Result: Bama Quail Youth Trial

Location: Tuskegee, Alabama

Post Date: Dec 29, 2023

Submitted By: Darron Hendley

Bama Quail Youth Trial Winners (front, l-r): Shelby Street with Shug, Addison McDuffie with Lulu, Reese Green with Josie, and Hayes Green with Bo. (Behind): Anna Grace Thompkins, Tony Reynolds with his children, Darron Hendley, Bucky Street, Meredith Street, Mindy McDuffie, Hunter McDuffie, Justin Green, and Mike Green.

Congratulations to all the kids who participated in the Bama Quail Youth Field Trial on Sunday, December 3, 2023, in Tuskegee, Alabama. This was the 21st consecutive Bama Quail youth trial on these grounds, making it the longest consecutive youth field trial on the same grounds in America! We had a great turnout of support for the kids and the sport they love so much! A huge thank you to the judges, Pat McPherson from Burnt Corn, Alabama, and Lane Hodges of Griffin, Georgia. Both men are top-notch amateur dog trainers and handlers. In fact, Hodges trained and handled the reigning National Amateur Free-For-All Champion held on Sedgefield Plantation last year. McPherson bred and trained the 2012 National Champion, Conner's E Z Button. Fitzpatrickians Robert Thompkins and Tony Reynolds drove the dog wagons. Kara Anne Beatrous had a tasty hot meal ready to enjoy at the lunch break. Stake Manager Darron Hendley marshaled the trial. Purina and Oak Hill Quail Farm were our generous sponsors. Chris and Cindy Sellers of Selmer, Tennessee, graciously paid the entry fees for every dog.

The weather was pleasant, and Bobwhites were active. Six aspiring youngsters brought 12 dogs to compete. They were Clair Street, Reese Green, Ella Grace Montgomery, Hayes Green, Addison McDuffie, and Shelby Street. All but two dogs found birds.
Taking first place was Shug, a pretty little female English pointer handled by Shelby Street, from Notasulga, Alabama. Shug was the top bird finder of the bunch, having turned in an impressive three-find performance. Addison McDuffie, Cecil, Alabama, claimed second for her female pointer, Lulu. Lulu had a nice forward race and was rewarded with a big covey. German shorthair Josie, handled by Reese Green of Union Springs, Alabama, took third with a good forward race and a nice divided find. Mr. Hayes Green's German shorthair Bo was named top dog in the junior division. Hayes also reigns from Union Springs.

Alabama started hosting youth field trials regularly 40 years ago. The Alabama Youth Field Trial Association (AYFTA) was formed and placed into competition a revolving trophy for the annual Alabama Youth Handler of the Year. In 2009, the Hartley Carter Foundation was founded to provide a $1,000 post-high school educational scholarship to each subsequent youth handler of the year. Just a few years ago, a revolving trophy for the runner-up youth handler of the year was placed in competition. Two years ago, a $500 Hartley Carter Foundation annual scholarship was instituted for the runner-up handler of the year. A Junior Division for handlers 12 and under has also been started. Each youth trial will name a top dog in the Junior Division. The top Junior Division handler will be recognized and awarded for his/her success at the annual summer meeting.

Thank you to all the friends, family, and parents of these kids who love and encourage them to keep this sport alive! There's nothing like watching the excitement of a young handler bounce back to his horse with a smile the size of Texas after his dog held steady to wing and shot.
Anyone interested in participating in or promoting youth field trials may contact Darron Hendley, points secretary for the Alabama Youth Field Trial Association, at (334) 300-5836. Our annual fundraiser will be the last week of February. Donated items for a silent auction are greatly appreciated.