Eastern Idaho Houndsmen Association, Inc Constitution
Article I
Name
1. The name of the Organization shall be The Eastern Idaho Houndsmen Association, Inc. (EIHA).
Article II
Purpose
1. The Eastern Idaho Houndsmen Association Inc is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations described under Section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal Tax Code. Our organization is to bring together individuals or organizations with a common professional or vocational interest and:
a. To Promote and Perpetuate the Sport of Hound Hunting.
b. To increase the knowledge of its members and the public about our association and hound activities.
c. To keep our members informed about and work toward the improvement of our hunting seasons.
d. To provide activities for our members that will develop sportsmanship and brotherhood (competitions).
e. To preserve, protect, and enhance Idaho’s Wildlife resources.
2. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes described in section 501(c) 3 (Amended 2021).
Article III
Board of Directors
1. The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Assistant(s) Secretary/Treasurer, Social Media Director, 3 Year Director, 2 Year Director, 1 Year Director, Youth Director, and Past President Director, and shall be responsible for the Operation and Control of the club (Amended 2021, 2024).
2. In the event a club vote is unattainable, the Board of Directors shall have authority to act for and on behalf of membership.
Article IV
Officers and Duties
1. President, his/her duties shall include:
a. Preside over all Board Meetings, business meetings, special committees, and standing committees.
b. Shall appoint special and standing committees.
c. Shall be responsible for the general operation of the organization and carrying out their purpose.
Shall appoint a skull contest Director.
2. Vice President, his/her duties shall include:
a. Perform the duties of the President in his absence and assist in any way.
b. He shall assist the President in representing the club at meetings pertinent to our club such as Fish and Game Hearings, public meetings, etc.
c. Vice president or his designee acts as the Master of Hounds at Club Competitions.
3. Secretary/Treasurer, their duties shall include:
a. They shall keep all records of the organization, collect monies, and shall keep an accurate account of minutes in both Board and General Meetings.
b. They shall be responsible for the club treasury, and in general perform the duties incident to their office.
c. They shall be responsible for the correspondence with magazines, and other organizations.
d. The Treasurer records shall be audited annually by a committee appointed by the President.
e. Shall be responsible for preparing club correspondence newsletters and upkeep on EIHA’s Facebook page and website.
f. Shall keep records of Field Trial Points for club and hound awards.
4. Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, his/her duties shall include:
A. Assisting the Secretary/Treasurer in carrying out their duties to the club (Amendment added 2021).
5. Directors, duties of all directors shall include:
a. Attend Board meetings and assist the President in carrying out the purpose of the club.
Article V
Elections and Terms of Office
1. Elections shall be held at the Annual Awards Banquet, and new officers shall take over at that time.
2. The terms of Office for President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, and Youth Director shall be one year, Secretary/Treasurer shall be a husband-and-wife team.
3. A New 3 Year Director shall be elected each year. During the second year of his term, he will act as the Two-Year Director and in the third year, he will act as One-Year Director (Amended 2021).
4. The Past President Director shall remain in office as long as he is past President.
5. Candidates for office shall be members of EIHA, in good standing and may be nominated from the floor at the Banquet and elected by those members present. They shall remain good members throughout their terms.
6. Any vacancy on the Board of Directors of the EIHA shall be filled by appointment, made by the Board of Directors for the unexpired term of office.
7. Any elected officer of EIHA may be removed from office for just cause, by action of the Board, providing the resolution for removal has been approved by two thirds majority vote of the Board Members, providing that the officer in question shall have the opportunity for rebuttal against all charges levied against him/her.
8. All Board members shall sign a Conflict-of-Interest Policy annually to foster public confidence in our integrity and to protect club interests (Amended 2021).
Article VI
Membership and Dues
1. Membership shall be given to any Houndsman or woman wishing to affiliate with EIHA
2. Annual Dues of $45.00 will include Membership to the Immediate Family, i.e., husband, wife, and children under 18 who reside in the same household. Membership includes entry into the Big Skull Contest if paid within 30 days of the Banquet. They shall be paid to Secretary/Treasurer. The EIHA shall operate from membership dues, monies received from club activities, and other donations.
3. Board Members are volunteers and will not be paid wages, salaries, or compensation for performing their duties. However, EIHA shall provide reimbursement to Board Members for expenses incurred while carrying out legitimate duties of the club with board approval (Amended 2021).
4. Membership dues shall run from purchase date to end of that year.
5. The Board of Directors may suspend or expel any member who, after being given the chance to face the Board and give his or her rebuttal, is in their opinion, guilty of acts unbecoming a sportsman, such as conviction of a game violation.
Article VII
Awards and Activities
1. The EIHA shall sponsor a “Biggest Skull Contest” each year for Bear, Cougar, Bobcat, and Raccoon. The contest shall operate under the club skull contest rules.
2. Any paid member entered in the skull contest who successfully catches one of each of the four skull species is eligible for the Grand Slam Award. Bobcat and Lynx shall be classified as one species.
3. The Junior and Senior Hound of the year awards shall be given to the member whose dog scores the highest number of points at our designated events. These awards shall be plaques.
4. The EIHA will make awards in the following categories:
a. Largest Bear Skull
b. Largest Cougar Skull
c. Largest Bobcat Skull
d. Largest Raccoon Skull
e. Largest Grand Slam Award
f. First Time Slams
g. Junior and Senior Hound of the Year
h. Houndsman of the Year
i. Houndswoman of the Year (Amended 2009)
j. Junior Houndsman of the Year
5. The EIHA shall hold periodic practice hunts and trials, and at the discretion of the Board, awards will be made at these functions. Alcohol or unprescribed drugs are not allowed during any EIHA activity.
6. The quality of all awards shall be under the direction of the Board of Directors.
7. The EIHA shall hold business meetings for the transaction of club business and shall notify the membership prior to the meetings.
8. The EIHA shall keep membership informed by means of newsletter.
9. All club events shall operate under the rules drawn up by the EIHA.
10. The Houndsman of the year awards shall be given each year. It shall be given to members whose Grand Slam points added with his or her best hound total designated field trial points combined to the largest total in the club. Each Grand Slam inch equals one field trial point.
11. At the discretion of the Board, a special service award may be given to a member or members for meritorious and unselfish contributions and service to the club in carrying out its purpose. This award will be referred to as the Les Mitchell Award. It will be awarded by a Plaque with Previous years members names on it at the Annual Banquet. This awarded person will take ownership of the Plaque for the next two years and returned at the next Annual Banquet to be awarded to someone else (Amended 2014).
12. Honorary lifetime memberships may be given to selected members. The Board of Directors may receive or nominate outstanding members for this award and must be voted upon by the members at the Annual Awards Banquet.
13. The Board of Directors will oversee the setting up of EIHA field trials, fun days, and various activities. The Board has the right to add or delete various events when setting up the Trails. No changes will be made to the Constitution.
14. EIHA will carry appropriate club insurance when applicable.
Article VIII
Property
1. EIHA will acquire and maintain property necessary to its existence and shall be under the control of the Board of Directors. Examples: club trailer, training aids, scents, bench show benches, training animals, and field equipment.
2. Ownership of this equipment will remain with EIHA and storage will be provided by the Board members.
3. All members will use the equipment at practice hunts and trials, and the equipment will be made available at all other times to members on an equal basis. Permission must first be granted by the Board of Directors.
4. Upon the dissolution of the Eastern Idaho Houndsmen Association Inc, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding section of any future Federal Tax Code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. (Amended 2021).
Article IX
Amendments
1. Any proposed amendment or change of the constitution shall be brought before the Membership at a Business meeting or club event.
2. Changes will require a two thirds majority vote of the members present.
Eastern Idaho Houndsmen Association, Inc
General Rules for Competitions
General Race Judging
1. The decisions of the judges will be final. Any discrepancies will be decided by the Master of Hounds, who has final word.
2. Hounds may be disqualified:
a. For false entry of dog
b. For fighting during a race
c. For unsportsmanlike conduct by owner while on the grounds or during a race
3. A hound must pass between the line judges to qualify for a tree award or line award, unless an obvious drift was designated by the judges
4. A hound must bark tree to qualify for a line award or a tree award.
5. A hound will be considered treeing whenever it is apparent, he is baying at the treeing animal.
6. The starting official will verify with each handler that he is ready to let his hound start the race, and then start the race.
7. Judges should record the colors of as many hounds as possible in the order which they place.
8. Each judge should record his/her assigned results. After each race, the four judges will jointly agree upon the results, and then submit those results to the club secretary or his/her designee.
9. The line judges will be on each side of the track. The separation distance will be determined by the judges, taking into consideration the terrain, weather conditions, and potential wind drift.
10. Only hounds that qualify between the line judges can receive tree awards. Only hounds that tree can be eligible for line awards.
11. A questionable trial and tree hound can be kept from competing by a majority vote of the club directors and officers present at the trial.
12. Rules can only be changed with a majority vote by the members present,
13. No one will be allowed within the judges designated closed areas during a race until the tree judge calls a race complete. Once the hound is turned loose on a track, the handler cannot talk to, encourage, or coach his/her hound until the race is complete. If verbal encouragement occurs, the hound will be disqualified.
14. The race will be complete at the discretion of the judges.
15. If a dog makes a malicious physical contact with another dog or person either during a race or at a tree, he/she will automatically be disqualified. If the dog just throws his head or makes an aggressive act, he/she will get a warning. The second warning of the day, he/she will be disqualified for the rest of the trial. If a dog shows an act of aggression in self-defense, he/she will get a warning. Two warnings and he/she will be disqualified.
Drag Race Rules
Officials: Master of Hounds, 2-line judges, and 2 tree judges
1. All scented track will be bobcat, bear, raccoon, or lion. The treeing animal will be a raccoon.
2. The method of laying track will be left to the discretion of the Master of Hounds.
3. All first and second line and tree winners of the individual casts may advance to the next level of competition.
4. If more than eight hounds are eligible for a championship race, they will be split into groups and semi-final races will be held. First and second line and tree winners will then compete in the Championship race. Points will be awarded to a hound placing in a semi-final race.
5. First and second line and tree winners of championship races will be awarded trophies.
6. A hound winning a first or second line or tree award in a championship race will graduate from the junior to the senior division, but the hound may not run as a senior until the next year at the first field trial.
7. Junior and Senior hounds will not compete together except in Powder Puff and kids races.
8. There must be three hounds entered into a division before a race can be held.
9. If only eight or less hounds are entered into a division, only one race will be held which will be called the Championship.
10. If a dog makes a malicious physical contact with another dog or person either during a race or at a tree, he/she will automatically be disqualified. If the dog just throws his head or makes an aggressive act, he/she will get a warning. The second warning of the day, he/she will be disqualified for the rest of the trial. If a dog shows an act of aggression in self-defense, he/she will get a warning. Two warnings and he/she will be disqualified.
Bear Race Rules
Officials: Master of Hounds, 2 line judges, and 2 tree judges
1. All scented track will be bear or raccoon. The treeing animal will be a bear or raccoon.
2. The judges will be placed at the discretion of the Master of Hounds.
3. The track length will be as long as the terrain will allow.
4. The method of laying track will be left to the discretion of the Master of Hounds.
5. The first and second hounds that pass through the line and tree will be awarded first and second place. The Mandatory Bark Rule Applies (Amended 2018).
6. If a dog makes a malicious physical contact with another dog or person either during a race or at a tree, he/she will automatically be disqualified. If the dog just throws his head or makes an aggressive act, he/she will get a warning. The second warning of the day, he/she will be disqualified for the rest of the trial. If a dog shows an act of aggression in self-defense, he/she will get a warning. Two warnings and he/she will be disqualified.
Treeing Contest Rules
Officials: Rope Handler, 4 counters, and 1 timer
1. The treeing animal will be a raccoon.
2. The circle will be clearly marked all around the tree, 10 feet from the tree.
3. Counting and timing will begin when the timer tells the handler to release his/her hound at the starting line.
4. The starting line will be placed at the discretion of the Master of Hounds and be clearly marked.
5. A hound will be ruled “no contest” and his score recorded as such, if, after entering the circle, the hound steps over the line with both front feet while timing is in progress. The hound will not be considered to have entered the circle until he/she steps within the circle with all four feet.
6. A hound must enter the circle before the timing period is over for any of his score to be counted.
7. The treeing animal will be held stationary in the tree at a minimum of 12 feet from the ground.
8. Once the handler has released the hound at the starting line, he cannot talk to or encourage his hound until the timer calls “time” or “no contest”. If verbal encouragement occurs, the hound will be disqualified.
9. Timing will cover a period of 30 seconds.
10. A handler will leash and remove his/her hound immediately after the timer calls “time” or “no contest”.
11. When timing has ended, the timer will immediately call for the next competing hound. That hound will be allowed to be teased with the treeing animal on the ground for a reasonable amount of time.
12. Hounds will compete in an order dictated by the trial registration sheet.
13. Awards will be made to the three highest scoring hounds.
Water Race Rules
Officials: Master of Hounds, 2-line judges, and 2 tree judges
1. The treeing animal will be a raccoon.
2. Master of Hounds will call the race and handlers will load their hound into the box.
3. The Hound will be placed in cast order by drawing colors. Box order is determined by the color of the collar.
4. After hounds are in the box, they will be “teased” with the treeing animal through the starting box gate screen.
5. The starting gate will be raised when the treeing animal is approximately 40 feet from the starting bank.
6. Shouting encouragement to hounds while swimming is not allowed. If the handler verbally encourages the hound, the hound will be disqualified.
7. The crank operator will keep the treeing animal at least 10 feet, but less than 40 feet ahead of the lead hound.
8. The line will be determined by sighting across two-line posts. The distance between the two-line posts will be at the discretion of the Master of Hounds. The line will be approximately 50 feet from the tree. The first and second hounds across the line will be given line awards provided they tree. A hound must make line in any order to receive tree awards. The first and second hounds to tree will be given tree awards.
9. The race will be over 30 seconds after the first hound crosses the line on the tree bank.
10. A hound that does not swim between the line posts will be disqualified.
11. All first and second line and tree winners of an individual cast will advance to the next level of competition.
12. If more than six hounds are eligible for the championship race, they will be split into groups and semi-final races will be held. First and second line and tree winners will then compete in the Championship race. Points will be awarded to a hound placing in a semi-final race.
13. First and second line and tree winners of a championship race will be awarded trophies.
14. Senior and Junior division hounds will not compete together except in Powder Puff and Kids races.
15. At least 3 hounds must be entered in a division before a race can be held. If six or less hounds are entered, the race will be a championship race.
16. If a dog makes a malicious physical contact with another dog or person either during a race or at a tree, he/she will automatically be disqualified. If the dog just throws his head or makes an aggressive act, he/she will get a warning. The second warning of the day, he/she will be disqualified for the rest of the trial. If a dog shows an act of aggression in self-defense, he/she will get a warning. Two warnings and he/she will be disqualified.
Skull Contest Rules
The EIHA will sponsor competition for Bear, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, and Raccoon Skulls taken by legal hunting methods, and by members in good standing. The largest skull for each species will be awarded a trophy. The quality of the awards will be at the discretion of the Board for in-state and out-of-state divisions (Amended 2021).
1. A prepaid registration fee included in the membership dues is required for the contest. Registration monies will be due within 30 days of the Annual Banquet.
2. The animal must be taken in terms of “fair chase” by hounds in a sportsmanlike manner. Fair chase or eligibility questions will be handled by the skull contest director and the Board of Directors.
3. All entries will be reported to the club skull contest director or any board member within a reasonable time within the calendar year of Jan. 1st to Dec. 31st of being treed. Both skull and photos qualify for entries.
4. All skulls will be measured by an official B&C or P&Y measurer or a designated assignee. The skull may be frozen and measured later. All skulls should be measured by January 31 for the previous year’s contest.
5. The Boone and Crockett scoring system will be used to measure the skulls. Competition will cover the calendar year of January 1st to December 31st.
6. Enlarging a skull by any means is not allowed. Freezing a skull will be allowed, but not at the time of measuring.
7. A dated photograph of a treed species will be acceptable as a skull contest entry in lieu of a measured skull if desired. A set score will be given to photo entries as follows:
Bear – 16 pts
Lion – 12 pts
Raccoon – 7 pts
Bobcat – 7 pts
8. In order for a skull and photos to be eligible, your hound must start the race, finish the race, tree, and be present at the time the animal was harvested or photo was taken. Treed means at the tree barking at the animal caught. A Hound fed into a race does not qualify.
9. In case of a tie in any of the categories, two or more trophies will be awarded to the winners at the discretion of the board. If two or more members take and enter one of the winning species, it will be the responsibility of the members involved to decide which of them will retain the trophy. In the event of multiple entry, all members involved must be pre-registered. The club will order additional trophies at the winners’ expense if each want a trophy.
10. A Largest Grand Slam buckle shall be awarded to the pre-registered member entering a skull or photo in all four categories, and the total of all for species added together is the largest slam in the club. A Grand Slam Buckle shall be awarded to any eligible pre-registered member who has enters their First Grand Slam.
Hound of the Year Contest
Hounds competing in trials and events sponsored by EIHA will be awarded points for their achievements. An individual hound’s points will be accumulated, and trophies will be awarded to the high scoring hounds for all trials in the Junior and Senior division. The competition will be held within the calendar year of Jan. 1st to Dec. 31st .
Rules
1. To be eligible, the hound must be owned by a paid member of EIHA.
2. The hound owner need not be present during the trials.
3. Eligible hound’s points will be kept by the Club Secretary.
4. In case of a tie for any award, a trophy will be awarded for each.
5. Points will be awarded to the hound according to the flowing schedule:
Tree Contest: 2 Pts Third Place
4 Pts Second Place
6 Pts First Place
Water/Drag Races: 3 Pts Semi-final 2nd line and 2nd tree
4 Pts Semi-final 1st line and 1st tree
5 Pts Final Cast 2nd line and 2nd tree
6 Pts Final Cast 1st line and 1st tree
Best of Breed: 4 Pts Bench Show
Best of Show: 6 Pts Bench Show
Note: In event of Semi-Semi-finals or semi-semi-semi-finals etc. the points awarded will be the same as semifinal race.
Houndsman/Woman of the Year
1. The competition will be held in a calendar year from January 1st thru December 31st.
2. The Houndsman/Woman must be a paid club member.
3. The points will come from the highest point total of the houndsman’s/woman’s best trial dog. Only hound points from one hound may be used.
4. The other points will come from the houndsman’s/woman’s total “Grand Slam” points. Each grand slam inch equals one trial point.
5. After totaling amounts, the Houndsman and Houndswoman with the largest total shall be awarded the “Houndsman/Woman of the Year” award.
6. Trial points and grand slam points must be obtained fairly under their perspective contest rules.
7. To be eligible, the winner must have trial points and grand slam points (pictures or skulls).
8. Puppy points are not eligible for Houndsman/Woman of the year. Puppies are defined as less than one year old.
Junior Houndsman of the Year
(Amendment added March 24, 2006)
1. The competition will be held in a calendar year from January 1st thru December 31st.
2. To be eligible for Junior Houndsman of the year, individuals must be less than sixteen years old on the date of the field trials (Amended 2017).
3. The Junior Houndsman must be a paid club member or the child of a paid club member.
4. The points will come from the highest point total of the Junior Houndsman’s best trial dog. Only hound points from one hound may be used. The same hound cannot be entered into both Houndsman, Houndswoman, or Junior Houndsman contests.
5. The other points will come from the junior houndsman’s total “Grand Slam” points. Each grand slam inch equals one trial point.
6. After totaling amounts, the Junior Houndsman with the largest total shall be awarded the “Junior Houndsman of the Year” award.
7. Trial points and grand slam points must be obtained fairly under their perspective contest rules.
8. To be eligible, the winner must have trial points and grand slam points (pictures or skulls).
9. Puppy points are not eligible for Junior Houndsman of the year. Puppies are defined as less than one year old.
Class and Qualifications
Old Dog – Any Dog 10 years of Age or Older.
Seniors – Any Dog that has trophied in other trials in previous year(s).
Juniors – Any Dog over 1 year that has not trophied.
Powder Puff – Any dog handler that is a female.
Kids – Any Handler that is less than 16 years old at time of field trials.
Puppy – Any hound under 1 year old
Treeing Contest – Any dog
Updated in 2024 by Secretary
Article I
Name
1. The name of the Organization shall be The Eastern Idaho Houndsmen Association, Inc. (EIHA).
Article II
Purpose
1. The Eastern Idaho Houndsmen Association Inc is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations described under Section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal Tax Code. Our organization is to bring together individuals or organizations with a common professional or vocational interest and:
a. To Promote and Perpetuate the Sport of Hound Hunting.
b. To increase the knowledge of its members and the public about our association and hound activities.
c. To keep our members informed about and work toward the improvement of our hunting seasons.
d. To provide activities for our members that will develop sportsmanship and brotherhood (competitions).
e. To preserve, protect, and enhance Idaho’s Wildlife resources.
2. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes described in section 501(c) 3 (Amended 2021).
Article III
Board of Directors
1. The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Assistant(s) Secretary/Treasurer, Social Media Director, 3 Year Director, 2 Year Director, 1 Year Director, Youth Director, and Past President Director, and shall be responsible for the Operation and Control of the club (Amended 2021, 2024).
2. In the event a club vote is unattainable, the Board of Directors shall have authority to act for and on behalf of membership.
Article IV
Officers and Duties
1. President, his/her duties shall include:
a. Preside over all Board Meetings, business meetings, special committees, and standing committees.
b. Shall appoint special and standing committees.
c. Shall be responsible for the general operation of the organization and carrying out their purpose.
Shall appoint a skull contest Director.
2. Vice President, his/her duties shall include:
a. Perform the duties of the President in his absence and assist in any way.
b. He shall assist the President in representing the club at meetings pertinent to our club such as Fish and Game Hearings, public meetings, etc.
c. Vice president or his designee acts as the Master of Hounds at Club Competitions.
3. Secretary/Treasurer, their duties shall include:
a. They shall keep all records of the organization, collect monies, and shall keep an accurate account of minutes in both Board and General Meetings.
b. They shall be responsible for the club treasury, and in general perform the duties incident to their office.
c. They shall be responsible for the correspondence with magazines, and other organizations.
d. The Treasurer records shall be audited annually by a committee appointed by the President.
e. Shall be responsible for preparing club correspondence newsletters and upkeep on EIHA’s Facebook page and website.
f. Shall keep records of Field Trial Points for club and hound awards.
4. Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, his/her duties shall include:
A. Assisting the Secretary/Treasurer in carrying out their duties to the club (Amendment added 2021).
5. Directors, duties of all directors shall include:
a. Attend Board meetings and assist the President in carrying out the purpose of the club.
Article V
Elections and Terms of Office
1. Elections shall be held at the Annual Awards Banquet, and new officers shall take over at that time.
2. The terms of Office for President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, and Youth Director shall be one year, Secretary/Treasurer shall be a husband-and-wife team.
3. A New 3 Year Director shall be elected each year. During the second year of his term, he will act as the Two-Year Director and in the third year, he will act as One-Year Director (Amended 2021).
4. The Past President Director shall remain in office as long as he is past President.
5. Candidates for office shall be members of EIHA, in good standing and may be nominated from the floor at the Banquet and elected by those members present. They shall remain good members throughout their terms.
6. Any vacancy on the Board of Directors of the EIHA shall be filled by appointment, made by the Board of Directors for the unexpired term of office.
7. Any elected officer of EIHA may be removed from office for just cause, by action of the Board, providing the resolution for removal has been approved by two thirds majority vote of the Board Members, providing that the officer in question shall have the opportunity for rebuttal against all charges levied against him/her.
8. All Board members shall sign a Conflict-of-Interest Policy annually to foster public confidence in our integrity and to protect club interests (Amended 2021).
Article VI
Membership and Dues
1. Membership shall be given to any Houndsman or woman wishing to affiliate with EIHA
2. Annual Dues of $45.00 will include Membership to the Immediate Family, i.e., husband, wife, and children under 18 who reside in the same household. Membership includes entry into the Big Skull Contest if paid within 30 days of the Banquet. They shall be paid to Secretary/Treasurer. The EIHA shall operate from membership dues, monies received from club activities, and other donations.
3. Board Members are volunteers and will not be paid wages, salaries, or compensation for performing their duties. However, EIHA shall provide reimbursement to Board Members for expenses incurred while carrying out legitimate duties of the club with board approval (Amended 2021).
4. Membership dues shall run from purchase date to end of that year.
5. The Board of Directors may suspend or expel any member who, after being given the chance to face the Board and give his or her rebuttal, is in their opinion, guilty of acts unbecoming a sportsman, such as conviction of a game violation.
Article VII
Awards and Activities
1. The EIHA shall sponsor a “Biggest Skull Contest” each year for Bear, Cougar, Bobcat, and Raccoon. The contest shall operate under the club skull contest rules.
2. Any paid member entered in the skull contest who successfully catches one of each of the four skull species is eligible for the Grand Slam Award. Bobcat and Lynx shall be classified as one species.
3. The Junior and Senior Hound of the year awards shall be given to the member whose dog scores the highest number of points at our designated events. These awards shall be plaques.
4. The EIHA will make awards in the following categories:
a. Largest Bear Skull
b. Largest Cougar Skull
c. Largest Bobcat Skull
d. Largest Raccoon Skull
e. Largest Grand Slam Award
f. First Time Slams
g. Junior and Senior Hound of the Year
h. Houndsman of the Year
i. Houndswoman of the Year (Amended 2009)
j. Junior Houndsman of the Year
5. The EIHA shall hold periodic practice hunts and trials, and at the discretion of the Board, awards will be made at these functions. Alcohol or unprescribed drugs are not allowed during any EIHA activity.
6. The quality of all awards shall be under the direction of the Board of Directors.
7. The EIHA shall hold business meetings for the transaction of club business and shall notify the membership prior to the meetings.
8. The EIHA shall keep membership informed by means of newsletter.
9. All club events shall operate under the rules drawn up by the EIHA.
10. The Houndsman of the year awards shall be given each year. It shall be given to members whose Grand Slam points added with his or her best hound total designated field trial points combined to the largest total in the club. Each Grand Slam inch equals one field trial point.
11. At the discretion of the Board, a special service award may be given to a member or members for meritorious and unselfish contributions and service to the club in carrying out its purpose. This award will be referred to as the Les Mitchell Award. It will be awarded by a Plaque with Previous years members names on it at the Annual Banquet. This awarded person will take ownership of the Plaque for the next two years and returned at the next Annual Banquet to be awarded to someone else (Amended 2014).
12. Honorary lifetime memberships may be given to selected members. The Board of Directors may receive or nominate outstanding members for this award and must be voted upon by the members at the Annual Awards Banquet.
13. The Board of Directors will oversee the setting up of EIHA field trials, fun days, and various activities. The Board has the right to add or delete various events when setting up the Trails. No changes will be made to the Constitution.
14. EIHA will carry appropriate club insurance when applicable.
Article VIII
Property
1. EIHA will acquire and maintain property necessary to its existence and shall be under the control of the Board of Directors. Examples: club trailer, training aids, scents, bench show benches, training animals, and field equipment.
2. Ownership of this equipment will remain with EIHA and storage will be provided by the Board members.
3. All members will use the equipment at practice hunts and trials, and the equipment will be made available at all other times to members on an equal basis. Permission must first be granted by the Board of Directors.
4. Upon the dissolution of the Eastern Idaho Houndsmen Association Inc, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding section of any future Federal Tax Code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. (Amended 2021).
Article IX
Amendments
1. Any proposed amendment or change of the constitution shall be brought before the Membership at a Business meeting or club event.
2. Changes will require a two thirds majority vote of the members present.
Eastern Idaho Houndsmen Association, Inc
General Rules for Competitions
General Race Judging
1. The decisions of the judges will be final. Any discrepancies will be decided by the Master of Hounds, who has final word.
2. Hounds may be disqualified:
a. For false entry of dog
b. For fighting during a race
c. For unsportsmanlike conduct by owner while on the grounds or during a race
3. A hound must pass between the line judges to qualify for a tree award or line award, unless an obvious drift was designated by the judges
4. A hound must bark tree to qualify for a line award or a tree award.
5. A hound will be considered treeing whenever it is apparent, he is baying at the treeing animal.
6. The starting official will verify with each handler that he is ready to let his hound start the race, and then start the race.
7. Judges should record the colors of as many hounds as possible in the order which they place.
8. Each judge should record his/her assigned results. After each race, the four judges will jointly agree upon the results, and then submit those results to the club secretary or his/her designee.
9. The line judges will be on each side of the track. The separation distance will be determined by the judges, taking into consideration the terrain, weather conditions, and potential wind drift.
10. Only hounds that qualify between the line judges can receive tree awards. Only hounds that tree can be eligible for line awards.
11. A questionable trial and tree hound can be kept from competing by a majority vote of the club directors and officers present at the trial.
12. Rules can only be changed with a majority vote by the members present,
13. No one will be allowed within the judges designated closed areas during a race until the tree judge calls a race complete. Once the hound is turned loose on a track, the handler cannot talk to, encourage, or coach his/her hound until the race is complete. If verbal encouragement occurs, the hound will be disqualified.
14. The race will be complete at the discretion of the judges.
15. If a dog makes a malicious physical contact with another dog or person either during a race or at a tree, he/she will automatically be disqualified. If the dog just throws his head or makes an aggressive act, he/she will get a warning. The second warning of the day, he/she will be disqualified for the rest of the trial. If a dog shows an act of aggression in self-defense, he/she will get a warning. Two warnings and he/she will be disqualified.
Drag Race Rules
Officials: Master of Hounds, 2-line judges, and 2 tree judges
1. All scented track will be bobcat, bear, raccoon, or lion. The treeing animal will be a raccoon.
2. The method of laying track will be left to the discretion of the Master of Hounds.
3. All first and second line and tree winners of the individual casts may advance to the next level of competition.
4. If more than eight hounds are eligible for a championship race, they will be split into groups and semi-final races will be held. First and second line and tree winners will then compete in the Championship race. Points will be awarded to a hound placing in a semi-final race.
5. First and second line and tree winners of championship races will be awarded trophies.
6. A hound winning a first or second line or tree award in a championship race will graduate from the junior to the senior division, but the hound may not run as a senior until the next year at the first field trial.
7. Junior and Senior hounds will not compete together except in Powder Puff and kids races.
8. There must be three hounds entered into a division before a race can be held.
9. If only eight or less hounds are entered into a division, only one race will be held which will be called the Championship.
10. If a dog makes a malicious physical contact with another dog or person either during a race or at a tree, he/she will automatically be disqualified. If the dog just throws his head or makes an aggressive act, he/she will get a warning. The second warning of the day, he/she will be disqualified for the rest of the trial. If a dog shows an act of aggression in self-defense, he/she will get a warning. Two warnings and he/she will be disqualified.
Bear Race Rules
Officials: Master of Hounds, 2 line judges, and 2 tree judges
1. All scented track will be bear or raccoon. The treeing animal will be a bear or raccoon.
2. The judges will be placed at the discretion of the Master of Hounds.
3. The track length will be as long as the terrain will allow.
4. The method of laying track will be left to the discretion of the Master of Hounds.
5. The first and second hounds that pass through the line and tree will be awarded first and second place. The Mandatory Bark Rule Applies (Amended 2018).
6. If a dog makes a malicious physical contact with another dog or person either during a race or at a tree, he/she will automatically be disqualified. If the dog just throws his head or makes an aggressive act, he/she will get a warning. The second warning of the day, he/she will be disqualified for the rest of the trial. If a dog shows an act of aggression in self-defense, he/she will get a warning. Two warnings and he/she will be disqualified.
Treeing Contest Rules
Officials: Rope Handler, 4 counters, and 1 timer
1. The treeing animal will be a raccoon.
2. The circle will be clearly marked all around the tree, 10 feet from the tree.
3. Counting and timing will begin when the timer tells the handler to release his/her hound at the starting line.
4. The starting line will be placed at the discretion of the Master of Hounds and be clearly marked.
5. A hound will be ruled “no contest” and his score recorded as such, if, after entering the circle, the hound steps over the line with both front feet while timing is in progress. The hound will not be considered to have entered the circle until he/she steps within the circle with all four feet.
6. A hound must enter the circle before the timing period is over for any of his score to be counted.
7. The treeing animal will be held stationary in the tree at a minimum of 12 feet from the ground.
8. Once the handler has released the hound at the starting line, he cannot talk to or encourage his hound until the timer calls “time” or “no contest”. If verbal encouragement occurs, the hound will be disqualified.
9. Timing will cover a period of 30 seconds.
10. A handler will leash and remove his/her hound immediately after the timer calls “time” or “no contest”.
11. When timing has ended, the timer will immediately call for the next competing hound. That hound will be allowed to be teased with the treeing animal on the ground for a reasonable amount of time.
12. Hounds will compete in an order dictated by the trial registration sheet.
13. Awards will be made to the three highest scoring hounds.
Water Race Rules
Officials: Master of Hounds, 2-line judges, and 2 tree judges
1. The treeing animal will be a raccoon.
2. Master of Hounds will call the race and handlers will load their hound into the box.
3. The Hound will be placed in cast order by drawing colors. Box order is determined by the color of the collar.
4. After hounds are in the box, they will be “teased” with the treeing animal through the starting box gate screen.
5. The starting gate will be raised when the treeing animal is approximately 40 feet from the starting bank.
6. Shouting encouragement to hounds while swimming is not allowed. If the handler verbally encourages the hound, the hound will be disqualified.
7. The crank operator will keep the treeing animal at least 10 feet, but less than 40 feet ahead of the lead hound.
8. The line will be determined by sighting across two-line posts. The distance between the two-line posts will be at the discretion of the Master of Hounds. The line will be approximately 50 feet from the tree. The first and second hounds across the line will be given line awards provided they tree. A hound must make line in any order to receive tree awards. The first and second hounds to tree will be given tree awards.
9. The race will be over 30 seconds after the first hound crosses the line on the tree bank.
10. A hound that does not swim between the line posts will be disqualified.
11. All first and second line and tree winners of an individual cast will advance to the next level of competition.
12. If more than six hounds are eligible for the championship race, they will be split into groups and semi-final races will be held. First and second line and tree winners will then compete in the Championship race. Points will be awarded to a hound placing in a semi-final race.
13. First and second line and tree winners of a championship race will be awarded trophies.
14. Senior and Junior division hounds will not compete together except in Powder Puff and Kids races.
15. At least 3 hounds must be entered in a division before a race can be held. If six or less hounds are entered, the race will be a championship race.
16. If a dog makes a malicious physical contact with another dog or person either during a race or at a tree, he/she will automatically be disqualified. If the dog just throws his head or makes an aggressive act, he/she will get a warning. The second warning of the day, he/she will be disqualified for the rest of the trial. If a dog shows an act of aggression in self-defense, he/she will get a warning. Two warnings and he/she will be disqualified.
Skull Contest Rules
The EIHA will sponsor competition for Bear, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, and Raccoon Skulls taken by legal hunting methods, and by members in good standing. The largest skull for each species will be awarded a trophy. The quality of the awards will be at the discretion of the Board for in-state and out-of-state divisions (Amended 2021).
1. A prepaid registration fee included in the membership dues is required for the contest. Registration monies will be due within 30 days of the Annual Banquet.
2. The animal must be taken in terms of “fair chase” by hounds in a sportsmanlike manner. Fair chase or eligibility questions will be handled by the skull contest director and the Board of Directors.
3. All entries will be reported to the club skull contest director or any board member within a reasonable time within the calendar year of Jan. 1st to Dec. 31st of being treed. Both skull and photos qualify for entries.
4. All skulls will be measured by an official B&C or P&Y measurer or a designated assignee. The skull may be frozen and measured later. All skulls should be measured by January 31 for the previous year’s contest.
5. The Boone and Crockett scoring system will be used to measure the skulls. Competition will cover the calendar year of January 1st to December 31st.
6. Enlarging a skull by any means is not allowed. Freezing a skull will be allowed, but not at the time of measuring.
7. A dated photograph of a treed species will be acceptable as a skull contest entry in lieu of a measured skull if desired. A set score will be given to photo entries as follows:
Bear – 16 pts
Lion – 12 pts
Raccoon – 7 pts
Bobcat – 7 pts
8. In order for a skull and photos to be eligible, your hound must start the race, finish the race, tree, and be present at the time the animal was harvested or photo was taken. Treed means at the tree barking at the animal caught. A Hound fed into a race does not qualify.
9. In case of a tie in any of the categories, two or more trophies will be awarded to the winners at the discretion of the board. If two or more members take and enter one of the winning species, it will be the responsibility of the members involved to decide which of them will retain the trophy. In the event of multiple entry, all members involved must be pre-registered. The club will order additional trophies at the winners’ expense if each want a trophy.
10. A Largest Grand Slam buckle shall be awarded to the pre-registered member entering a skull or photo in all four categories, and the total of all for species added together is the largest slam in the club. A Grand Slam Buckle shall be awarded to any eligible pre-registered member who has enters their First Grand Slam.
Hound of the Year Contest
Hounds competing in trials and events sponsored by EIHA will be awarded points for their achievements. An individual hound’s points will be accumulated, and trophies will be awarded to the high scoring hounds for all trials in the Junior and Senior division. The competition will be held within the calendar year of Jan. 1st to Dec. 31st .
Rules
1. To be eligible, the hound must be owned by a paid member of EIHA.
2. The hound owner need not be present during the trials.
3. Eligible hound’s points will be kept by the Club Secretary.
4. In case of a tie for any award, a trophy will be awarded for each.
5. Points will be awarded to the hound according to the flowing schedule:
Tree Contest: 2 Pts Third Place
4 Pts Second Place
6 Pts First Place
Water/Drag Races: 3 Pts Semi-final 2nd line and 2nd tree
4 Pts Semi-final 1st line and 1st tree
5 Pts Final Cast 2nd line and 2nd tree
6 Pts Final Cast 1st line and 1st tree
Best of Breed: 4 Pts Bench Show
Best of Show: 6 Pts Bench Show
Note: In event of Semi-Semi-finals or semi-semi-semi-finals etc. the points awarded will be the same as semifinal race.
Houndsman/Woman of the Year
1. The competition will be held in a calendar year from January 1st thru December 31st.
2. The Houndsman/Woman must be a paid club member.
3. The points will come from the highest point total of the houndsman’s/woman’s best trial dog. Only hound points from one hound may be used.
4. The other points will come from the houndsman’s/woman’s total “Grand Slam” points. Each grand slam inch equals one trial point.
5. After totaling amounts, the Houndsman and Houndswoman with the largest total shall be awarded the “Houndsman/Woman of the Year” award.
6. Trial points and grand slam points must be obtained fairly under their perspective contest rules.
7. To be eligible, the winner must have trial points and grand slam points (pictures or skulls).
8. Puppy points are not eligible for Houndsman/Woman of the year. Puppies are defined as less than one year old.
Junior Houndsman of the Year
(Amendment added March 24, 2006)
1. The competition will be held in a calendar year from January 1st thru December 31st.
2. To be eligible for Junior Houndsman of the year, individuals must be less than sixteen years old on the date of the field trials (Amended 2017).
3. The Junior Houndsman must be a paid club member or the child of a paid club member.
4. The points will come from the highest point total of the Junior Houndsman’s best trial dog. Only hound points from one hound may be used. The same hound cannot be entered into both Houndsman, Houndswoman, or Junior Houndsman contests.
5. The other points will come from the junior houndsman’s total “Grand Slam” points. Each grand slam inch equals one trial point.
6. After totaling amounts, the Junior Houndsman with the largest total shall be awarded the “Junior Houndsman of the Year” award.
7. Trial points and grand slam points must be obtained fairly under their perspective contest rules.
8. To be eligible, the winner must have trial points and grand slam points (pictures or skulls).
9. Puppy points are not eligible for Junior Houndsman of the year. Puppies are defined as less than one year old.
Class and Qualifications
Old Dog – Any Dog 10 years of Age or Older.
Seniors – Any Dog that has trophied in other trials in previous year(s).
Juniors – Any Dog over 1 year that has not trophied.
Powder Puff – Any dog handler that is a female.
Kids – Any Handler that is less than 16 years old at time of field trials.
Puppy – Any hound under 1 year old
Treeing Contest – Any dog
Updated in 2024 by Secretary