AKC Coonhounds :: View topic - AKC Nite Hunt Rule Clarification/Interpretation

Jerry Moll

Section 1. General Information A. Host Club:
A club holding a licensed event must provide an AKC-approved Hunt Director and a Hunt Committee to conduct the event. A club must supply an ample number of Guides in accordance with Section 4 of these regulations. The club is responsible for dispersing any and all advertised awards and duly reporting the results of all licensed events according to AKC event policy. A club may hold up to two (2) AKC events, excluding Gold Medal Events, in one month. Two additional Gold Medal Events may be held with AKC approval. Events are granted or denied at the sole discretion of the Coonhound Events Department of the AKC.

Coonhound clubs currently not approved by AKC may request application material by contacting the AKC Coonhound Events Department. There is no fee for club approval or processing. Once your application has been completed and returned to AKC we will notify you with approval status as soon as possible. All UKC and PKC licensed Masters of Hounds, Hunt Directors and Bench Show Judges can simply fill out a short form to be “grandfathered” in and approved with AKC. Mail all correspondence to the AKC Coonhound Events Department 5580 Centerview Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606. Call Toll Free 1-888-436-4486 or E-mail coonhounds@akc.org
B. Responsibility Clause:
Persons entering licensed events do so at their own risk and agree to abide by all Rules and Regulations of The American Kennel Club. Anyone guilty of falsifying registration documents or falsely entering dog(s) in an AKC event will be subject to disciplinary action by the Hunt Committee and/or by The AKC.
C. Misconduct:
The Hunt Director or Club can scratch any handler or dog for any unreasonable argument or misconduct. Any handler exhibiting unreasonable behavior or threatening bodily harm to any Judge, Guide, member of the cast, Hunt Director, spectator or any other participant, at any time, may be disciplined pursuant to Dealing with Misconduct at American Kennel Club Events.
In cases of misconduct a hearing will be held on the club grounds the night of the event by the hunt committee in accordance with AKC policies and procedures for dealing with misconduct.

Section 2. A. Hunt Director and Hunt Committee:
The Hunt Director shall be in charge of event operations. He or she will oversee the entry procedure, observe deadlines, select judges and guides, complete and submit along with the Hunt Chairman's signature, all official reports and in general manage the event. The Hunt Director and Hunt Chairman may participate in the event where he or she is serving but shall not be involved in the Hunt Committee selection for, or in the settling of questions or disputes resulting from, the cast in which he or she participates.
B. Hunt Committee:
The club must provide a Hunt Committee of three members or individuals whose responsibility is to assure compliance with, and enforcement of, these Regulations. The Hunt Committee shall rule on all matters that cannot be resolved or that are not under the jurisdiction of the Hunt Director or the Judges. The Hunt Committee shall also act on disciplinary matters under the Regulations for AKC Coonhound Bench Shows, Field Trials, Nite Hunts, and Water Races.

Section 3. Taking Entries and Drawing Casts
A. A deadline for closing entries will be listed in approved coonhound publications or on the AKC coonhound website www.akccoonhounds.org and must be observed. (Contact AKC for list of approved publications.) The Hunt Director may select a Judge for each cast from the entries. All Guides and Handlers must be drawn publicly. No more than four (4) dogs may be drawn for each cast. Three dog casts may be used when multiples of four cannot be achieved. Two dog casts may be drawn provided only two entries in hunt and a third voting cast member is appointed by the Hunt Director. No one-dog casts are permitted. A Hunt Committee may decline any entries or remove any dog from an event for cause, but in each such instance shall file good and sufficient reasons for doing so with The American Kennel Club.
Once entries are closed the hunt director should determine the number of casts and make up that many score cards. A qualified judge should be selected for each cast and their entry sticker placed on a scorecard. The same number of entry stickers should then be selected from the entries wishing to guide and placed face down on the table. If any casts are required to have less than four dogs a blank entry sticker should be made up for each missing dog. These blank entry forms, if any should be placed with the remaining entry slips face down on the table away from the guide pile. To double check before drawing, the guide pile of entry stickers should be exactly the same quantity as the number of casts and the other pile containing the remaining stickers should be exactly twice the quantity as the number of casts. At this point each judge should be called up to the table one by one to select a guide from the guide pile and two entry stickers from the other pile. Before sticking the entry labels to the card, the hunt director should ensure that more than one dog by the same owner are not drawn to the same cast and that no two blank stickers are drawn to the same cast. If either of these possibilities takes place, simply put one of the entry stickers back in the pile and redraw. This process should continue until all dogs are drawn and the casts can be called.

Section 4. Guide
The Guide has a very important duty in the cast. Clubs should utilize “Hunting” guides first followed by “Non-hunting” guides as required. Specific duties of the Guide:
A. The Guide must be drawn to the scorecard in plain view of everyone.
B. The Guide must first consider the safety of the hounds and hunters on the cast.
C. The Guide must select the hunting territory with consideration to driving time in order to get the hunting time in and to return by the posted deadline.
D. The Guide must have ample territory in which to complete the hunting time.
E. The Guide must have permission to hunt the territory he/she has selected.
F. The Guide must describe the hunting terrain and any known obstacles or dangers.
G. The Guide may not select enclosures that are designed to contain raccoons.
H. The Guide must assist in the recovery of all hounds when the cast is completed.
I. The Hunting Guide must be able to solely guide the cast without assistance from anyone.
J. The Guide must accompany the cast for the duration of the hunt except when approved by the Hunt Director.
As you can see we have placed much more significance on the guide and his/her responsibilities than other registries. Over many years of hunting and competing we recognize just how important guides are to a successful hunt and we want to emphasize that.

Section 5. Judge
The Hunt Director selects Judges based on their coonhound hunting experience, physical ability, integrity, and knowledge of the AKC Nite Hunt Regulations.
A. Judges should be mentally and physically mature enough to conduct the cast in accordance with these Regulations (Hunt Director’s decision).
We are placing a great deal of trust in the Hunt Directors; they should have a good general knowledge of area hunters to select only the best judges from.
B. Judge has complete authority and will make all decisions pertaining to the scoring of dogs and the overall conduct of the cast. Judge must insure that cast stays together and within judging distance of the dogs. If the majority of the cast believes the judge is incapable of conducting the cast properly, they may call time out and return to the Hunt Director. The Hunt Director will appoint a new judge from the cast members and/or assign an additional voting cast member to the cast.
We expect our judges to be well versed in the AKC Nite Hunt Rules and beyond reproach. Those are high expectations, but we also have procedures in place that allow cast members to out vote the Judge if an honest mistake is made. If dishonest mistakes are made, we have procedures for that too. If the majority of the cast believes the judge is incapable of conducting the cast properly, they may call time out and return to the hunt director. The hunt director at their discretion will appoint a new judge and/or assign an additional voting cast member to the cast.
C. Judge’s decision may be questioned in accordance with Section 18. Questions.
D. Judge may incur disciplinary action by the Hunt Committee when it is determined that the Judge made a prejudicial call in order to purposely credit or discredit any dog or handler.
Should this offense take place; the entire cast should report the situation to the hunt Director upon returning to the club after the cast is over. In cases of misconduct a hearing will be held on the club grounds the night of the event by the hunt committee in accordance with AKC policies and procedures for dealing with misconduct.
E. Judge has the right to make calls and otherwise conduct the cast without interference. Handlers found to be interfering with a Judge’s ability to perform his/her duties will be subject to disciplinary action.
Simply stated, tell the judge when to strike and tree your dog, period. Do not attempt to influence your judge’s decision making in your favor. Allow the judge to make his decision FIRST, and then ask your question politely and respectfully afterwards.
F. Judge may appoint a handler, guide, or spectator to record scores at his/her discretion.
G. Handler’s use of light is subject to the discretion of the Judge.

Section 6. Handler
Handler’s duties involve calling his/her dog on strike and/or tree, physically handling (leashing) his/her dog as instructed by the Judge, and voicing his/her questions to the Judge, but only in an attitude of good sportsmanship.
A. Handler must know the AKC Nite Hunt Regulations and how to apply them.
So often times we hear of handlers feeling as if they received a raw deal, when in fact sometimes they did not know the rules. There are several different sets of nite hunt rules out there these days, all of them just a little different from one another. It pays big dividends to study and learn these rules before entering an event. Attempting to learn nite hunt rules by the trial and error method can be very disheartening, could cost you several cast wins and possibly a trip to the AKC National Championship worth several thousand dollars. Please come prepared!!!
B. Handler may not scold, encourage, punish, or otherwise interfere with any dog at any time during an AKC event.
This is not to be confused with rubbing a dog on the head at a tree or making a dog heel on your way out of the woods. Judge should give a warning to handlers he believes are getting out of line in this area. Simply put, do your training at home not during regulation nite hunt time.
C. Handler may inspect the scorecard at any time, provided the request does not interfere with the Judge’s duties.
D. Judges must provide time(s) to Handler if requested.
This does not mean the judge should supply a countdown on every time that is being kept, but he should be informative to the entire cast when “time” questions are asked. Again, come prepared to compete with a good reliable stop watch and a countdown timer and you will rarely have to ask these types of questions.
E. Spectators are permitted but are the responsibility of the Handler. The Handler may be scratched for the negative actions of his/her spectators. Spectators may be permitted to shine trees, majority decision, but may not participate in voting on any issue relative to the cast. Due to the unique aspects of Nite Hunts, persons currently suspended from all AKC privileges or event privileges may not accompany casts. Spectators, when permitted at major AKC elimination hunts such as the National Championship and World Championship must accompany the cast to the woods and may not remain at the vehicles. This rule does not apply to non-elimination hunts.

We always want to emphasize giving dogs due credit for treeing raccoon, the more eyes attempting to locate this coon the better. We also want to encourage the youth and newcomers to our sport. Many times a person’s first nite hunt experience comes along by being a spectator. We should do everything we can to ensure this is a positive experience.
F. Only the Handler of the dog may participate in the resolution of questions pertaining to his/her cast.

Section 7. Scorecard
A. The Handler is responsible for accuracy of the scorecard and must sign the card either when leaving cast (Judge’s permission) or when cast is completed. If handler must leave cast prior to its completion, handler must sign card, notate scores and amount of hunting time remaining next to their signature.
B. The Handler must sign the scorecard and attest to validity of the score even if questions exist.
Each handler has the responsibility to check the accuracy of all scores on the scorecard before they certify its accuracy with their signature. We know it is possible to make recording and mathematical errors in the woods while taking handler’s calls and adding up the final scores at the end of the cast. We cannot emphasize enough; it is YOUR responsibility, check it before you sign it!!
C. Three signatures are required in order for the scorecard to be accepted by the Hunt Director. Each cast must be completed with a minimum of three voting cast members present. A majority must be available at all times during the cast for scoring trees and voting on Informal Questions. Should fewer than three individuals remain to sign scorecard, the cast must return to Hunt Director. Only the Hunt Director may approve a third party member to complete the cast. Deadline may be extended to fulfill required hunting time for that cast.
Handlers signing the scorecard before the cast has been completed, then leaving the cast DOES NOT/WILL NOT fulfill this requirement. Every cast must be completed with a minimum of three voting members present. A majority must be available at all times for scoring trees and voting on Informal Questions.
D. Only the Hunt Director or Club officials may correct mathematical errors once scorecard is turned in.
If mathematical and/or placement errors exist on the scorecard and are pointed out to or discovered by the Hunt Director or AKC staff, these errors may be fixed at the time the scorecard is turned in. All cast members should be present in these cases to verify accuracy. On the other hand, if these types of errors go undetected by handlers, the hunt director and AKC staff to the point of award presentations, errors will remain unchanged.
E. Only the Hunt Committee can revise the scoring or the order of finish of the card, based on its findings from a properly filed formal question.
F. Any participant found to have signed a scorecard with knowledge that the score is not correct is subject to disciplinary action by the Hunt Committee.
G. Scorecards not received by deadline will not be eligible for championship wins and these dogs will not be eligible to advance in AKC elimination events. However if advertised as a money hunt cash awards, will be paid to all cast winners, regardless of score or if deadline is missed.
In AKC Money Events cast winning dogs not making the deadline will be remain eligible for cast win monies due to them. However, these dogs will not receive cast wins toward AKC titles or races and will not be eligible to advance in AKC Elimination Events.

Section 8. Dogs
A. All dogs six (6) months of age or older that are registered with The American Kennel Club or recorded with AKC’s Foundation Stock Service and are classified as coonhounds are eligible to participate in licensed events.
Currently all six breeds of Coonhounds; Black & Tan, Bluetick, English, Redbone, Plott and Treeing Walker may be entered in AKC Bench Shows, Water Races, Field Trails and Nite Hunts using their AKC, PKC or UKC registration numbers. Participants entering using PKC or UKC numbers will have thirty days to submit their registration application to AKC following the event. These hounds may continue to be entered in AKC events using these other numbers until they receive their new registration certificate from AKC.
B. All dogs, regardless of titles, hunt together whether registered, Nite Champion, Grand Nite Champion, or Supreme Grand Nite Champion. Dog(s) winning casts with a total score of plus will receive a win toward its next title.
C. The club may require examination of the dog by a veterinarian.
D. Dogs may wear tracking or training devices during the hunt. Only tracking devices may be utilized during time out periods to locate the dog and return it to the hunt. Training devices may not be used until hunting time is complete. Transmitters for training devices must be left in vehicle or in the possession of the Judge until hunting time is complete. Tracking devices, training devices, cell phones and other electronic equipment that is capable of tracking or locating a dog may not be powered on during the course of the cast. Failure to comply with this policy will result in misconduct charges. The judge has the authority to inspect your electronic equipment at any time.
If you enter an AKC Events with a training collar on your hound your judge has the authority to ask that you show where the transmitter is being kept.
E. Dogs participating in Nite Hunt events may not wear muzzles.

Section 9. Time Keeping
A. Nite Hunts of one-hour duration may be held on Monday through Thursday nights. All Friday and Saturday night events will be two-hour hunts unless advertised as one-hour events. All casts must hunt for the entire allotted time unless all dogs scratch but one. In this case the handler has the option to quit or continue hunting the allotted time with two additional voting cast members.
If two or more hounds are competing for the cast win, they must hunt the entire regulation time. In this and all other cases there must be three voting cast members present the entire time one or more dogs are competing. If this is not possible, the cast must return to the club for additional voting cast members.
B. Dogs are not required to hunt entire hunting time if only one dog remaining in cast.
If all but one hound has been withdrawn or scratched, the remaining hound/handler is not required to hunt out the rest of the cast. This remaining handler may choose to hunt the entire regulation time to obtain plus points needed to earn a “win” toward their next AKC Nite Hunt title. In this and all other cases there must be three voting cast members present the entire time one or more dogs are competing. If this is not possible, the cast must return to the club for additional voting members.
C. Countdown watches are recommended for keeping hunting time.
We recommend each member of the cast carry a countdown timer and stop watch so they may remain synchronized on all time rules and time out/time in situations. This method allows all cast members to be up to date on all time keeping.
D. Should a decision to scratch a dog be formally questioned after a vote is taken, make note of remaining hunting time on scorecard and return to Hunt Director.
E. Judge must inform all cast members of any timekeeping regulation that is being applied to the dog(s).
F. Scorecard must be returned to Hunt Director by the posted deadline in order for the cast win to count toward the dog’s AKC title.
In AKC Money Events, cast winners not returning the card to hunt director by the deadline will be eligible for cast win money.

Section 10. Time Out
A. Time out should be called only when absolutely necessary. When possible, the entire hunting time should be used in one spot.
B. Time out may be called by the Judge or by the majority of the cast when the Hunting Judge is used.
C. Judge must note hunting time remaining when time out is called.
D. One hour may be used to recover dogs during time out. A meeting place must be designated.
E. Dogs declared treed before time out is called will be scored except in accordance with Rule 10, F-1.
F. Reasons to call time out:
1. When dogs trail into place where they cannot be recovered or there is danger to dogs or handlers. Cast may not attempt to cross swimming water to score or handle dogs.
2. A member of the cast is sick or has an accident.
3. When other dogs interfere with the cast. Interference is determined when the judge is no longer able to adequately judge dog(s) or when dogs receive minus points because of other dogs.
4. When dogs get into livestock or trail onto posted land and permission cannot be obtained to score dogs.
5. If new hunting ground is required to finish the cast.
6. When dogs trail out of hearing in different directions and cannot be judged.
7. When cast moves out of hearing of trailing dog(s) to score a tree. Go back to point dog(s) was last heard and put six (6) minute rule on trailing dogs. If not heard within six (6) minutes, delete strike points and recast dogs.

Section 11. Scoring System
Judge to acknowledge Handler's call by repeating the dog's name and number of points for which dog is called. Points will be split when called positions cannot be clearly determined by Judge.
A. Strike Points
1. One set of strike points as follows: 100 points for dog declared struck first; 75 points second; 50 points third and 25 points fourth. All dogs must be loose and competing in order for first strike of 100 points to be awarded. If dog(s) are re-struck after being scored plus, minus, circle or deleted they may only be struck back in for 25 points unless all dogs are competing for 100 strike points.
2. One (1) minute time to be kept each time dog(s) are released. No dog to receive strike points during that minute unless immediately followed by a tree call. Fifty (50) strike points will be recorded for dog(s) barking within the last five seconds of the minute. Remaining dogs, when struck receive 25 points. This rule will only be in effect when all dogs are loose and competing for 100 strike points. The judge will count aloud the last five seconds of the minute and announce, “minute is up,” and will indicate which dogs are struck and recorded for 50 strike points if any.
There is no penalty for a handler to declare his dog struck within the first minute, the judge would simply not take the call unless the handler was also declaring the dog treed. The judge should inform the cast at the instant the minute is up by sounding off, “minute is up”. At this point in time any dogs barking will be automatically recorded for 50 strike points each. Those dogs declared struck later on the same track would each receive 25 strike points. If no dogs are barking at the instant the judge says, “minute is up”, all strike points will be open to all dogs.
B. Tree Points
1. 125 points for dog declared treed first; 75 points second; 50 points third and 25 points fourth.
2. After the first dog has been declared treed, the second dog must be declared treed within one (1) minute to receive 75 points and will have one (1) minute more to receive 50 points. Dogs declared treed after two (2) minutes but before five (5) minutes expire receive 25 points. Dog(s) declared treed after five (5) minutes receive 125 tree points and considered to be declared treed on separate tree. See Section 13. K. for scoring.
The judge should inform the cast each time a minute has expired for the first two minutes after the first dog has been declared treed by sounding off, “second tree is closed” and “third tree is closed” respectively. Dogs treed for 125 after original tree is closed should be split. If they are handled on the original tree will be minused 125.
3. Upon arrival at the tree, if the Handler requests the Judge to listen for his dog on a separate tree, the dog’s tree points are moved to 125 and scored accordingly.
If cast arrives at a tree and one or more dogs declared treed are not present, the judge should step away to hear this dog(s) or to apply the two minute rule. Dog(s) obviously split treed should be moved up and recorded as such.
4. A dog struck after another dog is declared treed must be recorded with a line underneath, but these strike points will be deleted if handled on that dog’s tree. If not handled on that tree the strike points then become live and eligible for scoring.
We recommend the judge put a small line under the strike points of dogs stuck after another dog has been declared treed. This line serves as a reminder to delete these strike points if these dogs end up on the same tree. If this dog(s) DO NOT end up on the same tree, their strike points with lines underneath immediately become LIVE and are eligible for all scoring.

Section 12. Plus Points
A. Points will be plus when raccoon is seen in tree or in place of refuge by Non Hunting Judge or by majority of cast when Hunting Judge is used. Plus tree points may only be awarded if treed dogs have been handled and coon is seen during the eight minutes of regulation shining time, not before or after.
Coons should be shown to entire cast if possible, even when non-hunting judge is used.
B. Dogs declared treed at place of refuge when raccoon is seen to receive plus strike and tree points. Dog(s) not declared treed but are showing hole to receive strike points only.
Dogs not showing hole but coming in after cast arrives will be scored accordingly, as if it were a tree.
C. No tree points to be awarded when dog(s) catch the raccoon. If Judge sees a raccoon he will award strike points only.
In this case tree points would be deleted.
D. One set of strike points in case of split trees. Score each tree individually.

Section 13. Minus Points
Points will be minus:
A. When dog(s) strike and do not tree. One of the dog(s) that is declared struck must bark within six (6)
minutes in order for strike to remain open. When six (6) minutes expires, a new set of strike points is opened.
B. Both strike and tree will be minused, when dog(s) tree and no raccoon is seen, or when off game is seen.
Dogs not declared treed and are handled at such tree will receive minus strike points only.
The detail of minusing dogs not declared treed but at or coming to minus trees should be noted because it is different than other registries.
C. When a dog that is declared treed leaves the tree. If he continues to trail, only tree points are minus. He
may receive tree points if he goes back on tree before five (5) minutes have expired.
D. When a dog quits a trail that is being worked. Any dog re-struck after being minused to receive a maximum of 25 strike points unless all dogs are competing for (100) strike.
There is NO requirement for a dog to stop in front of the judge before being minused. If judge believes the dog has quit the track he should be minused. A dog can never be re-struck for more than 25 points if other dogs are struck.
E. When a dog that has been struck, but not declared treed, is handled at a plus or minus tree. Minus strike
points.
This detail is important to remember because it is different than other registries.
F. When none of the dogs declared treed bark within two (2) minutes. This rule is to be applied until the cast reaches the tree even though the five (5) minutes may have expired.
G. When Judge can clearly determine dog(s) to be running off game.
If dogs are minused in this fashion they must again be stuck on or before the third bark following the minus.
H. When Handler calls a dog and the dog is determined to be babbling (barking where there is no evidence of a track). Dog to be scratched on second offense.
This situation often occurs when dogs are first cast as some will get excited and bark, while others may bark behind dogs as they are leaving. When unsure if a dog has been struck babbling or is opening on a legitimate track, a good rule of thumb is to assess if the dog is able to continue that track on out or not. If a dog is unable to continue this track, shuts up and then opens with dogs much deeper, it may have been babbling and was not actually trailing when struck. When a dog is minused for babbling, that is the dog’s first warning and it will be scratched on the next offense as provided in Section #17.B. Also keep in mind, there are those dogs that babble and continue to open until a legitimate track is found. This type of babbling dog is particularly hard to catch and the exact reason we created Section #11.A.2. This rule was put in place to prevent these babbling dogs that are nearly impossible to catch from gaining an unfair and underserved advantage over the rest of the cast by limiting their strike point potential to 50.
I. After first minute, handler must strike on or before the third bark or be minused. Judge is to ask for call and each time request is ignored, minus points will be assigned according to available position(s).
J. When handler calls another handler’s dog or his dog that is not opening. Once minused, points become available to other handlers in the cast.
If judge believes this happened in error, dog should be minused only. If judge believes handler “pitched” intentionally, he should be minused and warned to be scratched on the next offense. This conduct is a scratch-able offense under #17.C.
K. Dog(s) declared treed after five (5) minutes to receive 125 tree points and are considered split treed and will be minused if handled on the original tree.

Section 14. Circle Points
Circle points are awarded to give the dog the benefit of the doubt and are counted only in the breaking of ties.
A. Circle points will be awarded when dog(s) strike and tree up a TREE where the raccoon or off game cannot be seen, yet it is evident the raccoon could be there.
Keep in mind this circle point rule is for TREES ONLY, not for places of refuge. In order for the tree points to be circled there must be a place the coon could be hidden.
B. No trees to be climbed or dens to be molested. Mirrors may be used to search dens.

Section 15. Deleted Points
Points will be deleted in the following situations:
A. When time out is called or overall hunting time expires. For dogs declared treed before time out is called or hunting time expires, see Rule 10, Time Out.
Dogs declared treed before hunt end or time out is called will always be scored unless doing so puts cast members in danger.
B. When dog(s) return to a tree that has been previously scored. All tree rules to apply. When a Judge determines it to be same tree, delete points.
In these cases dogs must be declared treed and five minutes expire (unless all dogs have been declared treed) before being handled.
C. When two (2) cast members vote to minus and two (2) cast members vote to circle tree. Delete strike and tree.
This rule pertains to scoring trees circle or minus ONLY.
D. If off game is seen, yet an obvious den that could hide a raccoon is also seen in the tree.
This rule pertains to scoring trees ONLY and is NOT for scoring places of refuge.
E. When a dog strikes after a dog has been declared treed, record strike points but delete if dog is handled on original dog’s tree.
It is helpful for the judge to record such points with a short line underneath to remind everyone the points are to be deleted. If this dog(s) DO NOT end up on the same tree, their strike points with lines underneath immediately become LIVE and are eligible for all scoring.
F. When cast walks out of hearing of trailing dog(s) to score tree, cast to return to area trailing dog(s) were last heard and start six minutes. If six (6) minutes expire, delete strike points of trailing dog(s) and recast hounds.
In this case “walks away from trailing dogs” is intended to mean “out of hearing”. If cast only walks a short distance from trailing dogs “within hearing” there is no need to apply this rule.
G. When dog(s) are handled but not declared treed at circled tree, their strike points will be deleted.
H. When dogs strike and tree in a place of REFUGE (any place other than a tree) and no raccoon is seen, delete strike and tree points. Strike points are deleted for dogs present but not declared treed.
It is important to note this rule differs from other registries, if no coon or off game is seen at a place of refuge, DELETE.

Section 16. Scoring the Tree
A. Five-minute Regulation – Dog(s) may not be declared treed unless they are already declared struck. Dog(s) declared treed must not move from that spot and must remain treed for a period of five (5) minutes unless all dogs are declared treed. Cast should begin moving toward the tree as soon as possible, allowing Handler that has not yet treed to listen for his dog until five minutes have expired. Handlers may be given permission to go to their dogs that are declared treed on split trees.
B. Split Tree Determination –
If dog(s) tree in different places, Handlers may not declare dogs split treed. The Judge will award separate tree points after making the determination. He/She will change the called position(s) on the scorecard, if split trees are obvious, before scoring the trees. The Judge must recall the time within the five (5) minutes that each dog was called treed when considering moving points up on split trees.
C. Arriving at the Tree -
The Judge will be the first to arrive at the tree, followed closely by the handlers. All dogs must be leashed after Judge has determined which dogs are showing tree and which are not. Dog(s) must remain on leash until recast to new area or to dog(s) that are opening on trail.
D. Shining Tree –
Handlers may use eight minutes to search a tree. Time will begin when the Judge gives permission to start shining. Shining time will cease when the tree is scored, or eight minutes have elapsed. The Handler with the most to lose or gain by the scoring of the tree may search alone for the first two (2) minutes at his/her request. Beyond two (2) minutes all handlers should assist in scoring the tree. No handler may remain outside general area of tree in order to hear dog not at tree. If no dog is declared treed but not handled nearby, Handlers may blow squallers, pull vines, etc. at any time during the scoring of the tree.
It is important to note this rule differs from other registries; you may squall at any time with this one exception.
E. Connecting Trees –
If multiple trees are involved in scoring and are connected they will be scored as one. Determine this before starting time. There should be an obvious avenue the raccoon could have traveled, not just touching leaves or twigs.
Keep in mind, this “obvious avenue” must exist to score as one tree.
F. Scoring Split Trees –
If all dogs are declared treed with some being on separate trees, they may be scored in the most convenient order. In this case, all dogs must remain on leash until all dogs have been scored.
Scoring trees out of order is only acceptable if ALL DOGS have been declared treed.
G. Releasing After Scoring Tree –Dogs to be released after being led a maximum of one (1) minute after scoring the tree. Dog(s) may be released sooner if all handlers with dogs on leash agree. At this time, if all dogs are handled or no other dogs are struck, dogs will be cast and a new strike opened. If other dogs not handled are struck but not opening, the six (6) minute regulation must be applied before releasing dogs. The handled dogs may not be released until one of the dogs that is struck opens even if there are less than six (6) minutes remaining in the cast.
After scoring a tree, recast dog(s) except when:
1. The six minute rule is working on other dog(s). Ref: Section 16.G.
2. Less than six minutes remain in the cast and struck dog(s) are not opening. Ref: Section 16.G.
3. Cast has scored tree(s) out of order. Ref: Section 16.F.
4. Time out has been called. Ref: Section 10.
5. Cast has walked out of hearing of trailing dogs. Ref: Section 15. F.

[b]Section 17. Dog/Handler will be Scratched from Cast
A. Aggression:
Aggression: Any dog showing obvious aggression toward another dog during hunting time will be scratched. When dog(s) are scratched for aggression it MUST be noted on the back of the scorecard and reported to the Hunt Director and AKC. Handlers will not be permitted to withdraw to prevent their dog from being scratched for aggression without already having handled the dog. No dog may be scratched for aggression while on the leash or confined in a dog box. Dogs that are scratched for fighting three times in a one-year period from the first offense will not be permitted to participate in AKC Coonhound events for a period of one year from the date of the third offense.
Dog(s) will be scratched for aggression when:
1. Fighting, nipping, biting, growling at with hackles raised, lunging at, chasing or pursuing other dogs in an aggressive manner.
2. Taking possession of or guarding a tree or place of refuge.
3. Taking their focus off striking, trailing, and treeing in order to be aggressive.
Dog(s) will not be scratched for aggression:
1. While in a dog box.
2. While under control of the handler on leash.
3. For unintentional bumping and/or face barking while dog’s focus remains on treeing.
4. During time out or after hunting time has been completed.
B. Babbling:
Hounds determined to be babbling will be warned on the first offense and scratched on second offense.
Babbling dogs should be minused for babbling on their first offense in accordance with 13.H. and scratched on the second instance.
C. Score Manipulation:
Handlers attempting to avoid deserved minus points or to obtain undeserved plus or circle points for themselves or other handlers will be scratched and be subject to disciplinary action by AKC.
This rule should not be confused with an accidental miscall and should be reserved for blatant attempts to cheat other cast members.
D. Livestock:
Any hound chasing or molesting livestock will be scratched.
E. Interference with Judge:
Handlers are not permitted to interrupt judges during the judging process by offering advice. Handlers trying to influence judges in this fashion will be given a warning on the first offense and scratched on the second.
This rule is specifically in place for handlers trying to push, bully or otherwise influence the judge to their way of thinking. Handlers may ask questions in a polite and professional manner in accordance with Section #18.
F. Misconduct by Handler:
Handlers using a loud, unreasonable and/or aggressive manner while presenting their case either on a cast or at the club will be scratched. The Hunt Committee will address all misconduct cases on the night of the event. For further reference see Dealing with Misconduct at American Kennel Club Events – Guide for Event Committees.
There is no room in AKC events for a handler to be out of hand in this manner. There are policies and procedures in place (section #18.) for presenting and handling questions in an appropriate, professional manner.
G. Bitches in Season:
Bitches in season will be scratched. Male dogs exhibiting uninvited mating behavior during the progress of the cast will also be scratched.
H. Tree Call Refusal:
Any dog(s) obviously treeing in the same spot for a period of five (5) minutes will be scratched, unless called treed. If the dog(s) stop barking for more than two (2) minutes or leave the tree, the five-minute clock will be stopped. Anytime a dog is declared treed in that area the five-minute clock will be stopped. Handler should always be permitted to make a tree call before his dog is scratched.
As with any time keeping rule, judge should inform all handlers when this stationary rule is being applied.
I. Failure To Hunt: Judge will scratch any dog that fails to show hunting activity during any continuous fifteen-minutes of hunt time. If the dog goes hunting for a continuous five (5) minute time period, or the dog barks and is declared struck, the fifteen minute rule will be stopped. No dog to be walked to avoid the fifteen (15) minute rule penalty.
There will be times when the cast must walk to score trees or to stay within hearing of dogs while this fifteen minute regulation is being applied. But, if there is no legitimate reason to walk the cast must remain in one spot while this rule plays out.
J. Time Out Limit:
When a time out MUST be called, a time and place for handlers to meet must be designated. At the end of time-out (one hour), handlers must have their dog in hand at the predetermined location or be scratched.
K. Failure To Recast From Scored Tree:
A dog may return to a previously scored tree one time without penalty. Any dog handled at the same tree three times during the hunt will be scratched.
When dog(s) return to a previously scored tree they must be declared treed with all tree rules applying before being handled. If dog is not declared treed #17.K. should be applied.
L. Use of unapproved hearing device: Handler must present a note to the judge on the physician’s letterhead indicating that said handler requires use of an auxiliary hearing device in order to achieve normal hearing. Failure to produce physician’s note will result in dog/handler being scratched.

Section 18. Questions
Handlers have the right to question a Judge’s actions in two ways, by formal and informal questions.
Informal question – The Handler asks the Hunting Judge to poll the cast when he/she disagrees with a call that has been made or he/she feels should have been made. At that point Hunting Judge will call for a vote of the cast. Informal questions only apply in Hunting Judge situations. All cast members must vote.
This should always be done in a polite and professional manner.
Formal question - A formal request by a Handler to have a hearing before the Hunt Committee. When said Handler is dissatisfied with the decision of the Judge and the subsequent vote of the cast members he/she must ask that a “formal question” be noted on the card and deposit $20 with the judge. If ALL cast members agree they do not know how to score a particular situation they may bring the question back for proper scoring by the Hunt Committee without posting a $20 deposit. If any cast member disagrees, they must place a $20 deposit.A formal question cannot be heard unless an informal question vote has occurred in a hunting judge situation.
The Formal Question procedure is as follows:
A. The Judge will place a question mark “?” by the score in question and the cast will continue to hunt the full hunting time. Only situations involving dog(s) being scratched may be taken back to the Hunt Director before the hunting time expires.
B. At the end of the hunt, all cast members must go with the Judge to the Hunt Director who will present the scorecard along with the Judge and all members of the cast to the Hunt Committee.
C. The Hunt Committee will hear the question in plain view of all. The Hunt Committee will go into conference and will announce its decision to the cast. The decision shall be final with no appeal. If the Hunt Committee rules in favor of the Handler posting the question, the $20 deposit will be refunded. If not, the deposit will be retained by the club. Should the handler posting the question decide to drop the question at any time, the club will retain the $20 deposit. There are no refunds.
Formal Question Hunt Committee Procedure:
-Hunt director will seat hunt committee (three person panel)
-Committee to determine if conflicts of interest exist between committee/cast members and adjust accordingly
-Committee will establish if question was voted on and $20 deposit was posted properly at the time of question
-Committee members are not permitted to look at the front of the scorecard or ask about cast placement details
-The handler with the question should be asked to speak first, followed by judge, and then remaining cast members
-Each committee member should have the opportunity to ask questions of any handler
-No handler will be permitted to voice their opinion while others are speaking
-After all testimony is heard, committee will excuse themselves to make their decision
-Committee will give their decision to the cast upon their return, at this point there will be no further discussion
-Handlers exhibiting unreasonable behavior or threatening bodily harm to anyone are subject to misconduct charges
D. A cast member believing that prejudicial conduct has occurred in conjunction with the handling of the question must submit a complaint in writing. Anyone can write the complaint provided the complainant signs it. No fee is required. For such instances, refer to Dealing with Misconduct at American Kennel Club Events – Guide for Event Committees for more information.

Section 19. Determining Cast Winners
All ties must be broken in the woods to determine the cast winners. All cast winners with plus points to receive a win toward their targeted titles.
A. Cast winners and hunt placements will be determined by final scorecard tally. Minus points will be subtracted from plus points or plus points from minus to determine the final score.
Dog will win the cast over other dog:
1. Dog with most plus points, after subtracting minus
2. Dog with a total score of plus beats zero or minus
3. Dog with a total score of circle (zero) beats minus
4. Dog with a total score of least minus
B. Circle point scores are considered zero and are only to be used in tie-breaking situations (Section #14).
C. All cast winners with plus points to receive a win toward their targeted title. In the case of a tie for cast winner or final placement, use tie breaking rules below.
Tie breakers: If two dogs have the same score, a dog will win over other dog(s):
1. Dog with most plus tree points
2. Dog with most plus strike points
3. Dog with most circle tree points
4. Dog with most circle strike points
5. Dog with least minus points
6. Dog leading at the time all dogs are scratched
7. A dog with any one of the following will always win over a dog that does not have one of the following, regardless of final score:
1. Plus tree points
2. Plus strike points
3. Circle tree points
In AKC Money Events cast winning dogs not making the deadline will be remain eligible for cast win monies due to them. However, these dogs will not receive cast wins toward AKC titles or races and will not be eligible to advance in AKC Elimination Events.
E. Sudden Death Tie-breaker:
If tie cannot be broken in accordance with Item A of tie-breaking rule, dogs to go into sudden death until tie is broken. No time out to be called to enter sudden death. Sudden death winner decided by the scoring of a tree or by dog drawing minus points. Sudden death must end in order to return scorecard to the Hunt Director by the posted deadline. If a tie cannot be broken by sudden death, the Hunt Director is to flip a coin to determine winner. Card must be returned by posted deadline in order for cast win to count toward AKC title.

Chapter 9 Senior Cast
Individuals age 55 and older, or disabled, will be able to participate in the senior cast at AKC Nite Hunts. Senior cast will not run at the AKC World championship.
Rules for Drawing Senior Cast:
1. Proof of age or disability.
2. A minimum of three individuals must participate in order for a senior cast to be drawn in all classes, except when using a non-hunting judge for less than three dogs.
3. The cast winner of the Senior Cast will receive same credit as all other cast winners in the hunt. If Senior cast is won with plus points, the cast win will count as a win toward the title for which the winning dog is working.
4. Senior casts will compete under the same AKC Nite Hunt rules as all other casts with no exceptions.
5. Individuals age 55 or older, or disabled do not have to compete in senior; they may hunt in the regular hunt casts if they wish.

Chapter 10 Youth Cast
Youth hunters 17 years and younger will be able to participate in the Youth Cast at AKC Nite Hunts. The Youth Cast will not run at the AKC World Championship.
Rules for Drawing Youth Cast:
1. Proof of age.
2. A minimum of two individuals must participate in order for a Youth Cast to be drawn in all classes. The non-hunting judge will satisfy the requirement for a minimum of three members to sign scorecard.
3. The cast winner of the Youth Cast will receive same credit as all other cast winners in the hunt. Dog must be a cast winner with plus points in order to receive credit toward Championship titles except if winner is in the 12 years and younger division.
4. Youth Casts will compete under the same AKC Nite Hunt rules as all other casts with no exceptions.
5. Youth hunters age 17 years and younger do not have to compete in Youth Casts; they may hunt in the regular hunt casts if they wish.
6. Club must provide an adult non-hunting judge for all Youth Casts.
Anytime there are at least two Youth hunters and at least three Senior hunters, you must accommodate, even if it means creating additional casts. In AKC, we don't track money won except to use it as a tie-breaker in determining the Top 16 in the Black Gold - Gold Medal event series. We simply track cast wins, so even in AKC Money Events the creation of additional casts for Youth or Seniors is not an issue.