) shall have the final say in all Series matter or rules, written or not written.
- A competitor may not follow himself into the field. If a competitor must run back to back, and the first run does not harvest all the bird(s), any bird(s) left from the set must be removed from the field prior to the second run.
[back to contents]
Calling a Safety
[back to contents]
- In the event of an obstruction resulting in a safety, the appropriate points shall be awarded for all birds, including the final bird as determined by the scorekeeper. In the case of a final bird safety, the clock will not stop until the dog is leashed.
- A safety may be requested in the event of an obstruction, such as a scorekeeper, dog, vehicle, spectator, paved roadway, or building.
- Hunters intentionally flushing birds toward obstructions shall be disqualified.
- Safety points cannot be awarded on a partner.
- A safety may be awarded even though only one member of the team is in a position to shoot at the bird. Should the other member of the team be, in the scorekeeper’s opinion, in a position for a clear shot and fail to do so, the request for safety shall be void.
- If at any time prior to or following the request for safety, the subject bird has been shot at, the safety is off.
- A bird for which a safety has been awarded shall be scored as appropriate and a shell forfeited by the hunter that requested a safety.
- In the event of a bird being shot at and turning toward an obstruction after being missed, it shall be considered luck of the draw.
- In the event of a request for safety where the dog has failed to establish a find, safety points shall be awarded in full less the points for the find.
- If a flush involves multiple birds flying towards an obstruction, the maximum of two birds shall be allowed as safety birds.
- All other safety requirements must apply.
[back to contents]
Following the Run
[back to contents]
- Immediately following the clock being stopped or time expiring, guns will be unloaded and the dog brought to leash.
- Competitors will use the least intrusive route leaving the field so as not to disturb any remaining birds. If any birds are bumped out of the field from the time the run is over until the bird stockers plant the next run, those birds shall be replaced, in addition to the set.
- Competitors must be able to produce the “birds bagged” at the end of the run. In the event bird(s) are missing from the bag, and time allows, the competitors will be returned to the field and the clock will resume to find or bag missing or other bird(s).
- Competitors must review the score, penalties, or other information on the score sheet. The competitor will then sign the score sheet in the appropriate space. Information on the signed score sheet shall be considered final.
- Scorekeeper's decisions can be appealed to the Field Marshal(s) only after the run has been completed. The decision of the Field Marshal(s) to support, overturn, order a re-run, or any other considerations shall be final.
[back to contents]
Scoring
[back to contents]
- Scoring in all divisions shall be:
- Find - 15 points
- Caught Bird (pointing only) - 10 point deduction
- Shot Bird (flushing only) - 0.5 point
- Shells Remaining - 10 points
- Full Retrieve - 12 points
- Partial Retrieve - 8 points
- Bird in Bag - 30 points
- Penalty Points - 3 point deduction (Penalty points may be issued for bird explosion, competitor running, etc.)
- Remaining Time - 3 points per minute and 0.05 points per second (Clock stops when the last bird in hand, with the exception a final bird safety.)
- Amateur, Ladies, Legendary 8, Masters, Singles, and Youth division runs will last 15 minutes. Doubles, Mixed Doubles, and Puppy division runs will last 20 minutes.
- Amateur, Ladies, Legendary 8, Masters, Singles, and Youth division competitors will be allowed 6 shells per run. Mixed Doubles and Puppy division competitors will be allowed 8 shells per run, 4 shells per competitor. Doubles division competitors will be allowed 12 shells per run, 6 shells per competitor.
[back to contents]
Dog of the Year (DOY)
[back to contents]
- Competitors must be members of the WCHS in order to register their dog(s) for Dog of the Year honors.
- Raw score system used.
- All scores will be tracked by the WCHS throughout the season. After the last tournament, each dog's best four out of eight scores will be totaled. This will be the DOY score.
- Only one score from each event per division may be used toward DOY standings, with the exception of the Singles division. To qualify for DOY in the Singles division, two scores must be combined in a single tournament. One score from field "A" and one from field "B."
- In the event of a tie for DOY the tiebreaker shall be the top total score between the two or more competitors involved in the tie in all head to head competitions throughout the Series regular season.
- Prize money, equal to $10.00 per run, will be collected from entry fees at all eight tournaments in the Amateur, Doubles, Puppy, and Singles divisions. This money will be divided 50%-30%-20% to the top three places, flushing and pointing, in the Doubles, Puppy, and Singles divisions. Prize money collected from the Amateur entry fees will be used to purchase prizes for the top three places, flushing and pointing.
[back to contents]
National Bird Dog Challenge Association (NBDCA) Sanctioning
[back to contents]
- Scoring will be under WCHS rules.
- Sanctioning fee to be included in all entry fees.
- Competitors must be current NBDCA members for their score to be recorded by the NBDCA. Memberships may be obtained at www.nbdca.com.
- There will be no separate NBDCA certificates awarded.
- Invitational winners in Amateur, Doubles, Puppy, and Singles divisions will get automatic bids to NBDCA Nationals and BDC Worlds Championships.
[back to contents]
WCHS Invitational
[back to contents]
- Qualification for the Invitational in the Amateur, Doubles, Puppy, and Singles is yet to be determined. Information will be posted on or before December 1, 2007.
- Invitational winners in Amateur, Doubles, Puppy, and Singles divisions will get automatic bids to NBDCA Nationals and BDC Worlds Championships.
- DOY awards (determined from the eight regular WCHS Tournaments) will be presented at the WCHS Invitational Player Appreciation Banquet.
[back to contents]
Field Marshal
[back to contents]
- Two WCHS Board members and Craig Steinbach will be appointed to serve as Field Marshal(s) at each host club. The Field Marshal(s) shall have the final say in all appeals. Furthermore, four WCHS Board members may be appointed to serve on a Ruling Committee. These individuals will serve as consultants in the case of an appeal.
- The Field Marshal(s) is the only individual(s) authorized to make appeal rulings in support of or in opposition to any appeal, may order re-runs ,or make any other consideration.
- The Field Marshal(s) are also authorized to make interpretations in rules and to act, for any other reason deemed necessary, to maintain the peace and harmony of an event, including disqualification of any run or competitor from an event.
- If a competitor repeatedly fails to follow the competition rules or acts in any manor that may warrant further disciplinary action, the Field Marshal(s) may ban the competitor from current and/or future WCHS events.
[back to contents]
WCHS Board
[back to contents]
- The WCHS Board shall consist of ten competitors, five from Northern Wisconsin and five from Southern Wisconsin, as well as Craig and Teri Steinbach.
- The WCHS Board members may be asked to act as Field Marshal or members of a Ruling Committee.
- The WCHS Board members may be asked to assist with Series tournament details such as ATV use, field set-up, etc.
- The WCHS Board members will communicate with fellow competitors, fielding any comments, concerns, or questions. These comments, concerns, or questions may be brought to the attention of the WCHS Board.
- The WCHS Board members will serve to promote the WCHS and participation in the WCHS.
- The WCHS Board has the authority to add or revise WCHS rules or operations at any time. These changes may go into effect immediately.
- WCHS members (see WCHS Membership) will elect individuals to the WCHS Board prior to each season by vote.
- The make-up and duties of the WCHS Board may be subject to change.
[back to contents]
WCHS Membership
[back to contents]
- The WCHS Membership will provide the following benefits.
- Tracking of the DOY Points (DOY points will not be tracked for non-members.)
- Series Voting Power
- Access to Series Financial Information
- Series Website Exposure for Your Dog/Kennel/Related Bird Dog Business/Other Business
- Submission of Articles and Classifieds to Series Newsletter
- Series Newsletter
- Series Hat and Membership Card
- At the start of each WCHS, competitors will be asked obtain their WCHS Membership. A single membership is $25.00 per season and a family membership (for you, your spouse, and children age 12-18) is $40.00 per season.
- The benefits to and duties of the WCHS Member may be subject to change.
[back to contents]
WCHS Newsletter
[back to contents]
- The WCHS Newsletter will be distributed to Series members four times per year: August, November, February, and May.
- WCHS Members are invited to submit photos, news, articles, and classifieds to the WCHS Newsletter. The remaining submission deadlines for the 2007-2008 season are: Wednesday, October 10, 2007; Thursday, January 10, 2008; and Thursday, April 10, 2008.
[back to contents]
Other General Rules
[back to contents]
- Event staff, scorekeepers, or bird stockers will not be allowed to compete in a division which they have judged or stocked. No preserve operator or employee will be allowed to compete in any Amateur division in the WCHS.
- Host club escorts or staff will return score sheets from the field to the check in area(s).
- If there are two fields per division and the dog is running twice the dog shall run in each field once.
- Individual and team sponsor promotional displays are limited to competitor clothing, vehicles, and trailers. Vehicles and trailers with sponsor promotional displays must remain in the regular designated parking and travel areas. Displays other than those mentioned above may be permitted at the discretion of the WCHS for a marketing fee determined by that WCHS.
[back to contents]
The WCHS is always open to and welcomes your comments, questions, and concerns. Please direct them to Craig or Teri Steinbach at (715) 577-5683 (cellular) or (715) 669-3303 (home/office), or any of the WCHS Board members.
|