Result: Sedgefields Youth Trial

Location: Union Springs, Alabama

Post Date: Mar 27, 2024

Submitted By: Katie Belle Varner

Sedgefields Youth Trial (front, l-r): Ella Grace Montgomery with Doc, Addison McDuffie with Dot, Reese Green with Rick, Hayes Green with Jack, and Shelby Street with Ted. (Back row): Todd Montgomery, Darron Hendley, Renee Hendley, Mindy McDuffie, Hunter McDuffie, Justin Green, Trey King, Connie King (judge), Lavon King (judge), and Bucky Street.

This year's annual Sedgefields Youth Field Trial ran on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Greenway Sportsman's Club in Union Springs, Alabama. The trial is run over two beautiful courses that meander smoothly over the gorgeous hunting preserve owned by the Mike Green family.

A special thanks goes to everyone who put time, energy, and money into making this youth trial possible. Bob Johnson with B&B Tack, Sylvester, Georgia, and Mr. Craig Phillips from Phillips Feed, Seed and Fertilizer of Union Springs donated the winners' prizes. Mark Lee, Larry Puckett, and Dawnie Shephard of Triple M Quail Farm donated plenty of quail. Ban Stewart expertly prepared a hot lunch that was served by Gaynelle Williams. Chris and Cindy Sellers generously paid the entry fees. Husband and wife team Lavon and Connie King traveled from Rockmart, Georgia, to handle the difficult task of judging this highly contested trial. This trial is a Handler of the Year points trial for the Alabama Youth Field Trial Association, Dixie Trace Field Trial Association, and the Southern Bird Hunters Association.

The first brace broke away at 10 a.m. under cloudy skies and cold temperatures. A brisk, northerly wind set in for the day, but it did not deter the young handlers from putting down some impressive runs. Every handler finished their dogs with bird contact. After the winners were called, the judges noted that it was a very hard trial to judge because each dog had such successful braces.

The Winners
First place was awarded to "Doc," handled by Ella Grace Montgomery. Doc, a heavily ticked black and white male pointer, laid down an impressive ground race highlighted by two clean covey finds and a back. All who witnessed Doc's performance knew he was the dog to beat. Second place was awarded to "Dot," handled by Addison McDuffie. Dot is an almost all-white female pointer. Dot also had multiple finds and a forward ground race. Third place was awarded to male pointer "Rick," handled by Reese Green. Rick handled nicely and had one solid find during his brace. The top dog in the junior division was "Jack," handled by Hayes Green. Jack stayed to the front and handled easily, ending his brace with two finds.