UHA Field Trials
Join us for a family-friendly weekend of competition, fellowship, and fun — all while supporting the preservation of our sport for future generations.
This event is a fundraiser dedicated to protecting and promoting the traditions we value. As you participate, please remember:
- Your actions are being watched by our next generation.
- Good sportsmanship is expected at all times.
- A trophy is never worth an altercation.
- All Master of Hounds decisions are final.
Let’s compete hard, encourage one another, and represent our sport with pride.
Awards
Trophies will be awarded as follows:
– 1st & 2nd Line- All Coon Drag Classes & Bear Drag
-1st & 2nd Tree- All Coon Drag Classes & Bear Drag
-1st & 2nd Place – Treeing Contest
-1st Place – Iron Dog
Coon Drags
- A track will be laid using National Coon scent (by horse or eBike) prior to each race.
- 5–8 dogs will compete in each heat.
- One judge will release dogs at the starting line.
- Two judges will be stationed at the tree to determine:
- First and second dogs to cross the line
- First and second dogs to properly tree
Dogs must tree on the coon, not simply bark, to be considered treed.
First and second-place dogs will advance through heats until a final pack of no more than 8 dogs competes in the championship heat.
Judges’ decisions are final.
Each individual is allowed one appeal per day, presented to the Master of Hounds.
The Master of Hounds will make the final decision, including whether a rerun is required.
Coon Dog Classes
Puppy – Any dog under 1 year of age
Junior- Any dog that has never trophied in a previous UHA Junior Trial Class
Senior- Open to any dog
Over the Hill- Any dog over 8 years of age
Youth/Female- For youth or inexperienced handlers (under 16 years old, female, or approved by the Master of Hounds)
Treeing Contest
- Each dog will be released individually for 60 seconds at the coon tree.
- All barks during the designated time will be counted.
- A painted circle (approximately 10–15 feet from the tree) will designate the contest boundary.
- If a dog exits the circle, it will be disqualified.
This is a true treeing contest — dogs are expected to sit or stand at the tree and actively tree, not run around the circle.
Two Judges will count barks, and totals will be averaged for the final score.
Iron Dog (Jackpot Event)
50% payout to the winner / 50% to the club
- All dogs will start outside the painted circle around the tree.
- Dogs are released simultaneously.
- Any dog that exits the circle is disqualified.
- Any dog involved in fighting, face barking, or aggressive behavior will be disqualified or removed immediately.
- Dogs must bark at least once every 10 seconds or will be disqualified.
- This is an intense event in a confined space. Handlers are expected to promptly remove dogs as they are disqualified.
Bear Drag (Jackpot Event)
50% payout to 1st place winner(s) / 50% to the club
- A 4–8 mile drag will be laid early Sunday morning.
- This is intended to be a challenging drag.
- If one dog finishes, the race will be considered valid.
All dogs will line up behind the designated starting line and be released simultaneously as the start judge drops his arms.
Two judges will be stationed at the tree to video and determine winners.
5 Dog Bear Pack Race
- A track will be laid using National Coon scent (by horse or eBike) prior to each race.
- Exactly 5 dogs are required per heat.
- All 5 dogs must cross the line and properly tree on the coon to obtain a qualified time.
- One Judge will release dogs at the start.
- Two Judges at the tree will determine final time.
Dogs must tree on the coon, not simply bark, to qualify.
The fastest overall pack time wins.
Judge’s decisions are final.
Each individual is allowed one appeal per day to the Master of Hounds.
The Master of Hounds will determine if a rerun is required.
We look forward to a weekend of strong competition, great camaraderie, and preserving the traditions of our sport for generations to come.
Let’s run good dogs and represent UHA with integrity.
