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Result: Bama Quail Bill Harkins Memorial Youth Trial

Location: Tuskegee, Alabama

Post Date: Jan 2, 2025

Submitted By: Darron Hendley

Bama YouthF24

Congratulations to all the kids who participated in the Bama Quail Youth Field Trial on Sunday, December 8, 2024, in Tuskegee, Alabama. This was the 22nd consecutive Bama Quail youth trial on these grounds, making it the longest consecutively run youth field trial on the same grounds in America! The Bama Quail Club lost a valuable founding member this year, Mr. Bill Harkins. The Club voted to rename the youth stake in his honor. We had a great turnout of support for the kids and the sport they love so much! A huge thank you to the judges. We were privileged to have father and son team Cambo Lanier and Little Cam Lanier in red vests. Both these men are very well experienced in quail hunting and field trialing. In fact, Little Cam is a former youth handler and ran dogs on these grounds as a youngster. They made it fun for the kids, and their decisions were well-received. Meridith Street and Kara Anne Beatrous had a tasty, hot meal ready to enjoy during the lunch break. Stake Manager Darron Hendley marshaled the trial. Oak Hill Quail Farm donated birds. Chris and Cindy Sellers of Selmer, Tennessee, graciously paid the entree fees for every dog. This is a handler of the year points trial for AYFTA, Dixie Trace, and SBHA.

The weather was pleasant, and Bobwhites were active. Eight aspiring youngsters brought 12 dogs to compete. They were Clair Street, Reese Green, Hayes Green, Addison McDuffie, William McFerrin, Hayden Lee, Maddy Tilley and Shelby Street. All but three dogs found birds.
Lulu, a pretty little female English Pointer handled by Addison McDuffie from Cecil, Alabama, took first place. Lulu laid down a front running well-handled race, highlighting it with an impressive find on a covey. Lulu placed second here last year for Addison. Hayes Green of Union Springs, Alabama, claimed second with his handsome Pointer "Jack." Jack had a nice forward race and was rewarded with two finds and a back. Reese Green of Union Springs, Alabama, took third with her Pointer "Cotton" for a good forward race and a clean find. Reigning Junior Handler of the Year, Hayes Green, took top dog in the junior division with Jack. Bill Harkins' son, Lee Harkins, and two grandsons were on hand for the announcements.

Alabama started hosting youth field trials on a regular basis over 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 funded 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. Three 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 names a top dog in the Junior Division. The top Junior Division handler will be recognized and awarded for their success at the annual summer meeting.

Alabama has led the way nationally in youth field trials. In the last few years, the Southern Bird Hunters Association and Dixie Trace Field Trial Association have started providing opportunities for youngsters to field trial and have annual awards for top youth handlers. The Youth Field Trial Alliance was started to promote youth field trials nationwide on the internet. They have a nice Facebook page. Please check it out! There is no denying that these endeavors pay off. Former youth handlers are now involved in all aspects of the sport as dog trainers, judges, scouts, owners, handlers, hunting guides, hosts, and reporters. Children of former youth handlers are now field trialing! 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 on 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.