Shoot to Retrieve Rules

Shoot to Retrieve Rules

The objective of the “Shoot to Retrieve” is to create a sportsmanlike environment in which each participant can compete with others who enjoy sporting dogs. The team’s skills would be the ability of the dog to find birds, the handler’s ability to shoot the birds and the dog to retrieve the birds.

This will be a timed event. Time of each run will be set by Event Marshall (day of event), between 10 to 15 minutes. Each team is allowed 3 birds. With safety in mind, whenever an unsafe shooting condition arises, (Example, a bird flying toward someone) a “Safety” will be called and the handler will not shoot. The Field Marshall will agree upon the safety and the handler will be given credit for 1 bird and 1 shot.

This event will be ran one team at a time, so as not to cause any distractions or interferences. In an effort to further deter distractions and interferences, spectators will not be allowed around the field, but only in a designated area for viewing the event.

For safety reasons, only a “Team” and Field Marshall will be allowed in the field during a run.

The Field Marshall’s job is to keep score, keep time and control safety in the field.

Handlers

It is the Handlers responsibility to report to the Event Marshall’s table prior to the beginning of the preceding team. The first team should report 15 minutes prior to the start time. The handler will be given 10 shells and be asked to step behind a blind. The purpose of the blind is so the handler may not witness the planting of the birds for his run.

Once the previous team has concluded and the birds for their run have been planted, they will be asked to step up to the starting line. When the Field Marshall instructs the handler to begin, the handler at that time will release their dog and load their gun.

Note: no more than two (2) shells may be loaded into the gun at any given time. Loading more than two shells will result in disqualification.

Once the run is over or time has been called, either by the Handler after the 3rd bird or the Field Marshall (time expired), the handler must unload their gun and leash up their dog and exit the field at the closest side border, so as not to disturb any of the remaining birds. They will then return all unfired and spent shell cases to the Event Marshall’s Table.

Note: This is a timed event, however at no time will running in the field be permitted. Failure to abide by this rule will be grounds for disqualification.

Dog Handling

Normal handling of your dog may be done, along with the aid of an e-collar collar. The dog’s handling abilities are not scored, so the use of an e-collar will not be an issue.

Gun and Shell Requirements

Any type 12 or 20 gauge shotgun is the allowed and these are the gauges of shells the SDSDC will be supplying. In the event that you wish to use something smaller, contact the Events Committee for permission, prior to the closing deadline. You may receive permission, but will be required to supply a specified factory type of shells. The Event Marshall will supply 10 shells to each handler prior to the start of their run. At the end of the run the handler must return all unfired shells and spent shell casings (if possible) to the Event Marshall’s table.

Gun safety must be observed at all times because disqualification or worse could happen!

Bird Work

This is a team effort between a handler and a dog so a bird in the air is fair game no matter how it occurs.

Running to chase a bird into the air is a safety violation. No birds may be shot on the ground.

A dead bird find will not be scored.

Either the dog or the handler can retrieve the bird. But an honest effort must be made to find any downed birds. If the bird cannot be located, the handler must ask the Field Marshall for approval to move on.

If a dog is in contact with a bird when time expires, the team will be allowed to continue until the bird is taken or escapes. Time keeping continues and the total time will be scored. It is the Field Marshall’s decision to determine if the dog is in contact with a bird when the time has expired. This rule will allow the dog to get the maximum value of the training experience without calling the dog off a point or flush only because the time expired.

Pointing Dog Classes

Birds that are trapped or caught by the dog prior to flight will be scored as 1 bird and a scoop.

Flushing Dog Classes

Birds that are trapped or caught by the dog prior to flight (Scooping) is allowed.

Scoring

Most birds taken, 3 bird limit.
1st tiebreaker is shortest time.

Stakes

Open Class Pointing Dogs
Handlers shoot

Open Class Flushing Dogs
Handlers shoot

Companion Class Pointing Dogs
Handlers do not shoot. 1 shooter allowed.

Companion Class Flushing Dogs
Handlers do not shoot. 1 shooter allowed.

In a nutshell, the idea is to get your limit with the least amount of time.

Compliance and Safety

All participates, volunteers, judges, bird planters, those in the gallery and guests are required to wear eye protection at all times.

All participants, volunteers, judges, bird planters are required to wear orange/high visibility at all times.

Upon check in at the Event Marshall’s table all participants must present their valid California Hunting License with an Upland Bird Stamp attached. If you do not have a license you will be competing in the Companion Class and a licensed hunter will be assigned to you. If you are an unlicensed hunter you may not be in possession of a bird at any time. Dog Handlers must keep their Hunting License on their person at all times while participating in this event.

If the event is held during non-hunting season, it is the participant’s responsibility to collect his or her CDFW bird tags upon leaving the field. Or if during hunting season if a licensed hunter ends up with more birds than his daily legal limit he will need CDFW bird tags. This also applies to members doing “clean up”.